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Reviews of Cliff House Holiday Park

Q: Is Cliff House Holiday Park child friendly?

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

Q: Where is the nearest shop to Cliff House Holiday Park?

There is a shop on site View all facilities

Campsite Search > UK > East Anglia England > Suffolk > Dunwich > Cliff House Holiday Park > Reviews

Cliff House Holiday Park
Minsmere Road
Dunwich
Suffolk (Browse area)
IP17 3DQ
Tel: 01728 648282
Visit their website Check Digital TV coverage See Weather Forecast

Pitches: 120
Open: 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024
01/01/2025 to 31/12/2025

Rating:

8/10 from 133 Reviews

Photos (22)

Tent Pitches	Caravan Pitches	Motorhome Pitches	Small Campervans
No Glamping Units	Holiday Homes for Hire	Holiday Homes 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	Motorbikers Welcome
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	No 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	Evening Entertainment
Fishing <10 miles	No Wild Swimming	No Indoor Pool	No Outdoor Pool
Horse Riding <5 miles	No Cycle Hire	Golf <5 miles	No Tennis
Beach On Site	No Watersports	No Boat Launch
Other Features
Sea Views	Not Working Farm	Campfires Allowed	Open All Year
Coastside Pitches	Public Transport <5 miles	Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access

Reviews: 133 in total, now showing 61 to 70 Previous 10 Next 10

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Date of Visit: March 2013

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Marshlets

2 reviews from this member

We have just returned from a 4 night stay at this lovely park. The site is well kept and has a well thought out layout meaning that you retain a feeling of seclusion- we were very close to the sea and could hear the waves crashing. Lovely.

Staff were very helpful and we ate in the bar one evening - good food at reasonable prices. There is a well stocked shop and the toilets/ showers are clean with plenty of hot water.

Great area - lots to see and do. Stunning walks at Dunwich Heath and great family day out at RSPB Minsmere- birds, wildlife and a great outdoors adventure park for the children.

We plan to return for further Suffolk adventures.

Date of Visit: July 2012

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Davidoff87

3 reviews from this member

A decent site which I have visited many times as my family has a static unit, but this was my first time in a tent.

The site itself is beautiful and placed in woodland with beach access down the cliff. Walkers and dogs are spoilt as the minsmere nature reserve is huge and the heaths give many different walks. Dunwich has a decent pub and chip shop. On site however a new complex had been built recently with function suite, bar, restaraunt and play area, we didn't use any but they looked great. The shop on site is excellent to have and stocks the tastiest bacon I have ever had.

The new complex has a good modern shower block too with lovely hot showers.

The negatives were that our pitch was on the old playground site and was on woodchip, not ideal for tents in my opinion.

Also on one night there was a wedding reception, all well and good until the ushers and best man exit at 1 in the morning swearing loudly and even shouting at a camper who asked them to be quiet. Unfortunate but maybe staff need to ensure people exit the site quietly and quickly afterwards.

The workers were all helpful when ever we asked them anything.

Many lovely towns to visit in the area, so you will never be bored. Definitely will return.

Date of Visit: June 2012

Unit: Motorhome

Reviewer: Ericonabike

13 reviews from this member

This was a pleasant surprise! I was expecting to find a featureless area full of statics, but instead was greeted by a really well landscaped and laid out site.

We were in the North Field, and the whole site was made up of individual areas, connected by winding pathways, and interspersed/marked out by mature trees. Despite its size, it felt quite intimate within each area - much like a French campsite in my opinion.

For those that obsess over 'the facilities' the ones in North Field were superb. Only one shower per sex, but adequate given that this was for self-contained units. And there were no negatives - ample hot water, not irritating button to keep pressing, room to get changed and towelled off, hooks for clothes and even a seat.

I liked this site much more than I had anticipated. My only gripe is that the staff on my arrival at reception ignored me until they had finished having an argument/debate with another customer. Bad form - I don't mind waiting, but I do expect to be acknowledged!

