Contemporary bathrooms, wi-fi, an attentive concierge and a shuttle bus to the local pub. These may sound like hotel-style facilities, but it’s all part of the service at Deer’s Glade campsite.
Set in a quiet woodland clearing, Deer’s Glade successfully combines modern innovations with old-school camping principles. It’s obvious that great care and attention has been taken in creating this site and the owners, David and Heather, apply great thought to everything they do. Trees have been planted for shade and shelter. The ground has been levelled and turfed for easy pitching. The slick shower facilities are housed in eco-friendly wooden buildings. Here, customer comfort does not come at the expense of nature and conservation.
Such good facilities and level, well-drained ground make for an easy camping experience, ideal for first-time campers. Prime camping spots are near the fishing lake, or tucked away in the leafy, quieter corners of the camping field. There's also an exclusive area in the woodland next to a little stream where camping pods are offered for those that want to leave the tent at home. The pods are a comfortable, cosy all-weather option, complete with carpets, lighting and even a digital TV. An extra camping meadow is opened during August, a short walk from the main site and its facilities.
On-site, a fantastic natural children's playground is a popular meeting point for kids; the fishing lake and cycle hire offer further distractions. You can walk directly from the campsite into the adjacent woodland, with acres of conifer-rich foliage and resident wild deer. The deer sometimes visit the campsite, but it’s easier to see them on the short walk to Gunton Park, which offers lovely parkland walks and a large, well-stocked fishing lake.
Two exceptional National Trust properties beg a visit. Felbrigg Hall is a remarkable 17th-century house, with a delightful walled garden and orangery. Near Aylsham, the fine Jacobean Blickling Hall is supposedly home to the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn. These ancient houses hark back to an era of untold luxury. But for all their extravagance, even they never had wi-fi Internet access.
Cromer Zoo!
The Alby Horse Shoes Inn back on the main road is a traditional pub, with four real ales and a local-bias menu. The Gunton Arms 5 minute drive away situated in the Deer Park. Erpingham Arms 10 minute drive away, beautiful pub food.