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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
   
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Pitches: 140
Open: 24/03/2026 to 02/11/2026
24/03/2027 to 02/11/2027
Rating: 
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 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 |
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| 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 |
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 No Waterside Pitches |
 Public Transport <5 miles |
 Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access |
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Reviews:
114 in total, now showing 76 to 90
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| Date of Visit: April 2010 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Morrisdancer1 |
6 reviews from this member |
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 We normally use adults only sites but this was a family holiday. We were pleasantly surprised by the general level of behaviour by the young ones and the site must be paradise for them,with a lovely play area and the forest to explore.
The large pitches were thoughtfully laid out and all facilities handy. Wardens very friendly and helpful. From the conversations it is obvious that families come here regularly and it is no surprise.
Long and bumpy approach kept speeds down but offsite there are plenty of places to go. Shop provides most needs and pub got praise from our other family members 
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| Date of Visit: April 2010 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Duffs |
9 reviews from this member |
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Spent a weekend at this campsite with two children and dogs.There is a strict 2pm entry time, as on arrival there were five units in front of us all waiting for over 20 minutes to be allowed onto a half empty site (however the leaving time is 1pm and although we left before, we were told that there was no rush).
Great central park for the children and pool to one side with a high fence. This was not yet open and was being cleaned ready for summer season. There is no charge for the use but all children under 15 years need to be accompanied by an adult.
Small reception / shop.
Toilets are very basic, with the main toilets not having any mirrors over the sinks. Did not use the shower facilities.
The pub did not open until 7pm, but that may be just because of the time of the year.
Great forest walks for both kids and dogs.
Great location for short stays, be prepared for the forest dawn chorus!
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| Date of Visit: March 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Magentarose |
5 reviews from this member |
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We stayed at Dower House in Thetford for a weekend at the end of March. It was quiet at this time so we cannot comment on what it would be like in high season.
The pitches were a fantastic size on electric hook up, biggest we have had! The grass was a little uneven with mole / rabbit hills and holes, but they were working on them while we were there, and staying in the forest this is what you would expect.
The staff were very friendly, we were shown to our pitch and enjoyed some friendly banter with all the staff.
There is a small shop stocking everything you need, at corner shop prices which was great. There is also a family pub on site, which had a great atmosphere, a pool table and darts, they also do food which we found no problem with, it could be expensive eating there with a family though.
The toilets and showers are clean, they were doing the final finishes on re-decorating them while we were there, and there was a large washing up room with nice hot water.
There is not much around the site, so if you like cycling, walks and a forest environment this is the place for you.
We would visit Dower House again, probably out of high season though again.
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| Date of Visit: September 2009 |
Unit: Trailer Tent |
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| Reviewer: Sogc |
1 review from this member |
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Just returned from another wonderful week in the forest. Very peacful site, even when more campers arrived on the Friday. 6th time we have been here and it certainly won't be the last.
All staff extremely helpful and the facitities were very clean. As the site is literally in Thetford forest there are some very pleasant walks through the forest where we saw deer and lots of different of animals and birdlife.
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| Date of Visit: September 2009 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: DPFS |
5 reviews from this member |
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This was our fourth visit to Dower House but the first for our friends. Intially we stayed at a site near the coast for a change but the site was grim and we decided to the head back to dower house.
As usual the staff were very friendly and accomodating and it felt just like coming home. The pitches are really large and it has the feel of a CL site but with all the facilities.
The location is beautiful and the dog and teenagers love the forest. Last time we stayed we went to Banham Zoo which is one of nicest zoos I have ever been to and well worth a visit.
If you like lovely scenary, big pitches and a relaxed atmosphere dower house has it all.
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| Date of Visit: August 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Mike+Marina |
1 review from this member |
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Just come back from 7 days at the Dower House. This was our first time visit and we would definitely make a return visit.
We were given a good spacious pitch just behind the pool, which worried us at first as it was quite noisy, but the pool shut at 6pm and from then on it was quiet.
The main toilet/ dish washing /laundry block was well sited for all and were clean. We never had to wait to use them. The shower block was separate unit and again these were good - never had to wait - only had luke warm water one night; but it was quite late. Toilet block was cleaned daily between 11 and 12 noon, but there was another toilet block just before the reception area.
The swimming pool although not large was adequate for the usage while we were there. The fact that it wasn't charged for meant that there was no life guards and under 16's had to be supervised at all times by parents - this suited us though.
The playgorund was great and kept my 6 yr old occupied every spare minute while we were at the site.
The pub behind the house was convenient although we only used it once - the menu gave a varied choice with something for all tastes and ages and was reasonably priced. It was ok - but no more than that.
There was a small shop at reception with all the basics you need in both food and emergency camping equipment. There was a booth next to the shop with lots of useful info and leaflets on the area and things to do in Norfolk and Suffolk - very handy.
