THE LOWDOWN

Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne Norfolk

Looking for a family staycation that delivers the great outdoors without sacrificing the little luxuries? Kelling Heath might just be your sweet spot. Set across 300 acres of woodland and rare heathland near the North Norfolk coast, this much-loved family-owned holiday park is so much more than somewhere to pitch a tent. There are miles of walking and cycling trails to explore, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, tennis courts, nature activities and even the chance to spot the park’s famous red squirrels.

And it’s not just a family affair – couples, dog owners and anyone craving a proper switch-off surrounded by nature will feel very much at home here too.

Not into tents or caravans? Fear not. Kelling Heath also has a collection of seriously comfy woodland lodges – complete with proper beds, electricity and, joy of joys, indoor loos! I’ve just returned from a wonderful weekend in one and, if you love the idea of the great outdoors but don’t fancy sacrificing your creature comforts (or spending the whole holiday reminding the kids, or yourself, to put down their screens), this could be the summer escape you’ve been looking for.

THE VIBE

Chilled doesn’t even begin to cover it. Kelling Heath has a lovely tucked-away woodland feel, with lodges nestled amongst the trees and paths winding through the forest. Many are privately owned holiday homes, each with their own personality and little touches, so it feels more like a woodland village than your typical holiday park.

When I arrived on a Friday evening, the car park was full and plenty of people were out enjoying the sunshine, walking the trails and making the most of the great outdoors, but throughout my entire stay it never felt crowded or chaotic. There’s a real sense of space here – families wandering, dogs trotting along and everyone generally moving at a much slower pace.

The peace was probably my favourite thing. Even with a family staying in the lodge next door and people regularly strolling past, it was incredibly quiet. Part of that is the setting, of course, but I also think the lack of phone signal plays a role. At first, having pretty much zero signal felt like a slight inconvenience (what if you need to Google something, like, immediately?!), but actually being forced to put the phone down was probably no bad thing. A rare chance to properly switch off, sit outside a little longer and just be present.

I even spotted former Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul a few lodges down enjoying a relaxed family break – talk about a very Norfolk holiday sighting!

THE WOODLAND LODGE

woodland lodge Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne Norfolk

Kelling Heath has a range of two and three-bedroom woodland lodges to choose from, available in Classic and Platinum grades, with some dog-friendly options too. I stayed in a Classic three-bedder, which was a really comfortable base for a weekend escape.

The lodge had everything you could possibly need. The kitchen was impressively well equipped, with plenty of utensils and appliances if you wanted to cook properly, while the open-plan lounge and dining area made it a lovely space to cook, eat and unwind together.

Practical touches really stood out. Having your own parking space right outside the lodge is a small thing but makes life so much easier when you’re arriving with bags, food shopping and all the usual holiday paraphernalia.

squirrel at Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne Norfolk

My favourite spot was the little terrace outside. I spent Sunday morning with a coffee, my book and the woodland for company – seriously, the squirrels are very friendly – and honestly it was bliss. It’s exactly the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

interior of woodland lodge at Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne Norfolk

The lodge itself had a main bedroom with a double bed and ensuite, plus two twin bedrooms and a separate main bathroom. There’s also a little electric log burner in the lounge which I imagine would make the lodge feel extra cosy when the seasons change, making it a year-round destination.

The decor inside is fairly simple rather than wow-factor fancy, but it suits the setting. The real star of the show is stepping outside and being surrounded by trees, birdsong and that lovely feeling of being away from it all.

SCOFF & QUAFF

One of the joys of staying somewhere like Kelling Heath is that you can self-cater if you fancy it, but there’s no need to panic-buy half of Tesco before you arrive. The onsite Village Shop, found in the buzzy Village Square (above) is impressively well-stocked with all the holiday essentials you’ll inevitably forget (in my case, kitchen roll and salt – rookie errors), plus all the usual village shop staples like morning papers and snacks.

It’s also a great spot for picking up local goodies. I spotted bottles of Norfolk favourites including Black Shuck and Home Farm gin, as well as frozen pizzas from Erics – perfect for an easy dinner back at the lodge.

