A Last-Minute Family Glamping Weekend in Our Shepherd’s Lodge
Last weekend, I was hoping for a few extra bookings at The Grove Glamping, but when things stayed quiet, we decided to make the most of the sunny weather and enjoy a spontaneous break ourselves. We texted a few friends to see if they fancied joining us — and in true Norfolk style, everyone was up for a last-minute adventure.
We’d never stayed in the Shepherd’s Lodge as a family before, and it didn’t disappoint. Our boys (aged 5 and 3) absolutely loved it. Our friends also have young boys, so the whole group spent hours playing football, racing around the grass and making the most of the play area. One family brought pens and paper, and the children happily sat in the undercover dining area, colouring and playing card games while the grown-ups relaxed.
Morning Swims & Slow Starts
We booked the indoor swimming pool for 9am on both mornings — such a peaceful way to start the day, and we had the entire pool to ourselves. The boys were having so much fun back at the glamping site afterwards that we didn’t make it to the beach until about 12.30pm.
Lunch was a delicious takeaway from Whitewater, eaten on the beach at Cromer. The boys jumped straight into wetsuits, grabbed their bodyboards from Glide Surf, and spent ages playing in the waves. Of course, a trip to Cromer isn’t complete without an ice cream from the promenade — I went for gooseberry flavour and it was so good.
Afternoons in the Hot Tub & Evenings at Sundown
After a few hours at the beach, we headed back to the glamping site and all got into the private hot tub at the Shepherd’s Lodge. The children thought this was the best part of the day!
That evening we walked over to Sundown, our wood-fired pizza and tapas restaurant. One of the best things about eating at Sundown as a family is the huge grass area just outside the Tipi — the kids played happily while we relaxed with delicious food. A few toasted marshmallows by the fire finished the boys’ evening perfectly.
I took a short wander through the woods afterwards and caught the sunset — the perfect end to a day spent entirely outdoors, without screens, just enjoying simple family fun.
Fireside Evenings & Family Memories
When the children were asleep, the adults sat around the fire chatting under the stars — the kind of slow, peaceful evening that makes family glamping in Norfolk feel so special.
Our spontaneous weekend ended up being one of our favourite stays at The Grove Glamping. Sunshine, friends, good food, sea air, and endless outdoor play — everything a family holiday on the North Norfolk coast should be.