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Birds & Bees Campsite

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· Saxmundham, Suffolk, England
9.8842 acres hosted by James & Emma S.
10 tent pitches
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Best in East Anglia: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
James & Emma is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Eco-friendly, family-centric, tents-only camping nestled among the long grasses of Suffolk's Alde Valley

Know the difference between a brimstone butterfly and a common holy blue? Recognise a chaffinch from a blue tit? Well, as the name suggests at this wild, car-free campsite in Eastern Suffolk, cohabiting with the birds, butterflies, bugs and bees is what life is all about. You needn’t be able to name all the species – indeed there are probably so many here you never could – but if you want to immerse yourself in the native wildlife of Suffolk’s wild grass meadows, there’s no better place to be.

Conscientiously mown into the long, green-blonde grass, Birds & Bees Campsite is comprised of 15 individual tent pitches, connected via weaving pathways that meander across the field. Abundant hedgerows divide the entire campsite up into three separate meadows, with a facilities block and reception building – affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’ – inside an old dairy barn by the campsite entrance. The result is a perfect choice between convenient proximity to the showers (pluck for Clover’s Corner), the best views (the Meadow Rise field) or complete seclusion in the campsite’s furthest pitches (Nature’s Way meadow). For added convenience, there is also an extra composting toilet and freshwater point where the three meadows converge.

There truly is something to suit campers of all persuasions at Birds & Bees. Children lose themselves among the thick flora, hiding and seeking in the deepest patches of grass, while family groups gather around their evening campfires. Older couples and nature lovers pop out for the day to nearby RSPB Minsmere and Dunwhich Dunes – well-known for the appearances on BBC Springwatch – while cyclists assemble two-man tents as they stop off from the nearby national cycle route. Whatever your tenting tastes, campers here can't fail to appreciate the campsite's thoroughly laid back feel and traditional, back-to-basics ambience. Throw in a collection of East Anglia’s best beaches, less than half an hour away, and it’s easy to see how Birds & Bees Campsite is much more than just a very, very grassy field.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Swimming
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Beach
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Farm
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20 Ratings · 53 reviews
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Michael M.recommends
September 2, 2024
Robin - Meadow Rise
Site is excellent, very secluded and private pitches with excellent communal facilities. Only word of note the Robin pitch while tucked out of the way does appear to channel the wind, but easily sorted with a wind breaker.
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Sophie B.recommends
August 26, 2024
Cowslip - Clover's Corner
Can’t wait to come back!
Gorgeous campsite! Great facilities with lovely clean showers and toilets. There is a compost toilet close to the campsite. The other facilities are a little further out. There are more private areas for couples as well which are gorgeous. It feels very private and they don’t overcrowd you. I will definitely be staying again!
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James C.recommends
August 23, 2024
Cowslip - Clover's Corner
Perfect camping experience!
Perfect camping experience! Lovely and private, great facilities, beautiful part of the UK 🧑‍🍳😘 we will definitely be returning here!
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Rebecca D.recommends
July 28, 2024
Nuthatch - Meadows Rise
Great, clean facilities. Hot showers always available. Lovely large private individual plots. Would visit again.
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Tara A.recommends
July 28, 2024
Goldfinch - Meadow Rise
Very idyllic and quiet site. Not overcrowded at all.
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Jo B.recommends
August 31, 2023
Nuthatch - Meadows Rise
Quiet back to nature camping
Wow what a gorgeous site to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. So peaceful, just the sounds of local birds including a Tawny owl, and the occasional sheep from the field next door . The facilities are clean, the pitches are tucked into their own private spots each with a fire pit and surrounded by long grass and trees. You can order firewood and also an honesty shop for camping basics, home made ice cream and sausages and burgers. We will definitely be returning.
Location
Saxmundham, Suffolk, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by James & Emma S.

Joined in June 2017
From the host
We are a family run Eco Campsite in the heart of Suffolk’s Alde Valley. We pride ourselves in offering spacious pitches with real campfires on secluded ancient pastures, you’ll be surrounded by giant hedges, mature trees and an abundance of wildlife.  You can stay at the campsite all day and night or set off on an adventure of Suffolk's gorgeous Heritage Coast and surrounding attractions, we're just 20 minutes from some of the finest beaches Wind turbines help to generate electricity and solar panels help to heat the water. We work in partnership with Natural England and the Forestry Commission planting wild flower and nectar plots, encouraging a wide variety of Birds and Bees! Experience real camping with the luxury of plush showers, toilets and kitchen facilities in our converted dairy buildings (known as the Beehive). Feel free to contact one of the family with any questions, we look forward to welcoming you at Birds and Bees Campsite.
Nearby attractions
The ancient market town of Framlingham (15-minute drive) was noted as far back as the Domesday Book and, today, along with the market every Tuesday and Saturday (which first began back in 1285) its history lives on in the magnificent 12th-century fortress (01728 724189), which makes a fascinating family day out. You can walk the wall and enjoy a picnic, play and shop. Your kids might already recognise it from Ed Sheeran’s, Castle on the Hill music video. Nature lovers, meanwhile, should head to the RSPB's Minsmere Nature Reserve (01728 648281; 20-minute drive) or on to Dunwich Heath and Beach (20 minutes), which is looked after by the National Trust and houses a myriad of species among the dunes. Other coastal treasures include the artsy seaside town of Aldeburgh, famous for its fish and chips, vibrant art and music scene and its range of boutique shops; and bustling Southwold, with its beach huts, lighthouse (01502 724729) and renowned pier. Both are around 25-minutes by car. Thorpeness Meare and Boating Lake (01728 832523; 20-minute drive) offers the best inland spot to lay in the sun with a picnic. The island-dotted lake and parkland covers some 60 acres – kayaks, rowing boats, canoes and sailing boats are all available to hire.
Food and drink
James and Emma provide a selection of delicious meat in the campsite's reception freezer at The Beehive. Remember to get it out in the morning so it’s ready for your campfire feast that evening. They also grow a selection of fresh herbs for you to pick and season your supper with. It's a 1-mile walk (or drive) to the Juniper Barn, Village Shop and Café (01728 663773). It's just down the road from Birds & Bees, so you can stroll down for your morning coffee or indulge in one of their delicious homemade treats, while gathering goodies for a picnic. Juniper Barn is family friendly, offers bike storage for cyclists and is wheelchair accessible. The White Horse (01728 663497), meanwhile, is the local pub in Rendham – a traditional spot serving pub grub in substantial portions – or it's a 10-minute drive to Saxmundham, the nearest town with a selection of mainstream shops and further dining options.
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