Garden Cottage

Liked: A peaceful stay only up the road, but felt like an off-grid getaway! Gina was a fabulous host, super approachable and personable, we could have chatted for ages. The property and grounds are delightful - the arboretum with a vast array of trees and shrubbery, the uncut glades with crickets singing, the livestock, all of it was a lovely experience just to relax and soak up the last ekes of summer. Super peaceful and you can listen to the owls, birds and deer at night. Loved seeing how their boys are invested in the running and supply of the 'Tuck Shop' (which is a nice touch of convenience if you fancy crops grown on-site or local honey etc! Or forget any supplies). We stayed in the pre-pitched mini bell tent. Pitches are well-spaced and feel secluded and restful unlike many industrial sized sites where you are at the helm of immediate neighbours. And as the other reviews mention - wow, the compost loo! 10/10 the best I've seen. Children clearly love it here too, it's safe and gives all the space to play and be mindful with nature. Would stay again!

Disliked: Nothing to note! Thankfully we knew where we were heading, as the camping sign from the roadside for the property turning is both tiny and faded in print, so might catch some folk out. The welcome/instruction email was sent the morning of arrival, which I missed when on the move and could have been useful for a briefing, so perhaps sending that a little sooner ensures uptake and receipt :-)

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Liked: The set up of the campsite is spacious and offers a lot of privacy. There is a lot to explore with pleanty around to do as well as pleanty of wildlife to encounter. Hosts of the campsite were incredibly helpful and friendly. I would recommend everyone tries the homemade honey that is offered in the small kiosk as it is somthing special.

Disliked: Needs more toilets and maybe in future to add an eco friendly shower. This is just us being incredibly picky.

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Liked: I came across Garden Cottage when searching for something quiet that was reasonably priced. The site is easy to find (if you are sensible enough to follow the instructions sent by the owners) and the setting is just beautiful with camping areas mown into the meadow. We opted for the Robens Tent that was already set up and it was great not having to put up or take down a tent. I would probably take my own tent next time though as Robens is on the small side and we would have struggled to cook etc.. if the rain hadn't stopped. Luckily it did. You could just bring your own gazebo and then there would be somewhere for all the kitchen stuff to go.
The site is basic, having just an eco loo and a water tap (no showers) but we knew this before we booked and it wasn't an issue for us.
There were firepits provided, with wood available to buy from a small shop, and we loved sitting by the fire watching the stars. There are areas to explore around the site and a map provided by the owner. The owners were so friendly and were there to welcome us on arrival, they also came and checked on us occasionally.
I will be booking Garden Cottage again next time I need to get away from it all.

Disliked: Nothing

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Liked: Great stay at garden cottage really idillic campsite for wild camping 2nd time there and will definitely visit again. Nice touch with new composting loo. Lovely walks in and around the woods.

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Liked: I'm a little reluctant to post this as this campsite is such a hidden gem. Set in vast grounds filled with wildlife and meandering paths it's a beautiful part of Suffolk. The owner met us on arrival and showed us the two fields that we could choose - both with lovely views and plentiful space. She also came and let my 10yr old son know when the piglet feeding time was so that he could go and help. My son and I spent hours exploring the grounds around the old walled garden and nearby stream. Oh, and did I mention that the new composting toilet is by far and away the best example I've ever come across! Better than most conventional toilets in my opinion - so spacious and clean. Highly recommend this site - just don't tell your friends...

Disliked: Nothing - perfect for exploring and sitting around the campfire.

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Liked: Lovely plot to camp on this was our first camp out as a family of 4 our youngest who is four has never been camping before and certainly was in his element !!! Gina is lovely and was so accommodating for us even come to get our little ones when it was time to feed the pigs! Had a lovely evening down the local pub too all In all a lovely little 2 nights away for us. We did venture to Needham lakes and Ipswich also not far at all lots to do in the surrounding areas . In the words of our little man ' see you next time!!'

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Liked: We had a really lovely time staying here! The tent was perfect for us! It was soo peaceful and plenty of space to run around and play and explore the grounds! We took a little walk along the stream and saw loads of tiny frogs!! The toilets were immaculate! The piggies and chickens were a lovely bonus too! The hosts were incredibly friendly and let us help feed the piggies their lunch! There was a fire pit already at the tent and fire wood available to buy! We also enjoyed some eggs for our breakfast from the chickens! We would definitely stay here again!

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Liked: What a wonderful spot. A big meadow surrounded by beautiful views, lots of space. The perfect place to unwind for a long weekend. We opted for the Robens tent and enjoyed not having to set up our own - great to be able to put our own gazebo up for shade. The welcome was informative and thorough, and very friendly too including an early visit to see piglets! The onsite micro shop was great, and the honey is to die for. If you want peace and quiet, a dark sky by a campfire, red kites overhead then this is the site for you. Bury St E is not far for your (genteel) urban needs :)

Disliked: Nothing really. If showers could be added (eco/open air etc) then the site would be totally perfect. Judging by the compost loo which is already in place a matching shower would be the best!

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Liked: Perfect little gem, really peaceful and really good for little children and well look after.

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Liked: An impromptu trip, last minute booking, but what a find Garden Cottage is!!
We booked the Robens tent, that was already set up for us. Very roomy and spacious for just the 2 of us.
Gina and her family couldn't have been more welcoming and hospitable.
Loved the Eco Loo!!! Probabaly the prettiest toilet I've ever had the pleasure to use, and you definitely need to set up a guest book for the Loo 🤩
Basic facilities, but what more do you need than a Loo, somewhere peaceful and quiet to rest and relax, a camp fire and beautiful surroundings. Will definitely visit again. Thank you for having us.

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