Why Norfolk in a Bell Tent?
Norfolk is a treasure trove for many family holidaymakers, drawn in by its golden beaches on the Northern coast, so expansive that they never feel busy. To the East, lie the Norfolk Broads, a series of rivers and lakes given ‘National Park’ status in 2015. These man-made waterways date back to the Middle Ages and the are pretty shallow, abundant with their telltale waterlilies. Our destination, the Wonderwild bell tent site, has its very own private Broad, two fields of spacious tents, sauna, kitchen and bathrooms.
“But I don’t like camping”, declared my four-year-old firecracker, Iris, with whom you always know where you stand. Luckily for her, our long old drive, deep into the heart of the Norfolk countryside wasn’t toward a holiday you would describe as ‘camping’. Sleeping under the bell tent canvas at the Wonderwild site meant she’d soon be tucking into a ‘proper’ bed, with a cosy duvet and sumptuous pillows.
Enclosed within the private Woodbastwick Estate, the bell tent site, backlit by the sun flickering through the trees, gives a gentle welcome; the tall tree-lined entrance reminiscent of chic French countryside. It was just the ticket, after our drive, which I had thought was going rather well, until I realised the suspicious silence was because they had drawn all over themselves with highlighter pens. If you are going to turn up anywhere covered in rogue ink, a bell tent site is perhaps preferable to a marble lobby – and at least we made it in time for sunset.
Bell Tent Life
Wonderwild’s manager, Lauren, greeted us, quite rightly proud of the special nook the team has created. “I like to say the beauty of Wonderwild, is the beauty of it“, she beams, showing us to our elevated bell tent on a wooden platform. I’d absolutely agree with that, and add that it also lies in all of her subtle yet thoughtful touches that make life sleeping under canvas unwittingly easier. Such as stepping out onto a wooden deck instead of damp grass, being able to pull back the tent door (so you don’t have to crawl), and a bed I can actually go to sleep in and not wake up with (even more) back problems. Though you can choose a tent with no wooden platform, should feeling the grass be your thing.
The nearby communal washblock is kept simple and clean, but the well-appointed kitchen and living area instantly reveals Lauren’s past career as a furniture buyer. Buttery soft tan leather sofas, chunky wooden table and rattan touches, showing all the hallmarks of a manager with style. Also notable in the flower displays, the sage green and cream tent interiors and even the round brick firepit; all done with a quietly understated and comfortable elegance.
Our tent was set up with a double bed and two single pull out beds, with room for one more single. We only needed the one double, as it turned out, since both girls got in with me; and it was still comfy. There is nothing to spoil the view at night, no manmade noise to break the thick starry sky silence – though there is, typically, an abundance of wildlife to wake you up in the morning, which wasn’t a problem for us since the youngest is an early alarm clock, anyway.
What to do at Wonderwild?
Big metal barrows are poised at the car park to load and unload to your tent. Once we had done a few trips with our gear (including marshmallows, board games, endless soft toys and essential bubble machine), the girls and I were eager to check out the activities.
Being a mother of two now school-aged children, a lot of chat among friends has turned to having hobbies away from family life. Two of which, seemingly having a trendy moment, you can indulge in at Wonderwild – paddleboarding and sauna. The black box sauna sits at the mouth of the 25-foot Decoy Broad, overlooking the route into the wider water. Lauren kindly played Dobble with the girls, so I could sit, sweat and chill out. I can’t say my thoughts didn’t drift towards the ‘what if I were here with those sauna-loving friends of mine‘, as I gazed out across nature in action – but those thoughts were fairly reasonably interrupted by my youngest giving me a five-minute time limit, during which time I made the most of the calming Aspen woody scents and bask in the warm glowy feeling. As a mum, five minutes peace feels like a weekend break in itself. I’m not one for a cold plunge, per se, but there is a walkway you can plod or jog along post-sauna, with swimming steps straight into the Broad.
