Luxury beach campsites in Hainault Forest
A super-handy Essex escape for nature-hungry Londoners, with shady trails through ancient woodlands and spring bursts of bluebells.
- Hainault Forest
Popular camping styles for Hainault Forest
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9 top beach campsites in Hainault Forest
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Fire and Feast Suffolk
10 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Suffolk, East Anglia
Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other
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£19
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94%
(34)
King's Lynn Caravan and Camping Park
25 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Norfolk, East Anglia
A well located Norfolk campsite with great access to the coast, fens and traditional market towns
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£12
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Booked 1 time
Wildlings Camp
1 unit · Glamping3 acres · East Sussex, South East England
Wildling Camp is in a tranquil location in East Sussex and is a campsite which can be rented for you and your group. Therefore perfect for private parties, retreats and special gatherings A space for those that are looking for the quiet life, and an opportunity to escape the stresses and strains of modern living off - grid with family and friends. A very safe environment for children and animals
Tune into nature and know that your trip is having little impact on the environment.
You don't need to pack anything other than yourselves.
Accommodation is available on an exclusive use basis for 16+ in a converted horsebox and a 3 beautiful luxury bell tents, including a communal space, firepit, eco toilet and shower. Almost everything you may need to camp as comfortably as possible is provided, so you only need to pack the bare minimum.
Wildlings Camp is set on a beautiful piece of land with views over the downs. Look out for deer and badgers scampering across the field in the mornings and buzzards in the sky. And the inquisitive ducks who have moved in and follow you around. You have your own beautiful large field, perfect for games, picnics or to do yoga in the morning, perhaps up by the pond? It is set within 40 acres of a farm with rights of way leading in all directions
On the site there is a private indoor swimming pool in a magnificent 18th century converted barn, with a hot shower and toilet. It is heated to 32° which means on any grey wet days you have the back up of a lovely warm space and entertainment for the kids. This can be rented out on an hourly basis up to 10 guest per time.
Pricing is PER HEAD. and numbers are extendable.
In addition, "Little Wildlings" is a smaller version of the main camp in the adjacent field. The option is available to supplement the main camp by adding "Little Wildlings" to your booking, (depending upon availability).
Gloria is a 7.5 tonne horsebox repurposed into a cosy comfy accommodation. Self sufficient in power via solar, converted using almost nothing but recycled materials 'wombled' from skips, recycling plants, and from what existed inside already, re-used in another capacity.
As seen on series 2, ep4 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4.
Gloria is also listed as a separate unit if the main campsite isn't booked out.
Inside you will find 2 really comfy double beds, one above the cab with a porthole for looking at the tree tops, and one that is a sofa bed for chilling on during the day with a view straight out the back ramp when it's open. Sitting in bed in the morning with that ramp open is one of the most wonderful things.
There is a small basic kitchen with gas hob and a fridge with small freezer.. And a dining table.
A stereo with speakers both sides and she is fully insulated.
Phone charging points.
Gloria is a great option for those that aren't that keen on camping or tents, she's a unique cosy home from home. Warm, dry and lots of fun to stay in.
Gloria sleeps 4 comfortably but a fold out bed can be added for an extra child at no extra cost.
Basic provisions will be provided so you don’t have to lug all of that with you. This means things like olive oil, salt and pepper, basic herbs and spices and some herbal and builders teas bags.
‘Molly’ is a 5m bell tent with a full size double bed with a memory foam so no sleeping on the floor, and 2 singles. Lit and warmed by a candle chandelier and fairy lights. Romantic and dreamy.
'Moira' is more contemporary 5m bell tent, with an incredibly comfortable double futon and 2 singles. The sides can be lifted in hot weather to let the breeze in. There is plenty of room to add an extra single bed if need be.
'Felix' is another 5m bell tent This tent can be configured however you request fitting up to 6 singles. .
I have one child's 'easy bed' blow up mattress and sleeping bag. A travel cot can be arranged.
So numbers are from a minimum of 8 and comfortably up to 16.
(Please see my other listing where it is possible to rent just Gloria for 4 people during off peak periods)
A horse trailer "Lulu" has been converted into an off grid shower with an extra compost loo.
