Applewood Countryside Park

View prices & book 9.3 47 reviews
Family-friendly site
Family-friendly site
Standard electric grass pitch
Dogs welcome
Camping pod exterior
Entrance and outdoor deck
Aerial view of the site
Family-friendly pod
Exterior of standard glamping pod
1/88
Standard electric grass pitch
Dogs welcome
Camping pod exterior

  • Dog-friendly 13-acre Norfolk site next to Banham Zoo
  • Thetford Forest 25 minutes' drive; 40 minutes to Norwich
  • Adventure play park, games den and nature trail on site
In search of somewhere within easy reach of family days out? That’s certainly one of the selling points of Applewood Countryside Park – this family-friendly 13-acre Norfolk site is right next door to Banham Zoo, which is home to around 2,000 animals from around the world. That’s certainly a good start – and there’s plenty more nearby too, as this site is well set for all sorts of attractions for all ages, including forest walks, National Trust properties and a long list of excellent child-friendly activities. On a more practical front, it’s also handily just a few minutes’ walk from Banham’s village amenities, which include a pub, convenience store, takeaway and butcher (a useful one for bits to load on your barbecue). This isn’t a place that relies solely on its location to win points, though – there’s also a good collection of facilities right here. Kids will be able to let off steam at the adventure play park, play trail and covered games den, and there’s a mile-long woodland nature trail for them to explore (it makes a good place for dog walking, too). On the practical front, facilities include a laundry area, a chemical disposal point, a wifi connection and modern bathroom blocks with two fully accessible/family bathrooms.

Campground type

RV sites 130
Tent sites 130
Camper sites 130
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 11
Open all year
Opens

Tourist board rating

Please note
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.
  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • A cable measuring at least 20 metres is needed for the electric hook-ups.

Languages spoken

English

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Campsite types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCamper sitesRV sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsMobile homes for rentRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
0 dogs

Reviews

9.3

Overall rating from 47 Pitchup.com customers

  • 65%
    10
  • 17%
    9
  • 10%
    8
  • 2%
    7
  • 2%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    3
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    2
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    1
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 9
Peaceful

98% would recommend this campground to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

Clean grounds, helpful staff, and roomy spots are big hits. Showers/restrooms are well-kept. Great location for families near Banham Zoo. Wi-Fi and pitch spacing were concerns for some. Some rules felt strict. Recent updates to electric hookups and grounds noted.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 8/4/2026

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 5
Arrival date (latest first)

We had a fantastic stay at…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 Sharna C. 2 reviews

Powered grass campsite

Liked We had a fantastic stay at Applewood Countryside Park. The site was very well maintained, clean, and had everything we needed for a relaxing camping trip.

The children’s play area was brilliant and kept the kids entertained, and we loved exploring the woodland trail with all the games and activities along the way. It’s also a very dog-friendly site, although we left our dog at home this time.

One of the highlights was the location right next to the zoo. It was incredibly convenient to walk over, and in the evening we could hear the animals making all sorts of interesting sounds, which added to the experience.

We also liked that there was the option of a later check-out for those who wanted a more relaxed departure, even though we didn’t use it ourselves.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would happily return. Highly recommended for families looking for a fun and relaxing break.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very pleasant site, good facilities. A tick in the box from us

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 9
 Rob G. 1 review

Powered grass campsite

Liked The whole experience at Applewood was delightful. The whole site was very well maintained and well set out. The showers and toilet facilities were very clean and the washing up area was good with plenty of hot water, but there was only 2 sinks. Whilst not being a problem when we were there, maybe when the site was full there could be. The staff were very helpful and friendly, they cleared up our pitch hiccup on arrival in a very professional manner.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Clean site & plenty of space.…

Overall

6 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 3
 Anthony B. 1 review

Powered grass campsite

Liked Clean site & plenty of space. The zoo next door is very good.

Disliked Pitchup messed up the booking. We go camp a lot & been here before but it’s changed & was like being at school with all the rules. Some staff was willing to help

Recommend to friends Visit again

Clean and tidy just too regimented for us.

Overall

1 out of 10
Location
 3
Value for money
 3
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 2
Child friendliness
 2
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
 Chris F. 1 review

Powered grass campsite

Liked Showers were good, and camp site was clean

Disliked The he pitches are massive however we were told our tent was too big.
I felt like I was at school with a person with a clipboard kept coming around and checking on us. 5pm we were asked to turn our music down as there was too must base in the music. My little speaker wasn’t even half way up. We ended up leaving a day early.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Good campsite

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 7
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 6
 Steven B. 1 review

Powered grass campsite (XL, premium)

Liked Electric and water points very convenient.

