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Reviews of The Dower House Touring Park
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The Dower House Touring Park
Thetford Forest
East Harling
Norfolk (Browse area)
NR16 2SE
Tel: 01953 717314
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Pitches: 140
Open: 24/03/2024 to 29/10/2024
24/03/2025 to 29/10/2025
Rating: 
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 Tent Pitches |
 Caravan Pitches |
 Motorhome Pitches |
 Small Campervans |
 Glamping Units |
 No Statics for Hire |
 No Statics for Sale |
 Seasonal Pitches |
 Electric Hookups |
 No Hardstandings |
 No Fully Serviced Pitches |
 Show Full Facilities |
| Who's it for |
 Families Welcome |
 Not Members Only |
 No Rallies |
 Not Naturist Site |
 Dogs Welcome |
 No Dogs Allowed |
 Groups Welcome |
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| Facilities |
 Toilet Facilities |
 Hot Showers |
 Washing Up |
 No Bathroom |
 Baby Changing Facilities |
 Laundry On Site |
 Drinking Water |
 Disabled Friendly |
 Chemical Disposal |
 No Battery Charging |
 Gas Exchange |
 Recycling Facilities |
 No Kitchen Facilities |
 Freezer / Fridge |
 No Motorhome Point |
 Wifi Access |
 Shop On Site |
 Bar On Site |
 Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <5 miles |
| Activities |
 Kids Playground |
 TV Room |
 Games Room |
 No Evening Ents |
 Fishing <5 miles |
 No Wild Swimming |
 No Indoor Pool |
 Outdoor Pool On Site |
 Horse Riding <5 miles |
 Cycle Hire On Site |
 No Golf |
 No Tennis |
 No Beach |
 No Watersports |
 No Boat Launch |
| Other Features |
 No Sea Views |
 Not Working Farm |
 No Campfires Allowed |
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 No Waterside Pitches |
 Public Transport <5 miles |
 Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access |
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Reviews:
110 in total, now showing 61 to 70
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| Date of Visit: August 2011 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Claire B |
2 reviews from this member |
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 We spent a lovely weekend camping at Dower House. We were directed towards a meadow at the back where there were no fixed pitches. This suited us as our three family group could pitch very sociably together.
The kids had a fantastic time cycling round the surrounding woodland. The pool is good, though the weather was not ideal for our visit. There are plenty of showers, and I didn't have to queue once.
The shop is a bit limited, and due to the location, you need to bring everything you think you might need with you. I had been warned in advance of this so had everything and more!
Overall, the site has a friendly feel. It was expensive given that we didn't have electric hook up, but the staff were flexible with our use of two small tents instead of one big one on the pitch. 
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| Date of Visit: July 2011 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Cal72 |
9 reviews from this member |
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Stayed here for 3 nights at the end of July in a tent on EHU pitch. Was personally shown to pitch by helpful warden and the pitch was HUGE with plenty of space between tents either side.
Toilet block was in very good condition and I never had to queue for a cubicle in either the toilet or shower block (even at peak times - and this was the school holidays!).
Toilet block was always kept clean and fully stocked of loo roll, paper towels and handwash. There was a separate baby wash room which looked very clean and tidy.
Indoor pot washing room with 6 clean and spacious sink areas (one at disabled height).
Free freezer for ice packs and laundry facilities on site. Small shop which sold all basic provisions (including meat from local butcher - very good quality) and milk etc. Swimming pool was outdoor but heated, small but just perfect for the children to swim and splash around (also small baby pool).
Strict no noise policy after 11pm. Family site with lots of outdoor space and play area + acres of woodland to play and ride bikes. On site pub (small but serves beer and wine - what more do you need!) and good value basic meals - nothing too fancy but cheap and ideal if you don't fancy another bbq!
Very nice campsite & I would recommend a visit!
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| Date of Visit: July 2011 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Camper1972 |
2 reviews from this member |
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We stayed here for four nights right at the beginning of the school holiday as we were visiting relatives. We arrived late, about 7 o'clock, as got caught in traffic on M25, but was met by helpful staff.
We didn't have a lot of choice as to where to pitch our tent in the main field, but this wasn't a problem.
The field seemed fully sheltered from wind by large trees in the woods around, which is great when putting up a large tent.
