A truly stunning Suffolk location!
Bawdsey Manor is a remarkable Grade II* listed, private site, sitting in 144 acres of parkland and woodland and facing directly onto the beautiful Suffolk coastline, at the mouth of the River Deben. Steeped in history, it has a substantial main house that is said to resemble the Queen's residence at Sandringham and a host of other listed buildings and gardens throughout the property.
Bawdsey is less than 2 hours drive from Norwich, Cambridge and the M25 and direct trains run from Woodbridge (12 miles away) to Liverpool Street Station in London.
Until we purchased it, Bawdsey was a renowned international school as well as a family home and has many excellent existing facilities as a result.
We opened the centre fully in 2018 after adding to all the existing facilities and investing heavily in improvements to create an even brighter and bolder Bawdsey Manor, with even more to offer our guests. A new dining room, the creation of en-suite bedrooms and construction of many additional new PGL activity bases in the grounds have all transformed it into one of our most exciting adventure centres. Throughout 2019 these developments have continued with the addition of the River Jordan, perfect for raft building!
Here's a great, recent, aerial video that gives you a little glimpse of the setting that makes Bawdsey 'a centre like no other' click here to view
Accommodation
Please see below the accommodation options available at PGL Bawdsey Manor on our Family Adventures.
All rooms are made up with bedding provided and tea & coffee facilities are included in all rooms with adult guests.
'Family room':
Our family rooms at Bawdsey Manor are available for up to 6. You will sleep in bunk beds and have your own en-suite shower room as a family.
'Adult and child room' (for 4 to 8 guests using two rooms, with single beds and bunks):
Perfect for those parents who want the additional privacy and separation of their own room, adjacent to, or alongside a separate room for their children. Adult rooms have two single beds and children's rooms have bunk beds for up to 6 children. All rooms have their own en-suite shower room.
At the majority of our centres we are pleased to be able to offer affordable room options for smaller families of 2 or 3 guests, where no under-occupancy fess are required, but in some instances, some room choices may incur an additional under-occupancy charge if you wish to book them for 2 or 3 person families. Please contact our customer team to discuss the best options for you on 0333 321 2114.
Facilities
Over the last 2 years at Bawdsey Manor we have invested heavily in our new centre to fill the grounds with additional amazing, purpose-built activity bases creating a full range of all our activities from our classic programme including giant swings, a jacob's ladder, trapeze and climb towers. During 2019 we've also extended the 'River Jordan' area to allow us to offer raft building on site.
Alongside our new activities, we converted the historic clock tower buildings into a 'buffet-style' dining room, creating a new space to relax in and enjoy meal times, just a short walk from the main accommodation blocks.
Dormitory bedrooms in the main house were also refurbished along with the existing accommodation blocks in the grounds (to create ensuite rooms).
Also at Bawdsey Manor:
- Playing fields
- Tennis courts*
- Meeting rooms / workspaces and lounges
- Sports hall
- Shop
- There is also a tennis court* (for more competitive families! - subject to availability)
Please note there is no bar at Bawdsey Manor. However, refreshments are provided for you to enjoy in a lounge and the team on centre can advise you of nearby pubs and restaurants should you wish.
Activities available
Every day is different
As one of our largest centres, with a fantastic range of land and water-based activities including giant swing, buggy build, zip wire and raft building, Bawdsey Manor is great for families looking to try our classic Multi Activity holiday.
Evening Entertainment
Enjoying fun evening activities together as a family has always been part of our inclusive formula but even we recognise that some parents still want a bit of ‘me’ time too. Therefore, we’re introducing some optional new ‘children only’ evening activities into our programme, alongside our existing planned ‘family’ entertainment that you can do together. Our team will supervise your children, who will spend their time with other children of similar ages doing organised activities, leaving you free to relax.
Food
Time together
Eating together is an important part of any family holiday and we know how tricky it can be to please everyone in the family. PGL Family Adventures include breakfast, lunch and dinner; making food one less thing for you to think about.
Something for everyone
We source fresh regional produce whenever we can and you’ll always find a good selection of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables on offer every day. The menu will always include a vegetarian option and we will try to provide a taste of local cuisine whenever possible. We aim to provide a balance of food which is familiar but also gives guests the opportunity to try food influenced by the area they are visiting. A salad bar is available at lunch and dinner time and fresh fruit is available at every meal.
