There is a unique calm that people notice when waking up at the tipi camp in Walberswick. This calm stretches between the last stretch of the gorse-lined coastal road and the beach with dunes. It is a special kind of quiet that is perhaps only broken by gulls. The early morning calm at the tipi camp is unlike anywhere else. To say staying in a tipi at Walberswick is “glamping,” as some might describe it, would not do it justice. Tipis allow you a level of comfort that has more to do with the old ways of camping.
Walberswick has always been a medieval port that predated its popularity as one of Suffolk’s best coastal resorts. While people enjoy the charming resort, Walberswick carries with it a history that can be traced through a number of remnants including the ruins of St. Andrew’s Church, reed beds and even the annual crabbing championship. Tipis add something truly unique to the camping experience as they are much more comfortable and warm as compared to traditional tents, something that is perfect for the cooler English climate.
What is it Like to spend the Night in a Tipi?
Tipis are surprisingly spacious. Due to the shape, there is a surprising amount of head space in the centre. What most tipis have today that tents don’t is the ability to have mattresses or beds, rugs and some even have string lights to set the scene. The canvas walls are very good at keeping the wind minimal, which is a huge plus when you are right next to water.
Are Tipi’s Warm Enough All Year Round?
The tipi canvas is thick and weatherproof and the shape of a tipi is genuinely very good at holding heat around a central fire, a trick indigenous Plains cultures relied on for exactly this reason. Spring and autumn stays can actually be some of the most atmospheric times to visit, with fewer crowds on the beach and the fire feeling less of a novelty and more of a necessity.
Do I Need to Bring Camping Gear to Sleep in a Tipi?
You might have to bring your own bedding and inflatable mattress and sometimes the cooking equipment and supplies to make a fire might be provided. You should check your specific booking. The fun of tipi camping is that you don’t need to bring the tent (and all the stuff that goes with it) and can show up with just your bag and a flashlight, instead of having to pack up your whole car. It’s perfect for people who want to enjoy camping, but hate the hassle.
Is There Anything to Do in Walberswick?
Although small, it is packed with a lot of activities and like most coastal villages in the UK, the beach is a huge draw. This beach, though, has a long stretch of sand with dunes backed even further by more open space, as opposed to many other beaches on other resorts that get crowded. Crabbing off the bridge is a genuine local institution, complete with an annual championship held every August. There’s a scenic riverside walk along the Blyth, a network of trails through heath and marshland teeming with birdlife and a short foot-ferry ride across to Southwold if you fancy a change of scene, an ice cream, or a look at the pier.
How Far is Tipi From the Beach?
Not far at all, it would only really be considered a short walk.The reason some people prefer to camp in Walberswick is because the beach is just part of your daily routine. This could be from taking a morning stroll to watch the sunrise, taking a late evening swim, or just watching the sun set to take in the changing colors of the ocean.
Is Tipi Camping Family Friendly? (And Dog Friendly?)
Families will enjoy tipis, as tipis give kids adventure in ‘roughing’ camping without the discomfort. Parents can enjoy the comfort of weather proofed structures, knowing kids will have a real bed to sleep on, all while the crabbing bridge and beach keep the kids entertained. There are many walking paths through the marshes and wide-stretches of beach which make it perfect for families with dogs, too.
What Should I Pack That I Might Not Think Of?
Layers, regardless of season – the Suffolk coast gets surprisingly windy at times, even when it is warm. Pack a head torch for late-night trips to shared facilities and evenings by the campfire. Make sure to wear wellies or old trainers for treks through the muddy stretches of the marsh, or crabbing along the shore. And, if you have an interest in bird watching you might want to pack a pair of binoculars as there are plenty in the surrounding reserve, including marsh harriers, bearded tits and bitterns.
Who is Tipi Camping at Walberswick Really For?
Tipi camping at Walberswick is really for anyone who is looking for a level of camping that is hassle-free and just a stone’s throw away from beautiful, long-stretches of beach. Whether that be couples looking to disconnect, couples wanting to rekindle or friends looking to relax outdoors.
Family-Friendly Tipi Camping
Kids get the benefit of feeling like they are on an adventure all while sleeping under the stars with the freedom to run straight to the beach. Meanwhile, parents get the bed and relief of knowing a fire will be guiding them all night.
Couples Wanting a Proper Switch-off
No wifi worth mentioning, no distractions, just a fire, a beach and each other’s company- this is the kind of stay that reboots a relationship faster than a five-star hotel ever could.
Friend Groups
Tipi camps work better to house larger groups than trying to cram people separately in multiple tents and Walberswick’s facilities give groups endless options of things to do.
Anyone Who Prefers Slow, Immersive Travel
If your ideal vacation consists of history, nature and possibility of quiet spas and scheduled activities, there aren’t many spots as close to fantasy as a medieval village that has written in its history an artists’ community put a tipi instead of a hotel.
So, if you like the idea of a fire, canvas walls and falling asleep to the sound of the sea, but not the reality of tent pegs and a leaking groundsheet, a tipi is the natural upgrade. Walberswick was never going to be a place for high-rise hotels or big resorts, it’s too small, too historic and frankly too pleased with its own quiet charm for that. A tipi fits it perfectly: a little wild, a little rustic and close enough to the beach that you can hear the sea from your pillow.