Write your own Review to win £150 of Amazon Vouchers!
If you've ever visited this campsite please submit a review for your chance to win! Each month one lucky person will have their review picked at random and will win £150 of Amazon vouchers. Leave as many reviews as you can for more chances - it only takes a few minutes
We were greeted on arrival by a friendly face, and told to park while we went through all the paper work to check every thing was in order and to pay our weeks pitch fees. Waited for a pitch with electric hook up to become available, as there are no checking in or checking out times we had to wait around 30 mins or so, which in itself wasn't a problem, but while waiting for this a trip to the toilet block was necessary. There was a smell of urine and not to mention the dirt on and around the toilet, when this was mentioned to the staff who said they couldn't be responsible for these kind of peoples lack of toilet manners! My answer to this is to have a regular cleaning schedule at least 3 x per day and more when the site is full and then you might also catch the dirty culprits who do this sort of thing. This to me really let the site down big time. For the rest of the week I didn't use the toilets any more, I was lucky enough to have my own private one. The showers looked old and tired but had plenty of hot water.
The site allows camp fires which is fantastic but the ground around you is full of burn marks and looks unloved. The cars, caravans and tents looked like they spent a week at a steam fare. I would personally have preferred to have had fire pits situated around the site or to have hired specially made fire pits that you could have on your pitch which would protect the ground and keep it looking green instead of dirt bowls of dust all over. The shop was stocked well enough. But remember to pre order you croissants the night before or you,ll be disappointed.
It was my first time to this part of the country and it is beautiful, the weather was glorious which always helps but I look at that as a bonus.
Have just returned from a lovely weekend on this site. We did think £22 a night out of season was a bit steep, but this includes everything, awning, electric hook-up, dog, fishing, free wifi and as many people as you can cram in your van, no extra for visitors cars. The price is £22 a night all year so no extra for school holidays.
Getting on to the site with a caravan tests your driving skills a bit! But once your on it's worth it.
Alan and his staff are really friendly and helpful. There is a shop on site that sells all the basics you need and is very reasonably priced.
Facilities include 4 washing up stations,a microwave, electric kettle,3 showers, 5 toilets, a mens and ladies wash room, and a family bathroom, 2 washing machines are £3.00 per wash.
The toilets and showers were good and clean, however as I say we did go out of season so these may get busy later in the year.
This is a real family site, kids are encouraged there is a children's play area. However if kids running about with balls etc bothers you don't go, there is no separate play area for them.
Pitches are spacious, and campfires/BBQ's welcome. Wood for the campfire has to be bought from the site at £15.
Our TV reception wasn't great probably due to being surrounded by trees.
It is a short walk across the fields into Wickham Market where there is a good butchers shop, Co-op food store, Pub, Indian, Chinese and Fish & Chip shop.
Several good Public Footpaths from the site and Bike Hire is available on site.
This site is becoming popular and is booking up quickly for the summer. We liked it so much we are returning with friends later in the year.
Fantastic site. Wanted somewhere to go with my son as a last minute thing over the half term and although the site only communicates via e-mail, Alan responded straight away and we were packed and on the road within the hour. I enjoy tents/bashas so we were over the moon when the only densely wooded part of the site was still available (the rest is open grassed pitches or very tall poplar/willow that doesn't afford much protection). It was close to Halloween and there were many people gearing up for a big party the day we left - but it was very communal and friendly. Alan was great, very helpful and his shop had just what we needed for the open fire in our time of emergency (I forgot the silver foil!). Got a bit muddy so Alan had to help a few cars off site as the pitches are tiered down to the woodland. Wood was a bit expensive but Alan left it to you to pile up the barrow so can't complain too much. All in all a great night spent under the stars - will definitely be back.
Oh my goodness this has to be one of THE BEST sites I have ever visited in our 15 years as both campers/vanners!
This is a true hidden gem and a beautiful camp site. The Owner Alan is a complete gent, even lending us his own gas bottle from his shed when we realised ours was empty! (At NO charge!)
