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Reviews of The Orchard Camp Site

Q: Is The Orchard Camp Site child friendly?

YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities

Q: Where is the nearest shop to The Orchard Camp Site?

There is a shop on site View all facilities

Campsite Search > UK > East Anglia England > Suffolk > Wickham Market > The Orchard Camp Site > Reviews

The Orchard Camp Site
Spring Lane
Wickham Market
Suffolk (Browse area)
IP13 0SJ
Tel: 07818 034729
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This site has an availability calendar. You can check for availability here

Pitches: 11 acres plus 20 electric pitches
Open: 05/04/2024 to 01/10/2024
11/04/2025 to 01/10/2025

Rating:

9/10 from 386 Reviews

Photos (7)

Tent Pitches	Caravan Pitches	Motorhome Pitches	Small Campervans
Glamping Units	No Statics for Hire	No Statics for Sale	No Seasonal Pitches
Electric Hookups	No Hardstandings	No Fully Serviced Pitches	Show Full Facilities

Who's it for
Families Welcome	Not Members Only	Rallies Welcome	Not Naturist Site
Dogs Welcome	No Dogs Allowed	Groups Welcome	Motorbikers Welcome
Facilities
Toilet Facilities	Hot Showers	Washing Up	No Bathroom
No Baby Changing	Laundry On Site	Drinking Water	Disabled Friendly
Chemical Disposal	Battery Charging	No Gas Exchange	No Recycling Facilities
Kitchen Facilities	Freezer / Fridge	No Motorhome Point	Wifi Access
Shop On Site	Bar On Site	Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site
Activities
Kids Playground	No TV Room	No Games Room	No Evening Ents
Fishing On Site	No Wild Swimming	No Indoor Pool	No Outdoor Pool
Horse Riding <1 mile	Cycle Hire <5 miles	Golf <1 mile	Tennis <1 mile
Beach <10 miles	Watersports On Site	No Boat Launch
Other Features
No Sea Views	Not Working Farm	Campfires Allowed
No Waterside Pitches	Public Transport <1 mile	No Dog Walk

Reviews: 386 in total, now showing 221 to 230 Previous 10 Next 10

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Date of Visit: May 2013

Unit: Motorhome

Reviewer: Andy4u

2 reviews from this member

Stayed here for the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend as did my Daughter and Grandchildren. On arrival the owner told us to go set up then when ready come back and sort out the pitch fees. I found this to be a very relaxed camp and well run. You can buy a wheel barrow full of logs which comes with marsh mallows for toasting on the fire. ( yummy ) Good little shop with most things you may need. Seating area where you can sit out side the shop and office enjoy a tea, coffee, or a beer ect while having a chat with other campers.

The Showers and toilets were kept cleaned all the time as was most of the site. This was my first time at this site and having enjoyed my stay here I will not be my last.

Date of Visit: October 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Lexie2

2 reviews from this member

Went to this site with 3 young children for the Halloween event and had a great time, will definitely be going back - am booking for Easter as I understand there is an Easter Bunny event that the kids will love.

Overall the site is well set out with a variety of contrasting areas. For the children there is a formal play area as well as lots of informal areas for them to explore, build camps and generally have a bit of freedom.

Every one we met was very friendly, including Alan the owner and the staff - lovely to be greeted by the owner with the offer of a free glass of wine!

The Halloween event itself was well organised in a marquee with a good disco, balloons and nice lighting. Children particularly enjoyed the fancy dress - in fact everyone did.

As I say, will definitely be going back as the site is an absolute gem.

Date of Visit: August 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Vickyslip

1 review from this member

Well what can I say what a fantastic visit we had myself partner and 3 children, on arrival we were greeted and shown where we will be going the staff were so friendly, we hired a tent as this was our first camp experience. The site was lovely and we had a lovely area that we were given I couldn't believe the space we had it wasn't cramped with loads of tents. The shop was fantastic and staff even went out there way to cook our dinner for us, The children learnt there way around the site and were free to run explore and enjoy themselves it was lovely to see, everyone on the site were so friendly,

We woke up in the morning to see children running round in there pjs playing and really enjoying themselves, the weather was lovely so we went into the village and got some very nice fish and chips. On Saturday night they have a glow stick throw for the children and not just a few the children had so many each that they were making skipping ropes putting on dances for us and all sorts. But hot chocolate by the campfire was def the highlight for me, the campsite although busy didn't have loads of noise there was chatting etc but it was all so friendly and peaceful. The shop is fantastic and well stocked

