Dreamy Hollow
UK England East Anglia Norfolk Hunstanton
Fakenham Road, Stanhoe, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8PX
It’s not often you can pitch somewhere steeped in wartime history. Dreamy Hollow is home to three and a half acres of First World War training trenches, with evidence indicating these were dug by The Lovat Scouts back in 1915. “It's got a character about it that just grips you”, describes campsite owner Nigel Day who first believed the tracks were drainage ditches, before aerial photographs taken by the RAF revealed its vast, snaking network. Today, Dreamy Hollow is a wonderfully withdrawn, back-to-basics campsite, perfectly positioned to explore the beautiful North Norfolk Coast.
The seven pitches at Dreamy Hollow are as individual as the campers who pitch there. Some are secluded and sheltered, whilst others are elevated with fantastic views across the open Norfolk countryside. ‘The Hollow’ is a firm favourite, so be sure to book well in advance. This peaceful, south facing space has it's own communal fire-pit and is close to the WC's and drinking water point. ‘The Glade’ is a superb choice for families and groups, with ample room (29m x 27m) to accommodate two huge tents (up to 12 person), or numerous smaller tents, providing they are six metres apart. Facilities? Okay, they are not quite up to Savoy standards, however the invigorating ‘Jungle Showers’ are fun and always immaculately clean.
There’s an age-old saying that residents of Norfolk have “one foot on the land and one in the sea”, however there’s an interesting spread of sights in between. The picturesque Norfolk Broads beckon for boaters, bird-watchers flock to its marshy nature reserves and the county’s unspoilt coastline is bordered by flint houses and boats hauling in today’s fresh catch. And when civilisation calls, campers can head for the vibrant city of Norwich. In addition to a castle, cathedrals and medieval churches galore, Norwich has a decent selection of lively pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Set in one of the most sparsely populated parts of England, Dreamy Hollow is ‘proper camping’ and an ideal destination to get away from it all. Together with welcoming Nigel, the site is run by a Christian Limited Company with a vision to develop neglected land and turn it into a unique, secluded camping experience. And with beautiful woodland pitches and a dramatic history, we think they’ve succeeded.
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The Owner Says
A unique woodland campsite with secluded pitch's. Ideally placed for beaches on North Norfolk's area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Tours and experiences of our very rare, possibly unique WW1 Lovat Scout training trenches with warden led tours and WW1 Exoeriences. New for 2019 is our WW1 Officers Bunker, Sgt Taylor’s, which sleeps 4. All our pitches are all unique and have characters as varied as our campers. As Pitch’s are of different sizes and elevations check your tent size against the pitch size allowing 6m fire safety margin between tents. This mainly vehicle free site is not suitable for caravans. We now have two Pitch’s accessible to camper vans and trailer tents. For fire safety and so that children can safely play, all cars are parked in the car park. Barrows are available to help unload, and for heavy items wardens will assist with our little tractor and trailer. Please check carefully that the pitch you have chosen meets your needs before booking as alternatives may not be available. As a seasonal woodland campsite images of pitches may vary from actual.
Please note ONLY Camper Glade and Jimmy’s is accessible to camper vans.
Reviews
Add Your Reviewcosy woodland camping
Wheel fire bowls for heat and cooking
Woodland and camp fires
I really enjoyed the experience at Dreamy Hollow. Sitting relaxing by the fire.
Beautiful but noisy
Loved every minute of it
A relaxed woodland campsite
Fab woodland retreat!
Great campsite with secluded natural pitches
Relaxed
Stayed for two nights
Response from Dreamy Hollow
One of our favourite campsites - ever!
Response from Dreamy Hollow
Fantastic Site to get away from it all
Response from Dreamy Hollow
Thoughtfully maintained and private
Response from Dreamy Hollow
We really enjoy being able to camp amongst the trees
Response from Dreamy Hollow
Unique campsite. Great experience!
