Norfolk’s big skies and quiet lanes gain fresh praise as three local campsites and caravan parks reach the top of the Camping and Glamping Awards 2025. This annual event singles out the most welcoming camping, glamping and touring spots in the UK, and this year the spotlight falls on Norfolk, where three winners and several runners-up turn the county into a strong reference for outdoor breaks. Their success confirms how important simple, well-run stays have become.
Awards that put Norfolk campsites on the national map
The Camping and Glamping Awards 2025 recognise camping, glamping and touring destinations that stand out for service, setting and consistency. They celebrate everything from small hideaways to larger family parks. Chosen because guests feel welcome and hosts care about the details that turn a simple night under canvas into a real break.
Norfolk’s results show how one county offers real variety while keeping the same basics. Gatton Waters Caravan Park near King’s Lynn and Friends Farm Shepherds Huts in Harleston each claim East of England honours. Manor Caravan Park in Happisburgh also secures a regional title in its category this year.
The honours continue with a strong supporting cast. Old Brick Kilns in Fakenham becomes runner-up in the Best Caravan Park category. Old College Glamping near Norwich and Millview Meadow Retreats in Great Yarmouth stand as runners-up for Best Glamping Site. Together, these campsites and glamping spots make Norfolk feel like a safe choice.
Gatton Waters, an adults-only retreat with room to breathe
Gatton Waters Caravan Park sits in gentle countryside near King’s Lynn and offers a slower pace that suits adults who value quiet evenings more than packed entertainment schedules. As an adults-only park, it naturally attracts couples, solo guests and small groups of friends. Those who want time away from family noise and late-night crowds.
A large fishing lake forms the calm centre of the site, while touring pitches spread across open grass, so guests avoid feeling cramped. Facilities stay practical and straightforward, with clean wash blocks, useful services and enough space between caravans and motorhomes to preserve privacy during longer stays.
These choices help Gatton Waters claim the title of Best Adult-Only Site in the East of England, as well as national runner-up in the same category. Travellers who usually avoid busy campsites still enjoy fresh air, space and comfort. All while using this park as a base for exploring nearby towns and coastline.
Cosy glamping that feels different from standard campsites
Friends Farm Shepherds Huts in Harleston shows how glamping can stay rooted in farm life while still feeling close to a tiny holiday cottage. Inside, the mood still feels close to a tiny holiday cottage. The huts sit on working land, so guests wake to fields and wide skies. A slower rhythm makes short breaks feel longer.
Inside, each shepherds hut is carefully arranged with a real bed, heating and neat storage, so the compact space never feels cluttered. Guests enjoy their own bathroom facilities, which keeps stays private and removes the need for shared blocks, a detail that often reassures people trying glamping for the first time.
By winning Best Glamping Site in the East of England, Friends Farm proves its strength. The small site can still stand beside much larger operations. It offers a softer way into the outdoors than many busier campsites, keeping the focus on peace, personal touches and easy drives out to nearby villages and countryside.
Manor Caravan Park and the pull of the Norfolk coast
Manor Caravan Park in Happisburgh adds classic seaside energy to Norfolk’s award story, thanks to its position within walking distance of the beach and its long history with holidaying families. Many guests return year after year because they enjoy the mix of open pitches, village life and gentle sea breezes.
The park balances touring needs with a strong sense of place, offering level pitches, practical facilities and simple paths that lead towards the coast and nearby walks. Time on site feels easy rather than busy, so days often settle into a pattern of beach visits, short strolls and relaxed evenings back at the caravan or motorhome.
This character helps Manor Caravan Park secure the title of Best Campsite in the East of England and a runner-up place in the Best Caravan Park category. Families and touring couples who love traditional seaside campsites find what they need here, from handy services to a friendly base.
Runners-up that complete Norfolk’s outdoor holiday map
Old Brick Kilns near Fakenham strengthens the county’s reputation through its runner-up place in the Best Caravan Park category, giving guests another carefully maintained option inland from the coast. Its green surroundings appeal to people who want quiet evenings after busy days out in nearby towns, beaches or countryside.
Old College Glamping, close to Norwich, and Millview Meadow Retreats in the Great Yarmouth area also earn runner-up spots in the Best Glamping Site category. They add variety for visitors who prefer pods, bell tents or cabins to classic units, while still keeping heating, proper beds and small comforts close at hand.
Taken together, these recognised locations show that Norfolk offers a wide yet reliable network of places to stay. Martin Smith, founder of Campsites.co.uk, notes that standards feel higher than ever, and thanks winners for bringing extra adventure into everyday life, a message that reflects the spirit of these campsites.
Choosing the ideal Norfolk base for your next escape
These awards help holidaymakers choose where to stay, because they highlight real places that already delight guests rather than untested promises. Norfolk now stands out as a county where adults-only peace, farm glamping and classic seaside touring sit within a comfortable drive of each other, giving travellers clear options. Whether they prefer quiet lakeside corners, coastal views or cosy huts, these celebrated campsites suggest that Norfolk is ready to welcome them.