As we were in the field, we were not on electric, and found out the next day that there wasn't even an electric point for your hairdryers in the showers.
This would be my only negative point of the site but it could be easily rectified. The showers and toilets themselves were mainly clean and tidy, and if they weren't, it didn't take long before they were. They do have two of their own hairdryers in the showers, however they were not even powerful enough to dry my hair.
My children loved the fact that they could go to the playground and into the woods on their bikes on their own. We didn't get the chance to go on any of the walks through Thetford Forest as we were meeting relatives everyday, but would have loved them.
The shop stocked all that you may have wanted and the children were not frowned upon which is always helpful.
The pool is small but a nice bonus as it is heated.
Dogs are allowed which is great, however, some children were walking them around the site, allowing them to toilet and not clearing it up. Maybe a rule should be in place saying that dogs are not allowed to be walked where the tents are pitched and only in a specific area, or indeed children may not be in charge of a dog at any time.
There is a pub on site which serves food between 7-9pm. We didn't use this facility and didn't notice any distruption from others that had.
Lots of places to go outside the site which means it is a great base. We even on one day had a jet fly by.
All in all, lovely site and we would go back here, but probably on electric.
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| Date of Visit: July 2011 |
Unit: Trailer Tent |
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| Reviewer: Jankelly1 |
3 reviews from this member |
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Have just returned from a wet weekend at The Dower House.
The weather couldn't spoil the beautiful Thetford Forest location.
This 'proper campsite' is a refreshing change from the overly orchestrated C & C sites that we normally stay at. We had a pitch with electric - it was huge, at least twice the size of other sites we have stayed on. This seemed general for serviced pitches. At the end of the campsite was a tent field with no electric hookup - it was fantastic, groups were allowed to camp together (still keeping to 6M rule). There was ample room for all and a great atmosphere.
There were play areas and a swimming pool (heated) but children were also able to play ball games near there tents without causing any disturbance. (We were there without children but never experienced problems - the site seems to attract families who still play with their children!)
There is a pub/restaurant on site with continental style gardens/barn. Good take away.
Although a large site, it didn't feel large as it was sectioned off by trees/shrubbery.
Only small downside was loos - they were perfectly cleaned (regularly) but unfortunately there was often paper on the floor - maybe paper towels would be better replaced with hot air dryers. Also should be bins by sinks -some 'people' left wetwipes on sides of sink which I did find distasteful - Why do people do that- especially in such an otherwise beautiful setting??
Generally a very good site (Back to basics)- Great to stay somewhere that still has a good mix of caravans, campers and tents with the later predominating (Didn't look like a lorry park!)
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| Date of Visit: July 2011 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Sjc1803 |
14 reviews from this member |
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Dower House was highly recommended to us, however, upon arrival expectations were not matched. The welcome was not too polite and we only turned up 45 minutes earlier than we was meant too. The politeness didn't improve over our stay, it was just their manner.
The owners are very traditional, and like to guide you to your pitch, a very nice touch.
The lane to Dower house could do with some attention, extremely bumpy and may cause some people problems.
The pitch provided was not suitable for our tent, it was covered in mole / rabbit / rat holes that increased throughout our stay and would've been more suitable for a caravan.
The Swimming Pool was freezing, only our children braved it for only a short period of time and were only talking approximately 10 minutes then a run to the showers to warm up, which is such a shame and a disappointment for us all, as the swimming pool was one of the main attractions to this site.
The restaurant is a missed opportunity, the food is not what you would expect. They are not meals it is more like a McDonalds serving. A dreadful shame as the restaurant / pub is a lovely building.
The toilet and shower facilities were clean, but there was only 3 showers available. The cubicles themselves were miles too small and being pregnant I was unable to fit into them. The disabled cubicle was our main use but was not practical as everything got soaking wet with no where to put your clothes or towels that could remain dry and was frequented by those who would like a number two in peace (excuse the terminology).
On the plus side, Dower House is in a great location with fantastic walks and bikes rides near by. The Children loved Thetford Forest and the amenities within.
There is no local shop, but a Tescos is only a 5 minute drive away.
