Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac

View prices & book 9.6 46 reviews
Grass and earth
Grass and earth
The compost loo got a makeover
Paddock pitches
Willow bay pitch
Barney pitch for camper vans or tent, electric available
Paddock pitches
Hector pitch
Paddock pitches
1/88
The compost loo got a makeover
Paddock pitches
Willow bay pitch

  • Wild camping on a small organic farm on Essex’s Dengie Peninsula
  • Saltmarsh Coast and Bradwelll beach half an hour’s walk away
  • Bike hire available on site and barbecue provided
When it comes to quiet sites, Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac is up there with the best of them. Sitting on the outskirts of Bradwell-on-Sea village, on Essex's Dengie Peninsula, the site was established with one key purpose: providing a place of spiritual rest to those keen to leave the stress of modern life behind for a while. If that sounds like you, read on for what awaits here. You’ll be wild camping on an organic three-acre farm run by Ted and Elizabeth, who acquired it in 2014. Vegetable plots and fruit trees are combined with hay and wildflower meadows to form a varied landscape that allows nature its full expression. A barbecue is provided (for provisions, there’s a community shop in Bradwell-on-Sea), and amenities for guests include a washing-up area and a composting toilet, plus charging and recycling points. However, please note that while some hot water is available from an urn between 8 and 10am and then again between 8 and 10pm, there is no hot running water on site. Once you’re all set up and settled into your accommodation, you can explore the surrounding area. If you choose to walk due east, you can reach St Peters Chapel (a stone structure dating from the seventh century) within 20 minutes, and Bradwell beach (popular for dog walks) on the Saltmarsh Coast in about half an hour.

Site type

Rent a tent 3
Tent pitches 13
Motorhome pitches 3
Open now
Opens 18 July
Please note
  • This site has no on-site shower facilities.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • Please note that the toilet facilities are unisex.
  • There is no reception on-site: on arrival please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

Languages spoken

English

French

Russian

Spanish

Open from Fri, 18 Jul to

Open from Thu, 14 Aug to

Open from Thu, 21 Aug to

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent pitchesTouring caravan pitchesMotorhome pitchesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other options

Reviews

9.6

Overall rating from 46 Pitchup.com customers

  • 82%
    10
  • 4%
    9
  • 10%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 0%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 2%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 6
PeacefulWild camping

98% would recommend this site to a friend

98% would stay here again

What customers say

Peace Place offers a rustic, peaceful escape with secluded pitches set amidst wildflowers and wildlife, including free-roaming chickens and goats. Owners Ted and Elizabeth are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, with guests appreciating the site's natural, back-to-basics ethos. Walks to the beach and the idyllic location are highlighted. While facilities are basic, including a compost toilet, most visitors found them adequate for the 'wild camping' experience. A small number of reviews mentioned an unkempt entrance and issues with flies around the toilet facilities.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 5
Arrival date (latest first)

Felt like a free thinking spiritual site devoid of modern nonsense.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 7
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 6
Cleanliness
 5
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch (solo)

Liked Quirky vibe! It is peaceful indeed and purposefully basic , fresh water and compost loo all ok but hadn’t realised there was a hot water urn too!
Each pitch is individual and uniquely placed with care , it’s a small holding so there are chickens and a a cock- so be ready for that!
Also fascinated to see the site also used as a classic Citroen place of rest! Definitely my kind of place

Disliked Nothing- walk to the pub took 20 mins!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great value for money

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Samantha R.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Lovely and peaceful my son absolutely loved the chickens

Recommend to friends Visit again

Made to feel very welcome and provided a beautiful pitch for a…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Jamie F.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked Made to feel very welcome and provided a beautiful pitch for a weekend exploring.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Peaceful back to basics campsite

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Rachel T.

Hector electric grass tent, campervan or trailer tent pitch

Liked Very peaceful. Large pitch with electric hook up. Friendly owners. Hot water urn made cups of tea easy. Handy (and tasty) fish and chips shop directly next door. We took a lovely circular walk (as recommended by Elizabeth) to the beach and along the coast to St Peter's Church (which was open) and then back to the campsite.

Disliked We knew there were no showers when we booked but there are some in progress, likely ready sometimes in August. We also knew there was a compost loo. It was ok but a shallow drop. Improvements likely there too.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: thank you for your helpful feedback. Alterations to the compost loo were completed yesterday. although the outer appearance is the same the 'plumbing' is now much improved.

A quirky rustic campsite with private pitches.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Ruth M.

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked A quirky rustic campsite with private pitches. The owner Elizabeth was friendly and helpful.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Basic facilities, compost toilet and no shower but adequate.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Jenny L.

Barney electric grass campervan pitch

Liked We loved Peace Place. The pitches are secluded and you are surrounded by wildflowers and birdsong. Chicken are roaming around and the eggs we bought were delicious. Ted and Elizabeth were very helpful, even lending us a camping stove when our gas ran out.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: We were very glad that you enjoyed your stay.. both of you and your cheerful dispositions and very apparent enjoyment were a blessing for us all..
Apologies for the lack of showers which we hoped to be able offer during your stay period. The shower cabin has taken a little longer than expected to complete .. everything is in hand however.

Happy travelling and safe arrivals ....

I loved the unspoiled, secluded, peaceful location. I loved the 'off the beaten…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Lynda O.