Disliked The pitches were very hard

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic stay, highly recommend 👏

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
 10
 Janine R. 2 reviews

1 bedroom shepherd's hut (family)

Liked Lovely staff, location beautiful, local amenities, nearby days out

Disliked N/a

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic stay. Would go again.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 Bridie C. 3 reviews

Powered grass campsite (XL)

Liked Space was generous. Toilet / shower facilities were generally always clean. Shower was really well sized. Play field was huge! Lovely woodland walk on the edge of the field which is great for shade or a run around. Play park was well maintained and kept the 7&3 yr olds happy for a long time. You aren't sitting on your neighbours tent with the 6m rule which is really nice. Staff were really lovely and informative about the area and gave lots of information. Always someone checking on the site which was comforting to see. Free wifi! Zoo on your doorstep!

Disliked Nothing about the campsite. The animals are fairly loud (mostly the birds and monkey's) in the evening when it goes dark but expected given the location.

Recommend to friends Visit again

I spent an extremely enjoyable week onsite with a young family

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 Ric C. 5 reviews

Powered grass campsite (XL)

Liked Staff were friendly and helpful

Facilities kept very clean and in excellent condition.

Children enjoyed the playground and games den

Large Spacious pitch

Family friendly

Free WiFi

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Enjoyed our short stay.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 7
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
 mick c. 2 reviews

Powered cement/asphalt travel trailer campsite

Liked Nice well laid out campsite with good facilities. Liked the woodland walk.

Disliked Didn't like the hard standing pitch it was very dusty. Would opt for grass pitch in future which also looked bigger.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely site, on the entrance to…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Powered cement/asphalt travel trailer campsite

Liked Lovely site, on the entrance to Banham Zoo, close to a lovely pub, wonderful butchers & Morrisons, very well run, clean & safe & very accommodating, so we could be next to each other, great for adults, children & animals, will definitely return

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Baby-changing facilities Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

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

Rules

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

Themes

Peaceful

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transportation nearby

Type

Large (51-200 sites)

Accessibility

Accessible parking at site Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Bathrooms: Large spacious toilet Bathrooms: Step-free access Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible shower Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible toilet Level campground, no steep slopes Site close to accessible bathrooms Smooth, hard roads e.g. tarmac Step-free or level access

Nearby leisure

Fishing nearby Golf nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Caravan storage facilities Motorhome service point Seasonal sites

Location

Applewood Countryside Park

Kenninghall Road

Banham

Norfolk

England

NR16 2HE

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

52.44523°N
1.02708°E

Route directions

Follow the brown tourist signs to Banham Zoo from the A11 and A140. Enter the Banham Zoo car park and follow the signs to Applewood Countryside Park.

Nearest transport

Bus
5.1 mi Queens Square
6 mi Bus Station
9.3 mi The Chestnuts
Rail
3 mi Eccles Road Rail Station
4.8 mi Attleborough Rail Station
5 mi Harling Road Rail Station
Ferry
23.4 mi Reedham Ferry North
23.4 mi Reedham Ferry South
28.5 mi Southwold Ferry Landing
Airport
18.8 mi Norwich International 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

Banham Zoo will surely be the first port of call for a lot of guests here – all it takes is a five-minute walk and you’ll be meeting primates, big cats, reptiles and all sorts of other exotic beasts. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, a safari road train and a busy programme of activities to join in with. For more family days out, take a look at the adventure courses of Go Ape Thetford (25 minutes’ drive), the dinosaur-themed attractions of ROARR! (45 minutes) or the safari activities of Africa Alive animal park (an hour). The classic fairground rides and steam trains of Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens (15 minutes) are popular too – and the museum is also home to the national Dad’s Army collection for a taste of wartime life. If you don't have kids with you, you may like to turn your attentions to places like the cathedral and castle in Norwich (40 minutes) or National Trust properties like Oxburgh Estate (40 minutes) and Ickworth (45 minutes). There’s also the option of a whisky tour at The English Distillery (15 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Southwold The Denes 28.8 mi Sea N/AN/AN/AN/A
Southwold The Pier 28.9 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Banham Zoo 0.1 mi

Bressingham Steam and Gardens 4.4 mi

Grimes Graves 15.2 mi

Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum 17 mi

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery 17 mi

National Trust

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds 19.3 mi

Oxburgh Hall 21.4 mi

Ickworth House, Park and Gardens 22 mi

Lavenham Guildhall 25.2 mi

Blickling Hall, Gardens and Park 26.6 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

Banham Mlllennium Walk 0.7 mi

New Buckenham 2.7 mi

Lopham Fen 4.5 mi

Blo-Norton 5.5 mi

Burston 5.5 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.

Want to know more about camping in Norfolk?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Applewood Countryside Park have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Applewood Countryside Park dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Applewood Countryside Park? Banham Zoo will surely be the first port of call for a lot of guests here – all it takes is a five-minute walk and you’ll be meeting primates, big cats, reptiles … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Applewood Countryside Park?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  noon –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-park accommodation
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.

    From 01 October to 26 March, arrivals are until 5pm.

    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Applewood Countryside Park? From $33.64 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.