Insurance Quotes

Advertisement

Reviews of Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park

Campsite Search > UK > East Anglia England > Norfolk > East Harling > Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park > Reviews

Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park
Thetford Forest
East Harling
Norfolk   (Browse area)
NR16 2SE
Tel: 01953 717314
Visit their website    Check Digital TV coverage    See Weather Forecast

Share  Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email

Pitches: 140
Open: 24/03/2026 to 02/11/2026
           24/03/2027 to 02/11/2027

Rating: Average Review Score: 8/10 from 114 Reviews
                8/10 from 114 Reviews

 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 
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 
 No Waterside Pitches   Public Transport <5 miles  Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 

Reviews:  114 in total, now showing 46 to 60                 Previous 15          Next 15
Jump to Page   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8  

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



Date of Visit: May 2013 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: Suebear 7 reviews from this member

 Just back from a great weekend here. We are a family who camp with no electric hook up.

The site was very quiet with only 6 other units on the camping field. It was free pitch so we had plenty of space. In parts the site was boggy, but this was noted to us by the office, and the area left with longer grass. Although by the end of the weekend the site was getting very wet!

The toilet blocks were clean, as was the pot wash. The baby changing facilities looked lovely with a baby bath as well as plenty of space, and there were freezer block facilities in the laundry. There were two little play areas for the children, although these were in the caravan areas so were a little way from our tent. We didn't use the pub or the shop, but did manage to pick up the free wi-fi from the pot wash area. The pool wasn't open this early in the year.

The toilets were about 150m from our tent, which would have been a bit of a hike had we not got our own toilet.

A great location hidden away in the forest, and a site we will return too. Not sure what it would be like a full capacity, we liked the sleepy quietness of it, but when it was busy it may be different. 


Date of Visit: April 2013 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Oldtott 3 reviews from this member

 Our first Touring experience so expectations were unsure.

Site is in the middle of the forest accessible by a long unsurfaced road. Reception area was spacious to park up and book in. Very welcoming by the the owners and we were shown to our pitch. Slight incline to the site but not that it would cause any problems with levelling. It was a quite time and we were placed in right infront of the Play Area. This was fantastic as our children were able to safely play and we could just watch from the caravan. There was a swimming pool but this was closed. The toilets were very clean and showers were only warm but the thing which surprised us was that they were not heated, in fact I am sure it was warmer outside in the frost! There was a bar which was opened most nights from 7. 00pm, only one or two people in but again very friendly. Prices were average but a pint of beer did go up 20p during our stay! Free Wifi available in the bar which was an added bonus. TV Reception is a bit hit and miss so you would do better with a satellite dish.

The whole site was spotlessly clean, site staff were constantly pruning and clearing debris deposited from the surrounding trees. The owner even checked the playground equipment to make sure it was safe.

We took our bikes which is a must for this area as there are so many areas to explore and if you are quiet enough you will see deer in the fields grazing. There is a fantastic Church near the site (Walking distance) which is well worth a visit.

Because this is in the middle of a forest there is hardly any light pollution so on a clear night the sky looks amazing. Just remember to take a torch though as there are hardly any lights on the site at night.

There is a shop on site that sells essentials Milk, Bread etc. And a little shed that has a multitude of information for places to visit, cycle routes and local takeaways. Nearest superstore is Tesco and is about 4 miles away but if you are clever some people get them to deliver to site!

Overall this is a great site, I would imaging it to be fantastic in the summer (If we have one!).

We will definitely be going back. 


Date of Visit: September 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: Normskideb 4 reviews from this member

 We have just returned from a weekend stay at Dower house. Was blessed with very good weather (phew)

Lovely site, nice big pitches in the middle of woodland which is exactly what we wanted, most forest sites we have found don't have toilets or showers so it was lovely to find this site. Yes it's a long bumpy track to the site but it is worth it. Disappointing that the swimming pool was closed as the weather was nice but understandable as it is mid September.

