Get tacked-up, grab your trusty steed and hit the trail; for the next day or two you’re in horse riding country! Bardwell Manor is a small-scale, unique campsite situated on the grounds of a successful riding school in Suffolk’s delightfully quaint countryside. Fully qualified instructors Sharon and Karl established the equestrian centre back in 1996, and have grown to offer guests (of all abilities) a range of horse-related lessons, including “toddles” (short rides for small children), stable management and full-on two-hour country hacks.
Right, lets talk about the campsite itself. The views of horses leisurely grazing are truly fabulous. Whether the stallions and mares appreciate the sight or not is a matter of speculation, however campers can hardly fail to be impressed. As mentioned, Bardwell Manor is a small site (with room for only 5 pitches), so there’s no danger of overcrowding. Pitches are flat, unmarked and generously spacious, with no 'pack em in' mentality here. Ablutionary facilities may not be fit for a queen, however they are clean, modern and more than adequate. There’s one large unisex shower room (with lifesaving heater), and two toilets (one female, one male.)
Given the right weather, a stay at Bardwell Manor allows for one of the great British excursions, and this comes from a “non-horsey person” as Karl and Sharon politely put it. Somehow you can’t help being impressed with these athletic, majestic creatures (there’s a whopping 25 onsite), and waking up to the sound of ‘clip-clops’ and ‘neighs’ is a unique, lovely way to start your Suffolk day. So we suggest you try something a little different and visit the welcoming Bardwell Manor, you wont regret it… Giddy up!!!
Less than 9 miles away is Bury St Edmunds, former home to one of medieval Europe’s most powerful monasteries. Bury has long attracted visitors due to its forgotten ruins, fascinating history and award-winning agricultural markets. It's an elegant town with a newly completed cathedral and tranquil gardens making Bury well worth a visit. There are plenty of excellent hikes in the area including Thornham Walks, 12 miles of waymarked footpaths, open daily 9am–6pm April–October (shorter hours outside this period.) For a day at the seaside, Holkham Bay and Southwold's famous pier and lighthouse are your best bets. Kids and parents alike will love Jimmy's Farm (01473 604206) and the award-winning treehouse adventure park, BeWILDerwood (01692 633033.) Bardwell Manor is ideally situated to explore East Anglia, with Cambridge, Norwich and the North Norfolk Coast and Broads all within easy reach. Another lovely stroll is The Peddars Way Walk, it’s without doubt one of the area's best walking trails, while the High Lodge Thetford Forest is great for exploring on two wheels.
There’s no dining options onsite, however there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the local area, including: The Bell Inn (01379 898445) and No 4 Hatter Street (01284 754477.) Five miles away in Market Weston is The Mill Inn (01359 221018), ideal for sampling local beers and hearty pub grub. For ale enthusiasts, the Old Chimneys Brewery (01359 221411) is also nearby, as is St George’s Whisky Distillery (01953 717939), which offers tours as well as a chance to buy. Two miles east across the Bury road is Wyken Vineyards (01359 250262), and next door is the splendid, oak-beamed Leaping Hare (01359 250287) restaurant. For top quality local produce, Wyken holds a farmer’s market every Saturday.
