Historic, ‘back to basics' camping in a faithfully reconstructed World War One bunker, set amongst soothing North Norfolk woodland.
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Bedrooms: Bunks
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 1 night

A peaceful and idyllic woodland campsite in North Norfolk, Dreamy Hollow is the perfect setting in which to wind back time.

So it’s fitting, perhaps, that you’ll discover Sgt Taylor’s Bunker here, a reconstructed World War One officer’s bunker that allows you to imagine what life might have been like in the trenches, all those years ago.  

A simple wooden structure with a tin roof, and surrounded by sandbags, the bunker looks exactly as it would have done during the Great War.

This is all with good reason, since part of Dreamy Hollow’s 7.5-acre site comprises a rare, original World War One training trench network, dug in 1915 by soldiers of the Lovat Scouts as they prepared to enter the battlefields.  

You can arrange a tour of this fascinating network, and the Lovat Scouts memorial, as part of your stay, or simply sip a welcome cuppa made from your bunker’s copper kettle, and immerse yourselves in its unique, rustic character.  

Sleeping up to four guests in mattress-furnished wooden bunks (please bring your own sleeping bags), there’s a wooden table and chairs, and a small wood-burner to keep you warm… with a flat top to help you boil the aforementioned copper kettle. You’ll also have access to a private toilet and shower.

By no means is this ‘glamping’; there are no fancy facilities or luxury additions to take you away from the authentic, no-frills experience of trench life.  

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A faithfully reconstructed World War One officer’s bunker, set on a 7.5-acre woodland campsite in North Norfolk.
  • The bunker sleeps up to four guests on mattress-furnished wooden bunks. Please bring your own sleeping bags.
  • There is a wood-burner and copper kettle, along with a wooden table and chairs. You will have access to private toilet and shower facilities.
  • There is an archery range on the site, and plenty to see and do close by, including the Norfolk Coast Path, beaches, and nature reserves. You can also take a tour of the Lovat Scouts memorial and trench training network that forms part of the site.

Features

  • Adults Only
  • Off-Grid

Facilities

Reconstructed wartime bunker, sleeps 4 guests.  Four wooden bunks with mattresses, wooden table with 4 chairs, wood-burner with copper kettle.  Separate shower and toilet cabin.

Local Activities

Archery, historic sites, walking, cycling, Norfolk Coast Path, beaches, market towns, nature reserves, alpaca trekking, creative pursuits, sightseeing, independent shops, cafés, pubs

More information

Instead, there’s a serene and comforting atmosphere that promises to relax you, as you light the wood-burner and get lost in conversation by its gentle evening glow.

After a sound night’s sleep in your bunk, you’ll find there’s plenty to see and do in the local area. Though if you’re staying on site, there’s an archery range to help you while away some time!

Nearby Hunstanton and Holkham beaches are perfect for rolling out your towel on, though if you’re feeling more energetic, you could walk the windswept Norfolk Coast Path instead, or test your bike’s wheels out on the many cycling trails you’ll find close by.

Meanwhile, nature lovers will enjoy a trip to Blakeney Nature Reserve, where you’ll be able to spot the resident seals, or how about Alpaca trekking at nearby Wells-next-the-Sea?

But if all that sounds a little too much, simply browse the quaint independent shops and coffee stops at Burnham Market, before returning to hunker down for another contemplative evening spent in a genuine piece of history.

Things to note

Please note that the bunker looks and is furnished just as it would have during World War One, and is intended to be a basic and uniquely historic camping experience, rather than glamping. Children are not accepted. The bunker is not accessible to vehicles due to the terrain. Guests will need to park in the car park (wheelbarrows/trolleys are provided to transport luggage).

The site is hoping to re-open on the 18th of May 2021 but please check the property website for more details before booking.

Where you'll be staying

Barwick, Norfolk

You might also like

Appears in these collections