Date of Visit: June 2012

Unit: Touring Caravan

Reviewer: Alisonmc

2 reviews from this member

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the previous comments. This site is far from being as good as a 'club' site.

The pitches are poorly maintained, pot holes and uneven. Most are under trees (expected as it is in a forest, granted) but be prepared to be scraping bird pooh off your car and unit. We have just returned from a week there over the bank holiday weekend and suffered severe winds with bits of tree etc landing on the roof constantly. We had to borrow some ladders to check that there had been no damage to the roof.

The shower block is 'tired' and inadequate for the size of the site. The showers were often left dirty despite a bucket and mop available. The soap dispensers were empty and the push buttons on the toilet flush were broken.

The bar/restaurant were impressive and had karaoke/live music/disco every 2 to 3 nights that did finish around 11. 30pm but these occasions were accompanied by kids running round the site shrieking until well after the music had stopped.

Kids seemed to roam in packs, around the entrance mainly which just amazed me. Were their parents totally unaware of their stupidity? Or playing football in the play area with a constant thumping against the fence. We had some kids playing cricket right outside our van at 8.30 in the morning. They managed to hit the car and the 'van within 5 minutes and one of the Mums' sat by and watched. They did move away after a sharp word from me.

It wasn't all negatives. The area and location is outstanding. In my mind that is the only thing going for this site. Also the staff are all friendly and polite.

This is probably one of the most expensive sites we have ever stayed on and with all things considering, despite the location, I don't think we will be returning.

Date of Visit: May 2012

Unit: Touring Caravan

Reviewer: Johnjory

124 reviews from this member

We only booked Cliff House at the last minute as our chosen site was forced to close due to water logging. Given we have a preference for smaller, less formal sites, I did not think I was going to like Cliff House. But I did!

Having its own beach access and being adjacent to Dunwich Heath the location is good and therefore dog friendly. Dogs are charged at £1. 50 - £2. 70 / night dependent on season

The pitches are generously sized and set mostly among trees, so it does not feel like a large site normally would. The surface here showed no signs whatsoever of becoming water logged. If you are allocated a “woodland” pitch, expect only dappled sunlight and a grassless pitch covered in bark chippings. Pegging conditions were less than ideal due to the soft surface and numerous roots beneath. There is a sunny / grassy open area next to the (quiet) road. If you would like a sunny pitch, you can request it at time of booking.

The wc / showers (free) / washing up / laundry (large wash £3) facilities are excellent. So showers must have been sorted out since previous reviews of 2011.

The on site “12 Lost Churches” restaurant is very smart, and a la Carte meals commensurably expensive. We enjoyed a good Sunday roast which came out at around £11 each including sweet, however, a bottle of wine will set you back £14 - £20.

There is often gentle live music in the bar of a Saturday night. But be aware that the bar / restaurant is also for hire as a wedding / private party venue. If you think this might affect your stay, perhaps you might like to check if there is anything on at the time of booking.

Also be aware that pitch fees could well exceed £30 / night. However, the tariff is clearly displayed in their website, and confirmed to you at time of booking.

A personal recommendation: try the Bell Inn, Middleton. We found this to be wonderful small village pub with a good value restaurant serving exceptional food.

To sum up: Very well laid out and superbly maintained. Easily as good as any “Club” site.

Date of Visit: August 2011

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: MandyK

1 review from this member

We went to Cliff House Holiday Park in August and had a lovely time. We had a Eurotent for the week which is a tent that is already erected and has everything in it that we needed. The only things we needed to bring were the sleeping bags and pillows. It had beds, lights and a fridge which were very handy.

The site itself was beautiful and very busy with other tents and caravans but it still seemed to give you a feeling of peace. It was a minute away from the large flight of steps to the beach which was fabulous.

