Clippesby Hall Campsite is a large independent campsite in the Norfolk Broads. The site accepts all types of camping, from large motorhomes to the tiniest tents and everything in between. Pitches range from fully serviced and hard standing to bare grass spread across different fields. The site itself has all the amenities of a resort site, including a restaurant bar, shop and playgrounds.
Want to read about more campsites in the Norfolk Broads? Check this post out.
Things to do on Clippesby Hall Campsite
Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds scattered around the campsite including a new one which was being built during our stay. The woodland play area near the Cedar Lawn camping field has tree houses a zip lines. This area is better suited to older kids.
The second play area is closest to the Old Orchard and South Park camping area. The playing field has swings, a sandpit, a climbing frame and plenty of space for ball games. Next to this field is the Quiet Gardens which are perfect for chill time. The new play area will be next to the restaurant and mini-golf.
Basecamp
Basecamp is the hub of entertainment and amenities at Clippesby Hall. You can visit reception for tourist information about the local area. There is a Discover Norfolk Broads Centre located here with additional information on the local area.
The shop is small but has basic supplies. The cafe/restaurant/bar is open all day from breakfast through to 10 pm. A variety of meals are available to eat in or takeaway.
Mini-Golf
At Basecamp, you can play the fun little mini-golf course by hiring golf clubs from reception. This course isn’t for crazy golf pros, but it was perfect for our two children. They enjoyed it so much they insisted on playing it twice. It is simple, well maintained and intuitive.
Cycle Hire and Bike Trails
Bicycle hire is also available on site for the network of cycle trails in the area. They offer a range of options of bikes for all ages, including trailers.
A short cycle track winds through the woodlands within the boundaries of the campsite. The trail means kids can cycle on-site without crossing roads.
Exploring the Woods and Climbing Trees
Suppose you are looking for a more nature-based camping experience. In that case, there is an abundance of children’s activities available on the campsite. The woodlands are perfect for den building and bug hunting as well as walking and cycling. There are lots of options for trees to climb, including a popular cedar on the Cedar Lawn.
Note: Unfortunately there is no longer a swimming pool on the campsite.
Places to Visit near the Campsite
Clippesby Hall is sent in the heart of East Norfolk’s tourist hotspots. The Norfolk Broads and the coast are both an easy drive from the campsite. Walking and cycling are also more than possible from the site. Public transport is not good from the resort – unfortunate for us motorhome drivers.
Walks and Cycle Ways
From the site, it is a short walk (30 minutes) or a cycle along a quiet road to the River Bure and the rest of the Norfolk Broads beyond. Tracks and trails run alongside stunning waterways in the peaceful heart of the Norfolk countryside. If you need more information on where to go, I recommend visiting Basecamp.
Towns to Visit near Clippesby Hall Campsite
There are many towns of note close to Clippesby Hall. The closest two are Wroxham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads and Gret Yarmouth at the seaside. There are also several interesting smaller towns scattered throughout the broads and along the coast.
Wroxham and the Norfolk Broads
A 20-minute drive from Clippesby Hall brings you to the gateway to the Norfolk Broads, the small town of Wroxham. This is a busy spot in summer as it is a focus for a lot of the tourist attractions in the area. There are numerous places to rent boats across the broads, but many people head to Wroxham for ease. From here, several broads can be reached on the water. Organised boat trips can also be taken from the marinas here.
Attractions in the town include Bure Valley Railway, Model Railway Museum and nearby BeWILDerwood.
Read more about things to do in Wroxham here.
Great Yarmouth
You can reach the coast from Clippesby Hall in as little as 15 minutes. Great Yarmouth is the largest seaside town nearby and the one with the most to do. There is a mixture of sand and a peable beach here and an abundance of space.
Attractions include a SEALife Centre, indoor dinosaur attraction, boating lake, seaside amusements and a couple of funfair with small rollercoasters and lots of other rides.
The best place for motorhomes to park is on North Drive. It’s a short way out of town, but the views are lovely, and there’s plenty of space if you get there early.
Read more about things to do in Great Yarmouth here.
Attractions near Clippesby Hall Campsite
There are lots of attractions near Clippesby Hall and in the broader area. Many are focused around Wroxham and Great Yarmouth, as discussed above. There are a few more out of town ones that I just wanted to mention here.
Thrigby Zoo
Less than 10 minutes away by car or 20 minutes on a bike is a small zoo with some big animals. I have never been to another zoo where I felt able to get so close to the animals. Creative use of walkways and viewing platforms means you really can see everything in the large and open enclosures. The site itself isn’t huge, but they make the most of the space they do have.
Read more about Thrigby Zoo here.
BeWILDerwood
On the way to Wroxham, less than 20 minus drive from Clippesby Hall, is a children’s attraction with a difference. BeWILDerwood has a lot going on, but it begins with a boat ride that takes you on a journey from the car park and into the heart of the woods. The woods are filled with treehouses and interconnected play areas of all types. It truly is a child’s dream.
Read more about BeWILDerwood here.
Horsey Windpump and Horsey Gap Seals
Horsey is around a 15-minute drive from Clippesby Hall. Horsey Windpump is a National Trust owned site with great views and access to walks around the Norfolk Broads. The car park here does get busy.
Nearby Horsey Gap is home to a large breeding colony of seals. Crowds flock here during the breeding seasons, and a large car park accommodates them. Access to the seals is strictly controlled, and I recommend making sure you check the safety rules before you visit. However, some of the seals come really close, so the views are magnificent.
Read more about the Horsey Gap Seals here.