And cheap too, I couldn't say no to the kids when asking for icecream as it was so cheap, I found the showers and toilet block well stocked and clean we had sun and so I expect if its muddy they wouldn't stay to clean but that cant be helped and loved the idea of the fridges, washing machines, freezers, kettle and microwave. We enjoyed our stay that much we then booked to go for the alien weekend,

Date of Visit: August 2012

Unit: Touring Caravan

Reviewer: Arkala

1 review from this member

When we arrived it was difficult to see who worked on the site as they were sitting outside on the customer seating area. Maybe polo shirts with the campsite logo on would help people to identify staff.

The owner was telling us that the nicer pitches were without electric but we wanted electric for our caravan. Another man pointed us to a large pitch not far from reception and said that was about all he had for electric. We took this pitch. When I went into shop to enquire on something else, I found one of the workers very abrupt and unfriendly. After the first day though, everyone else was friendly enough and very laid back.

I agree with other reviewers about the toilets/showers. I would have much preferred separate ladies/mens toilets and showers. Only one toilet was dedicated to ladies only and I saw several men using it. Three showers are not enough for a campsite of this size and if you wanted to get out for the day you had to queue at peak times to use. No mop etc to use to clean showers.

Shop was brilliant and had everything you could want at very reasonable prices. Bags of ice for £1, Kingsmill bread £1. Fresh veg and salad available. Alcohol is cheaper in supermarkets. If I stayed again I would use the shop more for food.

Surrounding area nice, Wickham Market a short walk, not much there but quaint village. Lovely tea shop with cakes to die for. Framlingham 15 mins away in car and is lovely.

The site definitely grew on us during our time there and the open fires were great. My son was disappointed as the lake was not up to much for fishing and had lots of litter in.

Won't be put off by toilets etc and will go again as campfires make it worthwhile.

Date of Visit: August 2012

Unit: Touring Caravan

Reviewer: Suziec1977

6 reviews from this member

We stayed here for a week in peak holiday season. We were in a group of 8 units and the owner was very flexible allowing people to extend their stays (most people did this well in advance though).

Good points: no marked pitches and we had loads of room, could set up our camping group in a circle (other sites haven't allowed this), excellent shop, sold everything we wanted at very reasonable prices, also sold hot bacon sandwiches etc. - great for us on last morning, no arrival/leaving times, so didn't get stressed trying to be ready on time, family bathroom (room with bath) - great for my 2 year old who hates showers, lovely to have open fires - we thought the £15 for wood was fair enough. Others campers were friendly and noise didn't go on too late to disturb our sleep. Good to have communal fridges/freezers and a microwave we could use.

Points to consider: only 5 toilets and 3 unisex showers. I avoided peak times and rarely queued. Didn't object to this but did object to the fact that toilets and showers were filthy with mud. Cleaner did a good job twice a week but most of the time was difficult to get dry and dressed without getting muddy. Leaving a mop/bucket in showers would really help as I've never seen such dirty showers. Bathroom had no space to dry a toddler - just the bath.

Pitches were very uneven but friends warned us in advance, so not a problem for us. Sharp turn into site difficult for caravans - make sure you approach with the site on your right. Ash from fires all over - a little more structure over where to have fires might be better. It would certainly look better and avoid dirty toddlers (our toddler slipped in ash several times).

Staff were a little unfriendly on arrival - told us we were holding up the queue but didn't give clear directions about where the rest of our group were (although they were fine the rest of the week).

New playground equipment was delivered during our stay - a pair of swings and climbing frame.

We found enough to do during our stay - visited the coast at Aldeburgh (nice village but pebble beach -10 miles away) and Southwold further away was sandy. Enjoyed a trip to Sutton Hoo and Framlingham castle and village - very near.

Woodbridge looked nice too but didn't go there. Enough to do for a week but wouldn't go back to the area - I prefer a sandy beach.

It depends what you want in a site but personally I wouldn't return as I expect cleaner showers and toilets.

Date of Visit: August 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Duffer247

4 reviews from this member

I just don't understand why so many people have raved about this site?

There were only 5 toilets for the entire site and they were dirty every time we had cause to use them. The showers were also filthy but in fairness there was plenty of hot water.

