Waxham Sands Holiday Park Reviews
Waxham Sands Holiday Park is a family and dog-friendly site, with its own section of Waxham beach, just minutes from the gorgeous sands of Horsey Gap. Spacious grass pitches are perfect for your tent or tourer, with optional electric hookup too. Nestled on the Norfolk Coast, with spectacular surrounding views, this site is sure to make a memorable getaway. Onsite, you'll find a beach library and a playground for the kids to enjoy too!
4.57 /5
138 reviews
84%
would recommend
Just okay and probably wouldn't use again
Charlotte P
0
0
The site is in great location for the beach and sand dunes if you want to use the beach. Also, the Norfolk coastal path goes straight along the dunes, towards the area where you can go seal spotting at Horsey Gap. A little crowded and not much fun for the seals, unfortunately. The site is large and busy as it was bank holiday, so super crazy, with so many kids that were not really being kept an eye on by parents. We are a couple with a dog, so our visit was for relaxation and walks, but definitely not a chilled vibe here on a bank holiday, which is understandable and hard to find on any summer bank holiday. Reception and staff were great and seemed efficient. The toilets were clean near our pitch, but the ones near the safari tent communal area were not so clean, again mostly due to feral kids dropping toilet roll all over the floor and it getting mixed with sand and water. Just used the loo and got out of there. The ladies' shower block I used was very old and mouldy, and no way of locking my shower door. There was a queue, so had to accept the only shower that was free, and the ceiling was black, with mould on the floor and fallen off paint from the falling apart décor. This was the fastest shower I have ever had! I understand that the site will be upgrading this problem, which would make the site much better, as lots of the other facilities are great. The large safari tent is a great addition, with that being the only area on site that you might get Wi-Fi to work if you need it. We really liked food and drinks trailers that changed every night - lovely too with friendly staff. The on site shop was great too. All local things to see were easier to visit by van or car as there were no footpaths visible and very narrow lanes. Good dog friendly site and all dogs seemed to be on their leads and under control. I feel this site has a great atmosphere for families with children especially on a busy August bank holiday, but not for us and probably our mistake when booking with not enough research. It is not for a couple looking for a peaceful getaway in Norfolk to do some day trips and walks, as it really did sound like a loud school playground on an evening, especially in the safari tent, where we had a curry and a few drinks from the bar trailer. We would recommend the little boat trips from Horsey Wind Pump, National Trust run car park and windmill, as it's only down the road and a lovely day out to see the local wildlife on the boat tour. Helpful hint - if you are in a camper van, you may need your levelling ramps to pitch, as the ground was uneven but we nearly always need them on most sites anyway.
Site's response
Hello Charlotte, Thank you for your review. Our facilities will be getting the much needed upgrades over the winter months while we are closed. Unfortunately yes, we do get very very busy in the school holidays, which can be quite noisy with children playing. Our best advice would be to come out of the school holidays where it is very much more peaceful and quiet. Apologies for the experiences you had while staying with us. That is most certainly not the experience we wish our guests to have. We will definitely be looking into ways to make other improvements.
Not enough space for us
Catherine O
0
0
This site was busy when we visited. The location next to the beach was beautiful, but we were allocated a pitch in the centre of the site which we would never have chosen. Each pitch was just big enough, but felt we were far too close to other campers. It was a busy weekend. There was no room for our young daughter to run about in, something which we've loved and taken for granted with other campsites. If we could be sure to choose our pitch, then we'd possibly return but it at the moment, we won't be.
Site's response
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, all feedback is very much appreciated and we look into all feedback to constantly improve our site, facilities and guest experience. We hope to see you return to Waxham again soon, take care.
Nice break
Recommends site
David H
0
0
Very nice, well thought out, nice out of house bar & food. Nice shop reasonably priced. A comfortable safari tent, Wi-Fi & the communal fire pit is a great idea. But we have x3 dogs (1 was ill so stayed at home this occasion). I get why you have a 2 dog limit but my 2 are better behaved than most people's 1 dog. Would you rather camp next to 4 quiet, well behaved dogs or 1 that barks incessantly when someone goes by?