Our Group Leaders are on hand to help and will look out for anyone who can’t find anything on the menu that they enjoy. If necessary our catering teams will be more than happy to prepare something special.
Allergies, intolerances and other dietary requirements
A vegetarian alternative can always be provided on all our holidays, and we can accommodate most special diets required on medical or religious grounds, just let us know when you book.
Drinks
Hot drinks and water are available with meals. We encourage guests to fill their drinks bottles at meal times ready for activities, but water stations are available around the centre.
A dining room with a difference...
Meals will be served in the newly renovated clock-tower building. It is a relaxed, self-service style buffet for families to enjoy.

Sample Day
Schedule | Activities |
---|---|
Breakfast | Wake up and head down to breakfast to fuel up for the day. Choose from a large range including a hot cooked breakfast, cereals, toast, yoghurts, porridge and a selection of drinks. Make sure to fill up your drinks bottle to take on to your first activity! |
Session 1 | Trapeze |
Break | Take 10-15 minutes to have a break and get yourself a drink ready for the next session! |
Session 2 | Giant Swing |
Lunch | Worked up an appetite? Replenish your energy at lunch! In the dining room you'll find nutritious hot and cold options with a great range to suit every taste and dietary requirement. If you have spare time after your lunch, relax with a hot drink ready for the afternoon ahead. |
Session 3 | Fencing |
Break | A chance to reflect on all the activities you've done so far and prepare for the final activity of the day. |
Session 4 | Jacob's Ladder |
Dinner | Head to the dining room and enjoy dinner with your family. For guests staying for 4 or 7 nights, on one evening we'll either have a BBQ or organise a cheese and wine night for the adults. |
Evening Entertainment | Enjoy evening entertainment as a family or just send your children and get some 'me time'. With different entertainment each night from quizzes to talent shows, there's something for all the family to enjoy! |
Relax | Head back to your room or to lounge areas to relax and wind down. Get a good night's sleep ready to do it all over again tomorrow! |
Please note this is a sample itinerary for illustrative purposes only. Itineraries will be planned by the centre shortly before your arrival.
Prices
Make sure you check out our Special Offers page here!
Please note the below dates and prices are not live. For live availability please email our team on families@pgl.co.uk or call us on 0333 321 2114.
Duration/ Holiday | Dates | Accommodation | Adult/Child (5-18) | Child (2-4) |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 nights (Fri-Sun)/ Multi Activity Weekend |
09/04, 16/04 | Family room Adult and child room |
£159/£145 £179/£165 |
FREE |
2 nights (Sat-Mon)/ Multi Activity Weekend |
03/04 | Family room Adult and child room |
£179/£165 £199/£185 |
FREE |
4 nights (Mon-Fri)/ Multi Activity Short Break |
05/04, 12/04 | Family room Adult and child room |
£339/£289 £359/£309 |
FREE |
7 nights (Sat-Sat)/ Multi Activity Holiday |
03/04, 10/04 | Family room Adult and child room |
£479/£409 £499/£429 |
FREE |
Duration/ Holiday | Dates | Accommodation | Adult/Child (5-18) | Child (2-4) |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 nights (Fri-Sun)/ Multi Activity Weekend |
04/06, 30/07, 06/08, 13/08, 21/08 | Family room Adult and child room |
£159/£145 £179/£165 |
FREE |
2 nights (Sat-Mon)/ Multi Activity Weekend |
29/05, 28/08 | Family room Adult and child room |
£179/£165 £199/£185 |
FREE |
4 nights (Mon-Fri)/ Multi Activity Short Break |
31/05, 26/07, 02/08, 09/08, 16/08, 23/08 | Family room Adult and child room |
£385/£325 £415/£355 |
FREE |
7 nights (Sat-Sat)/ Multi Activity Holiday |
24/07, 31/07, 07/08, 14/08, 21/08 | Family room Adult and child room |
£509/£449 £539/£479 |
FREE |
Adventure Holidays available at Bawdsey Manor:
Holiday type
Customer reviews of this centre
“Beautiful location, great activities.”
August 2019
“Wonderful location. Brilliant activities and most importantly amazing staff, thank you!”
August 2019
“Lovely peaceful and glamorous location.”
August 2019