There was a drainage problem on the site and the track was terrible with huge puddles everywhere. There is even a tractor on site to pull stuck vehicles out of the mud and I witnessed numerous vehicles 'bottom out' on attempting to use the track.

The small shop on site was OK and the prices seemed fair.

They advertise a 'fishing lake' which is just a small pond. I felt sorry for the numerous kids that wanted to fish but could only fish one swim as the rest of the pond was stuffed with weed, along with untold amounts of cans bottles and general crap!

You can have a bonfire almost anywhere you want which means the grass is burnt everywhere you look.

Date of Visit: July 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: HAP50

4 reviews from this member

We stayed at The Orchard with another family and had a lovely relaxing time. The fact that the site wasn't too loaded with facilities and entertainment was what attracted us, along with the campfires (of course!).

The children disappeared to play on the rope swing hanging from the trees, or to play table tennis and badminton, while we set about cooking over the wood fire and testing the local beers bought from the site shop.

There were lots of children playing cricket together half way up the field; which is exactly the type of atmosphere we were looking for.

The showers and toilets were cleaned twice a day while we were there, but did get grubby as the site was full. Not the fault of the site at all: people should check after their children have used the loos !

The shop was well stocked with local produce; not a huge choice, but plenty and very reasonably priced: we were surprised, especially by the price fo the ice creams which were delicious!

Campfire wood was expensive and damp, but this really is the only tiny gripe we had for the whole stay and the price for the pitch was so low for the quality of the site that they have to make money somehow!

We'll definitely be back.

Date of Visit: August 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: RICMorts

7 reviews from this member

I agree with a number of reviews on here. The website makes the site look fantastic. However it is not. It has some good ideas like allowing camp fires and the glo stick scramble for kids. But the campsite is dirty and in need of a good clean overall.

The toilets and showers were filthy. You needed to wear something on your feet while in the shower. There was only 3 so for the size of the campsite you had to queue every morning. One of the showers didn't have any hooks or anything to put your things on while you showered so that was juggling act!

There is one drinking water tap on the whole site which was surrounded by rubbish and old trainers that had been left by a previous camper. These weren't moved for the 4 days we were there! Lots of kids putting water bomb balloons round the end of the tap to fill them up. Just had to hope that there wasn't too many germs being spread about.

Queues for toilets too as only 4 and one with no light. Multi sex toilets so not very clean and smelly.

Very few flat pitches and if you want electricity be careful you don't get the one by the shop in the dusty carpark. We nearly did! Luckily someone moved their cars which allowed us enough room to camp in a nice corner. Just put up the windbreakers so we didn't have to look at dusty car park. Not very nice camping area due to being allowed to have a camp fire where ever you want so grass full of lots of big bare dusty patches from previous fires. We loved having a camp fire but just needs some organisation of pitches to make sure fire put in same place each time.

Children's play area tiny, dirty and dusty. They had to cross the main car route into campsite. So kids needed to watch for passing cars. Luckily after the first day the main bar holding the one swing, slide and swing rope broke. Probably because 20 children were trying to play on something big enough for 3. So they took the whole thing down and there is currently NO play area but didn't have to worry about kids being hit with car so ok!

Staff too pushy trying to sell stock from camp shop. Was trying to check in and find a suitable pitch on the cramped electric field and he was already trying to sell us a jug of sangria and burgers.

Sorry would not go again even though there was only one all in charge so no cost for extra adults or dogs.

Date of Visit: July 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Greensyke

4 reviews from this member

We searched high and low for a campsite in Norfolk or Suffolk that would tick all our boxes, eventually we came across The Orchard. Very laid back booking system; no official forms so I was a little nervous that all would be well with the booking. We just received a brief email from the owner with confirmation. Shouldn't have worried as all was well.

Campsite is up a country lane at the end of Wickham Market. Not much in Wickham market but what was there was great: fantastic butchers who are very helpful (great ready prep BBQ stuff), a co-op, a chemist, a really lovely tea room, and a chip shop and Chinese.

