Sandringham Camping and Caravanning Club Site

We have really been enjoying getting away from it all this Summer and our tent is certainly being put through it’s paces. The Beans and I had such a lovely time at West Runton that we fancied another coastal break before the end of the Summer holidays so we booked a long weekend at Sandringham Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Even though we live reasonably close to the Sandringham site, we hadn’t actually camped there before. The moment that we told friends and neighbours we were going there, they were all keen to tell us “oh that’s our favourite” so we were looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about.

FINDING THE SITE

Sandringham site is situated between the A148 and A149 in a secluded area within the grounds of the Royal Estate in Norfolk. It is easy to find as it is well signposted from both roads.

CHECKING IN

FACILITIES

Amenities Block – there are three amenities blocks on site which are evenly spaced and the cleaning is staggered throughout the day so that you always have access to facilities on site. The two blocks further into the site appear to be slightly older than the first block and thanks to the sandy soil the floors do get dirty easily but when they have been cleaned by the staff they are spotless. The shower cubicles each have a pull-down stool to place any bags on and there are hooks on the back of the door. There is a separate Family Room with a baby bath, changing area and sink if needed for younger children.

Water Points – the water points are regularly spaced throughout the site. We were situated just 500 yards from our nearest point which was perfect and at night-time they were well-lit up.

Play Area – there are two play areas on site. The one pictured above is the large play area which is situated in the middle of the first half of the site close to the newer amenities blocks and Ready Camp units. This play area is fenced all around with gated entry. There was also a smaller park further into the site which has two swings, climbing frame and slide. There is also a small open wooded area directly behind this park which the children loved to play in.

Information Area – on the outside of each of the amenities blocks you will find a really useful information section packed full of leaflets and discount vouchers for local attractions including maps.

Night Lights – the Amenities block was well illuminated at night along with the electricity points but we found the rest of the site to be quite dark so used torches to move about the site after dark. Walking near the trees in the night was also a little tricky as some roots protruded from the ground so you need to keep your torch pointed to the ground or walk along the roads where visibility was good.

Dog Walking Area – the campsite is surrounded by woodland so it is perfect for dog walks or in our case family walks. There are dog bins on site at the gates which exit to the woodland so there is no excuse for not picking up after dogs. We loved walking around the woodland and exploring, lots of families had been busy building dens too.

Refuse Disposal – Large bins are situated near to the amenities blocks. The area was always kept clean and tidy.

Disabled Facilities/Pot Washing/Chemical Toilet Disposal – both amenities blocks had a large pot washing room, disabled facilities, laundry room and sluice room.

GENERAL THOUGHTS

We were really happy during our stay at Sandringham, having access to the Woodland felt like escapism. It took a little getting used to being woken by the pigeons in the tree directly above our tent but the campsite reminded me very much of camping in the New Forest as a child which I loved and it’s clear to see why so many friends and family love it there too.

NOISE LEVEL

The site was nearly full but you would have thought that you were camping alone as the sound didn’t seem to carry, either that or everyone was extremely quiet. There was some distant road noise but after the first afternoon we didn’t hear that either.

STAFF/CLEANLINESS

The site was very well maintained and you could always find a member of staff around the site if you needed help with anything. There were LOADS of fir cones all over the floor but the team had a great competition going with the children to collect as many fir cones as possible to win a small prize – genius! We also loved that some of the old tree stumps had been carved into shapes; we spotted owls, an octopus and a throne!

LOCAL AREA

This is a popular site with cyclists and walkers, set in the woodland of the Royal Estate there are more than 600 acres of woodland and heath so there is plenty to explore. The Sandringham Estate is a beautiful places to visit too with 60 acres of gardens, a museum, Sandringham House, Church and visitor centre including restaurant and shops.

A short drive from the seaside resorts of Hunstanton and Brancaster, or shopping at King’s Lynn. The Norfolk Coast has so much to offer you’ll need to start planning your second and third visits to fit everything in.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• Sandringham Estate
• Castle Rising
• Snettisham RSPB Reserve
• The Royal Station – Wolferton
• Norfolk Lavender
• Searles Sea Tours
• Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary
• Houghton Hall
• Heacham Beach