At the other side, there was Dunwich Heath which was a lovely walk. We were lucky enough to see deer the first night. We didn't see them any other time so we realised we must have been lucky to have seen them on the first night.

The site was lovely and clean with site people constantly working. The toilet block and showers were always clean. We went on a bank holiday and there were only 3 showers and 4 toilets so I expected a large queue each time I went but there never was.

The showers were always free and always clean and the toilets the same. There was a nice playground for the children and the pub was also nice although we didn't eat in the restaurant.

Dogs were allowed on Dunwich Beach which was great as a lot of the beaches didn't allow them. A walk down the steps from the site took a minute.

Our only trouble was our poor old dog who couldn't get back up the steps so I asked Reception if there was another way to get to the beach and she told us where to go.

It meant a long walk across the beach and then back through woodland where there were no steps to climb. It took us a couple of hours but it was a lovely walk so it didn't matter.

We had a lovely few days and would go back without a doubt.

Date of Visit: August 2011

Unit: Touring Caravan

Reviewer: Moley

2 reviews from this member

Had the most amazing stay over the bank holiday weekend until it was ruined by eating in the restaurant on the last night. Over priced bbq approx £45 2 adults, 1 toddler and 1 baby. 'Buffet style' food that the owners were helping themselves to time and time again yet paying customers were spooned tiny portions. We had to argue to get more potatoes as the rest of the salad wasn't suitable for babies or toddlers, coleslaw, rice salad with nuts in, corn on the cob etc (you couldn't choose to have more of one thing and not the other. Just a sprinkle of everything - 3 half new potatoes were the quota). Such a shame that the friendly owner and his wife didn't step in to ask what the problem was as they had spoken to us minutes earlier and seemed very sympathetic having small children themselves.

Aside from that the campsite itself was wonderful. The warden came over to check on us shortly after we had pitched and introduced himself which was a nice touch.

Our pitch with electric hook up was practically on top of the play park which was perfect for us and our small children. It was only noisy into the small hours with the older children in the park on one evening. Getting pitched was a bit of a nightmare with a massive tree stump and tree to negotiate.

A massive shame that so much money was spent on the restaurant and its designer wallpaper. Could have been much better spent doing up the toilet and shower facilities. You have to start the shower from the outside of the cubicle and the temperature ranged from searing hot (children were screaming!) The next day they were cold. Maybe it depended on what time you got to the showers? As this day we had a rare lay in! If you need the toilet it's worth using the facilities in the bar next door as they are luxurious!

We experienced a wonderful thunderstorm on the beach which the site has direct access to down some steep steps (not suitable for pushcahirs). It is mostly shingle but has an area of sand close to the sea. Enough to build a sandcastle the most important thing for any child!

Some lovely places to visit including Walberswick and Southwold. Within minutes you can reach some beautiful National Trust heathland areas. Be warned that supermarkets are a fair distance away. There is a small shop on site.

We'd definitely return again - we'd just avoid eating in the bar and restaurant!

Date of Visit: August 2011

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Kpmkane

8 reviews from this member

This site is well positioned right above the beach. It is quite a big site with tourers and static units. The pitch we were allocated was flat and roomy and partly under the trees.

The on-site restaurant was excellent, but not cheap and the bar wasn't exactly designed for comfort. The shop has long opening hours and although it stocked necessities, there wasn't a great choice.

The site was a little noisy; not from campers, but from delivery vans early in the morning and the chemical waste lorry which made a very loud noise.

The location is superb for walking with your dog.

Dunwich Heath just along the road. We had two teenagers with us and they were bored stiff due to a lack of on site facilities.

However, my biggest complaint was the shower / toilet blocks. Very few stalls for the size of the campsite and the design of the shower cubicles leaves a lot to be desired. Okay if you like communal showering.

On the whole, it's not a bad site, but it would not be top of our list for a return visit.