This sort of site are a dying breed unfortunately, its a camp where you wish, no rules kinda site - best suited maybe to people who prefer a little wilder camping.
So yes maybe the firewood is 'expensive' (£15 for s huge barrow full) but just to be able to all sit round the camp fire was magical - there is something that makes you completely happy and content whilst warming marshmallows on a fire, enjoying the night sky (be sure to check the stars - they are stunning here!)
I cannot speak highly enough of this site - the facilities/details of the site are as previous post listed - all I would like to say is my kids have not stopped talking about woodland treasure hunts, glow stick scavenges, Halloween games, pumpkin competitions and getting COVERED in mud - its places like this that childhood memories are made of
This is our third time to this campsite and the 2nd of this year. We love this campsite with the relaxed and helpful staff and the freedom to pitch where you like. There are loads of toilets and showers (we never have had to queue for any yet) there is also which I think is new this year three additional rooms, two of them being a separate ladies and mens washrooms with sinks, mirrors and hooks and the third is a family bathroom, which was a blessing for me with three of my children being under three as baths are much easier then showers when they are that age.
Friends who came with us this year brought their canoes as the site has a river/canal (site owners ok'd this) and the kids had great fun using them.
Although the park area is small, just a swing and slide we never saw our kids the whole weekend, they went off with other children exploring the wooded area and playing around the site. Even my eldest who is seven did not say 'I am bored' at all the weekend (which is a saying something)!
We had electric hook up but to be honest you can quite easily go without (which we have done once) as they provide a kettle fridge/freezer, and a microwave so everything is there for you which is great.
On Saturday nights the site owner throws up loads of neon sticks for the kids to search for (for free), it looks great as they do it once it gets dark and the kids love it (Big and small )!
All in all we love this site and we are arranging more dates with friends for next year
Wow what can I say what a fantastic weekend we just had at this campsite. Alan and his staff that run this place know how to look after people. I cannot rate this site and the friendliness of this site enough.
Lets get the only negative out the way first. The site facilities could be strained at times. For me I coped but my wife was not keen to queue for the showers. I was up and in there early with my 7 year old so it was not a problem. Given that there can be about 200 people on site, although it did not feel like this at all, four or five toilets and showers is not that many. The block is fairly new and seemed to be spider free though :-)
I only point this out as I know that some are a little more fussy than others on things like this.
Please don't let this put you off though.
The site is a stones throw from Wickham Market Village a very pretty village that you can walk to from the site, over the fields. There is a nice tea room there, India Restaurant and also a Chinese take away. Not sure if you can sit in an eat there. Spied a pub at the far end of the village as well. Did not try anything other than the tea rooms and would go back to this as well.
The Site has a great feel about it. Alan the owner and Linda are very helpful about everything. I got the sense that nothing was too much trouble.
Last minute I called Alan, on route, to ask if he could upgrade us to a pitch with electric. He said that he would sort it out. When we arrived he said he would put us in the Garden area. I did not realise that this was his back garden! Close to the pond, that my son slipped in as he was larking about in his welly's, but more importantly close to the food, come back to this, and the toilet/showers.
We went to the Alien event that Alan runs each year at this time of year and I have to say it is incredibly well run. Its such a shame that the weather was not kind to us. It rained on and off all weekend culminating in us getting soaked through as we packed the tent down on Sunday morning and then the car getting stuck in the mud. We did get out though!
The Alien event was amazing. If I can upload some pictures I will.
Alan put on a hog roast and lamb roast. So much food. 200 people booked in on the weekend and enough food for 300 so he said and I believe it.
There was also a band and they were really good. Even though the weather was ify Alan marque withstood everything. The band did modern stuff, even and covers from the 70's and 80's. They had to do some Abba as that's what Alan liked although Enya, another Alan favorite, was not deemed suitable! Thank the lord.
There is a lot more to this themed night but I would suggest going to Alans site and reading it.
My son of 7 loved being there and was off playing, rain or shine, with the other kids on the site.
You just feel safe there and it really brings camping alive.
