As all cool campers know, proximity to a decent boozer is high on our list of cool campsite credentials. We all love the post-pitch up stroll into the nearby village to find that welcoming country pub and savour a pint of the local brew, unwind beside the roaring fireplace, and get the inside scoop from the locals on what to see and do. One thing we're less fond off though is the shlep back to camp, particularly if you've got littl'uns with you or, if you've... ahem... over indulged (you know who you are). Well, thankfully a treacherous night time stagger tentward is one thing thing you won't need to worry about at this idyllic east Suffolk – for you'll be camping right next to one of the area's nicest pubs.
The Compasses sits on the eastern extremities of Constable country in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it village of Stansfield – famed for its Grade II listed windmill. Recently acquired by Steve Blake and family, the pub grounds' over 1000 acres... er... encompass ancient woodlands, a tranquil lake and a mini rare-breed farm.
Campsite patrons have a choice of quirky abodes to chose from. For some good old fashioned woodland camping, nestle into the forest fringes. The secluded timber log pod enjoys lovely views of the lake. It sleeps two on a sofa bed with room for another couple on a futon. For groups, the trailer shed is ideal, sleeping six with two on a mattress on a mezzanine floor, two on a sofa bed and two on another sofa bed. The tepee tent comfortably sleeps six on two sofa beds and two single futon mattresses, but your accommodating hosts will happily let you squeeze a couple more in. There's also wash points handily located around all locations, clean compost loos, and hot showers in the pub.
It's all the little extras that really make this place. Like your choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner hampers delivered to order; exclusive fishing permits for the mega-carp in the lake; or bedding packs if you fancy travelling light; and then of course the kids will simply love petting their new-found friends on the farm, from goats, pigs to lambs and Shetland ponies – all while you savour a pint of Suffolk's finest in the beer garden. Pure bliss.
The ancient Clare Camp, also known as Erbury, boasts a mysterious Iron Age Hillfort, the remains of Norman castle, and the grounds of a 16th century manor estate. The medieval village of Lavenham is one of England's finest, with dozens of charmingly crooked timber-beamed houses hanging over its quaint cobbled streets. Another nearby wool town, nearby Long Melford (of TV's Lovejoy fame) is similarly idyllic, with the longest tree-lined village street in the country, plus the Beatrix Potter-inspiring Melford Hall (01787 379228) and Kentwell Hall (01787 310207). A little further afield in Bury St Edmunds lies the stately surroundings of Ickworth (01284 735270) manor house & grounds. A trip to the Suffolk Coast promises a great day out too, with Aldeburgh, Southwold, and Woodbridge to explore.
Look no further than The Compasses. All the ingredients are locally-sourced, with the meat coming from the Dennis & Son's farm next door. Try the Oxford Sandy & Black rare breed pork. They also have a smokehouse & deli. Down the road in Clare, The Bell Hotel (01787 277741) is a tidy 18th century inn serving a reasonably-priced menu of pub grub favourites. Whether a summer's day or a blustery winter's night, the 14th century Swan Hotel in Lavenham is well-equipped with its secluded beer garden and roaring fireplace. For the freshest seafood you're ever likely to taste, the beach-based fisherman's shacks at the Sole Bay Fish Co. (01502 724241) in Southwold is a piscatorial pilgrimage well worth making.