Site's response
Thank you for your review. Yes our policy is a maximum of two dogs, unfortunately. I am sorry you had that experience with someone else's dog. You would be more than welcome to let us know in the office and we would be able to go and speak to the owners of the dog.
Had a great stay here
Richard H
0
0
Had a great stay here for the first two nights. Having shortlisted the site from others in the area based on no groups, stag hen do's etc. The last night, however 25th August 2023, there was a large gathering of people. The evening started with a massing of people at one camp pitch. Their kids playing across multiple unoccupied and occupied pitches. Anywhere but their pitch. This went on until 9pm and some of these kids were very young. Then, they were finally sent to bed and the adult's almost full on night club kicked off. The warden eventually came out around 11pm, 2 hours after site rules state all gatherings and noise should have ended. They seemed to just ask them to quiet down. However this unlicensed night club continued to thump out music, with people at this gathering, shouting over it and each other until midnight. Needless to say not impressed. Shame, because the first two nights things seemed to be under control, making for a pleasant first few nights.
Site's response
Thank you for leaving your review, I am so sorry you had this experience. I will be looking into this with our night warden. We do hope that this will not tarnish your view of Waxham and spoil any future adventures here. Take care.
Excellent site
Recommends site
Adrian F
0
0
First visit and will almost definitely visit again when possible.
Site's response
Thank you for your lovely review. See you back at Waxham very soon.
Absolutely fantastic family camping holiday
Recommends site
Corinne C
0
0
Check in. This was so easy, just pull into the check in lane you you get greeted by one of the happy members of staff. Gill greeted us with our welcome pack and talked us through where everything was and where to go and all the things going on during our stay. She was also knowledgeable about the area and helped us with an emergency vet. Pitch and facilities. The pitches are all a good size and well marked with the electrical hook up, easy to access. They are all equally flat and well maintained. We also liked that there were several toilet blocks, so no matter where you were pitched you had easy access to a toilet, drinking water and washing up facilities. The shower and laundry blocks are near the main reception, so easy to access, and they are all cleaned regularly throughout the day. The showers are lovely and warm, our little boy didn't actually want to leave each time he had a shower as they were "so lovely and warm". I've read that someone complained about the temperature and state of the showers, we honestly can't understand this as the water was always warm, the pressure was good and they were clean. Yes, you can see there has been some mould, but you can also see that this is cleaned and been treated. There was also an outdoor doggy spa to hose down your sandy dogs and shower for the humans to hose down their sandy feet, very handy! There are two parks, we only used the one by the main reception and it's fab. Plenty for all the children to play on and enjoy themselves. There is also a number of outdoor and covered seating areas around the park where they have different food and drink carts visiting each day. There is a timetable outside that clearly shows what is going to be there and at what times. The fire pit was also a surprise addition, you could also buy large marshmallows ready on long sticks to toast from the on site shop. These were extremely popular, just don't forget the wet wipes, lol! The book and beach library was a great addition, with plenty of buckets and spades etc for the kids to borrow during their holiday. The on site shop and reception were fab too. All of the staff couldn't do more to help, they were also really happy and friendly. The shop is very well equipped, they had thought of everything; from camping bits, toys, souvenirs, windbreaks, food, drink and well a little bit of everything. Location. Honestly can't beat it! The beach is literally right in your doorstep. Head to the corner of the site to the left of the shower blocks and there are steps that take you straight to the sea front. Within 5min of leaving your tent/caravan you can be sat on the beach or paddling in the sea. Not only that the seals come out to say hello, they swim along the shore line and are quite confident, they will even sometimes put on a bit of show for you by swimming around and waving their fins. They are so beautiful to see. Staff. We don't really know where to start! Absolutely every single person that works on this site are just wonderful people. They are always smiley, happy, welcoming and happy to help in anyway they can. They always make a fuss of the children and the doggies on site and nothing ever seems like too much trouble, they all work so hard. We want to give a huge thank you to Gill and Darcie. We had a rather scary experience and were very close to losing our little dog, Waffle. Thankfully due to Gill and Darcie's local knowledge, and quick thinking we got her into a fabulous vets down the road. After specialist treatment and an animal hospital stay, Waffle returned to us fighting fit. Waffle was a little famous by the end of our visit, with staff coming out to check on her and see how we were all doing after our scare. Their genuine affection and care made the difference in this holiday, what could have been devastating, was actually one of the best holidays thanks to these wonderful people.
