Woodland glamping in Burnham Beeches

Between London and the Chiltern Hills, in leafy Buckinghamshire, this small, wildlife-rich Site of Special Scientific Interest is celebrated for its centuries-old beech and oak trees and for its starring role in films such as Harry Potter. Wander along woodland-fringed paths to a Bronze Age hill fort, stop for a local-produce picnic or join one of the regular guided walks. Campsites overlooking the gurgling Thames, bell tents on organic farms and glamping lodges in the Chilterns are among the temptations for overnighting adventurers.

92% (309)

Top-rated campgrounds

Between London and the Chiltern Hills, in leafy Buckinghamshire, this small, wildlife-rich Site of Special Scientific Interest is celebrated for its centuries-old beech and oak trees and for its starring role in films such as Harry Potter. Wander along woodland-fringed paths to a Bronze Age hill fort, stop for a local-produce picnic or join one of the regular guided walks. Campsites overlooking the gurgling Thames, bell tents on organic farms and glamping lodges in the Chilterns are among the temptations for overnighting adventurers.

92% (309)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

2. Wild Boar Wood Campsite

97%

(68)

9 units · Glamping · Haywards Heath, England

Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires

3. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%

(7)

13 units · Glamping · Buckingham, England

Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire

4. Surrey Hills Yurts & Bell Tents

9 units · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

Yurt glamping in the Surrey Hills

5. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%

(10)

27 units · Tents, Glamping · Ware, England

Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.

6. Wingbury Farm Glamping

98%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Buckinghamshire, South East England

Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow

7. Hollington Park Glamping

95%

(11)

6 units · Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs

8. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

9. Strawberry Lane Tree Tent campsite

100%

(5)

2 units · Glamping · Storrington, West Sussex, South East England

Camping - elevated! A brand new offering to West Sussex, the Tree Tent is a glamping experience unlike no other. This sustainable, comfortable and unique setting provides a different perspective of the British woodlands. Your stay includes this whole site, with no other campers in site! The Tree Tent, kitchen and dining space, wood-fired bath and separate bathroom and shower are all yours for the duration of your stay. The Tree Tent sleeps one or two, complete with a double bed with bespoke bedding, heating, skylight, USB ports, desk and storage. Solar power lights up the site and provides you with electricity in the Tree Tent too. There is also private use of the Hot Tank, a wood-fired outdoor tub designed for wild bathing, and an outdoor heater and pizza oven. With thoughtful design and amenities, and gorgeous views across Little Thakeham Farm through your treetop haven, this private sanctuary above the forest floor allows you to truly immerse yourself in nature, and forget the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. When it comes to food and drink, your tea and coffee needs are provided - as well as a wood-fired pizza oven. Collect fresh ingredients from the local farm shops, or visit one of the lovely restaurants and vineyards in the area. Not to mention - when the bluebells are in bloom, they coat the forest floor below you! ---- 🚗 ~30 mins from Brighton 🚗 ~12 mins from Billingshurst Station, which is - 🚅 ~1 hr 10 mins from London Victoria

10. Fallow Coombe Glamping

94%

(9)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Beautiful, tranquil site, with one Shepherds Hut and area for sole use. Nestled in the valley in Rake Hampshire with stunning views throughout the year. Surrounded by Ancient woodland walks. 5 min drive or 1 hour walk to our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm, where you will find a Tea Room, Pick Your Own fruit and veg. Farm Shop and Barn Emporium with lots of wonderful boutiques to look at. Fallow can accommodate 2 Adults and up to 2 children. The extra beds are for children only. Come and enjoy the beauty and peace and immerse yourself in nature. Due to the tucked away location you will receive detailed directions after booking.

11. Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

100%

(8)

6 units · Glamping · England

Handcrafted, eco-conscious stays in harmony with nature. Tucked away in a secluded pocket of countryside, Nordic Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed for those who seek peace, privacy and a gentler pace of life. Our four beautifully handcrafted yurts sit within five acres of unspoilt organic hay meadow—surrounded by ancient woodland, thick hedgerows, a bubbling stream, a weather-led newt pond and charming little bridges. There is a lot to explore! This untouched, undulating landscape is home to thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly facilities: soft composting toilets, hot showers, fresh running water, and a covered kitchen and dining area. Shaded spaces for gathering or unwinding allow you to connect with nature in comfort. Each yurt is carefully dressed with organic cotton or linen bedding atop handcrafted wooden beds—combining rustic charm with deep rest and relaxation. Everything here is off-grid and in rhythm with the land… although a reliable 4G signal is on hand for those absolutely necessary connections ;-) Nordic Glamping shares Botswicky Copse with award-winning organic farmer Helen Browning. Together, we’re committed to working with the land—not against it—ensuring its vitality for generations to come. We’re proud members of the Greener Camping Club, which helps support more sustainable, low-impact camping in the UK. To stay with us, we kindly ask that one person per booking is, or becomes, a member. A seasonal membership is just £12 and supports our shared vision of responsible travel and eco-conscious living. (*Existing members do not need to pay again.)

12. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way. Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.

13. The Grove at Melchbourne

100%

(4)

2 units · Glamping · England

Escape from it all at our pop-up glamping site (July+August only) - The Grove at Melchbourne. Immerse yourself in nature and switch off from the world. In a beautiful shaded woodland grove which looks out over a majestic valley, you can stay in one of our two bell tents - Olive and Pearl. No WiFi. No electricity. No cars. Just birds, deer, trees, wildflowers and rolling parkland. It's England at its loveliest, hidden away in the North Bedfordshire countryside... We have two bell tents (Olive and Pearl) - each has a double bed and single foldaway camp bed. A further camp bed is available on request. Please note that although we can accept up to four guests (2 adults, 2 children) per booking, we can only accommodate a maximum of 2 adults per booking. Each tent has its own fire pit and there is a shared field kitchen with gas bbq, two burner hobs and simple food prep facilities, as well as tea and coffee. As there is no electricity there is no refrigerator on site, but you can rent a cooler box with a couple of bags of ice from us. There is a compostable toilet and hot shower on site. Each tent has a fire pit and we provide you with a basket of logs to get started, and each fire pit has an A-frame to grill on. You can buy additional baskets of logs from us. Please note that there is no electricity and no WIFI on site... The Grove at Melchbourne is a nature-lovers paradise, playing home to deer, foxes, rabbits, badgers, buzzards, red kites, owls and kingfishers. You can also come and say hello to our gorgeous Shetland ponies, Dolly and Pancho. We are also just a 2 mile walk across rolling unspoilt countryside to Strawberry Hill Farm, a rewilding site that is home to turtle doves, linnets, harvest mice and nightingales. You can also easily walk to three lovely local country pubs, The St John's Arms, Melchbourne, The Fox & Hounds, Riseley and the Three Compasses, Dean.

14. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel

15. Pepperscombe Cottages & Glamping

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Steyning, England

Welcome to Pepperscombe Farm. We offer cosy accommodation & glamping on a farm on the outskirts of picturesque Steyning town. There's direct access from the farm to the South Downs National Park with local footpaths and trails for mountain biking. Easy walking distance to local shops, pubs and restaurants and a 20 minute drive to the local beaches. We look forward to welcoming you to this magical space and retreat.

16. The Baker's Hut

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Ashurst, England

A shepherd’s hut hideaway for two in rural Sussex

17. Camping By The River

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

18. Belltent farm stay + activities

1 unit · Glamping · England

yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included . The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .

19. Goldings farm yurt with activities

1 unit · Glamping · CA

yurt belltent with double bed and additional beds within the picturesque grade 1 listed country estate and farm . Farm experience with farmer morag . feed pet our friendly donkeys , mini baby goats , piglets sheep etc. Collect eggs form our hens , zipwire woodland area , hammocks swings on 600 year old oak tree. sand play area , swim paddle ,boats , paddle boards etc on our crystal clear chalk stream. craft activities in hols .Full communal outdoor kitchen with everything needed for you to cook, electric point , gas hobs , fridge freezer , cookware , washing facilities , cooker, tea coffee kettles , . includes bbqs , firepits , covered seating areas table chairs . bedding , unique interior design , proper double bed, extra beds lighting , Wonderful 60 acre farm to explore with unique animals freely roaming .Just bring your pjs, food , charcoal , firewood . This is a real working farm and extraordinary country estate minutes from the historic Hertford town centre. 40 mins to central london , close to hertfordshire zoo , harry potter attraction , and many other facilities.

Camper favorites in and near Burnham Beeches

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

The Grove at Melchbourne

100%

(4)

2 units · Glamping · England

Escape from it all at our pop-up glamping site (July+August only) - The Grove at Melchbourne. Immerse yourself in nature and switch off from the world. In a beautiful shaded woodland grove which looks out over a majestic valley, you can stay in one of our two bell tents - Olive and Pearl. No WiFi. No electricity. No cars. Just birds, deer, trees, wildflowers and rolling parkland. It's England at its loveliest, hidden away in the North Bedfordshire countryside... We have two bell tents (Olive and Pearl) - each has a double bed and single foldaway camp bed. A further camp bed is available on request. Please note that although we can accept up to four guests (2 adults, 2 children) per booking, we can only accommodate a maximum of 2 adults per booking. Each tent has its own fire pit and there is a shared field kitchen with gas bbq, two burner hobs and simple food prep facilities, as well as tea and coffee. As there is no electricity there is no refrigerator on site, but you can rent a cooler box with a couple of bags of ice from us. There is a compostable toilet and hot shower on site. Each tent has a fire pit and we provide you with a basket of logs to get started, and each fire pit has an A-frame to grill on. You can buy additional baskets of logs from us. Please note that there is no electricity and no WIFI on site... The Grove at Melchbourne is a nature-lovers paradise, playing home to deer, foxes, rabbits, badgers, buzzards, red kites, owls and kingfishers. You can also come and say hello to our gorgeous Shetland ponies, Dolly and Pancho. We are also just a 2 mile walk across rolling unspoilt countryside to Strawberry Hill Farm, a rewilding site that is home to turtle doves, linnets, harvest mice and nightingales. You can also easily walk to three lovely local country pubs, The St John's Arms, Melchbourne, The Fox & Hounds, Riseley and the Three Compasses, Dean.

Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel

Pepperscombe Cottages & Glamping

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Steyning, England

Welcome to Pepperscombe Farm. We offer cosy accommodation & glamping on a farm on the outskirts of picturesque Steyning town. There's direct access from the farm to the South Downs National Park with local footpaths and trails for mountain biking. Easy walking distance to local shops, pubs and restaurants and a 20 minute drive to the local beaches. We look forward to welcoming you to this magical space and retreat.

The Baker's Hut

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Ashurst, England

A shepherd’s hut hideaway for two in rural Sussex

Camping By The River

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

Belltent farm stay + activities

1 unit · Glamping · England

yurt belltent within the stunning grade 1 listed 60 acre working farm. Situated next to our crystal clear chalk stream with loads of activities included . The yurts are individually styled with proper double bed and extra beds, lighting and . Bedding access to our Yurt kitchen with everything needed for cooking , bbqs firepits plates , gas hobs kettles , electric point , fridge freezer, oven , sink , etc. Just bring your clothing , swimmers and towels if you want to use our streams , rivers, boats, paddle boards , flairs etc . We provide fishing instruction and catch nets to almost guarantee catch. Zipwire in our woodland area with hammocks , swings on the 700 year old Goldings oak tree, collect eggs from our friendly chickens ducks . Farm experience , with farmer morag where you cuddle , feed , our friendly mini baby goats , piglets , lambs , cows , horses and of course the famous Gary and elvis our adorable donkeys. Craft available , and our brand new Goldings Mini Beach , sand area next to the beautiful crystal clear chalk stream . No extra charges for any activities . Food truck on site . Explore our ancient woodland , meadows and rivers . Mins from Historic hertford town centre with its many bars restaurants , museum , art galleries , unique shops music venues . 10 mins walk to hertford north train station , 40 mins to central london . hertfordshire zoo , harry potter and many other attractions near .

Goldings farm yurt with activities

1 unit · Glamping · CA

yurt belltent with double bed and additional beds within the picturesque grade 1 listed country estate and farm . Farm experience with farmer morag . feed pet our friendly donkeys , mini baby goats , piglets sheep etc. Collect eggs form our hens , zipwire woodland area , hammocks swings on 600 year old oak tree. sand play area , swim paddle ,boats , paddle boards etc on our crystal clear chalk stream. craft activities in hols .Full communal outdoor kitchen with everything needed for you to cook, electric point , gas hobs , fridge freezer , cookware , washing facilities , cooker, tea coffee kettles , . includes bbqs , firepits , covered seating areas table chairs . bedding , unique interior design , proper double bed, extra beds lighting , Wonderful 60 acre farm to explore with unique animals freely roaming .Just bring your pjs, food , charcoal , firewood . This is a real working farm and extraordinary country estate minutes from the historic Hertford town centre. 40 mins to central london , close to hertfordshire zoo , harry potter attraction , and many other facilities.

Stories from the community

S

Savannah

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

The Yurt was lovely and well setup. Loved the lights and fire place inside to warm it up when it got cold in the evening. The site had chairs and a fire pit setup with wood available to buy which was great as we didn’t have to try and find some before arriving. Would really recommend!

E

Emily June

September 2025

2 nights at Strawberry Lane Tree Tent campsite

Incredible stay. Very cozy. Everything you could need is provided. Woke up to birds singing outside and sunshine on our faces. Lovely area for farmers markets and excursions in the countryside.

A

Andy

September 2025

2 nights at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

Beautiful Yurts - excellent facilities and a peaceful setting. Made for a perfect quick getaway. Hosts were friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

E

Emily

September 2025

1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !! All windows had lovely views. Ivan & Sylvia S xxx

C

Christine

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury. The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!. The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond. The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored. Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!

B

Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

Philippa

August 2025

With kids

1 night at The Barn KT9

Beautiful spot! I love that each plot has it's own BBQ and fire pit, this really made a difference to our stay. The games are a great touch and being able to walk to the cafe for a coffee and sausage roll in the morning was the icing on the cake. Honesty box for wood and coal, drinking water, clean (flushing!) toilets and showers, everything you could need. Can't wait to come back.