When I arrived on Friday evening, I made the most of one of the visiting food trucks, Rabbit and Run, which served up loaded chips and seriously tasty flatbreads – exactly the kind of easy holiday food you want after a long journey and the faff of unpacking. The following evening there was a van dishing up delicious-smelling curries, and there’s always the option of fish and chips or pizza from Brackens (above).

If you get tired of the takeaway vibe and still don’t fancy cooking, The Terrace Restaurant is on hand with crowd-pleasing British grub in a setting that feels much more like a cosy village local than a holiday park restaurant. Think traditional wooden bar, patterned carpet and friendly staff – a proper pubby vibe that feels very fitting for a woodland escape.

I visited on a Sunday and, although the roast dinners looked very tempting, the sunshine had other ideas and it was far too hot for a roast (yes, there is such a thing!). Instead, I opted for the pasta with slow-cooked beef shin in a tomato ragu, which hit the spot after a day exploring.

CHILD-FRIENDLY?

If you hadn’t guessed already, it’s a big fat yes. I’d say there’s enough going on here to keep kids of all ages happy, from toddlers to stroppy teens. And with plenty of other families holidaying here too, there are lots of opportunities to make holiday friends.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

Absolutely. Four-legged family members are just as welcome as the two-legged ones, with dog-friendly lodges and miles of woodland walks to sniff out together.

THINGS TO DO

pool at Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne Norfolk

The beauty of Kelling Heath is that you could easily arrive, park up and not need to leave for the whole weekend. There’s a huge amount going on across the site, whether you’re in the mood for doing something or simply fancy a gentle potter through the trees.

For a little holiday indulgence, the Health & Fitness Club is well worth a visit. Day and weekly passes are available – complimentary to guests staying in lodges – giving you access to the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym. I spent a very happy afternoon here doing very little apart from switching off – which, frankly, is exactly what holidays are for. The indoor and outdoor pools are definitely geared more towards families than serious swimmers (don’t expect to clock up Olympic-worthy lengths), but they’re perfect for a leisurely dip or cooling off. The outdoor pool, which operates on a first come first served basis and is free to staying guests, is an absolute game changer in this recent heatwave.

If you’re happiest outdoors, you’re spoilt for choice. There are miles of walking trails winding through woodland, heathland and conservation areas, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. You can hire bikes to explore on two wheels, wander down to the fishing pond or keep your eyes peeled for Kelling Heath’s famous red squirrels in their enclosure.

Families are well catered for too, with a large adventure play area, lawn games including pétanque and plenty of space to burn off energy. Next to this is the park’s stargazing area – a lovely nod to Kelling Heath’s famously dark skies. Keep an eye on the events calendar too, with children’s entertainment, and live music every night in the Village Square during the school summer hols in Norfolk, and everything from beer and gin festivals to the much-loved Wild Sky Weekend taking place throughout the year.

the Poppy Line steam train North Norfolk Railway

One of my favourite little touches was hearing the Poppy Line steam train gently chugging past in the distance. Better still, you can hop on from Kelling Heath’s own unmanned halt (just book your tickets online with the North Norfolk Railway in advance) for a wonderfully nostalgic Norfolk day out.

And if you do fancy venturing further afield, you’re perfectly placed for Sheringham, Cromer, Weybourne beach and all the other delights of the North Norfolk coast.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Kelling Heath is one of those rare places that manages to please both the outdoorsy types and the “I’d rather have a proper bed and bathroom” brigade. It’s peaceful without ever feeling boring, family-friendly without feeling chaotic, and perfectly placed for exploring North Norfolk if the mood takes you.

But what surprised me most? How easy it was to switch off. Between the birdsong, the woodland walks and the decidedly patchy phone signal, I left feeling like I’d actually had a proper break rather than simply spending a weekend somewhere else. And these days, that’s worth its weight in gold.

Good for: Families wanting a back-to-nature break with plenty for kids of all ages to do; couples looking for a peaceful woodland escape; dog owners who want somewhere with plenty of walking on the doorstep.

Not for: Anyone expecting five-star hotel service, evening cabaret or lightning-fast WiFi. Kelling Heath is all about slowing down, switching off and embracing the great outdoors.

The damage: For a break in one of the lodges, prices start from £479 midweek, weekend from £369.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Sandy Hill Lane, Weybourne, NR25 7HW

Reviewer Claire Hool

A wonderful woodland weekend in North Norfolk

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