Hector electric grass tent, campervan or trailer tent pitch

Liked I loved the unspoiled, secluded, peaceful location.
I loved the 'off the beaten track walk to the beach.
I loved the authenticity of the site... no destroying Mother Nature here.
I loved the non-conformity compared to other venues where you have to stay between the prominent white lines drawn. This organic layout feels more freeing. I appreciate the owners'environmentally friendly way of life.

Disliked No dislikes. Just to say to fellow campers, make sure you read the description so that you understand this is a wild camping site on an organic farm, meaning no mod cons, just natural beauty you could not put a price on.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: thank you so much for appreciating what we have worked to provide here .

Peaceful, idyllic

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Kate B.

Hector electric grass tent, campervan or trailer tent pitch

Liked Peaceful site, loved and cared for by Ted and Elizabeth. They couldn't have been more helpful and the campsite and farm is a wildlife haven in an idyllic spot in Essex. Our dog was made very welcome and loved the site, lots of sniffing and chickens to encounter. Waymark beach is a 30 min walk away across fields and worth the walk.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Elizabeth and ted where great hosts very accommodating, really lovely farm, kids…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Stuart K.

Hector electric grass tent, campervan or trailer tent pitch

Liked Elizabeth and ted where great hosts very accommodating, really lovely farm, kids loved the animals and even had freshly laid eggs for breakfast, very peaceful and a great walk down to the beach/chapel would highly recommend for those who like being off grid 👍

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great stay in a great location - a real find

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Nigel B.

Ninian's Paddock non-electric grass and earth tent pitch (family, firepit)

Liked Loved the quirky space, the chickens and the goats, the bird song in the morning, being close-ish to the sea. Our pitch was a bit away from others - we liked that. Elizabeth was lovely and helpful.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campsite

Dogs allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area Pétanque TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Local produce Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Forest Leave the car at home Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Pop-up campsite Small (11-25 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby

Location

Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac

Battle's Field

East End Road

Southminster

Essex

England

CM0 7PS

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

51.7299°N
0.9174°E

Route directions

What3words: demoted.butterfly.practical. From Bradwell village (church), follow the sign for St. Peter's Chapel. The post code is a rough guide only. You will pass the Cricketers Arms pub (closed down). After 300 yards of open fields, the site is on the left-hand side. The gateway is a gap in the hedge by a telegraph pole. There is bunting on the gate. Trains run regularly from London Liverpool Street through to Southminster (then take the D4 bus).

Nearest transport

Coach
8.4 mi Colchester Road
8.4 mi Colchester Road
8.9 mi Oaklands
Rail
6 mi Southminster Rail Station
8 mi Burnham-on-Crouch Rail Station
8.9 mi Wivenhoe Rail Station
Ferry
6.7 mi Point Clear Ferry Landing
6.9 mi Brightlingsea Ferry Landing
8.4 mi Burnham on Crouch Ferry Landing
Airport
14.5 mi London Southend Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Spreading between the estuaries of the River Blackwater and the River Crouch is Dengie National Nature Reserve (five minutes’ drive). This expansive area of tidal flats and saltmarshes is a birdwatcher’s dream, with large numbers of Brent geese and grey plovers, plus turnstones and oystercatchers. For a vintage day out, take a trip on a steam or diesel train along the heritage Mangapps Railway (25 minutes). In addition to just under a mile of standard-gauge track with restored stations and period equipment, there is a museum with an extensive signalling collection – it should keep trainspotters happy for a few hours. Bradwell beach (half an hour's walk) is a splendid place for a picnic on the sand or a walk along the nature trail. At the other side of the peninsula, Burnham-on-Crouch (20 minutes' drive) is a quiet riverside town with an art trail, a museum and some lovely places to eat and drink by the water. You may also like to stop by at Clayhill Vineyard, a little way outside the town, for a tour, a tasting or a bite to eat.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
West Mersea 2.9 mi Sea N/AGoodN/AN/A
Brightlingsea 6.6 mi Estuary N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Jaywick 8.9 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Clacton Beach Martello Tower 10.1 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Clacton 11.7 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Colchester Zoo 9.9 mi

firstsite 11 mi

Colchester Castle Museum 11.1 mi

East Anglian Railway Museum 15.1 mi

RHS Garden Hyde Hall 15.3 mi

National Trust

Bourne Mill 10.1 mi

Coggeshall Grange Barn 13.7 mi

Paycocke's 14 mi

Flatford: Bridge Cottage 16.4 mi

Thorington Hall 17.3 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Bradwell-on-Sea - Roman Fort - St Peter's Way - Bradwell 0.6 mi

Bradwell St Peter - River Blackwater - Bradwell Waterside 0.6 mi

West Mersea 3.1 mi

Mersea Island Circular 3.6 mi

OLD HALL MARSHES (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 01/08/1998) 3.8 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Essex?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac? Spreading between the estuaries of the River Blackwater and the River Crouch is Dengie National Nature Reserve (five minutes’ drive). This expansive area of tidal flats and saltmarshes is a birdwatcher’s dream, … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  11:30 a.m. –  10:30 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  10:30 a.m. –  10:30 p.m.
    Depart by:  10:30 a.m.

    Please check-in at #2 and do not disturb the neighbours at #1, which is not connected to the business despite being opposite the site's main gate.

    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Peace Place Pilgrim Bivouac? From £8 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.