Mad Hatters Campsite
UK England East Anglia Cambridgeshire Ely
Forget the Mad Hatter’s tea party and head, instead, to Cambridgeshire for the Mad Hatter’s camping party. Okay, so it’s not quite a party but it’s fair to say that there’s a great atmosphere and everyone is invited. Campers, glampers, kids, couples, dogs and groups of camping buddies are all welcome here. This quirky, Alice In Wonderland-themed fenland site is quickly establishing itself as the place to pitch for a stay near the charming city of Ely. With pitches among tussocky grass and wildflowers, views of the cathedral and a riverside trail in to town, it’s little wonder why.
Mad Hatters Campsite is lightly-themed on Lewis Carroll’s classic story with pitches named after key characters and a year-round glamping cabin that’s straight out of a fairy tale. The name, and subsequent theme, pays homage to Ely’s own Mad Hatter – farmer David, who owns the land. He is always busy and (you guessed it) is often seen sporting a hat (a practical cap rather than an elaborate headpiece – but, even so, the name has stuck). It’s daughter Claire who’s set up the campsite in a field among the 100-acre farmland that stands in sight of Ely Cathedral.
The Queen of Hearts Cabin is the top spot and remains open throughout the winter but in the summer there’s under-canvas glamping too in three bulbous, well kitted-out Luna bell tents. There are 28 pitches for those with their own kit in a field that could accommodate twice that number. Space is valued here and the establishing trees and wildflowers have been planted to encourage biodiversity and connect wildlife habitats with neighbouring fenland farms. The long grass, the campfire-friendly policy and quirky bell tents give the site a laid-back atmosphere but it’s traditional in other ways with modern facilities and a sweet-little reception area where you check in and can stock up on seasonal strawberries, grown on the farm.
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Details
Facilities
8 toilets, 6 showers & 2 washing-up sinks. 8 of the pitches have electric hook-up. There’s a shared fridge/freezer and solar USB charging points in reception as well as sockets for hairdryers in the washing facilities. Campfires are allowed and each pitch has its own fire pit and solar lantern. Logs are available at £4.50 a bag. There’s a small children’s play area, as well as an open grass area for ball games and kite flying, a wildlife-rich pond with benches and a wooden covered sitting area too where Mad Hatter teas parties can be held. The Luna bell tents and the cabin are kitted out with bedding, a table and chairs, a small stove, cooking equipment, cutlery, coffee, tea and a few other extras on arrival. Each glamping Luna tent has its own wooden outside kitchenette with water, sink, and electric. The Queen of Hearts Cabin has its own kitchen and en-suite.Suitable For
Pretty much everyone! Campers, glampers, caravans, motorhomes, groups and dogs – yes.Nearby
It’s a 2.5-mile walk along the River Ouse in to Ely where you can visit Ely Cathedral (01353 667735) and Oliver Cromwell’s House (01353 662062) which includes interactive exhibitions and an escape room. If it rains, you could head for Ely Leisure Village, 3.5 miles from site, which has a swimming pool, 6-screen cinema and fast-food eateries. More active adventures can be found 9 miles away at Hannam's Wake Hub and Aquapark (01353 649683) or 12 miles away at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve (01353 720274) where you can walk, hire bikes or take a boat ride. Perhaps visit Anglesey Abbey (01223 810080) where there’s a Jacobean House and maze. Cambridge and Newmarket are both 17 miles from site and the Norfolk Coast is 30 miles away.Food & Drink
Ely has plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink. Recommended hotspots include the riverside Cutter Inn (01353 662713), The Royal Standard (01353 645194), Peacocks Tearoom (01353 661100) and The Almonry (01353 666360) – which stands within the cathedral precincts. If you’re eating out with kids, try Wildwood (01353 659587) or Arbuckles Diner (01353 656710). Spanish restaurant, Habis (07445 831648) in Littleport (3 miles from site) also comes highly recommended.Open
February – end of October.Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
The campsite consists of five acres of green grassy field with a beautiful pond, surrounded by colourful wild flowers nectar mixes, and over 3 acres of newly planted trees and hedges. We have various bird boxes and feed stations in the mixes to encourage wild birds and pollinators, something that we are really passionate about. The Mad Hatter's theme is incorporated throughout the campsite, with quirky signs scattered around the site, a trail and a small play house. Each pitch is also themed with its own unique name which is also sign posted with a Mad Hatter charm to it. The cosy coffee room, is the perfect spot to chill out and warm up on those rainy days. The tranquil small pond has benches scattered around it and several public footpaths close by, so you can enjoy the scenery, be closer to nature and really switch off. There are also many pretty rural walks nearby, the walk to Ely along the River Ouse is particularly beautiful, with amazing views of Ely Cathedral.
Social Distancing Measures
Accommodation
28 pitches (including 8 with electric hook-up), 3 Luna bell tents and a cabin.
Cabin - Queen of Hearts
Timber Tent Caterpillar
Timber Tent - King of Hearts
Timber Tent - Mad Hatter
Grass pitch (with electric)
Grass pitch (No Electric) TENTS ONLY
Location
Contact Mad Hatters Campsite, Mad Hatters Campsite, Clayway Farm, Prickwillow, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4UE
Getting There
Reviews
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Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
