Are you a seaside lover, or do you prefer to have a holiday inland? We live pretty much in the centre of England, so the seaside is sadly not close to us. So any chance we get, we head to the coast! Over the Easter bank holiday, we went on a bit of a last-minute jaunt to the Suffolk coast, to make the most of the glorious weather that was forecast.
Our favourite campsite, Haw Wood Farm, managed to squeeze us in for a couple of nights, so we borrowed my dad’s campervan. I think this is our fourth time staying there. I thought I’d write up a little review, in case you ever go to Southwold and need a great campsite.
What Facilities Are There at Haw Wood Farm?
Haw Wood Farm campsite is SUPER family-friendly. The site is run by a lovely family with kids of their own, who know how to provide a fun and stress-free holiday environment! First up, they have the most amazing wooden play area, with a zip line. Our girls spent hours there whilst we sat with cups of loose-leave tea and proper coffee from the cafe. Oh and breakfast!
There are tonnes of special touches at Haw Wood Farm, like being able to borrow wellies and blankets. And there’s plenty going on. We had fish and chips in the cafe one night, and the girls loved their brilliant nature-themed Easter Egg Hunt.
They also put on star-gazing events, which sound fantastic: Haw Wood Farm has been named a โDark Sky Discovery Siteโ due to its unusual lack of light pollution. They have naked eye visibility 5.73, averted 5.99 and a best SQM reading of 21.75.
So What About The Basics?
Washing Facilities
For washing yourself, there are warm, spacious and clean toilet blocks, with four showers in the ladies’, two of which are very big so good if you have kids. They use eco-friendly cleaning products, and those are fresh flowers you can see near the sink. There are also two family bathrooms which make camping with kids so much easier. The hairdryer is great for helping you pack light.
For washing dishes and clothes, there’s an inside washing up area with washing machines.
Shop and Cafe and More
There’s a great cafe and shop filled with essentials and treats. It’s super easy to recycle your waste and you can even make your own firepit or BBQ.
The pitches are very spacious and level and have hookups. All in all, there is everything you need to be a very happy camper.
So What Can You Do in Southwold?
There is loads to do in the Southwold area, where the campsite is, and I highly recommend it for a lovely British holiday. The beach is mainly pebbles, but there is some sand.
There are also loads of beautiful beach huts and ice creams to enjoy. Southwold has a pier with fun activities, and lots of nice shops to browse.
And as for food, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Our favourites are the Two Magpies Bakery, which generally has a huge queue, and Adnams Cafe and Shop. Two Magpies has actually just opened a new branch within walking distance of Haw Wood Farm, and we had scrumptious pastries for breakfast one day. We had drinks, then lunch at the Adnams Cafe, as we do every time we go – we always enjoy it!
There are also plenty of nice pubs in Southwold (I think they are all Adnams pubs, as that is the local brewery) We like the one near the sea front, with a large village green outside, where customers sit and enjoy a drink in the sun. I also enjoyed my Adnams G and T!
You can go on a tour of Adnams brewery, though do book in advance as it gets booked up. There is a little museum, though we haven’t been there yet, and a historic church.
So all in all, Southwold is one of the loveliest Seaside towns in the UK and we are already looking forward to our next visit to Haw Wood Farm.
Great review weโre looking for places to try and this is going at the top of the list
Ah great, theyโve thought of everything there and itโs a good location too! Hope you love it xx
This looks like such a lovely place for a family break away x
Itโs idyllic Donna! We went for may half term a few years ago too and thereโs loads to donxx
Itโs wonderful, especially when the weather is so gorgeous xx
Lots of information and pictures, really good review!! I want to pack my bags now and go!!!!
Ah thanks so much Kelly, Iโm glad itโs helpful! Hope you can get there soon xx