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We were allocated pitch 184 when we booked. Could see by the map its location however when we arrived discovered it was a small pitch with a footpath running through it. Told to pitch 6 metres from next tent which was an impossibility. The work compound next to us was in use from 7. 30 every morning, the container unit was opened loudly, the tractor started up and also the digger to start their regular drives past our tent. The red 'poo' truck sat in there causing a disgusting smell.
The noise level was terrible and went on very late. We could clearly hear the playground and the bar, both of which were still causing noise at gone 11pm.
The showers were dated and you had no control over temperature of water. The button to press to start the shower was in the dressing area and when the watered stopped you had to again enter the dressing area to press it again. I could not have a complete shower on one press of the button. There are no private wash cubicles. With only three showers you always had to wait to have one, you also would have to wait to clean your teeth in the morning.
I found the shop was poorly stocked when we arrived, however half way through our ten day stay it did improve slightly. It was a bonus you could order your daily newspaper if required.
The best part of the site was the direct beach access and being able to walk through the statics area to gain a little peace.
The central location of the site was good and we were able to visit lots of Suffolk.
We chose this particular site as my other half wanted to do some beach fishing and this was one of the few sites which had its own beach access.
I had reservations about the site after reading some of the reviews, especially the fact that most of the pitches are sited under trees which brings its own set of problems. Being so close to the beach made up for this and we had a lovely 5 days (Monday to Friday). The sound of the sea was lovely to hear and were able to run the dog off the lead on there. He loved swimming in the sea! It never ceases to amaze me that there are some dog owners that do not clear up after their dog. Yes, you do still have to clear it up from the beach, the sea doesn't wash it away when it's right at the bottom of the steps and children, especially, will probably tread in it. Rant over!
Back to the site. I think you have take on board all that has been said in previous reviews as they are all relevant and make your mind up from there. We found the showers that were up near reception, perfectly clean and spacious and powerful and hot. And free!
It is a very higgildy piggildy site with lots of lodges and statics and tent pitches in amongst touring pitches. It does feel a bit closed in but that's because of the canopy of trees.
There are lots of separate areas so doesn't feel as though you're on a big site, even though you actually are.
When we booked we asked if we could be as close to the beach access as possible so were given pitch 197. It was ok for our needs but if you were putting up a full size awning, there may not have been much more room. We didn't bother as we were only there for 5 days and the trees supplied the canopy!
We had been told that all the pitches were full for the weekend and I would imagine it becomes quite noisy with all those extra people around and a lot of footfall past the pitches to get to the beach.
I think that if we wanted another break like we've just had, then we would go to this site again. I don't think we would go over a weekend as it will be far too busy. Mind you, we are a couple of old 'farts' who, given the choice, would normally pick an adult only site! Would imagine that for families with children, this site has lots to offer. (and to a previous reviewer, the beach has plenty of room for throwing of balls, frisbee, etc!)
Also, the site staff were helpful and polite. We had to have our van off the pitch by 11am but wanted to go to Southwold, so asked if we could leave van parked somewhere safe while we out for the day and they accommodated us.
All in all, I actually embraced the site even though I was uncertain when we first arrived.
Stayed here the weekend of 7th June 2013. We stayed in a tent on pitch 187 with EHU. That pitch and the ones near it, in fact most on site, are completely covered by trees.
As for the site itself.
Location - really good location with steps that lead down to the beach! That was superb and there is a 1. 5-2 mile walk along to 'sunken' Dunwich where lovely fish and chips can be enjoyed on the beach, superb! Nice part of the world really.
Pitch - this was bark and was fairly small. We used our Woolacombe 6, the Bear Lake would have been too big for the pitch I think. Also, the front of the tent was only 1 metre from one of the roads running through the park - not the nicest. I did specify how big the tent was before arriving, I quoted the BL6 size in fact as I've only just got the Woolacombe, but it was still pokey.
Facilities - there is a small playground for the kids but nowhere really for them to play ball games / frisbee etc. As it is mainly woodland there are no open spaces. The beach is epic but on site kids facilities are not the best. I cannot comment on the restaurant as we arrived on the Friday night and ate our own, planning to use the restaurant on Saturday. We couldn't. There was a wedding on so could not use it, we were told though that we could have breakfast on Sunday morning from 9. We couldn't. We were queuing up at 0855 with two hungry boys to be told it was only for wedding guests! Bit miffed with that but found a great pub 6 miles away (at Westleton - the Crown I think) that did a stonking brekkie! The toilets / showers were clean and fine but a bit tight. A family room would be great.
All in all a good site and we enjoyed it, but when compared with others I am saying 7/10.
We have just returned from a week staying at Cliff House, the site is lovely, close to the beach, really good bar and restaurant, food was great. Our only gripe is that having a tent with electric hook up the only pitches available to us were under trees with bark to camp on - not very suitable for tents as it acts like a sponge when it rains. We also spent a lot of time washing bird poo off the tent!
There are more open grass pitches available with electric hook up but these seemed to be allocated to touring caravans/motor homes which seemed to us more than a little strange.
The site is situated in a beautiful area with good warm facility blocks and well stocked shop - which is just as well as it is a bit of a treck to the nearest shop.
Would certainly return providing we were able to camp on grass and not under trees.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
I agree with most of the other reviewers, the site is lovely and the new facilities are a very good standard but the food was disappointing for the price. The food was ok, and it was nice to be able to stay on site, but it should have been cheaper or better. I must say though it was a very good pint of Adnams and the cheapest I have ever seen, and we've been coming to this area of Suffolk for over 20 years. The wash facilities were basic but fine for our needs
We loved our pitch. We were under the trees but at the sea side of the site so had the sound of the waves lulling us to sleep every night.
We were glad we were no where near the play park. We have two young children and I wouldn't dream of leaving them in the park by themselves, although this didn't seem to worry most people. As other reviewers said, I believe these were regular visitors to the site. I had to help a two year old who hurt himself. When I called out to ask who was with him his sister stepped forward. She was only 4! No idea where the parents were and this wasn't the only time such incidents occurred.
I think we were lucky where we were pitched that we were at the edge of the site, near the steps down to the beach, and the sound of the sea tended to drown out any noise in the evenings, It was very tranquil sitting outside the tent with a glass of somthing cold, listening to the sea and watching the sun go down.
The shop was well stocked and even had little pocket money toys for the kids and a decent loaf of bread.
The staff were all very friendly and even gave me all the ice from the bar for my ice cream maker.
We walked all around the site and there are some lovely statics and lodges and we found most people very friendly. On our last night a couple were building a small fire on the beach and we sat with them and their family and chatted whilst darkness fell. A lovely memory that will stay with me for a long time.
So much to do in the area, but others have already pointed out lots, the brewery in Southwold has an excellent kitchen shop and a great tour, and a visit to Aldeburgh is a must of you like fresh fish and there is one of the best seconds hand bookshops ever.
We would definitely visit this site again, and keep away from the playground!
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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
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 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
Holiday Homes for Sale 
Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
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 
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 
Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
Open All Year 
Coastside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
We were allocated pitch 184 when we booked. Could see by the map its location however when we arrived discovered it was a small pitch with a footpath running through it. Told to pitch 6 metres from next tent which was an impossibility. The work compound next to us was in use from 7. 30 every morning, the container unit was opened loudly, the tractor started up and also the digger to start their regular drives past our tent. The red 'poo' truck sat in there causing a disgusting smell. 
