The Wildings Elms Meadow, a rewilded campsite near Toft Monks in Norfolk, has been named the United Kingdom’s top campsite for wildlife watching in a ranking compiled by booking platform Pitchup.com. The list of 10 campsites was based on nearly 200,000 customer reviews, highlighting nature-focused camping destinations that appeal to visitors seeking opportunities to observe wildlife during their stays.
The site was recognized for its natural setting, which includes a wildlife pond that attracts dragonflies, surrounding fields where deer roam, and birdsong that marks the start of the day. Its rewilding approach places nature at the center of the guest experience, offering visitors opportunities to encounter local wildlife without leaving the campsite.
Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, told the Eastern Daily Press: “Some of the best wildlife encounters in the UK happen not in a nature documentary, but on a Wednesday evening from a tent doorway.
“These campsites prove that guests don’t need to travel far to see something remarkable, a heron on the water, a red kite overhead, or a family of deer at dusk.
“With so many children growing up without these everyday moments in nature, we think there’s never been a better reason to pitch up somewhere wild.”
The ranking also featured Waveney Wild Woods and Camp in Suffolk, placing two East Anglian destinations among the UK’s leading campsites for wildlife watching.
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, the recognition highlights how natural surroundings can contribute to a site’s appeal without requiring extensive built amenities. Wildlife ponds, native planting, protected habitats, and rewilded areas can provide points of distinction for businesses seeking to attract guests interested in nature-based recreation.
However, developing a wildlife-focused offering requires consideration of habitat protection, visitor access, and the practical demands of operating a commercial campsite. Operators may need to balance opportunities for wildlife observation with measures to minimize disturbance, maintain safe pathways, and manage guest expectations about animal sightings, which can vary by season and weather conditions.
Customer-review rankings can also provide insight into how guests perceive a destination’s experience. While the Pitchup.com list was based on nearly 200,000 reviews, the available information does not specify how many reviews were attributed to each campsite or whether the ranking considered factors beyond customer feedback.
The recognition of The Wildings Elms Meadow reflects continuing opportunities for outdoor hospitality businesses to build experiences around local landscapes and biodiversity. For operators considering similar approaches, the site’s placement in the ranking illustrates how preserving and incorporating natural features can form part of a campsite’s identity and marketing strategy.