We, as a family, are not hardened campers. My wifes normal idea of camping is probably a 3star hotel but to say she loved this weekend, our third family camping trip, would be the understatement of the year and credit to Orchard camping.
We are going to go back and plan on booking next years event and getting a lot more involved in the fancy dress!
Try this site out.
Alien event was 60 quid I think, I booked it a while back, and for all the food, the entertainment and the setting you CANNOT go wrong
Friendly owners, they even gave my partner a pack of rizlas when he ran out
Great facilities, clean hot lovely showers. Great use of kitchen facilities. Lovely wash up area.
Lovely location, just off the A12 for access to all parts of Suffolk and into Norfolk, but very quiet, close to a lovely vineyard which is excellent for wine lovers.
I suppose we all have little gems on our must go back to lists I think we have just found ours.
The campsite is set on a small hill that goes onto a flat area amongst the trees. 10 Electric hook up places and no set pitch just go where you want.
The owner Alan is very laid back and comes round to welcome you and to make sure everything is ok.
Facilities
4 washing up stations,a microwave, electric kettle,3 showers, 5 toilets, a mens and ladies wash room, and a family bathroom that needs to be booked are all included in the pitch fee of £15 per night. 2 washing machines are £3.00 per wash. Toilets/showers all clean and tidy on our visit but the campsite was quiet at busy times I think queue's would be a bit of a problem.
A queue does form for the electric kettle in the morning.
The idea of pitching 'where you want' was great the views are stunning across the countryside. A small playground is great for the kids but the whole site is a great place for them to explore. We 'lost' our kids for most of the days, they made friends with other kids on the site, and they were all out exploring the dens, fishing in the ponds and rivers and generally having lots of outdoor fun, which tired them out and made the sleep well! One of the nights we were there, glow sticks were thrown out for the kids at dark, this added to their fun. The campsite is really friendly and definitely geared up for the kids.
A van visits the site every morning with your basics and not so basics. The club shop has everything you would need.Fishing rods can be hired for £5 a day from the shop,Wi-fi is all over the site. There is a freezer and fridge for everyone to use its not big but again its free.
There are no set arrival/departure times which again we thought was brill if your last day is warm and sunny and you are in no rush it adds an extra days holiday!
Wickham market is a stones throw away with everything your going to need Ipswich is about 12 miles away with all the major supermarkets.
FIREWOOD
You are not allowed to take your own and must buy from the site £15 for a wheelbarrow and £3.50 for kindling we thought this was a bit expensive for what you got but it made our camp so much better.
We loved it and WILL be going back again many times
Just returned from a 4 night stay with my 2 children aged 9 & 6.
We had a fantastic time but a few small niggles!
Our pitch was very uneven and sloped quite badly. So much so that when it rained, which it did a LOT, the water ran down through the middle of our tent!
The fact that we could build a campfire was great. The children could not have been happier about that but I did find it expensive-£15 for barrow of logs, £3.50 for box of kindling.
The washing facilities were great but with only 3 showers for the whole site it led to long queues morning and evening if you wanted a shower!
I was very impressed with the washing up sinks and the fact that there was a microwave and fridge/freezer that could be used for free.
Cleanliness in the toilets suffered later in the day. They were obviously cleaned over night but maybe a clean after lunch as well would help that.
The play area was really nothing more than 1 swing set but the children liked it and really just used it as a place to hang out with the new friends they had made.
They also liked the covered table tennis which was very handy when the weather was bad!
The site was very relaxed, I would say horizontal at times! some nights it was very noisy with youngsters running around until almost 11 at night. Probably not great if you have very young ones trying to sleep.
We spent an idyllic afternoon down at the rivers edge with a couple of fishing nets, borrowed from the camp shop!, and a bucket. Half a dozen children all standing up to their ankles in the river soaking wet & covered in mud having a thoroughly good time! that it one reason that I will definitely go back next year!
The local village has a co-op, cash machine, chinese takeaway, cafe and is only 15 mins walk away.