Site's response
Thank you for the amazing review. We're so glad you had such a lovely time except for your little adventure with Waffle, who is the cutest little doggy by the way. We all loved him very much and so happy that he was ok. You and your family are welcome at Waxham anytime. All the very best, Kate.
Coming on nicely
Recommends site
Daniel M
0
0
The site and the team at the site are fantastic. The only few qualms I have with the site were the cleanliness of the loos. They were brilliant at the start of the day, but as the day progressed, they got quite smelly at times and the lack of toilets for men was quite poor. If they added more toilets and cleaned then more regularly, that would hit the spot. There was also a lack of showers really, with 8 showers for male and 8 for female for the entire site and the closing of them during certain times made it madness at times. I think the info site gives could be better, like details on local hospital, doctors, supermarkets and local attractions would be ideal, as there was nothing given to us on arrival and due to poor signal, it was difficult to find these things for ourselves.
Site's response
Thank you for your review. Our cleaners work extremely hard with the upkeep of the facilities, unfortunately, not everyone takes care in using the facilities which give our cleaning team such a hard job. The cleaning team are regularly in and out of the blocks all day and the Warden takes over the duties in the evening. I'm so sorry you found at times the blocks to be unsuitable. We will certainly look into this. We hope to see you return to Waxham again soon, all the best.
Our stay
Paul S
0
0
Great location right onto the beach, food vans on an evening is a great idea, kids park is good and the shop is very handy also. It is however very expensive to say we were camping. The cleanliness of the toilets and showers really let this site down, more so the showers. The washing up area looks like it never gets even a wipe down. Because of the cleanliness of the facilities and the expense of the stay, we would not return to this site or recommend.
Site's response
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. Our cleaners work extremely hard with the upkeep of the facilities. Unfortunately, not everyone takes care in using the facilities which gives our cleaning team such a hard job. The cleaning team are regularly in and out of the blocks all day and the Warden takes over the duties in the evening. I'm so sorry you found at times the blocks to be unsuitable. We will certainly look into this. We hope to see you return to Waxham again soon, all the best.
Amazing place
Recommends site
Kaspars J
0
0
Amazing place with unique facilities and beach few minutes a way. Staff were very friendly and polite as well.
Site's response
Thank you for your wonderful review. So happy that you had a lovely time. See you again very soon.
Wonderful stay!
Recommends site
Hannah M
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0
The stay here was lovely, the facilities were great and the campsite is right next to the beach which is fab! The store is well stocked, the sites large and the staff are lovely. Thank you for a great stay, we would definitely stay here again!
Site's response
Thank you for your lovely review, see you back at Waxham again soon.
Noisy campsite and shower situation not great
Tanya S
0
0
We were disappointed with this site - on first glance it could offer everything. Location is great, staff are friendly and helpful. There is nowhere that we could see to plug in a hair dryer, charge a phone or a toothbrush. We have camped a lot and this is the first site we have ever found this. The showers are open twice in the day, so there are long queues and they are dirty. The paint is leaking off the mouldy ceiling and you leave with dirtier feet than you go in with. To top things off, we were surrounded by a large party of about 4 tents who stayed up very late drinking and shouting over our tents. Someone else complained about them I believe, but they were the same the second night too. Perhaps would have been better to place groups together on the edge of the site not next to family tents with small children. All in all, has potential but we won't be back and lots of people felt the same.