Date of Visit: August 2011

Unit: Tent

Reviewer: Barleycamp

2 reviews from this member

This site does many things really well - very helpful staff, good range and condition of general facilities, excellent bar, clubhouse and restaurant building and, of course, situated in a lovely woodland environment close to the beach.

Regrettably, there are shortfalls which until remedied, would prevent us from visiting again - the number and cleanliness of showers and toilets is barely adequate for this size of holiday park,

The toilets really should be cleaned more than once every 24hrs.

It should also be mentioned that with a very late entertainment licence and regular karaoke sessions, earplugs may be required if you want to get to sleep before midnight!

Date of Visit: July 2011

Unit: Touring Caravan

Reviewer: CatieB

5 reviews from this member

I agree a lot with what motherspride has said below. This site could be perfect in every way, it certainly has the location, but is let down massively by ill thought out concepts.

Yes the club /restaurant/ bar is beautiful. The design is outstanding (just look on the website)and the menu is impressive- pork belly on bubble and squeak cakes, steamed salmon on a pasta bed. Although many campers may be, we are not adverse to the prices charged if the food is worth it- over £10 per main course - but the actual food was not that good. Mine needed seasoning which is something basic that you would expect to be sorted in a restaurant that looks like this. The actual dish was quite bland.

Whilst the restaurant/ bar is the kind of place I would usually choose to go, I really don't think that it should be on a campsite, the two don't seem to compliment each other well. And judging by the lack of use when we were in there I think most holiday goers seem to agree. I would go to such a bar for an evening. Whilst I am camping I would like to use something different. Good simple food, rustic, a better selection of snacks and breakfasts. We tried their buffet breakfast too, again the place was nearly empty. I cant write our real thoughts on breakfast but suffice it to say we didn't go back.

There is so much to do in this area. Aldeburgh, Southwold and Walberswick are fantastic. Everyone enjoys the crabbing and we spent a brilliant afternoon having a go even though the weather was not good. Check out Mrs T's fish and chips on Southwold quay- a hidden gem. Well worth the queue as it is all caught that day and cooked fresh to order. Possibly the best fish in the world. If you wander into Saxmundham beware it is early closing on a thursday.

It is so lovely to have the beach on your doorstep just a walk down the steps. You can walk along to Minsmere heath and a national trust site with many walks to do. We had such fun on the beach and in the area.

I agree that the other facilities are a let down. They need updating and I don't understand why they weren't incorporated in the new build that is the bar etc (or do they not care about the campers). 3 female showers for the size of the park are not enough. The actual showers are good though apart from the fact they timeout and you have to get out to reset it.

We also commented that the place seems to concentrate on residents. And if that is to be then surely the site should make sure the seasonal pitches / residents are kept up to standard. We were pitched opposite an ugly unkempt seasonal pitch that looked like no one had been near it this year. We also experienced unrully kids from seasonal pitches that were left to their own devices and created mayhem.

The site has moved the play park this year. It is positive to be able to see the park from the restaurant and bar. However a solid 6 foot fence, with no gate, has been erected at one end of it which means all the campers the other side have a long walk round to the toilet, shower, water and waste services. It also means you can't see your child in the park even if they are a few feet from your pitch. (Particularly annoying when you asked for a pitch close to the park and stated you have a child but weren't told by the member who took the booking that there was a fence. The site map has not been updated with the fence) Plus the kids play football in the play park and the ball against the fence sounds like a gun going off. Again not nice it you are pitched the other side of it.

I know this is long and not overly positive. Whilst I write it, people we met on site made the same comments. Its such a shame because the site is beautiful and could be top class. I think they need to ask their campers for some feed back.

Previous 133 Reviews in total, now showing 61 to 70 Next

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Common Questions

Is Cliff House Holiday Park child friendly?  YES, it accepts children & has a playground  View all facilities

Where is the nearest shop to Cliff House Holiday Park?  There is a shop on site  View all facilities

Is Cliff House Holiday Park dog friendly?  YES  View all facilities

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