I must also mention a lovely pub, the dog and duck (opposite wickham market railway station) which was recommended to us by barry in the camp shop and does the most fantastic food!
All in all, a pleasant experience! I will definitely go back, in fact I have already emailed a booking for next year!
We returned here again this year after our virgin camping holiday the same time last year and were not disappointed! New washrooms had been added which were great especially for teeth brushing and child washing! Alan as always made us feel like part of the family with Pimms on the terrace and glow sticks for the kids. Our children built a Trepee in the forest and spent many hours enjoying it! There were parties going on every evening we stayed but they never interrupted our fun or became too loud or late. The only thing that interrupted our sleep was the noisy cockerels from the field next door! This is a must visit site, we'll be back same time next year.
Have just returned from this site after 4 nights camping. This is really a family campsite in which children can go and play. That said it is well maintained and the owner has really tried to do something slighty different to other sites. The camp shop was good and the staff very friendly, it never seemed to close. A baker visits the site first thing in the morning so fresh croissants make a pleasant change.
The toilet block is well maintained and has some nice features such as microwave and kettle free to use, this is especially handy for baby milk. The only negative point here was that there is probably not quiet enough showers and toilets for the numbers on site.
The site sells and allows open fires and most people seem to have one and it can be a good way to meet your neighbours. The owner walks round the site once a night to chat to the guests and to be fair he seems to really care that everyone is having a good time.
The only criticism is there is a lot of water that is not well signposted so you do have to be vigilant with young children. There is also an uncovered water feature by the washrooms which again did not seem to be in line with family camping.
This aside the owner is really trying to make this an enjoyable family get away
We just had couple days there. The positives are its 40mins from Africa Alive which is brilliant and country side is beautiful. The entrance approach as someone else commented is up narrow lane where suddenly you have to make a sharp turn and as I did I got the van stuck on the large tree. Coming down into site is very narrow and there is not much space to park and check in. The ground and pitches were uneven and not at all suitable for tourers its 95% tents and I can see why. The owner and couple staff are very friendly and he does keep shop open most evenings. However as nearly everyone says campfires a good idea but £15 plus cost kindling £20 is far too much. The showers and toilets were not cleaned before or during our stay. The pitches are close together The kids play area is small and there is no space to play. Finally the glow stick party a great idea but it was not a party they just chucked a couple boxes sticks out at 9pm and kids and parents jossle for em !
We chose this site as it was a different area of Suffolk that we have not visited yet and were looking for somewhere relatively close to home so we could leave after work and get there and set up before dark.
We arrived to a bit of a muddy field (it had been raining all day!) and were not greeted very friendly. It took a while to book us in but we were then able to choose our pitch-they were a bit uneven and lacking in grass as fires were allowed anywhere. We were asked to leave our car at the top of the site due to the conditions but were assisted in taking our stuff down to the pitch and provided wih wheelbarrows if needed which was handy!
We liked the fact you could have an open fire but wood has to be brought from the site and is a bit expensive at £20 but it does include marshmallows which is a bonus! We stayed up quite late chatting with our friends around the fire and it definitely added to the camping atmosphere.
Toilets are ok but there were not very many and there were queues for the showers and sinks in the morning-they also needed to be cleaned more regularly due to the muddy conditions!
It was not a very quiet campsite with noise still happening after midnight but it was a very relaxed atmosphere, although the one of the least friendly sites we have visited.
Ther location is very nice with facilities close by to get basic food and BBQ essentials (the shop on site is expensive!) Surrounding area is interesting with lots of places to visit. We went to Orford castle and would highly recommend it.
Overall a nice site but I think it is a bit overrated although might have been put off by the muddy conditions on arrival!
Just returned from a great 3 night stay at the Orchard Campsite with my two lads aged 12 & 9. It's a lovely looking site with a large main field on a slight slope leading down to the wooded area down by the River Deben, which runs along the bottom of the campsite. We pitched our two-man and three-man tent, after being shown there by the extemely helpful staff, down by the side of the river within the forest which was great because the boys could fall out of the tent straight onto the river bank for a spot of fishing!(Jacks, Perch, Roach, Minnows, Gudgeon etc). Be aware that if you are down by the river it's a bit of a walk up a gentle hill to the toilet/wash facilities but hey! it's a campsite! If it does rain it can get a bit muddy but wellies will sort out this little problem.