Secluded Pitches
Pleasant stay despite a few issues
Delightful
Not quiet or relaxing
While the site is totally beautiful, it is along a road and while we sought relaxation and nature the only noise we heard were cars throughout the day and night. Worse traffic noise than our home in London (not the intention of a camping weekend). When we asked to move, an alternate (quieter) site was not available and the owner refused to refund our money - though we wouldn't have booked if we knew we'd be on the road. Beautiful site, but not a place for quiet relaxation. Business practices are bad. I do not recommend.
Response from Dreamy Hollow
Amanda and Karl
This campsite is wonderful! Really interesting site with separated little plots that each have their own character and charm. We stayed on Nelly's plot, which feels semi private even though you can people watch quite easily as it's elevated, and came home one afternoon to find someone had strung some fairy lights around the tree above our tent. If you wanted something more private feeling, Joe's or Nigel's pitch would be better, and though we enjoyed Nelly's a lot we might go for one of those pitches next time for that reason. Nigel and Naomi were so friendly and helpful, you can tell they're really passionate about the campsite.
The facilities (2 toilets, 2 showers and a drinking water tap) are very clean and though the showers are outside, they're still nice and warm. If you're someone who wants electricity and fridges etc on your campsite this may not be for you. The only thing we had a tiny issue with was the solar lights in the toilets not always coming on at night, or switching off whilst you were still in there - but this was easily remedied wearing head torches at night.
We're already planning our next trip there :)
Chrissy and Jonathan barber
My husband and I spent a weekend here and really enjoyed it. Initially we were concerned about no electric hook up but it wasn't needed as the camp fire on each pitch is really all you need on a mild sunny evening. When we were there a little cluster of toad tadpoles were being protected on the site by staff and it was great to see. The pitch we were on was secluded and peaceful allowing a slowed pace of life, if only for the weekend.
Family Fun
There is so much to like about this campsite, and we would recommend a visit. But before you go you do need to know that the facilities are basic. The solar lights weren't holding their charge so there were no lights in the toilets after 9pm and the eco outside shower didn't have any hot water on one of the days. There's no washing up facilities either. It was a bit noisy at night with the road so close, as well as owls, monk jack deer and pheasants wondering around! HOWEVER...the site pitches are spacious and interesting and the trenches and woods are a brilliant place for the kids to explore. Ideally located for exploring the coast too. Nigel gave us a a warm welcome and was helpful when he was around. Bit to basic for our 16 year old daughter but if you like adventure this is the place for you!
Response from Dreamy Hollow
Perfect!
We have booked here this year for the 3rd time. It's a lovely campsite close to so many wonderful sites and days out.
We have booked Nigel's Nook again this year it's a lovely spot and if the sun is shining it's just perfect!
We take our dogs and our 3 yr old little girl and they all love it, the showers are basic but they do the job and it's such a quiet chilled place. The fact that you can have a fire is great as many sites don't allow them anymore.
I would not recommend this campsite if you like a hairdryer and somewhere to charge your phone and the kids iPads, this campsite is for real campers. We will be returning here for many years to come.
Perfect pitches
An absolute gem of a camp-site, varying size pitches comprising nooks and open spaces. Clean facilities and a charming owner. Next to a main road for exploring the, but hardly any road noise. We loved it so much we cancelled a booking and stayed for the week!
great weekend
Great weekend! With the dogs😊. Perfect location for anybody who wants a quiet stay not too far away from the beach.
Really good layout and the facilities whilst basic are clean.
Definitely returning soon!
Another wonderful stay!
This was our second visit to Dreamy Hollow and the site is looking better than ever this time we took friends and family for a birthday camping weekend celebration the site is a real stunner offering the comfort and safety on a well maintained campsite with the raw and rustic wild feal Nigel and team have created. It's a great family environment and we will definitely be visiting again in the future!
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Pitches
15 secluded spaces amongst 3½ acres of low density woodland.
Who's In
Tents, small campervans, groups, history lovers and dogs (under control) – yes. Caravans and motorhomes – no.
