Beach and dog-friendly campsites in Hainault Forest
A super-handy Essex escape for nature-hungry Londoners, with shady trails through ancient woodlands and spring bursts of bluebells.
95% (79 reviews)
- Hainault Forest
95% (79 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Hainault Forest
Under £50
Star Hosts in Hainault Forest
12 top beach and dog-friendly campsites in Hainault Forest
96%
(394)
Chalky Downs
36 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
£16
/ night
96%
(114)
Otter Channel Campsite
18 units · Tents3 acres · East Sussex, South East England
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
£35
/ night
98%
(62)
Housedean Farm Campsite
7 units · Tents1 acre · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
£16
/ night
97%
(142)
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
72 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Norfolk, East Anglia
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
£12.50
/ night
94%
(8)
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping
14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · King's Lynn, England
Hunstanton Camping and Glamping with mYminiBreak is located 2 minutes walk from the beach. Heacham is a large but quiet village just on the outskirts of the seaside town of Hunstanton. Providing a range of camping pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes; you could also indulge in a ready-made stay in a Glamping Bell Tent or Shepherds Hut for a Glamping break away on the Norfolk coast.
When you stay at Hunstanton Camping and Glamping with mYminiBreak you are conveniently located to explore the beach and its surrounding areas. Between the venue and the beach, you will find the entrance to a public footpath that takes you to Snettisham, a smaller and history-rich village through scenic rural countryside. It is also possible to walk to Hunstanton in the opposite direction along the promenade whilst enjoying the sea air and open views. Our campsite is one of only a handful of campsites located on the west coast of Norfolk and just a 2-minute walk from the beach gives us a prime location for watching the sunset go down in all its spectacular deep orange and red glory. Couple this with having some drinks with friends and family by your campfire or BBQ makes for a wonderful memory to share with your loved ones.
We are campfire and dog friendly, and welcome your four-legged friends to stay with you across our camping and glamping accommodation
Local shops only 5 minutes down the road takes a load off your mind knowing that if you forget any supplies you don't have to go without, making your experience while camping in Hunstanton a relaxed and fun time.
We are a rural former dairy farm by the beach, there are free-ranging chickens and cockerels and they may make farmyard sounds, if you are a light sleeper, be sure to bring earplugs :)
GLAMPERS PLEASE NOTE
The Glamping Kitchenette is suitable for making small quick meals with the use of a microwave, oven & stove for cooking and grilling and a toaster and kettle, there is also a fridge provided.
Showers and toilets are shared with the campsite with the exception of gas powered outside showers that are solely for glampers.
We are a VERY dog-friendly venue, we welcome dogs and muddy boots and host many hikers and explorers of the Norfolk Coast, although every care has been taken to ensure very clean accommodation, it is possible that a dog hair or 2 escapes our conscientious eye, please bear this in mind and let us know should you find anything you are not happy with, we will get our housekeeping team to deal with the issue swiftly!
Please note that the Glamping Bell Tents and Glamping Shepherds Huts are for 2 adults only with the exception of 1 Adult and 1 Child with prior consent from us, they are not suitable for under 2's and do not come with facilities for children or babies. Dogs are charged at £10 per dog per stay with a max of 3 dogs for Glamping and £3 per night per dog for Camping
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
£18
/ night
93%
(61)
The Sunnyfield Campsite
18 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Canterbury, Kent, South East England
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
£38
/ night
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
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
£12
/ night
100%
(35)
Ninham Country Holidays
16 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Shanklin, England
A stunning, family-friendly campsite on the stunning, family-friendly Isle of Wight
Potable water
Showers
Trash
from
£13.25
/ night
99%
(135)
Lillyroo's
23 units · Glamping, Motorhomes3 acres · Kent, South East England
Camping and glamping near the Kent coast, with campfires and a good on-site bar
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
£14
/ night
97%
(129)
Bircham Windmill
18 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Norfolk, England
Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery
Potable water
Showers
Trash
from
£40
/ night
98%
(48)
Fox Wood Campsite - under the oaks
21 units · Glamping, Tents35 acres · West Sussex, South East England
Woodland camping with campfires in the South Downs National Park
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
£50
/ night
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)
Campfires
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
£400
/ night
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Beach and dog-friendly 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.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.