The washing and showering facilities are really good and well looked after, although busy at peak times, as you can imagine if the site is fairly full. There are unisex toilets + a female only toilet and also a male washroom and female washroom and 3 or 4 showers. There's also a large double freezer situated by the washrooms and where the washing machine and tumble dryer are sited. There's also a washing-up area with 3 large sinks for pots and pans etc.
There are a number of Bar-B-Qs up by the house that you can borrow and take to your pitch should you wish to, just ask at the shop, who are really friendly and helpful. The shop stocks the bare essentials should you run out but at 8.00AM each morning a van with local produce, meat, eggs, milk, bread, etc comes to the site.
There are plenty of kids of all ages so my two were normally off running about through the woods etc. Be careful of the pond and the river though, as neither are fenced off, especially for the younger children.
Being able to have your own campfire was also great and the boys loved this at the end of the evening (apart from the silly stories told by Dad apparently!) so it was well worth the 20 quid for the logs and kindling and couple of bags of marshmallows. They lasted us for all three nights.
Rendlesham Forest is only a 15 minute drive away where there are some great walks, just beware of the aliens! We also went to Aldeborough which has got a great pebble beach and stretches for miles.
All in all a smashing camp site with everything you need and a good base from which to explore, and we'll definitely be going back there again. Well done the Orchard!
On arrival at the Orchard all seemed well. At first it had a novelty value of being able to have camp fires and toast marshmallows, but at £15 for the logs this novelty (for me) soon wore off, you are not allowed to bring your own logs onto site for Safety Reasons
Lots and lots of flies, which just made me uncomfortable, especially in the toilets. Ah the toilets/showers/washing up etc. First the cleanliness of them is a perfect deterrent to blissful ablutions, get in. Go. Get out. Quick ! This is partly down to the fact there were simply not enough toilets and showers for a camp this size, queuing to wash or poo is just not fun.
The shop /log cabin/shed, stays open to midnight. The play area is somewhat teeny weeny and serves a useful job of getting the kids dirty(er).
The surrounding area is fine for days out, but the camp offers no useful guides or advice on whats on or where to go, could make a big improvement here.
It rained when we went. It really rained, this lead to the paths and driveway becoming a quagmire, a bit of type 1 or dare I say a few yards of tarmac drive wouldn't go amiss.
If it's going to be all friendly and family run, organise some things to do, chucking a few glo sticks for free isn't exactly a pile of effort.
Camp fires are great but how about being reasonable with the wood, a weeks stay can see you spend another £50 on logs.
All in all the family had a decent time, I just couldn't wait to get home to a clean bathroom
Previous
407 Reviews in total, now showing 286 to 300Next
Write a Review of this Site to Win £150 Amazon Vouchers
Write a review of this campsite and you could win £150 of Amazon vouchers. Each month one lucky person will have their review picked at random and will win! Leave as many as you can for more chances - submit your review here
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
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
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 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
Rallies Welcome 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
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 
No Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
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 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
We were greeted on arrival by a friendly face, and told to park while we went through all the paper work to check every thing was in order and to pay our weeks pitch fees. Waited for a pitch with electric hook up to become available, as there are no checking in or checking out times we had to wait around 30 mins or so, which in itself wasn't a problem, but while waiting for this a trip to the toilet block was necessary. There was a smell of urine and not to mention the dirt on and around the toilet, when this was mentioned to the staff who said they couldn't be responsible for these kind of peoples lack of toilet manners! My answer to this is to have a regular cleaning schedule at least 3 x per day and more when the site is full and then you might also catch the dirty culprits who do this sort of thing. This to me really let the site down big time. For the rest of the week I didn't use the toilets any more, I was lucky enough to have my own private one. The showers looked old and tired but had plenty of hot water.
