Deepdale Tipis, Norfolk
Deepdale Farm, Burnham, Deepdale
There’s something quite decadent about bowling up at a camp-site, strolling past all the tents and spotting your very own tipi. You’re off the ground, fully enclosed and have a heating system – yet you’re still under canvas and you haven’t done a tap of work!
So the fire is ready made, the floor is laid and all you have to do is move your bags in, light a match and relax. There are faux fur covered sleeping mats – just bring your own sleeping bag/duvet and pillows (and thermals dependent on weather - you are still in a tent albeit a grand one!), a Cast iron chiminea for heat complete with paper, kindling and fuel, fold-away chairs and a BBQ should you choose to ‘cook’. Don’t forget to take cooking and eating equipment if you intend to self-cater. For when it gets dark you have your very own windup lantern.
Deepdale recommends that you arrive before sunset as you need to be shown how the Tipi and chimnea works and this is not overly easy when it's dark. Then you’re on your own although you will be given a 24-hour mobile number to reach those on call.
Tipis are ready from 2pm. Check out time is 10am on the day of departure.
The farm has set out to provide everything you might need for your stay - there's the visitor information centre - more of that below, the café, laundry facilities, a supermarket selling all of your basic provisions, a petrol station, fat face clothing store, disabled facilities, discounts off local businesses, mail holding, luggage storage - as well as a walk free baggage service! - as well as the spotless shower and toilet block complete with underfloor heating provided by solar panels. Free wi-fi is available in the café. There is no children's playground but a wealth of space to play in and a very laid back atmosphere in which to make loads of new friends.
The north Norfolk coast is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and is famous for it's nature and bird reserves especially at Titchwell and Holkham. Burnham's village church, with it's Norman Font and Saxon Roundtower, is part of a chain of ancient churches dotted along the coastline; there are also lots of stately homes and historical buildings close by.
Activities are available in abundance; the information centre will arm you with all you need to find them. It stocks maps, leaflets on local attractions, pubs and restaurants, local transport information as well as camping essentials including charcoal, batteries, torches and beach games. You can begin a walk straight from your tent, there are fabulous hiking paths for the more adventurous, cycling (bikes are available to hire) and watersports and kiting along the coast. There are fabulous wide - and safe - beaches at Wells and Holkham, quaint villages to explore, miniature railways, touristy resorts (if the fancy takes you) and excellent restaurants and pubs to eat, drink and be merry in!
The café serves food from 7.30am to 4.30pm (last orders) and is licensed. Be warned that you cannot blame a fuel shortage for your Trangia as supplies are on site, however you cannot not have a fabulous breakfast prepared for you - you're on your holidays . Full English, porridge and muesli are all available. Similarly the café will prepare packed lunches for your day out or prepare a meal for when you return - the perfect end to celebrate a successful day out spotting seals at Blakeney.
The site operates a strict "no-noise" policy after 10 p.m. in order to keep all campers and neighbours happy.