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Choo Choo Moo

100%

· Harleston, Norfolk, England

1 acre hosted by Holly P.

2 glamping pitches

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.

Two restored railway carriages for year-round, grown-up glamping in Norfolk’s foodie heartland

There’s something undeniably wholesome about Choo Choo Moo. This place exudes health, happiness and hard work (though, thankfully, the hard work is not for guests). Consisting of two lovingly-restored railway carriages on a working farm in East Anglia’s Waveney Valley, Choo Choo Moo is just part of the innovative diversification that’s going on at South Farm. And it just so happens that the other projects segue perfectly with the glamping that’s on offer.

Take, for example, the hub of cottage industries that are a rosy-cheeked walk away, across wildflower meadows and fields of crops. A brewery, distillery and artisan ice cream makers mean you can reward your walk with a pint of beer, a nip of gin or a scoop of just-made ice cream. For good food and the great outdoors, it doesn’t get much better than this. It’s life outside with bells on, in Norfolk’s foodie heartland. Not only that, but the accommodation is rather appropriate for food lovers too. Now arable, this place was once a dairy farm whose milk was transported, until the 1950s, by railway. The tracks are long gone but two carriages survived and have new purpose thanks to Richard Bond, a third-generation farmer on this rather large and lovely plot of land. Restoration and refurbishment complete, the carriages (Victoria and Edward) now offer fully-equipped, off-grid, dog-friendly, glamping. Each is self-contained with its own toilet and shower room, little kitchenette and sofa bed with a large deck outside overlooking the fields.

The glamping may be new to South Farm but it’s been sensibly placed in expert hands. Farmer Richard enlisted the help of his friends, Joe and Holly from the nearby Wardley Hill Campsite, to help set up and manage this place. If you haven’t already been to their blissful meadow camping and glamping site, you need only read their dozens of five-star reviews to know that the experience at Choo Choo Moo is likely to hit the mark. It also extends the all-season glamping accommodation in the Waveney Valley area, thanks to a fire pit outside and a log-burner inside. Come in spring to see the birdlife of the Broads National Park; visit in summer to picnic by the River Waveney or stroll along Southwold Pier. Arrive in autumn and you might catch the harvest at the nearby Flint Vineyard or book up for winter to enjoy bracing walks, browsing the stalls of Norwich Christmas market and sipping sloe gin by the fire.

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14 Ratings · 14 reviews

Sue W.recommends

September 26, 2022

Edward, the Edwardian Carriage

The stay was lovely and relaxing as it is in a quiet location. The train carriage is in great condition as it is kept clean and tidy. I felt at home as it has been designed in a great way. The log burner is a lovely part to the carriage as well as the outside bath! Thank you for a lovely stay.

Heidihosgood G.recommends

March 6, 2022

Edward, the Edwardian Carriage

I am a bit late leaving my review as we stayed at the end of last year, but I think it is still valid. My husband and I stayed in ‘Edward’ for a week with our Labrador puppy. We had the most wonderful stay. We had everything we needed, spent every evening outside playing ball, cooking food and having a few drinks. Surrounded by countryside, huge night skies, flocks of geese flying over and owls keeping us company it was honestly magical. We were in need of a proper break and luckily had excellent weather so we spent our days reading in the shade and swimming in all the local spots. The welcome basket was the best we’ve ever had packed with local goodies. The carriage was immaculate and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you!

Christine C.recommends

August 29, 2021

Edward, the Edwardian Carriage

I booked four nights in 'Edward' and loved every minute of my stay. Richard, the farmer/host, couldn't have been more welcoming or helpful, also told me a lot about the farm and its history, his plans for a wildflower meadow on the site and the farm trails that guests can walk. The restored railway carriage was very clean, comfortable and cleverly designed, everything thoughtfully provided. I cycled nearly every day around a quiet network of lanes, hardly meeting any traffic, with just one ride along the old main road (now just for bicycles) into nearby Bungay, a busy market town with plenty to see. I hope to come back whenever I need more absolute peace!

Lisa G.recommends

August 12, 2021

Edward, the Edwardian Carriage

I booked the 2 carriages for me and my husband and our friends to stay at. We wanted this particular site as it looked charming private and unique. That’s exactly what we got. The carriages are very clean, the small toutches to the decor are spot on. The shower worked perfectly and was really reliable, the fridge in the outhouse was just right, no problem walking over to get the milk in mornings as it was only us there. We really appreciated the welcome pack with a fresh loaf, locally sourced milk, cheese and butter, it was delicious. A Very peaceful place. We only had to travel 10 minutes or so in the car for a wonderful pub meal and only half an hour travel to find a nice market town to visit. Southwhold pier is less than an hour away. The fire pit was lovely to have on an evening with wood provided.Thanks to Holly and Richard for having us. We hope to return one day.