Wildlings Camp is set on a beautiful piece of land with views over the downs. Look out for deer and badgers scampering across the field in the mornings and buzzards in the sky.
On the site there is a private indoor swimming pool in a magnificent 18th century converted barn, with a hot shower and toilet. It is heated to 32° which means on any grey wet days you have the back up of a lovely warm space and entertainment for the kids. This can be rented out on an hourly basis and includes a life guard, for £70 per hour, up to 8 guest per time, which works out around £8 per person dependent on group size. This will be by separate arrangement as the pool belongs to the main house and is rented out as a swim school. I am renting it on your behalf as and when you book sessions. Access is very strictly monitored and only available as and when you book it
I endeavour to be as gentle on the environment there as possible. I have a stringent "leave no trace" motto. Therefore to ensure no nasty chemicals are going into the ground I will provide locally made 100% natural cleaning and showering products for your use whilst on site. (Not necessary for the pool)
Among other things the bedding is organic approved and I'm using an ethical green insurance company and totally green cleaning products and washing powders.
A fire pit is provided and a basket of local sourced logs on arrival will be free and more can be ordered for £8 per load. These will need to be ordered in advance.
There are 2 BBQs. One for meat, one for vegetarian.
I can arrange for a company called Leaf and Ladle to deliver to site pre ordered vegan/vegetarian meals made with entirely organic ingredients, all the vegetables being grown themselves. Hearty happy nutritional meals that are feast for the eyes and incredibly good for you. Food is delivered in cardboard food boxes and trays, an array of salads and dips, one main dish ie a curry or tagine that can be heated up on the fire and served in the pots provided. No cooking or washing up necessary. A wonderfully nourishing add on.
I also have 2 inflatable paddle boards for use on the nearby river or down at the sea, that I can rent out for £20 per board per booking. [To be used at your own risk)
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£400
/ night
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The Downs Stables Holidays
2 units · Glamping150 acres · Worthing, West Sussex, South East England
Modern glamping pods on a working racing stables in the South Downs
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£90
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Hill Farm Suffolk
6 units · Glamping1 acre · Suffolk, East Anglia
Bell tent glamping in the trees on a rural Suffolk farm
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£130
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Greenhill Glamping
2 units · Glamping1 acre · Folkestone, Kent, South East England
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
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£160
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Firs Glamping
5 units · Glamping1 acre · Southwold, Suffolk, East Anglia
Our small site of 5 spacious bell tents is the perfect spot for a romantic couples retreat, or a relaxed family holiday in this unspoilt village, just 4 miles from the coastal town of Southwold. Nestled between the stunning nature spots of Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere and the Norfolk Broads, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the peaceful Suffolk countryside. Just throw open the doors of your bell tent to enjoy a beautiful view of the rolling fields, right from the comfort of your luxurious double bed and goose down duvet.
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£95
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TEXAS School Bus @ Isle of Wight!
2 units · Glamping4 acres · Ryde, England
Texas School Bus – an authentic, beautifully converted American School Bus for a memory-filled and Insta-worthy stay on a welcoming and funky site on the Isle of Wight!
Freshly retired from the highways of Houston, Texas School Bus is the iconic split-screen American Yellow School Bus – or ‘Skoolie’ for aficionados – lovingly converted into a truly unique Glamping retreat.
Gloriously spacious, there’s plenty to delight couples, families, and groups of friends alike. For starters, you’ll have a proper kitchen to whip up your own school dinners complete with a gas oven, hob, grill, sink, and cooking equipment galore (There’s even a seriously cool fridge freezer, to help you chill those essential holiday tipples!)
Enjoy gastronomic delights at the dining table while enjoying the views through the panoramic windows, or outside enjoying a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue.
With toasty underfloor heating and a clean-burning wood stove you’ll be gorgeously snug.
There’s a thoughtfully-chosen selection of books and games on board, and if music’s more your thing, remember to bring your Bluetooth speaker and choose your own groove.
You could even plonk yourself down in the driver’s seat if you like…with the original cab fully intact, you can travel anywhere your imagination cares to take you!
When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll discover a king-sized John Lewis bed to the rear dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous duvet. Flanked by windows, you’ll wake up to stunning scenery. If you miss out on claiming this for yourself, you’ll also find two comfy, John Lewis full-sized singles, and a really good sofa bed too.