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| Date of Visit: July 2011 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Marie-Helene |
4 reviews from this member |
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Just stayed here with my partner and 8yr old son. On first sighting the pool and play area my son was over the moon and couldn't wait to get set up and stuck in. We arrived at 2 on friday and the tent field was almost empty.
We pitched our small tent and wind break next to the woods and a strangely alone man on a deck chair and went for a swim. The pool is lovely and warm, we used it every day and was relatively empty when we used it, mostly due to the inclement weather.
It was however quite fun in a thunder shower and thankfully our stuff stayed dry under the trees! we drove to a shop to get provisions and upon our return discovered that our 'little village settlement' had been swallowed up by tentropolis and the man in the deckchair replaced by 5 large tents, several wind breaks and cars covering quite an area and many loud family members. They set up their cricket match in the middle of the track into field and took over all available playing space with many balls, bats and dogs trotting around. The site continued to disappear under many large groups.
The toilet block had been clean til then but very quickly was littered with strewn paper, used tampon packets etc and the sinks awash with water, soap and toilet paper. Thankfully, this and the blocked overfull toilets were cleared by the next day. The showers were clean and mostly hot.
The male family members next to us didn't see the need to visit the toilet block and regularly stood at the edge of their pitch facing into the woods to take a pee. This was also a regular activity for many of the young boys across the tent site who had been instructed quite loudly by parents to 'use the woods' and did so next to our tent or at least within view of our picnic table. We became hemmed in and as a small pitch got used as a thoroughfare to the woods.
The site was busy and the loud singing, music and very loud chatting/shouting went on til after 11pm.
We didn't use the bar but it wasn't too busy and didn't cause us any problems. The play area was quite busy and almost taken over by large family groups in the caravans around it.
The ground was soft and drained very well around our tent, even after a night of rain it wasn't too muddy. We thought we might have to use the kid's woodland shelter when our tent started to leak after hours of non stop rain!
There were many dogs on site and these were walked through the tent field regularly, often pooing en route. They weren't cleared up after in the woods, which wasn't good considering it was a den building area.
We wouldn't visit again over a summer weekend, maybe week days during schooltime. It was too busy for us and the large groups were quite overwhelming. We felt a little like we were intruding.
Would recommend they mark out pitches in the tent field.
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Porkjones |
1 review from this member |
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We spent 10 nights at the Dower House campsite which is in a secluded forest location along a 1/2 mile bumpy track. The on site shop shop sold the basics as well as ice creams etc.
The facilities were adequate but basic. Toilet block had 2 showers, 3 cubicles and half a dozen basins (slightly more cubicles in the ladies!). Shower block had 5 shower cubicles and 1 toilet, washing up room had 6 basins, baby change had 1 set of facilities, wash room ahd 1 washing machine, 1 tumble dryer and 2 freezers. All the facilities were looking a bit tired and in need of an overhaul but everything worked OK. Naturally if you wanted a shower at the peak times then there was a queue of about 2 or 3 people. If you went early (7-7.30am) or later (after 9pm) then there was always a free cubicle.
We had a non-electric pitch in the large open field surrounded by high pine trees, which were good for wind protection although noisy when the wind got up). There were 4 water/bin locations. You can pitch anywhere on the field (that had sandy soil) which was generally OK but a few times we became hemmed in by other campers in large parties of 3 or more tents who arrived whilst we were out. Due mostly to the sandy soil there were a lot of mole hills and large numbers of wasps (which love to nest in sandy soil!). However, the upside is that after it has rained there are no big puddles as the water has drained away.
The pool was good (slightly heated) if it wasn't busy. Otherwise large numbers of noisy teenagers took it over. There was a good atmosphere generally and our young children made friends easily. Woods and local paths were good for exploring plus a local old church about 1/4 mile via woods and a well trodden track.
In August the site was very busy and could be noisy up until 10.30 - 11 pm, but hey that's camping on a big site! The staff were friendly and the pub was just like a modern pub with the standard sort of food. Play area was OK but busy.
Positives: Everything to hand, nice atmosphere.
Negatives: Long bumpy track in & out, often crowded pitches.
