Lake Camping in Friston Forest

Protected as part of southeast England’s South Downs National Park, Friston Forest sits just inland from the unbelievably beautiful white-chalk Seven Sisters cliffs and picturesque Cuckmere Haven beach in East Sussex. A handful of well-marked hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding trails meander off into the beech trees, while scenic picnic and barbecue areas as well as charming pubs can be found in the villages of Friston and East Dean. For campers, family-owned farms, thrilling clifftop sites, and the grounds of graceful country manors offer idyllic pitch-up spots, while water sports abound all along the nearby coast.

97% (52)

Top-rated campgrounds

Protected as part of southeast England’s South Downs National Park, Friston Forest sits just inland from the unbelievably beautiful white-chalk Seven Sisters cliffs and picturesque Cuckmere Haven beach in East Sussex. A handful of well-marked hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding trails meander off into the beech trees, while scenic picnic and barbecue areas as well as charming pubs can be found in the villages of Friston and East Dean. For campers, family-owned farms, thrilling clifftop sites, and the grounds of graceful country manors offer idyllic pitch-up spots, while water sports abound all along the nearby coast.

97% (52)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else

2. Wonderland Festival Retreat

100%

(6)

2 units · Glamping · Henfield, England

Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub

3. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%

(8)

4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

4. The Deer Park Glamping,

1 unit · Glamping · Tenterden, England

How does Glamping with a herd of privately owned deer sound to you? Deer Park Glamping is on our private 15-acre deer park, nestled within an "area of outstanding beauty", located in a village called Benenden, Kent You will be camping amongst our own herd of Fallow Deer 🦌 *** Before we go any further, I need to let you know that, unfortunately, we do not allow children, groups aged under 21 and pets, due to the deer and lake *** Although just a 90-minute drive from South East London or a 45-minute drive to the Eurotunnel terminal, it's a wonderful natural space to unwind and watch the shy herd of deer pass by your Bell Tent! If you want to explore the area, there is plenty to do; 🛍 The thriving town of Tenterden is a 7-minute drive, with small boutiques, pubs and a supermarket. 🏖 Camber Sands our local beach is just a 25-minute drive ⚓️ The beautiful harbour town of Rye and all its beautiful antique shops and boutiques is a 25-minute drive 🏰 Leeds Castle, Bodiam Castle and Scotney Castle are all within a 20-minute drive 🍾 We are surrounded by an abundance of incredible wineries including Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Tillingham What you will find at "Deerpark Glamping"; 🦌 Fully Set Up Bell Tents 🦌 15 Acres of land 🦌 3 acres of woodland 🦌 1 Acre lake 🦌 A privately owned herd of Fallow Deer 🦌 6 Sassy Geece 🦌 2 Compost Toilets 🦌 2 Cubicle Showers 🦌 3 Fire Pits for cooking (shared between tents) 🦌 Parking is within the deer park (we don't recommend bringing your Ferrari or Porches 🤪) 🦌 Deck Chairs As we want to keep the tranquil and calm feel to the space, therefore, we have limited the total occupancy to 10 Bell Tents (20 guests in total), if you are looking for an exclusive hire option, please let us know in advance and we can potentially increase the numbers. Accommodation comprises 5m Bell Tents, you can choose between double or single beds, occupancy is set at 2, however, we can go to 3 on request. There is a minimum 2-night booking. The inside interior has a "Boho" feel to it, with sheepskin rugs, throws and Moroccan neutral pouffes, chandelier lighting and outside festoons and bunting. All comes fully set up, equipped with Beds, Linen, Lighting, Soft Furnishing. The lake is fresh water and is stocked with trout, if cold water lake swimming is your thing, head in or why not bring your own paddle board? We supply 3 Firepits to be shared with 3-4 other tents, where you can cook your food or keep warm. This is completely off grid.. and your time to get closer to nature.

Stories from the community

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David

3 weeks ago

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Such a beautiful spot, we took Ransoms for 3 nights. Everything we needed was ready for us, nice kitchen and a lovely hot tub. The host is very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on The Kentish Rifleman’s Pie and a Pint on Tuesdays and walks through Plaxtol, Igtham moat, and the green fields.

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daniel

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

A wonderful host, a stunning view, birds everywhere, my first view of a kingfisher in my 56 years of life, every comfort and a lovely lake just in front with a whole assortment of ducks. Just wonderful.

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Matt

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Excellent weekend stay. Fantastic location for stunning walks around the area. Vineyards, pubs etc all within walking distance.

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Alicja

August 2025

2 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

The Nut Plat retreat is great. We had a lovely time at the Bomford. Perfect relaxing break. Duncan is very nice and helpful. Bed is comfortable, shower is hot, there is everything you need. The Rifleman pub is a stones throw from the nuthatch, but unfortunately it was fully booked on Thursday, so it is worth to book a table in advance . Wood fired hot tub is a nice touch. Just have to be patient with it. Follow Duncan's instructions and you will get it very hot in less than two hours. Fire pit and all the trees around are lush. Even though you have neighbours around 100 meters away, it feels very private. Would definitely go back.

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Anna

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

Stunning location! The view was fantastic and there was some lovely walking routes around to local landmarks and pubs. The hut was great, plenty of storage and well equipped with everything you need.

