Made up of five bell tents (pre-pitched to order), Gorsey Meadow is a tranquil site where wildlife is the most frequent resident. Garden birds flutter through the long grass, barn owls and pheasants hoot from the woods, and deer stand camouflaged amongst the trees. The five tents are accompanied by two newly built huts, one housing the compost loo, the other housing the piping hot eco-shower, and are furnished with air beds and bedding, vintage furnishings, gas hobs and a BBQ, along with plenty of kitchen utensils. Those willing to forego such luxuries can also pitch their own tents in the meadow, making use of the ample space available.
While huddling around the campfire or knocking a ball about on the Hockering House tennis court are relaxing ways to pass the time onsite, Gorsey Meadows is also well placed for exploring the rest of Norfolk. The county city of Norwich is a 20 minute drive away, while the pleasant local market town of Dereham has an attractive independent feel and hosts a large market every Friday. Further afield the outstanding North Norfolk coast, with its sweeping beaches and patchwork of dunes, marshes and forests, is just over half an hour by car and well worthy of a seaside day trip.
Gorsey Meadow may be a new campsite, but in its timeless rural setting you’ll feel it was always destined to be. The well-furnished bell tents and colourful wildflowers beckon you down the tree lined driveway to the private field that has been there for years, seemingly waiting for campers to arrive.
Hockering Village is small with a general shop that sells essential amenities, but venture further to Dereham and you'll find a charming town with two regular Markets a week on a Tuesday and Friday, held on the Market Place and Church Street. Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse (01362 869251) is just beyond, one of only three Victorian workhouses in the UK open to the public. East, Norwich boasts a magnificent cathedral (01603 218300), hilltop castle (01603 493625) and a cluster of good museums, all around the River Wensum. Sportsmen will enjoy the excellent fishing at Billingford Lakes (01362 788111) or golf at The Wensum Valley Golf Club (01603 261012) and Weston Park (01603 872363). Meanwhile, families should head straight for The Dinosaur Adventure (01603 876310), 2 miles from the campsite, with 100 acres of Jurassic themed wood and parkland. The North Norfolk Coast is just over half an hour by car and is a spectacular coastline boasting a wealth of further activities.
Hockering village shop sells general groceries, fresh bread, papers and magazines, and is just a short drive around the corner. There is also a large retail park 10 mins drive away with a supermarket. Gorsey Meadow has handily negotiated discounts for glampers at The Lodge (01362 638466), a traditional pub with a family garden, The Fox (01603 872316), centuries old and nestled beside a babbling stream, and Parson Woodforde Pub (01603 881675), with an oak-beamed bar and excellent restaurant.