Overall: 7/10
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Rielly |
6 reviews from this member |
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We booked 10 nights from 3rd August, we had booked a pitch with electric hook up. Size of pitch was impressive, albeit full of rabbit holes, and mole hills - we were told to pitch as near to the left of the pitch as we could, we left about 6 inches allowing for guy ropes. The pitch we had was 313 on the last row before the open non electric field, although at the back of us there was another row of hook ups. The site was very full, but this seemed more noticeable on the non electric field, I think you could choose where to pitch. Whilst there we had a succession of neighbours, and like they say you cant choose your neighbours! which was a pity as I'm sure our holiday would have been slightly more relaxed - people don't need to take TV's on holiday with them, if you do, please don't leave them running 24/7
The swimming pool was of a reasonable size, although it got very full on hot days, and was literally standing room only. There were also a lot of inflatables which made it nearon impossible to swim, if this is what you wanted to do.
The road to the campsite was very bumpy, this is due to it not being tarmaced. It is a site that is inland, and an average journey to the coast was probably about an hour allowing for traffic.
We have 3 children, (14) (12) and (10) the younger children made friends very quickly, as the majority of children on this site were aged upto about 10 - and there were lots of them! - there is a quite time from about 10.00ish onwards, with no noise supposedly from 11.00 although this was not always adhered to by fellow campers.
New arrivals were not allowed on till 2.00 - if you arrived early you had to wait, but understand that you could use the pool, whilst waiting.
BBQ's were allowed, but no open fire pits. There were also loads of wasps, and flies, and ants, not sure if this is down to the time of year, or type of soil - was more like sand/soil mix - the insects did become a bit of a problem. Pitch 313 had no shade, this didn't bother me as I love the sun - overall a pleasant enough holiday. The shop sold basics in case you ran out, but there was a large 24 hour tesco nearby. The toilets facilities were adequate - whilst plenty of them in one block along with 2 showers, for some reason there always seemed to be a queue for the loos, and showers. There was another shower block by the pub, which had about 6 showers in, don't know if they ever got full, the block with the toilets was either flooded by the sheer amount of showering going on, or overun by paper towels for drying your hands - a warm air dryer would be the better option.
There were 6 washing up sinks, although not all of them had plugs.
Didn't use the pub and didn't try the food - so cant comment.
The playground was adequate, but wasn't always used - the kids seemed more happy riding there bikes around the site, and there were plenty. There are some nice walks, we managed to find a lovely church behind the campsite, you wouldn't know it was there without going on this walk.
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| Date of Visit: June 2010 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Nerrad28 |
7 reviews from this member |
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On reading previous reviews on this site, I felt I had to add my own.
We found this site simply brilliant for all our needs. I cant understand people complaining about mole hills ect when they go to a site in the middle of a forest?? Yes the access road is a forest track that appears to take you into the middle of nowhere,But for us this made the site more 'majestic' if that's the correct word. The site itself has large spacious plots, and we found the facilities clean and available.
The children loved the freedom to ride their bikes about, and we felt safe allowing them to do this. The pool was nice but could have been a bit warmer (possibly my only complaint)The surrounding areas were exactly what we were looking for which was forest tracks away from anywhere.The wildlife was lovely with wild deer the highlight. Overall this is probably the best British site we have been to and will return again this year.
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| Date of Visit: June 2010 |
Unit: Campervan |
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| Reviewer: Gytha |
3 reviews from this member |
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This is a nice site in a great location.
We arrived quite late but it was no problem. The warden was courteous and helpful.
We found the camping field was very busy and there were no spaces round the edges so we ended up just going in the middle which felt a bit exposed.
I think if you've booked electric then you get a proper pitch booked for you so this wouldn't be an issue.
The Kids loved the Pool although it was a bit chilly for me! There was a slight nuisance from the enormous inflatables being used in a tiny pool but it's fine if you pick a quiet time.
The toilets were fine, free hot water in the showers.
The shop on site was useful but you'd be better of going into the local village to the store.
We didn't use the bar or restaurant so can't comment on them.
We liked the children's play area and walks in the surrounding forest were lovely. High Lodge at Brandon is worth a day trip too.
I'd say it's a nice site in a lovely area. The pool is a great bonus, But perhaps fees are a bit high considering we had no actual pitch, and they seemed overbooked perhaps?
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Common Questions
Is The Dower House Touring Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does The Dower House Touring Park have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to The Dower House Touring Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
Is The Dower House Touring Park dog friendly? YES View all facilities
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