Discover the best lakeside campsites in East Anglia with wildlife watching

From the coastal wilderness of the Norfolk Broads National Park to the university city of Cambridge—everywhere in the East of England is within day-trip distance of London. Those escaping the capital will find plenty of ways to get outdoors, from horseback riding in the forest to canoeing through wetlands, or leisurely bike rides around the countryside. Summer campers make a beeline for the beaches of Norfolk and Suffolk, while music fans can enjoy an unforgettable camping experience at the annual Latitude Festival. Wildlife-watching in the Norfolk Broads is best in spring and fall.

Where to go

Norfolk

Sandy shores, fish & chips, and brightly painted beach huts await along the Norfolk coast. Head to Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, or Cromer for a British beach break, and admire the seals lounging on the beach at Blakeney Point. The Broads National Park is another must—explore miles of wetlands by bike, canoe, or boat, looking out for rare birds and wildlife along the way.

Cambridgeshire

With its history and picturesque parklands, Cambridge is a worthy headline act, but there’s more to Cambridgeshire than its university. Punting along the River Cam is the quintessential activity, perhaps combined with a walk or bike ride through the marshes. Campers have options too, whether you prefer a tranquil caravan park or glamping in yurts and tipis.

Suffolk

Lowland forest and heathlands stretch through the Suffolk countryside, affording ideal terrain for walking, cycling, and camping. Further east, Lowestoft and Southwold are Suffolk’s flagship resorts, but you’ll find sandy beaches and seaside camping all along the coast. Fans of horse racing should include a pitstop in Newmarket, home of the National Stud.

Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire

Just north of London, travellers come to Hertfordshire for the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour and stick around to play a game of golf, go horseback riding, or visit a country estate. To the north, Bedfordshire is home to the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable Downs, and Woburn Safari Park, making it a great destination for family camping holidays. Choose a campsite near a train station and hop into the capital for a day trip.

Essex

Essex boasts plenty of natural assets. Head to Epping Forest for woodland walks and glamping in the heart of the forest, walk or cycle through Dedham Vale, or enjoy bird-watching in the Rainham Marshes. Along the coast, the seaside resorts of Southend-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea are buzzing with beachgoers in the summer months.

Top 10 Things to Do in East Anglia

Build sandcastles on the beaches of North Norfolk.
Go seal watching at Blakeney Point.
Catch a crab from Cromer, Sheringham, Walberswick, or Felixstowe.
Stroll down the pier at Southwold.
Eat fresh fish and chips.
Hire a kayak or canoe and explore The Broads.
Recreate Constable’s most famous painting, The Haywain, in Dedham Vale.
Visit a medieval village or market town.
Climb a tree in Thetford Forest.
Walk through Fenland.

About

Thinking about booking your annual camping trip? East Anglia should be on your hit list, it has campsites galore. You’ll fulfill all your camping needs in Norfolk and Suffolk in this carefully curated list. Glamping spots, dog-friendly campsites, family-friendly camping, caravan sites, a real assortment of camping choices.