Activities
We have plenty of activities on the campsite and can also recommend things to do in the surrounding area.
We are famously known for our canoe hire and the much loved “paddle to the pub.”
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Canoe/Paddleboard Hire
Hire a canoe to paddle Constable Country’s famous River Stour. Canoe hire is available daily. Canoe training & maps are provided before your trip along with free ponchos just in case the weather is not perfect. Exclusively for customers staying with us at Rushbanks Campsite.
Canoe Hire is from 10.00 - 18.00 (8 hours) and costs £65 for all day hire. Buoyancy aids for children are free of charge, adult buoyancy aids cost £5 per day. The canoes can seat either 3 adults only or 2 adults and 2 children. Canoes can be taken to the Anchor Inn Pub, Nayland, which is downstream, please note that you will need to carry the canoe around two weirs. Canoes can be shared between groups and taken both upstream and downstream from our campsite.
*** Please note: We now have 2 x paddle boards for hire *** The cost is £45 for all day hire including buoyancy aids for children, maps and training.
We do have limited availability of canoes for hire on site and recommend you book in advance, please email us at rushbanksfarm@gmail.com if you require information regarding availability only.
If you have booked your pitch online through our website or are about to, we can add your canoe payment to your pitch booking via our online booking portal on the 3rd page of booking. Please add on the relevant canoe booking day where indicated during the pitch booking process. We can then send you a canoe reservation confirmation.
All prices above are inclusive of VAT.
Dedham Vale Vineyard
Set across 40 acres of glorious rolling English countryside on the edge of the Stour Valley in the Dedham Vale. The vineyard produces six styles of award winning wines as well as cider and fruit liqueurs. Take a leisurely wonder around the vineyard. Visit their website to see what wines are available. dedhamvalevineyard.com
Arger Fen & Spouse’s Vale Nature Reserve
A fascinating mosaic of ancient woodland alongside fen meadow and regenerating woodland. suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
Explore the wildlife park, visit the butterfly house or sample their own farm-grown produce in the Farm Restaurant, there is something for even the most seasoned of adventurers. jimmysfarm.com
Kentwell Hall
Experience famous re-creations of everyday Tudor life. kentwell.co.uk
Nayland-with-Wissington
The River Stour was the ancient division between Suffolk and Essex, Nayland-with-Wissington is one of the many ancient settlements on the Suffolk side of the divide. The charming village of Nayland is characterised by picturesque 15th century buildings, the rural village of Wissington (these days usually referred to as 'Wiston' by local residents) is famous for its 11th Century Church.
White Dragon Archery
Take up the challenge of multi-zone archery, battle the hordes of evil beasts from zombies to mutated giant insects and vampires to the survivors of a crashed alien vessel, maybe the local Dragon will show up! You will be coached by the training staff who will then lead your group of brave adventurers in to battle. Visit their website for more info. whitedragonactivitycentre.co.uk
Wissington Church
12th Century Wissington Church (Yes, that’s seriously old!) is just a short walk via public footpath from Rushbanks Campsite. Try to find the world famous Wiston Dragon on the wall that has been there hundreds of years…but watch out he breathes fire…suffolkchurches.co.uk
Colchester Town
Colchester Town offers great, family favourite day trips to Jump Street Trampoline Centre, Leisure World, Colchester Castle and the amasing Colchester Zoo. visitcolchester.com
Pottery Painting
The Blue Owl Pottery Painting Studio is a wonderful place to visit as a family or solo and offers coffee and cake, a gift area and a fun craft zone for children & adults. Phone ahead if you wish to make a booking. blue-owl.co.uk
Flatford
The Hay Wain (1821), a scene by John Constable (1776-1837), was painted at Willy Lott’s Cottage near Flatford Mill. Visit the site where this world famous painting was painted. nationaltrust.org.uk
Gainsborough’s House
Visit the house, galleries and gardens of one of England’s most celebrated artists, Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88). gainsborough.org
Lavenham
Visit where Harry Potter was born. One of the finest and most beautiful medieval villages in England featuring the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Guildhall and Little Hall. You may well have already seen some of it as one of its houses was featured in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. It’s where Harry Potter and his parents lived. lovelavenham.co.uk