As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness approaches, many campsites begin to close their gates. But this is just when Deepdale Camping, with its cosy tipis and yurts nestled between tent pitches, comes into its own. Which is just as well, because the word is that there's no better time to visit the north Norfolk coast than in autumn and winter, when the crowds of summer holidaymakers have dispersed and the county is a resplendent vision of russet forests and blush-coloured clouds. By day the campsite offers views over downs, marshland, and Scolt Head Island.

At dusk the sky is split by inky-black arrowheads of geese, while behind Deepdale, the hazy calm of miles of marshland is broken only by abandoned boats and impressive sails.Then at night the dazzlingly starry sky can take your breath away.There's an annual programme of events on offer, with everything from writers' retreats, yoga, and relaxation to conservation weekends and singles' walking weeks. A stay here gives you the chance to savour the season and trade lazy summer camping for a wholly different and invigorating experience.



COOL FACTOR An autumn and winter wonderland. WHO'S IN? Tents, small campervans, dogs - yes. Caravans, unsupervised under-21s, groups with more than 2 tents, tents over 6 metres - no.

ON SITE Six tipis and 2 yurts scattered among 82 tent pitches spread out across 5 paddocks. Facilities include eco-friendly hot showers, toilets, and washing-up facilities with water heated by solar panels and an oil burner back-up; onsite camping shop and the excellent and great-value Deepdale Cafe next door serves everything from quality English breakfasts to chunky home-made soups. No campfires.

OFF SITE Titchwell Marsh (01485 210779) is an autumnal must for watching migrating geese, lovely walks in golden-hued coastal landscapes, and warming cuppas in its cafe.

FOOD AND DRINK The White Horse (01485 210262), down the road has a buzzy dining room with views.


GETTING THERE The site is just off the A149 coast road, about midway between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Take the Coasthopper bus from Kings Lynn to Burnham Deepdale, alighting outside the site.
OPEN All year (advance bookings; min. 7 nights July-August).

THE DAMAGE Adult £4.50-£9; child £2.50-£5.Tipi £40-£114 (depending on size; season) per night; yurt £50-£145.