Having eyed up the paddleboards and rowing boats on our sunset Broad walk, the girls chattered away for the rest of the evening, asking me how many minutes it would be until they could paddle and row. I managed to lure them back to the tent area, however, with promises of toasted marshmallows and treats. Every tent has its own firepit area and grill, and the joy of creating your own campfire is, I don’t think, something that ever gets old. Fun for all ages and incredible wholesome. Before dinner I grabbed a quick shower while the girls sat on its doorstep playing eye spy. Neither one asked for a screen once during our stay; too busy instead playing imaginative games, building nests for caterpillars and herding the flocks of geese.
Food wise, we picked up some chips from a local shop, but I had also brought some things to cook since experience has taught me once you are settled with young kids, it’s a missions to leave base. There will soon be an order system in place where guests will be able to pre-order things like sausages from local suppliers ahead of their stay, and keep in the two large fridges in the kitchen.
Broad Life
After an early start to the day, and a hearty breakfast, it was time to get out on the Broad waters. Hopping on a paddleboard makes me feel giddy and adventurous, and I was so keen to find out if my girls would feel the same. Pushing off from the shore, in sunshine and through lily pads, the tropical vibes kept coming, until the Broad opened up to a flat expanse – perfect for paddling. Kneeling quietly, I paddled my eldest, Evie, to the far side where she decided it was time to make a stand. With a slight wobble, we were up, and it was glorious. No air miles could add to this feeling. Iris followed suit, but with her own preferences of dangling her squishy little toes into the water and stroking the waterlilies. Wonderwild gave us so many stories and moments I want to bottle up, even during such a short stay – the ‘highlighter body art’ tale will be retold as the ultimate game of ‘parenting pick your battle’.
It is hard to do true ‘simple elegance’ but Wonderwild has cracked it. What could solely be firm ‘dry robe and red trouser territory’, actually has plenty of heart, style and comfort, and is more than welcoming for families. It would be ideal for a group trip, with family or friends – whoever brings you most peace. Because once you are at Wonderwild you’ll want to make the most of that feeling of all-round zen. This is what the countryside looks like in holiday mode, with out of office firmly on.
"I loved the wondrous lake where Mummy took me paddle-boarding and I could see all the fantastic lily pads up close! It felt like I was on an enchanted lake."
"Actually, I do love camping!"
Beyond the Bell Tents: Days Out Ideas for Even more Magicial Memories
While you could paddle, play, grill and swim your days away at Wonderwild, there are lots of day trips to explore, if you so fancy. The bell tent site is 20 minutes from the city of Norwich, 30 minutes from the family-friendly Sea Palling beach and within easy reach of the rest of the Norfolk Broads National Park.
For Broad Explorers
Broads Tours by Norfolk Broads Direct – A 1.5 hour boat trip runs regularly from Wroxham town, just 10 minutes drive from Wonderwild. See the beautiful waterways and luxury waterside properties. Fair warning that my girls had had enough after about 45 minutes and started giggling uncontrollably.
Ranworth Church – Climb up the steps of the tower for brilliant views across the Broads, 5 minutes drive from Wonderwild
For families with Young Adventurers
BeWILDerwood – A big outdoor adventure park, with lots of wooden and treetop play, inspired by fairy stories, 15 minutes drive from Wonderwild
Wroxham Barns – A shopping village and adventure farm with regular craft workshops, 15 minutes drive from Wonderwild
Further Afield
Holme Beach – Driving from Surrey early doors, I couldn’t resist taking a stop enroute to the beaches in the North, which are dramatically vast and perfect for photographing special family moments on the sand and in the dunes. Holme dunes car park is ideally located but does fill up quickly – we got a lucky spot, after first being told by the attendant that ‘even the King gets refused when we say we are full!’ Holme beach is around 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Wonderwild
Eric’s Pizza – We refuelled at this pizza restaurant housed in a big tent just down the road from Holme beach, in Thornham. Ice cold drinks and hot fresh Neopolitan pizza is always a crowd pleaser.
Did you know? The beautiful sand dune-filled photographs of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are usually taken in Norfolk, as their Royal country residence is Anmer Hall at Sandringham.
Junior Fact File
Bell Tents, Wild Swimming & Sauna prices from £130 per night per tent and sleep up to five people