Site's response
Thank you for your review. I am so sorry you had this experience. It does get very busy during the school holidays, our night warden is always on hand via the out-of-hours number we give on check in, if you need to report any incidences. He is also patrolling the site regularly, so I will look into this for you to see what happened and why it happened. Yes unfortunately yes, we do not offer a charging service for devices for those who book non-electric pitches. Most customers book none electric for the back-to-nature feel and to deter from electricals. Thank you for your feedback, it is very much appreciated.
Amazing, really nice campsite
Recommends site
Amy E
0
0
Amazing campsite, we had a fabulous time as kids and adults. Staff are polite and playground is amazing for my 6-10 yr old. Beach is even better, felt so relaxed. Would definitely go back. X
Site's response
Thank you so much for your review, Amy. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
A great campsite in a picturesque location
Recommends site
Elaine F
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0
This is a lovely campsite, situated next to a beach. It's perfect if you want to be a bit out of the way and enjoy the quiet of the beach and watching the seals swim and play. The campsite is very clean and tidy, with plenty of toilet blocks. The only slight downside was only one shower block for the whole site that was on restricted opening hours due to local water issues. We had a fantastic time and there was lots of places to visit close by. Would definitely recommend.
Site's response
Thank you for your lovely review, we totally understand the water situation is frustrating. We are working hard to resolve it. Apologies for this. Hope to see you again soon.
Excellent campsite
Recommends site
Rebecca L
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0
What an amazing campsite. Such a perfect location with the beach just a sand dune away. Facilities were plentiful and clean and a decent play area for the children. The dog was fully welcomed and the new woodland adventure area is fantastic. I can't recommend this place enough. Our stay wasn't long enough - we will be back!
Site's response
Glad you had a wonderful stay, Rebecca. We hope to see you here again soon.
Recommend
Recommends site
Claire A
0
0
I would recommend a visit to Waxham Sands. The campsite has lots to offer, especially families with their shop, food vans, coffee "shop" and play park. The beach is a very short walk where the local seals come in for a swim with the humans. Its a bit more expensive than other campsites, but I thought it was run very well and had a very warm welcome on arrival. My only grumble was that the shower ceiling (ladies' showers) had mould on them and given the amount of campers the toilets could have been cleaned more regularly. I would go back to the campsite and can recommend a stay there despite this.
Site's response
Thank you for your review, all feedback is appreciated. Unfortunately, we had treated the mould on the ceiling, the issue being the block doesn't have adequate ventilation which we're looking into improving during our winter break. This is not something we can do while we're in open season as they are so regularly needed. We will be looking into this. We do hope to see you back at Waxham again very soon. All the best.
Seal encounters
Recommends site
Steve S
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0
We had a great time staying at Waxham Sands. The food carts and bar made meal times easy and varied and are a great addition. Location is amazing and facilities very clean.
Site's response
Thank you Steve for your review, we are so happy you had a lovely time. You're welcome back anytime.
Fantastic campsite!
Recommends site
Olivia R
1
0
This was one of the best camp sites me and my family have been too! The camp site wasn't too big so you didn't find yourself walking around trying to find facilities. Quite a few toilet blocks which was fab as we have little ones and having a loo near by is always a winner! Lovely little park for the kids to play in, a campfire and tent right near by, with pop up drink and food cabins (fantastic pizza and waffles!) and the shop on site wasn't too overpriced! The best thing by far about this place was having the beach right next to the site, perfect for night-time walks! All the staff that worked here are so lovely and friendly and nothing seemed to be too much! A very secure well looked after campsite! We can't wait to come again next year already!
Site's response
Thank you for your lovely review, Olivia. You'd be more than welcome next year. See you again soon.
Review by our family
Recommends site
Ryan S
0
0
Nice site our dog absolutely loved it. On our stay, the whole site suffered from loss of water and hot water, but we enjoyed our stay and would return. Could do with another shower block at the other end of the site.
Site's response
Thank you for the lovely review, you're welcome back anytime.
