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Cool Camping
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IF YOU WANT TO STEP OFF LIFE’S TREADMILL, HICKLING CAMPSITE COULD BE JUST THE PLACE FOR YOU, RECKONS SARAH HARDY
www.hicklingcampsite.co.uk
Well, it sounds like a little bit of paradise. Set in three acres of unspoilt countryside, close to the Broad, Hickling Campsite has five shepherd huts, one pod (the Pod Father) and space for 25 tents. And the rather super Hickling Hut, a little foodie hub, selling all manner of local artisan goodies from suppliers such as Swannington Farm to Fork, Norwich Porridge, Dann’s Ice Cream, Kettle Chips and more.
Run by Jo Sindall and Tom Wright, the couple have poured masses of time and passion into the site, with Tom, a farmer, and his brother Isaac making everything themselves, thus ensuring it all looks in keeping, and maintains a rustic feel.
‘We want people to just enjoy the surroundings, to really get away from everyday life. The pod is the only place to have electricity so we can see the stars, for example, and children can enjoy playing outside - we have games of cricket going, they can bike around - we are very family friendly,’ says Jo, who used to work in the media.
The couple, who both admit to being keen campers, set up the campsite in 2016, and saw good showers and toilets as a top priority. ‘But we want our visitors to have a traditional camping experience - we don’t have a clubhouse,’ Jo says. ‘And we don’t do loud music or huge groups, it is all about getting back to nature.’
One feature of the campsite is the braziers or fire pits which everyone loves for those essential barbecues, and people also appreciate the flat, grassy site.
Jo points out that Hickling Broad is a short bike ride away where there are lots of canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and boating opportunities. ‘And there are some good pubs like The Greyhound, The Pleasure Boat Inn, and lots of beaches like Sea Palling and Waxham close by, too.’
Horse riding, country walks and boat trips are all available nearby, so there’s no chance of anyone getting bored!
The area is teeming with wildlife - do listen out for the resident barn owl, look out for butterflies, and you could well spot the odd deer. Many enjoy fruit picking as the site is bordered by mature hedgerows which offer apples and raspberries in the summer.
THE SHEPHERD HUTS AND THE POD FATHER
Each is individually designed and decorated, with furnishing by Norfolk-based Buttonpearl Crafts. They all have fully-equipped kitchens, with pots, pans, crockery and cutlery, a kettle and snug throws for cosying up around the fire pit. The Pod Father is the only one with electricity.
