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Hi.

Having been a regular camper in the Lakes, Wales and North Yorks for many years, mainly on climbing / walking trips with one or two mates, I'm now about to do the family thing for the first time with my not-too-keen-on-basic-living-but-eager-to-try-camping-at least-once partner and our just under three year old son who hasn't camped before but loves tents and seems pretty impressed with the idea.

We've bought a family tent and the plan is to go early next week, from Sheffield.  We've discounted the South West because it would either mean a crazy long drive with the boy or a gradual tour down there and I don't fancy pitching the huge tent every day.

So, I guess we're looking for somewhere up to maybe three to four hours from Sheffield, probably South, probably but not necessarily coastal, preferably with decent facilities.  I've looked at the Norfolk section on this excellent site  but began to lose the will to live after reading the reviews for the first 30 or so sites and still not being convinced that that's the direction we should go.

Therefore, I'd love to know if anyone here can point us in the direction of their favourite site(s)/area(s) if they seem to fit the bill.

Cheers!

Mark (& Catherine & Josh)

 north runcton site is pretty good,

 not expensive either,have a look on search,

 stayed there and there's lots to do in area.

atb

Hi Sunwheel

When our son was younger we stayed at Searles in Hunstanton, it has everything on to keep your OH and son occupied, its only five minutes from the beach and there is a Tesco five minutes in the other direction. Hunstanton is a lovely place and a good base to tour Sandringham and North Norfolk.

We also stayed at Forest Park in Cromer, it's situated at the rear of the town but its easy enough for the beach and shops. Plenty on the site but it's quiet and secluded. Cromer is a traditional family resort with a pier and handy for The Broads.

Whatever you choose, good luck.

Mike

Hi Sunwheel,

My favourite site of all in Norfolk has got to be without doubt Rose Farm Touring & Camping Park.  Have been there several times and never had any problems what so ever!  My 3 year daughter Millie loved it there and there is a small area just outside reception with a couple of swings and slides but hardly used.  The facilities are superb and when i booked I ask to be near the larger of the 2 toilet blocks as I have a small child of which the lovely owners (I think it was Sue) done her best to accomodate our request and pitched only 3 spaces from the facilities which was handy with the 3 year old.  There is no club onsite so it is quiet at night so you can relax with your own beer etc.  There is a barrier to enter and exit the site for which you will be given a key. 

here is a link, just go and read the reviews  http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=1932

You are only about 10 mins drive from Yarmouth which has nice beaches and also near Yarmouth are smaller beaches but all have golden soft sand. You are also close to the A47 which takes you to the Norfolk Broads which is really nice.  Plenty to do there to keep you occupied with your little boy.

By the way I had a look at Searles once when we was driving to Sandringham, and to be quite honest (and this is my opinion only) it was a bit 'tatty' looking and one of those commercial sites with greasy takeaway outlets and entertainment if you want it - not my sort of thing!

If you have got a caravan or ever decide to get one, I cannot recommend enough for you to join the Caravan Club as their sites and in particular their members only sites are fantastic and prestine.  Caravan club sites good for children as well, many have play apparatus but i think there ony may be one or two that have swimming pools.  I think the Caravan Club just opened or took over 2 new sites in Norfolk if my memory serves me right.  Caravan Club do not allow tents as far as I am aware.

Good luck,

Dave

You could try Drewery's Caravan Park at California, 5 miles north of Great Yarmouth. you won't find it on campsite search, and it doesn't have a website but I can give you the phone number if you think you may be interested. The camping field is on a cliff top with direct access to a brilliant beach (see photo!) and heathland for dog walking. There's a small, not noisy, on-site club, a general store at the entrance to the site and a pub across the lane which does nice meals, also a cafe/takeaway and a small amusement arcade. About a mile walk north along the beach, or a 10-minute drive, brings you to Hemsby, which has shops, cafes, amusements and a good market on Mondays. We love the area, and have been going at least once a year for about 10 years.