Nice size site, but needs some upgrades
Jodie R
0
0
Nice size site, but needs some upgrades and signs about using the water on site for right things. Lovely location, shame that other campers were inconsiderate with use of water, washing surf boards on site using all water, which resulted to no toilets working and no water for showers. There was confusion with my booking. Before checking the error, I was just told I would need to up and move. Luckily it was resolved quickly and I didn't have to move. Given how modern day camping kit his a lot more high spec now, electricity pitches didn't cope with accessories and could only plug one item in at time, which made cooking for the kids difficult as I had to make things in stages which meant some food was cold. Beach was lovely, camping community and it was lovely meet some amazing Norfolk friends. Site have already raised prices for next year. Unfortunately, we won't be returning.
Site's response
Thank you for your feedback. We take all feedback seriously and I will be looking into the issues raised so we can improve for 2024. We do hope to see you again back at Waxham.
Great site
Recommends site
Jonny C
0
0
Great site. From start to finish, brilliant all in. Staff really helpful and facilities all nice and clean. Family friendly and this shows from the minute you arrive. Beach and sand dunes are amazing and the seals are a must to see. Definitely be booking and staying again.
Site's response
Thank you for the amazing review, Jonny. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to Waxham very soon.
Fab first camping trip stay
Clare P
0
0
First time camping for us this year, choose this location as closer to home for us first timers. Pitch could of been a little bigger for our size tent but we made do with what room we had. Beach was lovely, kids loved the play park and plenty of food options at night. Was also lovely to hear others play music and enjoying themselves and also hearing the children playing on bikes, with balls laughing, and making memories.
Site's response
Thank you for your review, Clare, we do have other options of pitch sizes available. All of our standard electric and non electric are 9x9 metres and our premium pitches are 10x10 metres. We look forward to welcoming you all back to Waxham again soon.
A great campsite next to an amazing beach
Recommends site
Crawford J
0
0
Waxham Sands is right next to a beautiful huge sandy beach. The sea is clean and you will definitely have seals pop up next to you when you swim. The check-in was friendly and efficient and the showers are very acceptable. Pop up catering every night and a fire pit to toast your marshmallows on. Dog friendly and family orientated, the staff were super helpful when we lost a phone and found it and returned it at ten pm. Plenty of field space to fly a kite. Generally quiet, our stay was slight marred by a large group of adults who were noisy till 3am - the site might reconsider booking adjacent pitches to large groups. Otherwise totally great and we would highly recommend.
Site's response
Thank you for your wonderful review, Crawford. We're glad you had such a lovely time. Hope you come back to see us again very soon.
Good place to stay
Recommends site
Sarah B
0
0
The site was really good, but I feel it could do with more things for the kids to do. My 12-year-old was bored with just the park to play in so maybe things like mini crazy golf or other fun things to do. There is so much room that more things could be added. The toilets and showers were okay, but not always kept clean. Staff were amazing and friendly. Food vendors were great.
Site's response
Thank you for your lovely review, Sarah. We are constantly looking into what to add for the younger ones. I am so sorry you found issues with the toilets/showers. Our cleaning team work extremely hard to keep up with demand, so I do apologise you were not quite satisfied this time. We are looking into a better timetable to ensure the checks are more regular. We hope to see you back at Waxham again soon.
Great for families
Recommends site
Mandy B
0
0
Great for a family stay with beautiful beaches- but noisy if you're looking for a peaceful stay, which we did know beforehand, but we were meeting up with friends. Very helpful and friendly staff with good, pop-up facilities. Highly recommend.
Site's response
Apologies for your noise issues Mandy, it can get quite loud and busy in the school holidays. Hope you come join us again out of peak season for your relaxing stay.
Fantastic site!
Recommends site
Hannah H
0
0
Absolutely fantastic site, staff all lovely and helpful. Staff regularly found around the site, facilities a little dated is the only room for improvement!
Site's response
Thank you for the great review, Hannah. We are looking into what changes we might be making in the winter, so fingers crossed :) Hope to see you back at Waxham again soon.