The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Camping in East Anglia

Farm camping in East Anglia

Our top tips for camping in East Anglia

First time in East Anglia? Whether it’s Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire that takes your fancy, there are a few things you’ll need to know beforehand – especially if you’re not yet an experienced camper.

Essential East Anglia Camping Checklist

When it comes down to it, what do you really need to take camping? Regardless of whether you’re camping, staying in a caravan or motorhome or going for pre-pitched or glamping accommodation, the four most important things to bring when you go camping are:

A good pair of sensible shoes
A waterproof (unless you’re just going for a few days in summer)
A water bottle (the more lightweight the better)
Willingness to take things slowly.

If you’re heading to East Anglia’s notoriously flat landscape, you might also want to pack a bike – pedalling is generally a lot easier in this part of the world compared to the UK’s hillier regions.

Want a thorough break-down of what to pack for every eventuality? You’ll find a detailed camping checklist here, plus a special run-down on what to pack when camping with dogs. Now you’ve sorted out what to bring, it’s time to turn your attention to your destination and the best things to visit, see and experience in the East Anglia region.

Guides to camping in Norfolk

Getting back to basics in Norfolk

As the biggest county in East Anglia, Norfolk has a huge variety of landscapes, from the reed-covered bird reserves like Berney Arms to the pines, heaths and broadleaf trees of Thetford Forest Park. It’s home to most of The Broads National Park – so much so that they’re commonly known as the Norfolk Broads, despite a portion stretching over the border into Suffolk – and that’s before we get to the county’s spectacular coastline…

The Norfolk coast

Got your walking boots at the ready? Get your Norfolk adventures off to a flying start with our guide to walking Norfolk’s coast path.
If it’s straight to the sand and surf for you, check out our list of the 10 best beaches in Norfolk.

Things to do in Norfolk

Need a bit more than walks and beaches to keep your travel tribe entertained? Check out our list of the 10 best things to do in Norfolk.
Strike a happy balance between family-friendly activities and spending time in the open air with our guide to the 10 best country parks in Norfolk.

Places to stay in Norfolk

Explore every single Pitchup campsite, glampsite and caravan site in Norfolk.

Sailing in Suffolk

Guides to camping in Suffolk

Home to the most easterly point in the UK, Suffolk is the very first place in Britain where you can watch the sun rise over the sea. Even if you don't make it up in time to catch the dawn, Suffolk has around 50 miles of coastline that are unlikely to disappoint, plus a lush green interior that John Constable used to roam in search of artistic inspiration.

Suffolk walks and beaches

Map out a hiking itinerary for your trip with our list of the 7 top places to walk in Suffolk.
Bringing the dog along? Four-legged friends won’t be short of options with our guide to the 10 best dog walks in Suffolk.
See all Suffolk has to offer in terms of coastal scenery and check out the top 8 Suffolk beaches.

Suffolk’s best attractions

None of the above apply? Browse a range of other options and read about 7 more things to do in Suffolk.

Places to stay in Suffolk

See our full range of places to camp in Suffolk.

Glamping just a few miles from Cambridge city centre

Guides to camping in Cambridgeshire

Fens, green fields and the fiendishly clever folk at the University of Cambridge are some of the things Cambridgeshire is best known for – and, given it's East Anglia's smallest county – you won't have to drive for miles and miles to experience all three. Away from the county's famed highlights, there are also stately homes, historic RAF airbases, medieval market towns and smart cathedral cities to explore too.

Outdoor activities in Cambridgeshire

Get out into the sticks and see more with our best walks and trails in Cambridgeshire.
Spend some time by the water relaxing or getting sporty at the 7 best lakes in Cambridgeshire.
Want an alfresco day out somewhere manageable? This selection of Cambridgeshire’s best country parks is full of bright ideas.

More inspiration for things to do in Cambridgeshire

Delve deeper into the local area – here are 7 things to do in Cambridgeshire on your next camping trip.

Places to stay in Cambridgeshire

Ready to browse what’s out there? See all of Cambridgeshire’s bookable campsites here.

Itching to start exploring the East Anglian countryside? Once you’ve done your research, pick your travel tribe from the list below and find camping deals with availability for your dates.