Bradmoor Woods, West Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk
The Railway Carriages bring a different kind of charm. Over a century old and full of history, they have been carefully restored with wood panelling, large windows and cosy French enamel stoves that make them particularly inviting on cooler evenings. The Silos, once used for storing grain, have been transformed into spacious, insulated lodgings that resemble oversized yurts. These are especially well suited to families, with plenty of room for children to spread out, play games or spend a rainy afternoon in comfort while listening to the sounds of the woods outside.
Among all the structures, Zenia is often a favourite. This imaginative hideaway has been created from a reclaimed boat hull salvaged from Blakeney and now rests in a quiet glade. Sleeping four, it features bunk-style beds reached by ladders, a French stove, a table and vintage theatre seating, all set beneath a curved wooden roof. It is the sort of space that invites stories, daydreams and late-night conversations. For larger groups, the Dorm Teepee offers warm, communal accommodation with beds for eight arranged around a central wood-burning stove. A second teepee serves as a shared sitting room, providing a welcoming place to gather on damp or chilly evenings.
At the heart of Bradmoor Woods stands the Round House, which acts as the main social hub. Built entirely from timber sourced within the woodland itself and constructed using the traditional Mandala-style reciprocal frame technique, it is both practical and atmospheric. Inside, guests will find the camp kitchen and plenty of open space in which to relax, cook, eat and play. This is where people drift together for group meals, games, impromptu performances or simply to talk as the day draws to a close. Solar lighting keeps the space softly illuminated after dark, while the pizza oven and barbecue/firepit encourage long, convivial evenings around the flames.
Adding to the sense of playfulness is Valkyrie, a classic Norfolk Broads cruiser that now rests among the trees. No longer used for sleeping, it has become a favourite climbing and make-believe spot for children, and an unexpected sight for adults wandering through the woods. Coming across a boat in the middle of the forest lends a slightly surreal, almost storybook quality to the landscape.
Even the practical facilities at Bradmoor Woods have been designed with care. The shower and loo block is built in a carousel style from a collection of reclaimed doors and contains four power showers and four flushable toilets. The block is powered by solar energy and uses water drawn from a borehole, balancing environmental responsibility with comfort and cleanliness. It is a reminder that staying in the wild does not have to mean sacrificing decent washrooms.
Days spent at Bradmoor Woods can be as active or as gentle as guests wish. Some will choose to wander through the trees, climb, build dens or ride bikes along woodland tracks. Others may prefer to sit quietly by the fire, watch the sky darken and pick out constellations, or simply observe the animals that share the site, from sheep and pigs to pheasants and numerous bird species. Above all, Bradmoor Woods offers a place that feels creative, unregimented and slightly otherworldly – a refuge from the everyday and a setting where both adults and children can slow down, breathe more deeply and let their imaginations roam.
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