Adventure Trail Bike Forum

Hi all, as you all know, for the last two Thetford meets we have used the campsite at Banham Zoo.

It has...

A shop close by.
Pub close by with a sofa in the garden.
Heated laundry room to sleep in if it's a cold night.
Quick access to the trails.
Welcoming staff who give us a rally discount on the campsite.

The only thing is.... no campfires

Should we be looking for a new venue?

DanH wrote:


For me anyway the closer to the trails the better, in fact it's a pity that we can't camp on the trails.
The least amount of road work the better for me, in two words Hate it.
If we require a change of venue, how about getting even closer to the trails i.e. Peddars Way, like Brancaster Saithe?
Good site, friendly peeps, decent beaches for anyone who doesn't want to trail ride, Hunstanton just up the road, Shop, decent pubs to eat and drink in, Cafe on site (the last brekkie I had in there was fab) Petrol station also on site, for those with a nautical disposition there's Boat yard just down the road, a trip out to the Seal sanctuary? inshort loads of stuff within spitting distance.
For those that don't want to camp, how about Glamp? or Glamping, Teepees or Yurts on site, although I don't know how they are on prices, IDEA!
There are fires within the Teepees and the Yurts have wood burning stoves!
Failing that there is also a Hostel for those that prefer bricks to canvas.

That sounds even better. Would like to know a bit more regarding fee's but that apart looks just the job.

Trevor Pastrami wrote:

I'll look into it over the weekend, using the 18th and 19th as prospective dates.
I'd expect that the charges might vary depending on seasonal variations, eg:- school holidays etc.

Meant to add that this is only a suggestion, I still remember waking up to the sound of Monkeys, which always puts a smile on my face, thus the , No and Not bothered answers to Dan's questions.
I hope that they didn't come across as obstreperous, just genuinely how I feel.

I do like a fire to sit around swapping tales of daring do over a few beers:-) Makes a camp for me.
SGR

I looked at Deepdale Campsite and looks very Eco friendly so I doubt campfires will be allowed.
SGR

SGR wrote:


Yes Eco No No campfires, although I'd rather be closer to the trails than have a fire any day... or night

How many trails in addition to Peddars Way at Deepdale as there are many around Thetford and Kings Forest and they are well mapped?
SGR

SGR wrote:


As far as I know not many if any additional ones, however it could make a good jump point.

Agreed Thetford and Kings Forest are well mapped, however the point I was trying to make and failed is, that I don't want to move the Safari anywhere else, otherwise it just becomes another camp, the Safari title was used because of our proximity to the animals.
Mind you with some of the sounds coming from the tents you'd could be forgiven for thinking that there was a herd of snoring Bison in the vicinity!

I use ear plugs
SGR

Applewood is a very good campsite, I can't fault it, The camp fire thing isn't a problem, more of a suggestion. I guess I was interested to know if we're all happy to stay there or fancied a change.

TP you make a good point, the Safari wouldn't be the Safari without the dawn chorus of screaming monkeys

Dan we can sit around your BBQ
SGR

I think Banham is probably the way to go (again) for the reasons mentioned. The Deepdale campsite is good and I'd stay there again but as for trails you are somewhat limited to Peddars Way which, while good, doesn't change a lot each time, whereas the forest area has so many different places to explore. It would be best to run the forest first then for those with time/inclanation/energy left they can blast up the 'Way to Hunny, rather than doing things the other way around.

Also Deepdale has exceptinally stony ground and is quite exposed, also it is much more regimented in the layout with set pitches as well as being a family campsite, this may not only be less cosy for our informal gathering but also we may be less welcome as a group.

Maybe others know of some other sites in the forest area but as much as I'd like to try somewhere different, if only for the change as been at Banham twice now, it does tick most of the boxes.

+1 For Banham guys, looks like everyone is in agreement too so would you mind taking the reigns and organising this DanH? with assistance from TP / Twintec perhaps? As you're all aware i'm a little preoccupied at the moment though happy to help where I can

The format shouldn't really need much tweaking as TP put together a fantastic intro last year I'd suggest reusing it and I'll chip by adding some unseen photos from last year to give any new comers a good idea of what to expect Also be worth including some from the year before IMO just like TP did. Even the XRV thread could be copied with the new dates I should imagine.

I'll also try and swap the banner back to that of the Safari in the meantime

EC