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Lore

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

Amazing shepherds hut with outstanding views of the surrounding area and lake. The hut itself was immaculately clean and has all you need within. Mark and Geraldine are really lovely! So helpful and kind. We will definitely be returning!

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Ruaidhri

August 2025

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

We had a lovely time at the Bomford. Perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing break.

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Silka

July 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

We loved our stay at Nut Plat Retreat. Duncan was a lovely, welcoming host. We enjoyed watching the bats and listening to the owls from the hot tub in the evenings. Variety of walks nearby, and the river to dip your feet in.

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Alexandra

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

Carp's hut is absolutely stunning , located in a beautiful and hidden area, offering you the privacy you need to disconnect from the city and connect to the nature. We loved watching the birds , and feeding the ducks and geese . The stunning fishing lake has been a plus and we have enjoyed every moment on the balcony. The host have offered us a welcome pack and have made us feel very welcomed. Thank you Mark and Geraldine for having us , will definitely return at some point.

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Ben

June 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Very nice off grid experience. Facilities are good but it’s more of a rustic experience than luxury. We had a lovely weekend. Nice walks to the vineyard (1 hour) who have a nice outside area to try wines and the cheeseboard is decent. The rifleman pub is a stones throw from the nuthatch and the food is really good. Wood fired hot tub is a nice touch. Just have to be patient with it. Really friendly host. Would definitely go back.

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Lucy

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wonderland Festival Retreat

Lovely location. Comfortable and host easy to contact.

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Melissa

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mark, Geraldine's brother, who gave us directions to our hut (Perch). He followed us up, and made sure we knew where everything was in the hut, he had the fridge stocked with fresh milk, eggs, fruit juice, there was tea, coffee, sugar, even ketchup! Cooking oil... Tinfoil.... Everything we needed was there! The whole hut was beautiful clean and neat, and everything was very well thought of and planned out. The views were beautiful, no sound of passing traffic, lots of bird life, and the hut felt very private. My partner and I fished into the late evening and started early 5h30am the next morning. Mark came to our hut as agreed 10am punctually to deliver warm crispy croissants and bread rolls, with an assortment of jams and honey, we felt so spoilt! We felt the safety of knowing our hosts were nearby, with such kind hearts and warm smiles, ready to assist or help us in any way, but never on top of us. We broke a Champaign flute, and they replaced it right away. We ordered beef burger patties, sausages and bacon, a bbq charcoal pack and firewood to sit around the outside fire under the stars one night. The meat was so delicious we ordered more to take away with us. The fishing was great, we caught loads of fish. We could sit anywhere around either of the two fishing lakes. The farm is huge and we were welcome to walk the grounds and possibly see some deer. The hut was lovely and warm on arrival with the heater on. Definitely will be back.

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Angie

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Wonderland Festival Retreat

Idealic, country retreat . Our dome had all the comforts of home, and we loved the hot tub. Katherine was delightful and offered to cook our pizzas when we said we we're going to try and cook them on the BBQ. It was just what my sister in law and I needed.

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Nahum

May 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

The Nut Plat Retreat was perfect! We loved every minute of our stay there. Have already recommended to everyone we know!

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Mark

April 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Very cosy stay, thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub and found it very easy to be self sufficient with everything you need in your area. Will definitely be returning.

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Esme

April 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

We had such a lovely stay in the nut plat. The bedroom cabin was clean and cosy and we loved just relaxing, cooking and jumping in the hot tub as soon as the sun went down. We found the hot tub very easy to use with Duncan providing unlimited wood. The first time we lit it, it took a few hours to heat up but it retains its heat well and on the following days needed much less time to be ready. Duncan mostly left us alone but was very welcoming and even posted my speaker back to me which I left in the cabin. Would definitely recommend :)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lake camping in Friston Forest guide

Where to go

Seven Sisters Country Park

One of coastal England’s most superbly scenic stretches, this 280-hectare park ripples across the Cuckmere River valley, chalk grasslands, and the undulating, salt-white Seven Sisters cliffs, west of Eastbourne. A challenging branch of the South Downs Way tracks up and down along the clifftops, with dazzling views across the channel.

South Downs National Park

Beyond the Seven Sisters area, the South Downs roll northwest all the way to Winchester, taking in chalk-dusted hills, gorgeously green landscapes, lively market towns, and, of course, superb country pubs. Adventurous souls can go hiking, cycling, horse riding, and even paragliding, while campsites, glamping pods, and caravan spots pop up everywhere from riverside farms to cliffview coastal parks.

High Weald AONB

England’s fourth-largest AONB packs in 580 square miles of Sussex, Kent, and Surrey countryside sprinkled with ancient castles, gardens, and mansions. Go kayaking across lakes, hike along the escarpment, explore the sprawling heaths, and try paddleboarding or sailing with a wealth of delightful glamping, camping, and caravanning sites to pick from along the way.

Kent Downs

Inland from Kent’s chalk-dusted coastline (where dynamic towns such as Folkestone, Margate, Deal, and Whitstable await), the Kent Downs AONB delivers almost 350 square miles of centuries-old beech woodlands, scenic farmscapes, and windswept scarps. It’s a wonderfully refreshing natural space for hiking, horse riding, and cycling with view-splayed trails including the long-distance North Downs Way. This also makes it a popular on-the-doorstep escape from London, so you’ll want to book that secluded pop-up farm campsite well ahead.