Sam H.recommends

July 9, 2021

Victoria, the Victorian Carriage

We had a perfect stay, the carriages are so charming and have been restored to a very high standard. The hosts are friendly, helpful and welcoming. The welcome hamper is of a very high standard with locally sourced raw milk, cheese, butter, marmalade, ale, bread and biscuits. The carriage is exceptionally clean and contains everything you need for your stay. There is an outhouse with a good sized fridge. The bed was very comfortable and the shower had good pressure and was hot. The hot water was very reliable You have a lovely outdoor space with a combination fire pit and bbq and a swing bench. You are supplied with wood for both the fire pit and the log burner. It’s a very charming and romantic place to stay, we were there 4 nights and had a wonderful time

Lauren K.recommends

June 7, 2021

Edward, the Edwardian Carriage

I booked a surprise “mini-moon” due to covid we couldn’t go on our honeymoon abroad. Holly was brilliant in making the week extra special for us. The facilities were impeccable, the extra touches around the carriage were brilliant. It was so peaceful, you can’t hear the other carriage, nor the rare car that went along the road. To top everything off we had the best weather which meant we could sit by the fire pit late into the evening watching the sun set! We couldn’t thank holly enough, and we will definitely book here again!

Location

Harleston, Norfolk, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Holly P.

Joined in December 2019

From the host

Step away from the crowd and immerse yourself in this oasis of calm. The best in modern living in an ageless rural setting, but just thirty minutes away from a vibrant city and beautiful coast. Stay put and explore this working farm, engaging in a family history that stretches back generations. The authentic railway carriages are situated in traditional farm meadows in the heart of Alburgh which is a quintessential country village in the beautiful Waveney Valley. Spend time discovering all that Choo Choo Moo has to offer in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Enjoy long walks amongst this tranquil setting with a nearby brewery and distillery, or venture further afield with local market towns and the historic city of Norwich nearby.

Nearby attractions

There are plenty of walks in and around South Farm and farmer Richard is more than happy to take you around and show you how an arable farm works. Grain Brewery (01986 788884) is part of the farm’s diversification hub – it’s the perfect place for a pint and just a 10-minute walk from the carriages. Gin tastings are also possible at the Gin House when booked in advance. A 15-minute bike ride will take you to Flint Vineyard (01986 893942) where you can enjoy a tour and tasting or their '15-mile lunch' where all produce has been made 15 miles from the vineyard. The pretty market town of Harleston is less than 10 minutes drive away and has cafés, bakeries, shops and pubs. Historic Norwich is 15 miles away. Its old cobbled lanes are great for independent shops, plus there's Norwich Castle & Museum and Norwich Cathedral (01603 218300) to explore. While, if history is your thing, the nearby Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum (01986 896644; 5 minutes' drive) has an impressive collection of aircraft outside and a indoor displays documenting East Anglia's important role in the skies over the years. The famous coastal town of Southwold is about 20 miles from Choo Choo Moo with its quirky pier (01502 722105) and world-famous Adnams shop. The site is only six miles from the edge of the The Broads National Park and the closest place to head for is Bungay where there’s a handy deli to pick up a picnic. The River Waveney is a lovely place to spend the day – hire a canoe or stand-up paddle board and spend the day looking for otters and kingfishers.

Food and drink

The Grain Brewery (01986 788884) is the closest place to get a pint but, if you want to stretch your legs further, The Wortwell Bell (01986 788025) is a 30-minute walk away and serves real ales and ciders with wood-fired pizzas on the menu on a Friday night. Closer than that (a walk of around 20 minutes) is Dove Restaurant with its coffee shop and restaurant. The very dog-friendly Pura Vida Coffee Den is also a 20 minute walk away and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and cakes. Earsham Street Deli (01986 894754) in Bungay, five miles away, is another place to stock up on local produce and a convenient place to pick up a riverbank picnic. But if you want to go straight to the producers, visit Fen Farm Dairy (01986 892350), a short drive from Choo Choo Moo, where you can buy the famous Baron Bigod cheese and perhaps pick up a bottle of wine from the aforementioned Flint Farm Vineyard. Norwich's historic market (01603 213537) boasts plenty of food stalls open Monday to Saturday.

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