Toilet block were kept clean and tidy but can see how there wouldn't be enough showers in high season. Nice and safe for children to play. A lovely site and we will most certainly be returning 


Date of Visit: September 2012 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Stokes11 15 reviews from this member

 We have always done sites that are near beaches so this was our first attempt at Forest inland. Nice site, our location was to the left hand side so we never got any sun until 4pm in the afternoon. Pool was nice and a adult needs to be present with your child, was a tad bit cold! Again we were lucky to have lovely weather the weekend we went so the pool got our full use.

Shop was very disappointing, ok if you want sausages, bacon, eggs or milk but that is your lot really. Bar opened at 7pm and was only open 2 nights a week and that is at weekends, no food served just drinks, has a pool table and darts board and outdoor table tennis. Kids area needs to be repaired quite a bit, so be a bit careful here.

The site states Modern Shower Blocks, which I totally dis-agree with, shower block has 6 in total with mouldy ceilings and shower curtains, a small area to dry and change into and no sinks to clean your teeth or brush your hair etc, the site really does need to improve this section.

Wood area lovely and our 8 year old son made a friend and was gone off on his bike to play in the woods building dens great fun. Nice and relaxing site, but needs some money spent on it to make some much needed improvements. Not for us again, will keep to beach sites only in future. 


Date of Visit: September 2012 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: F Scott 1 review from this member

 Just returned from a two night stay here. It is a wonderful site in the heart of the forest - it is a mile from the road! The access road, as has been mentioned, is stony and rough but that encourages you to go slow and look for the wildlife.

The actual site is nicely laid out with all grass pitches, some secluded behind hedges and most with EHU. Service points are dotted about the place but to empty the toilet you must go to the toilet block which is a bit of a walk carrying a full cassette! The pool was shut but having been before we know it is well kept and clean. There is a bar but we did not use it. There is one downside to this site and that is the wash blocks need some urgent TLC. They appear dirty and run down with some paint peeling which put us off using them on our second morning. If these were sorted then we would have no hesitation in returning, as it is we would think twice.

Other than that, the play area is great for the children, the woods are very accessible straight from the site wherever you pitch and at night you get big skies full of stars - no light pollution here! 



Advertisement

Wolfbox



Date of Visit: August 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: Upapalmtree 12 reviews from this member

 Just back from a weeks stay at Dower House and we had a very nice time. We stayed in the EHU tent field opposite the toilet block.

Points for review:

1) access is from 2pm - don't even bother trying for earlier!

2) site is split into areas, first main areas are caravans (a few tents if they have space) with a playground area, next field (opposite toilet block)is an EHU field for tents, last huge field was the massive camping field, only electric against one hedge, the rest is non EHU.

3) our pitch was massive ¬ biggest we've ever seen! could fit our car, then 8 man tunnel tent sideways, and another car at the other end with space.

4) Pool is heated, immaculately cleaned every morning

5) Little shop has a few things but don't rely on it

6) road into the site is long and stony - our friends got a puncture on it!

7) its the forest - take midgy spray if your there in the summer

8) Personally I think they need more showers - when fully booked you did have to wait maybe 10 minutes. Ladies for example have 8 showers in total.

9) football pitch with 2 goals by the pool - big hit with our boys.

10) trails through the woods are great if you like that sort of thing - our boys loved it on their bikes.

Thoughts about the site:

The owners do fantastic job, its a big site and they are constantly up keeping it, mowing every pitch before new campers arrive, the pool cleaning in the morning etc, but the loos did get messy and dirty - I know it was full when we were there but that's when you get extra staff for a month and do more cleaning.

It is a little remote and getting supplies is a good 10 minute drive. No wifi, but did get a phone signal.

We used the washing machine for our clothes - adequate but not great.

Most people seem to barricade themselves in with wind breakers as it was the holidays and they were there for at least a week, and a lot of people camping together in groups.

The main tent field (non-EHU) is vast and a bit 'festivally!' pitching is directed but a lot more haphazard, down at the bottom of the field it is damp and dark as in the shade of the tall trees pretty much all day and was boggy when we looked - I would NOT have wanted to be pitched down there.

If you want dryer sunnier pitches ask to be near the top of the fields away from the trees, otherwise you are in the shade from 1pm onwards.