Facilities
A total of 18 pitches on site of which 12 are available at any one time on average. 8 pitches are next to one another and can be merged for larger parties. The individual private pitches all nestled amongst a sleepy woodland with a children’s Den Building area. Very much “Proper Camping”, it’s wild camping with the clean basic comforts of 2 ‘Jungle Showers’, 2 flushing loos (with washbasins) and 1 chemical toilet disposal. Campfires permitted in the Fire Baskets on each pitch if sensible rules are followed (During heatwaves Fire Service advice will determine if fires and BBQ’s are allowed) The site is 7.5 acres in total and 3½ acres of WWI training trenches, are currently undergoing a detailed archaeological survey and reconstruction. A warden's trench tour, WWI Experiences (available for groups) and Archery sessions, booking essential.
If it rains
Take shelter at the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum (01263 511294). The museum illustrates the history of Cromer's lifeboats and tells the story of Henry Blogg's most famous rescues.
Nearby
Queen Liz opens her country house at Sandringham (01485 545400) to the public when not in residence. Sandringham House, museum, gardens and woods are wonderful to muse through on a hot summers day. Also on the Royal Estate is Anmer Hall, which will be the country residence of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, and wee Prince George. The Victorian seaside resort of Hunstanton offers sea trips on modern boats and a WWII 'duck'. It’s a popular place with windsurfers and jet skiers alike. Blakeney beach is 19 miles away and offers more sedate sailing, and opportunities to paddle canoes up sandy creeks. 'Chelsea-by-the-Sea' as the locals call it, is the charming town of Burnham Market. Enjoy its lovely shops and tearooms. At 6 miles away it’s also the nearest place to get fuel and camping gas. Norwich is only 35 miles away and is one of the fairest cathedral cities in the land. In fact, it has two fine cathedrals, a castle and a picturesque river.
Food & Drink
You will find traditional food and ales locally in Docking at the Railway Inn or classic dishes such as burgers, fish & chips and salads at the ever-popular Kings Head (01485 578265) in Bircham Newton. The Duck Inn (01485 518330) is a traditional village pub, proudly serving a variety of local beers supplied by Wisbech-based brewers Elgood & Sons. They have a carefully selected wine list with a choice of old and new world wines. Bircham Windmill (01485 578393) is a popular local attraction and offers freshly-baked bread, a lovely tearoom and trips up the windmill. For something a little upmarket, head to the award-winning Orange Tree (01485 512213) in Thornham – it’s a culinary force to be reckoned with.
Open
Easter–end of October. Winter Camping by special arrangement.
Getting There
Arriving from Kings Lynn: take the A148 to Fakenham. After Hillington exit left to take the B1153 signposted National Construction Industry Training College. At Great Bircham turn right onto the B1155 to follow the signs through Bircham Tofts and to NCITB. Drive through the NCITB campus to arrive at the crossroads with the B1454. Turn right for Fakenham and the campsite is the first on the right.
Arriving from Fakenham: take the A148 to Kings Lynn. At Sculthorpe former air base, exit right onto the B1454 signposted as a Tourist Route. Drive on passing Syderstone Barmer and Barwick. After the Barwick crossroads watch out for the cranes of the NCITB on your left as you come down the hill from the Barwick crossroads. You will see the woodland on your left and the entrance is around 50m along the frontage of the woodland.
If you get lost, ring 07564 226780 for help. Also it helps to text your ETA to this number. Arrivals are between 12–5pm, after which there is no warden service.
Public Transport
King's Lynn serves as the sites nearest railway station. Go To Town Bus service calls at Monks Close stop at the rear of the site on request. The site is close to cycling routes and designated footpath/bridleway to Barwick.
Facilities
- Dogs welcome
- Campervans permitted
- Campfires permitted
- Groups welcome
- Good for kids
- Exclusive Hire
- Children’s playground
- Showers
Looking For...
- Walking
- Woodland camping
- Nice Views from Site
- Beaches nearby
- Romantic retreat
- Forests nearby
- Fishing nearby
- Good walks nearby
- Bicycle routes nearby
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