We didn't venture into East or West Harling so can't comment on shops or pubs. For our top up shopping we used Tesco's (Thetford) which was only 6 miles away.
We chose this site based on the reviews from previous visitors and although it was central to Norfolk it did mean that we had travel at least an hour to get to a beach - worth the drive though.
Overall a really good site - we don't like to use really commercial sites but like ones with good amenities and facilities and the Dower House ticked all the boxes.
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| Date of Visit: July 2009 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Mabbs1998 |
7 reviews from this member |
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We have just returned from our second visit to Dower House, having yet another fantastic time. All the facilities were A1, never without toilet roll, hand towels, toilets always clean (and the site was quite busy), showers always available.
Fantastic place for kids with the playground, woods and excellent pool. You don't have to leave the site at all. Pub food is available lunchtime and evening. I cant recommend enough - you wont be disappointed.
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| Date of Visit: July 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Mrs E J Clarke |
2 reviews from this member |
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When leaving we booked again for the August Bank holiday, which we were lucky as it was almost sold out.
I have ready some reviews for this site and a lot are correct eg. Mole hills and rabbit holes. However they did mention this and asked all visitors to be aware. I mean it's in the middle of a forest it's what to be expected.
On arrival the check in was painless and very quick, the staff were amazingly helpful and friendly. We were shown to out pitch by a member of staff who advised us where everything was and certain rules of the campsite. These were in place to help everyone have a safe holiday. The pitch was well marked out and very spacious. To prevent the grass been damaged they ask that everyone pitch on the left hand side as a fire safety precaution.
We visited the pub for our evening meal. The beer was slightly pricey but not extortionate in any way. The food was ok and well priced.
The pool has no life guard and all children under 16 must be accompanied by adults, this I found was a bonus as you didn't get the odd stupid youth bombing and upsetting other children in the pool. It was heated and was very nice to cool down in as we had a very nice hot day.
The only advice I would give is to take repellent as there are a lot of gnats, flies etc. But that's to be expected.
My only down point I found was the shop opening hours were not great. 8-30 til 5.30. Seen as the site is so far away from any shops and definitely need transport to get to them.
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| Date of Visit: July 2009 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Silverweb |
15 reviews from this member |
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We stayed here on the 4th July w/e. The long track up to the campsite is very rutted so be prepared for a bumpy ride however, the welcome at the reception are was very pleasant and professionally handled and a gentleman on a bike escorted us to our pitch which was very generous in size.
There is a mixture of tents and caravans, all surrounded by Thetford Forest which is easily accessible and has some wonderful walks and cycle rides. On site, there is a nice little shop, which has the basics and a good selection of sweets and icrecreams.
The small pool was very crowded but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and it was nice to have the opportunity to cool off in the heat. There is also a good play area for small children which is in the centre of one of the pitching areas therefore making it easy to watch over your children.
There is also a well placed onsite pub which serves meals although we didn't use this facility. Showers and loos are fine and everywhere clean and well kept.
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| Date of Visit: July 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Mohawk5 |
7 reviews from this member |
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Have just returned from a hot and sunny weekend at this lovely site. We last visited over ten years ago and were relieved to find it as good as ever!
The site is approached by a good mile of unmade road which gives a lovely feeling of seclusion - however makes trips out a bit arduous. We stayed on the tent field which is wide and spacious, not broken up by hedges etc but bordered by deep forest - which is fantastic, very atmospheric and wonderful for exploring and walks.
The EHU area and caravan field are more landscaped and feature some really nice roomy pitches. On the tent field you pitch where you like but are asked to keep a distance of 6m from the next tent - in places groups did choose to pitch closer together and this didn't seem to cause a problem. One or two tents pitched quite selfishly, parking cars in acres of space - but I suppose that's the downside of choosing your own pitch. On the plus side it's great to choose yourself a sunny spot!
Toilets and showers are fine and very clean - it's nice having separate toilet / basin-only blocks, no queues for a quick pee! The swimming pool is a little larger than we remembered, with a grassed sunbathing area, but still not nearly big enough for the hordes of children. The on-site pub does serve food in busy periods - even though their website categorically says it doesn't - phone ahead to check if it's important to you: simple menu and takeaways too - including pizza. Lovely outside seating area.
We found the shop to be very well stocked indeed, and, usefully in an isolated spot, sold everything for the bbq, wine and beer and lots of camping supplies. The owners and all on-site staff were cheerful and helpful.
A very busy site, but with no feeling of overcrowding: popular with families (loads of birthday sleepovers) and quite noisy in the morning - well behaved children, just too much energy!. Lovely and peaceful after about 9.00pm though. Lots of walks, children's playarea and table tennis, an equestrian centre in the village, 'Grimes Graves' and an English whisky distillery to visit. Maybe a bit short of things to do in the rain, but fabulous in the sun. Will definitely visit again - highly recommended.
