Amber's Bell Tent Camping at Mannin…

Mannington Hall is perhaps the quintessential English country house. A little outside the village of Itteringham, this stately Norfolk pile is straight from the pages of Country Life. This 15th-century moated manor is all medieval turrets and arched casement windows, but the real draw are Mannington's spectacular gardens. With a dizzying array of plants and trees (over 1,000 varieties of roses alone), the various contemporary and heritage gardens are a feast for the senses. There's a walled garden, willow tunnel and even a secluded classical temple. Landscaped lakes in the sprawling grounds boast a water meadow who's vibrant flowers are a magnet for dragonflies, kingfishers and even the occasional otter. Oh, to call this English country garden home. Well...  

Fringed by an oak dell, Amber's Bell Tents occupies a three-acre field that overlooks the water meadows beyond Mannington's gardens. The realisation of a long held dream, camping fan Amber and family had the inspired idea of hooking up with Mannington's committed conservationist owners, Lord and Lady Walpole, to present a luxurious, low-impact bell tent site. They actually began in the gardens themselves but, like a prized horse, were turned out into the larger field to enjoy more luscious, greener grasses. They've now been up and running for a few years and it's fair to say Amber's is a place that is immensely popular. It's not hard to see why.

Airy and spacious, Amber's 5m, bunting-adorned tents are made of breathable natural cotton – the perfect antidote to stuffy polyester tents. There are between three and seven, as the season changes, and all are kitted out with cute vintage touches – the applecart tables-cum-storage boxes, a nice little nod to Norfolk's famous cider orchards. It's a proper glamper's scene, with double beds, wood burners, rugs, fairy lights, lanterns and a cool box and cook kit. Yet for all the comforts it's still about being outdoors. The tents even have an awning so you can spend the evening losing yourself to the light-pollution-free night sky.

To make your stay that extra little bit fuss-free, there is an onsite tea room for your afternoon snacks and bespoke catering options can be taken in advance – all celebrating the best of local produce. Amber's onsite honesty shop is also stocked with the essentials you'll need for a good campfire, plenty of wood and fuel so you can toast those marshmallows into the last of the wee hours.  

With so much to do in Mannington itself from badminton and boules, to woodland walks, to childrens' nature courses ('The Minnows'), you may need reminding of the fact that the Broads and North Norfolk Coast (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) beckon just down the road.