We will definitely go back if we stay that way again - safe for the kids, lots for them to do, really nice site. 


Date of Visit: August 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: OArthur 6 reviews from this member

 Just returned from a three night stay at The Dower House. It was the only site with availability in the area we wanted. The staff were helpful with booking me in to the last available pitch with electric for our tent.

On arrival to the site, we checked in at reception and had to wait ten minutes until 2pm precisely to be escorted to our pitch! The pitch was opposite the play area and behind the swimming pool. It was a large pitch, all to ourselves as it was almost like a small island. Plenty of room for our 7m tent, car and you could have had another small tent and car on there.

Our daughter was pleased with the play area, where all the children met and played together. The swimming pool was another hit, especially when the sun was out! Small shop great for ice creams, etc. Toilets and showers were fine, not the best I've used, by not the worst by any means.

Site was pretty much full, except for some camping pitches at the back of the site, but the whole place didn't feel too busy and it was reasonably quiet at night. Pitch black, as no light pollution at night, so make sure your torch is handy!

Area great for walking and cycling. Also quite a few campers had canoes with them. We enjoyed just chilling out on site, but we did spend an afternoon and evening at Great Yarmouth (free fireworks display every Wednesday at 10pm during the summer 2012) and we popped in to Thetford to get some supplies for the BBQ.

At time of review, it cost us £86. 85 for 3 nights, in our tent with EHU for 2 adults and 1 child. Thought this was a bit too much, but did include free use of swimming pool, so if you're using this, then probably worth it, especially if you have children to entertain!

All in all, a great site, which we will return to as it's only an hour from home and great for a weekend getaway from it all! 


Date of Visit: July 2012 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Iconic 2 reviews from this member

 A real gem! Very well run indeed. Possibly the best warden I've met whom knows everything there is to know about 'vans and happy to help/advise a rookie like us. Toilets/shower etc blocks, modern, well appointed and super clean, they always seemed to be being attended to.

Clubhouse very clean, modern and comfy. And good beer, the owners' good for a chat too.

Excellent location, lots of histoy here and some great pubs around here. George and Dragon in East Harling, food and drink, Banham Barrel a short drive, very friendly, more like a Spanish type of bar, live music on weekends/Wednesday's, child friendly!

Not a cheap site but you get what you pay for! 


Date of Visit: July 2012 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Mdangcontract 14 reviews from this member

 Just returned from a 5 day break at Dower House. In terms of location it is unlikely you will find a more attractive site. Set in the heart of Thetford forest the location is simply stunning. Because it is in the forest you are a good way from the road. Noise and light pollution are no issue whatsoever.

The facilities; a well stocked shop with all the basics. Prices possibly on the high side but the alternative is a 7 mile trip to Thetford so not a big deal.

The showers were spotless and always provided plenty of hot water. The toilets too were always clean. The standards of hygene at the park could not be surpassed.

The heated outside pool was well used and well cared for. There is also table tennis, darts and pool.

I did hear someone complain that there were no games machines, but for me that is the strength of the park. Parents engage with their youngsters and it was a delight to see. Almost like going back in time in some ways.

There is a bar that is very welcoming. We were disappointed that it did not serve food as this would have enhanced our personal experience but that is just a personal view. The bar was not very busy, again the offering was a little pricey so it seemed to us that people had a drink at their pitches.

The forest itself is the star of the show for this park, and provided us with several carefree, enjoyable walks where the children could make dens, and the dog could run, all in the cooler shade which was welcome as the week was a scorcher.

As I have said Thetford is a few miles away and well worth a visit with its Free Parking, market and a choice of clothes shops, eateries and also the Dads Army Museum.

All in all a fabulous break, and an experience we would hope to repeat in the future. 


Date of Visit: July 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: Wyno70 9 reviews from this member

 We visited in early July for our first trip in a tent with our 3 year old and 1 year old.

We had a fantastic time and really couldn't fault the site. It was fantastic for the kids.

A nice little play area, lovely swimming pool (although the kiddies pool was cold), far away from any roads, so no noise and no light pollution.