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| Date of Visit: July 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: AntheaL |
2 reviews from this member |
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We have recently returned from a week at the Dower House.
The Good Bits:
- Free hot showers - never had to queue even tho site was busy
- Small shop on site to top up on basics
- Lovely woods surrounding
- Free outdoor heated swimming pool
- Play area for littlies
The Bad Bits:
- Camping field very bumpy due to rabbit holes (however the owners are aware and are doing their best to fill holes)
- On site shop is very expensive, and nearest supermarket is a good drive away (Thetford or Diss)
- Freezer for ice packs doesn't freeze anything - left mine in for 24 hours once and still not frozen
- Washing facilities expensive (£3.50 per wash) and tumble drier (20p for 10 minutes!) takes a very long time to dry anything - I had a load in for over an hour and it was still wet at the end (no I didn't over load it)
The Really Bad Bits:
- Pub food - awful! We had lunch there once, chicken burgers for the kids and toasted sandwich for me - all were very poor quality and just awful. Such a shame because I'm sure many people would use this facility if the quality was up to scratch. Also expensive - I noticed a sign up on the day we left advertising their new 'American Burgers', £9.95 for a burger plus a dessert - or £6.95 for just the burger!
Over all we had a good week, but I wouldn't rush back to the Dower House.
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| Date of Visit: June 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Clintyboy12 |
4 reviews from this member |
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Visited on Father's day weekend. Was amazed at how busy it was for a non-BH weekend.
Lots of EHU and caravans, only one (large) field for tents, bounded on 2 sides by forest. Field itself was a bit bumpy, with lots of rabbit holes and mole hills. Admittedly the owners did seem to be quite conscientous in filling them in / flattening them out but in the dark was a bit perilous at times!
No defined pitching areas, though we were asked to keep away from one side of the field which was dedicated to EHU pitches. There was a patch of long grass around the middle of the field which didn't get camped on and we chose to put our tents around that.
Did not get to try the pub, but they were open at lunchtime (until 2.30) and in the evening until 11pm. They served food thru lunchtime and in the evening until 9.30, even offering take away service.
Toilets and showers were kept clean and the water was hot though the showers were a bit poky. Not immediately evident where the showers were, though referring to the map we identified they were behind the bar!
Swimming pool was a focal point and even was being used in the rain. Was heated though you could only tell if you went from the main pool into the unheated baby pool! Lots of chlorine so take your goggles!
Had a very enjoyable weekend even though it rained whilst we were packing away and overnight on the Sat. A little pricey compared to some other places in the vicinity we looked at but it did have everything you need for a great weekend (especially if the sun shines!)
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| Date of Visit: May 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Fuffy |
21 reviews from this member |
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We visited the site on a bank holiday weekend and even though it was full there seemed to be plenty of space for everyone. The campsite is kept very clean and tidy, and has everything you need for a great stay. The tent field (which does have some ehu) is surrounded by woods, which are really safe and lovely for the kids to have the freedom to play in.
There is a small shop on site, but for anything much you need to go much further afield as there is no small village shops nearby. Supermarkets in Thetford and Diss.
The only slight criticism is that because of the space around the tents, there were many people playing 'football' and always next to our tent! which was a problem at times like if you're cooking!
Overall a great site, and will definitely return with friends (we were billy-no-mates on this trip!)
We shall definitely return!
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| Date of Visit: April 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: KatandFamily |
7 reviews from this member |
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I would highly recommend this site. It is peaceful and tranquil. Lovely to wake up to the sound of birdsong, and owls kept us entertained all evening!
The tent field is a large open area with unmarked pitches, although we were asked to keep 6m apart from neighbouring tents. I would like to hope that this is maintained even in high season.
Lovely walks can be accessed from the campsite, and the children loved playing in the woodland surrounding the camping field.
All facilities were very clean and well managed. The site is kept well landscaped and looks very attractive.
The swimming pool looked good, but was not open on our visit. We will definitely return to test it!
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| Date of Visit: August 2008 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: 2old4this |
5 reviews from this member |
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As far as sites for keeping three 12 year old boys entertained go this one takes some beating. Heated swimming pool, outdoor table tennis, football pitch, pool table & surrounding woodland with BMX track, they only came back to the tent when they were hungry!
The site is very well run with enforced distances between pitches although parts of it were very boggy after a very wet summer.
The shop was well equipped with emergency supplies e.G. Germaline when I was attacked by a pheasant while cycling in the woods. (No, they didn't believe me either!)
The long bumpy road leading to the site made for a safe cycling excursion for exploring the surrounding area with many crisscrossing paths leading through the forest.
I only used the pub once as the draught Becks was well past its best and at £3 a pint I didn't want to risk it again though the pool table was used frequently.
This was our first visit to the site and I can't imagine going anywhere else unless there are no vacancies so I'll need to book early in future, I won't be getting close to another Reeve's Pheasant in a hurry though!
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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
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