C

Chloe

August 2025

2 nights at Strawberry Lane Tree Tent campsite

Loved our stay at Strawberry Lane Tree Tent. Great secluded location meaning you are able to really switch off. Everything you could need is provided and the directions to the tree tent are clear and easy to follow.

C

Cameron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!

B

Barb

August 2025

2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.

M

Matthew

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Grove at Melchbourne

Awesome back to nature glamping. Really enjoyed our time with great amenities and views. We hired both tents and loved every minute of exploring the area, cheeky pub visit (20 min walk), beautiful views while eating from the bbq and then a comfy sleep. Thanks Mark and family, we are looking forward to coming back again

N

NICHOLA

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fallow Coombe Glamping

We — two adults, a teenager, and our dog — had a fantastic weekend at Fallow Coombe Glamping. We had the whole site to ourselves, enjoying all the charm of camping with the bonus of luxurious touches such as an incredibly comfortable bed and a powerful shower. The space was thoughtfully arranged, spotlessly clean, and Alice had added so many considerate details that made us feel truly looked after. Thank you.

R

Rezaur Rahman

August 2025

4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot. The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity. One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day. Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!

E

Elizabeth

August 2025

2 nights at Fallow Coombe Glamping

Lovely spot, really private, good bed and bedding and the bath was a treat. If the hot tap on the bath goes cold just turn it off and on again. It is close to a (small, not busy) road but that was only small downside.

a

andrew

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Wingbury Farm Glamping

We had two excellent nights at Oak Pod. The boys (my three grandsons) really enjoyed themselves. The hot tub kept them amused and the campfire finished off their nights with the obligatory s'mores. The pub down the road was handy and the food good. We also spent an evening at the Indian on the way to Aylesbury. The pod was clean, well appointed, great shower, everything was there. Overall a fantastic break with my favourite boys

D

Deimantas

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at The Grove at Melchbourne

The camp is amazing, me and 2 kids have an amazing time, it has everything you need. The owners brought ponies for the kids to enjoy. It is amazing place in the middle of nowhere and it’s only 2 tents. The other tent wasn’t occupied so we had a wild experience without any other soul here. It’s just beautiful and peaceful place. My kids said they would love to live here for the rest of their lives 😂😅🥳

K

Kamlesh

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Second time here. Fantastic place. Must try. Ever so helpful. Great access to Ashford Common.

F

Fiona

July 2025

3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

A superb find! We were totally delighted with every aspect of our stay at Matt and Mandy's exquisitely located shepherd's hut. A warm welcome and practically instantaneous communication made things feel really relaxed and easy. Peace and quiet and abundant wildlife, this place is somewhere that will hold some lovely memories. Thank you 😊

V

Victoria

July 2025

1 night at The Barn KT9

We absolutely loved our stay at the Barn KT9. It really is a little slice of camping heaven. The bell tent was beautiful and very comfortable for our family. The shower and bathroom facilities were clean and the on site cafe is a lovely bonus with great coffee!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland glamping in Burnham Beeches guide

Where to go

Chiltern Hills AONB

Head 30 minutes northwest from Burnham Beeches and you’ll stumble across the rolling farms, chalky hills and delightful villages of the Chiltern Hills AONB. This 830-sq-km natural beauty meanders across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, with red kites swooping high above. For activity lovers, it’s a region best explored on foot or two wheels. Hipcampers can pitch up at family-friendly farms, settle into glamping safari-style tents amid dense forests, get cosy in river-view lodges and more.

Windsor & the Thames Valley

From thousand-year-old Windsor Castle to elegant riverside Kingston and Henry VIII’s Hampton Court, the green-clad Thames Valley hosts some of southern England’s most fascinating sights. Also here are wonderful outdoor-adventure opportunities, including rowing, kayaking, boating and hiking, along with perfectly scenic water-view campsites—all within an hour’s drive of Burnham Beeches.

North Wessex Downs AONB

Meandering across Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, this is England’s third-largest AONB—a 1700-sq-km world of silent woodlands, buzzing market towns, chalk hills and sprawling heaths. Long-distance cycling, hiking and horse-riding trails deliver you to cosy-at-home pubs, with highlights including the historic Ridgeway path and the 145-km White Horse Trail. Pitch your tent anywhere from a pet-friendly farm to a canalside towpath.

South Downs

If tackling one of southeast England’s most storied long-distance trails is your bag, make a beeline for the 160-km-long South Downs Way, which traverses the 1627-sq-km South Downs National Park all the way from Eastbourne to Winchester. Plunging chalk cliffs, roaming sheep, undulating green hills and timeworn villages make this one of the most rewarding natural spaces in the south, with tempting camping spots everywhere from beachside plots to hidden-away farms.