It's obviously a well known site as despite it just being a regular weekend (no school hols or bank holiday) the site was pretty busy.

The shower blocks were nice and clean, as were washing up areas etc.

A great site, nicely located in Thetford forest with lots of biking and walking trails. We loved it. 



Advertisement

Wolfbox



Date of Visit: June 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: SarsiCakes 6 reviews from this member

 We stayed here, 3 tents, 7 children, 5 adults and 2 dogs. In half-term. There was plenty of rooms in the camping field and were able to pitch our three tents together, anywhere we pleased. The only restrictions was the 6 metre rule between tents.

This is a great friendly site. I would agree with other reviews regarding molehills. Whilst a few molehills aren't a problem, they did make the field incredibly muddy when it rained, and it rained.

My only criticism would be regarding the shower block. The toilets housed two showers, but the main shower block had no toilets, other than one in the disabled shower. The main shower block also didn't have any sinks, which was an inconvenience.

On the whole though, it is a lovely site and we would definitely return. 


Date of Visit: May 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: Andyjo123 3 reviews from this member

 We camped at Dower House for a week in May and really liked the site. Our pitch also had electricity. The kids loved the pool and used it every day. The whole site is geared towards families and this was really nice. There is a pub on site which also serves meals and this was very handy. There is also a decent shop which is well stocked. There are plenty of tracks/paths around the site to cycle or walk the dog in the forest. We found the facilities really good and the showers/toilet blocks were kept very clean. The washing up sinks are indoors which is handy if the weather is bad! 


Date of Visit: May 2012 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Rotherhamlass 2 reviews from this member

 Visited Dower House at the weekend and really liked this site although it was a little noisy as it was very busy. Toilets and showers were clean with lashings of hot water. Our pitch was roomy with room to sit out as well as put the car. We had brought our bikes and there were plenty of trails through Thetford Forest nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful and the site shop reasonably stocked with essentials etc.

We would definitely revisit if we return to the area and would recommend it to our friends. 


Date of Visit: May 2012 Unit:  Motorhome
Reviewer: Tripeaker 56 reviews from this member

 Excellent site, a really friendly welcome from the wardens who showed us to our pitch which was large and level.

All the facilities were clean and well cared for. The site was well laid out with a small shop and useful information area. It was nice to have the bar on site.

There is a swimming pool that during warm weather looks an idea place to be.

Next to no light pollution at night, so on clear nights the stars look amazing.

Take care on the access road to the site as it is a bit bumpy but well worth the journey.

We will certainly return 


Date of Visit: April 2012 Unit:  Tent
Reviewer: The greens 1969 7 reviews from this member

 Spent 3 nights here. On arrival was shown to our pitch, huge it was, plenty of room. Location was nice. Deer could be seen early am.

Showers were clean. Small shop but did sell quite a bit, other facilities were also good.

Mole hills were a bit annoying, don't know if there bad all season.

Swimming pool was closed, but looked ok,

Kids play areas looked nice

The site wasn't that busy but possibly is in high season

All in all we had a pleasant stay and will go back. 


Previous     114 Reviews in total, now showing 46 to 60      Next

Share  Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Write a Review of this Site to Win £150 Amazon Vouchers

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 Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park child friendly?  YES, it accepts children & has a playground  View all facilities

Does Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park have a swimming pool?  YES, there is a pool on site  View all facilities

Where is the nearest shop to Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park?  There is a shop on site  View all facilities

Is Dower House Caravan And Leisure Park dog friendly?  YES  View all facilities




Other Sites Near East Harling      Other sites within 10 miles   -   All Sites in Norfolk

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...











    Upcoming Event

UKCS Meet Motorhome and Campervan Show Exeter 20/11 to 22/11

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

Follow us on Facebook
Follow our UKCampsite.co.uk page on Facebook! Keep abreast of the latest news and updates much more easily.

Simply click here then click on the Like button!

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


7157 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Special Offers]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Tent Reviews] 

[Contact Us] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2026


Advertisement



Advertisement



Advertisement