Freshen up with a shower and fluffy towels (there’s even an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer!) then it’s on with the important business of planning your day.
Parked at the fabulous 'Retro Staycations' Campsite on the Isle of Wight this cosy bus couldn’t be in a better spot for all kinds of fun and adventure - miles of soft sand beaches, nature reserves, Dinosaur Isle, Animal Parks & Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks, Shooting Ranges, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Gliding, Hangliding and Paragliding, Karting, a Steam Railway, Adventures and Rides at Robin Hill, as well as Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Swimming, Carboot & Local Market, Gym & Leisure Centre… Phew!
At a glance
An authentic, lovingly converted American School Bus sleeping up to six - couples, groups, and families in top-class comfort.
Well-equipped kitchen and shower facilities on board.
Thoughtful ‘extras’ include an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer, a selection of books and games, toasty underfloor heating, an eco wood burner, power points.
Fire up the barbecue on sunny evenings and enjoy a sizzling al fresco supper at your outdoor dining table (there’s an indoor table too!)
A kingsize bed, two full-size singles and a sofa bed sleeping up to 6 guests.
Texas Yellow Bus is parked at the fabulous Retro Staycations Campsite on the Isle of Wight!
Things to note;
Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Pets are not permitted.
Facilities
Authentic American School Bus, sleeps 6 guests. Original driver’s cab area, kitchen with gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, sink, cooking and dining equipment, storage and surface space, dining table and chairs, sofa bed, selection of books and games, power for charging all your stuff, lighting, underfloor heating, eco wood burning stove, kingsize bed, two full-sized singles, storage. Shower, towels, 240v sockets, illuminated mirror. Outside: firepit, barbecue, garden table and chairs.
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£190
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Toad Hall Lodges
5 units · Glamping1 acre · Suffolk, East Anglia
Chic timber lodges for cosy couples near Southwold, handy for exploring East Suffolk's quiet coast and heathland
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£100
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Available this weekend
Luxury beach campsites in Hainault Forest guide
Overview
Once part of the Forest of Essex, this age-old 280-acre expanse sprawling northeast from London has been protected since back in the 12th century. Dive into its horse-riding, cycling and walking routes, keeping an eye out for some of the 130 bird species among the trickling streams, whispering oak trees and wide-open heathland. A ‘monster trail’ keeps kids busy, and the whole area is dog-friendly. Autumn is a delightful season to explore Hainault Forest, with foliage slipping into rust-red clothes, while spring is perfect for vibrant blooms. You’ll want to book nearby campsites well ahead, especially in July and August when things get busy.
Where to go
Lee Valley Country Park
Beyond Hainault Forest itself, campers can explore the nearby Lee Valley, which stretches along the River Lea northeast from London into Buckinghamshire and Essex. Some of it was transformed into London’s Olympic Park for the 2012 games, bringing a welcome green lung to the capital’s east. Its handful of campsites take in tent spots, caravan parks, cosy lodges and pre-pitched safari tents, while adventure activities swing from white-water rafting to rowing along the river to leisurely horse riding.
Epping Forest
Another favourite nature spot on London’s fringes, Epping Forest sits just north of Hainault on the Essex-Hertfordshire border. With endless hiking paths, cycling routes, horseback trails and everything from paintball to windsurfing, you’ll be spoilt for entertainment. And while you can’t pitch up in the forest itself, there are wild-camping and caravanning sites on its edges.
Kent Coast
Kent’s beach-strung northern coastline awaits within a two-hour drive of Hainault Forest, offering up lively, bohemian beach towns such as Whitstable and Margate alongside miles of seaside walks, plenty of watersports and tempting ocean-view camping spots.
Suffolk Coast
Trundle less than two hours east from Hainault Forest to reach the pretty villages, Tudor mansions and pastel-painted resorts dotted around Suffolk’s sleepy littoral, not to mention the unmissable Algo-Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo. Rewarding hikes lead along the 96-km Suffolk Coast Path, with tempting stops including Aldeburgh. There’s also fabulous coastal cycling, along with sunset horse rides along the golden beaches.
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