The reception is a very large shed which also houses the shop. There were 3 people behind the desk all drinking Pimms, the guy had his shirt off so all seemed very laid back (although I do have to say that it was difficult to tell who was staff as they all seemed to spend their time sitting outside or behind reception drinking alcohol, perhaps a polo shirt as previously suggested would be good to distinguish who's who). The shop is very well stocked and cheap. Upon arrival we were asked whether we wanted to 'upgrade' to non-electric. Seemed bizarre so we asked to see both pitches. We could totally see what the owner meant. The electric pitches were right beside reception, the play park, and the main drag up to the toilets/showers. The non-electric pitches were quieter and definitely an upgrade. We decided that we could cope without electric and so went for a one beside the pond. When paying up front for our pitch Alan even asked if we wanted cash back, and he also set up a 'tab' for the week (scribbling our surname on the tip of A4 paper. This meant the kids could be sent up for supplies, or chocolate and just give our name. Fantastic!

Our pitch was beside the pond which was fantastic. Huge pitch (I fact we had most of the area to ourselves for most of the week). The kids and their dad lived fishing where they caught (and released) plenty of diddy fish and had the woods, and tree swing to play on behind our tent.

The glow stick hunt was great, held on the wknd Alan gathered all the kids then counted down before throwing all the sticks in the air and the kids scrambled to get them!

Sadly we ended up having a rowdy group near our tent who were playing thumping music til 1am and talking very loud Neil 5am! The loud talking and music happened most days, and sadly this wasn't dealt with (the staff did speak to them but they carried on anyways). In my opinion they should have been warned, then if they continued to defy them they should've been asked o leave. I know that one family near us left 2 days early as they couldn't stand the noise/no sleep. Once the rowdy group left the site was really peaceful through the day, and quietened down considerably by 10ish.

Now for the worst bit. The toilets and showers. There are only 3 showers for the whole site which is madness. We queued for up to 30 mins some mornings. They are dirty and smelly. They don't have enough hooks on the walls for your clothes, and only some have a stool. I dropped my clothes on the floor on numerous occasions, and as the floor was so muddy my clothes were ruined (in fact one white topped had to be thrown out!). Even if a mop was in the shower you could clean it before / after. The toilets were disgusting. They stank of urine despite the lavender air fresheners squirting 24/7. Sometimes they had no loo roll in either. The washroom was the best bet to get ready in. I would come out the shower wrapped in a towel and get dressed in the washroom - cleaner and more spacious. The cleanliness was a little frustrating when there were staff socialising / drinking outside when they could've been cleaning the place out.

There is a family bathroom which is great, but it's tiny, there is only room for the bath plus a stool (not big enough for a family to fit in).

There is a washing machine and tumble dryer which is great, and very reasonably priced (£3 for washing machine), and a fridge, freezer and microwave to use. They also charge your phone at reception free of charge.

The play area was a little disappointing, however it was removed the day before we left ? To make way for a new one?

The campfires were fantastic and truly made our holiday. The wood is bought by the barrow load and each barrow lasted us around 3 nights. You can put the fire wherever you wish but beware that your feet will be filthy from all the ash (even blown unseen opinion the floor of our tent)!

Overall I would definitely recommend this site. Perfect for kids, very laid back and how camping should be. The only real downside is the toilets and showers. Please get them sorted!

Date of Visit: July 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Barney75

3 reviews from this member

Stayed here for a weekend at the beginning of July with a large group (15 units). It was the second time we'd been and I was impressed again.

The site is divided into 3 sections, pond, woodland and field. Pond and woodland are quiet and secluded, field tends to be occupied by larger groups and consists of flat pitches interspersed with small sloping sections. There's a river at the bottom of the site which you can fish if you like and also a climbing frame/play area for the kids.

Alan, the owner, and his staff, couldn't have been more friendly & helpful and as per the previous review, he has a very well stocked shop that serves snacks and drinks too.

Site atmosphere overall is relaxed and family friendly with no fixed pitches and a straightforward 'per tent per night' tarrif.

Facilities were ok in my opinion, nothing special, but nothing to complain about either, cleaned regularly during our stay.

The surrounding area has plenty to do and the Suffolk coast (Bawdsey Beach) made for a great day out.

Finally, as the parent of three kids under 7, I have to mention the glow sticks. On Friday and Saturday nights, if the weather is fine, at dusk, they do a glow stick scramble - one of the wardens gathers all the kids in a huddle, and throws a couple of hundred glow sticks into the mix. Awesome!

Overall, I would happily recommend the site and I'll definitely be going back.

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Common Questions

Is The Orchard Camp Site child friendly?  YES, it accepts children & has a playground  View all facilities

Where is the nearest shop to The Orchard Camp Site?  There is a shop on site  View all facilities

Is The Orchard Camp Site dog friendly?  YES  View all facilities

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