Family camping in Hainault Forest

A super-handy Essex escape for nature-hungry Londoners, with shady trails through ancient woodlands and spring bursts of bluebells.

92% (702 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Hainault Forest

92% (702 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hainault Forest

Camper favorites in and near Hainault Forest

Stories from the community

Colin

6 days ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

A perfect short break with really friendly, host, other campers and well cared for animals to pet. Kids loved messy about on the river and the classic camp fire.

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Lovely campsite. Exactly what you need to relax and get away from the city for a bit.

1 night at Tomkins Farm

Tranquil, large open spaces. No noise or light pollution. The owner was lovely, very polite, professional and helpful. The alpacas are a treat to interact with and spectate, a much appreciated rarity for a campsite to have. I would certainly stay again if in the area.

1 night at Riverside Farm experience camp fire

This place is pure magic, couldn’t have asked for anything more. The location is stunning, based in a valley with views of meadows and grand trees as far as the eye can see. You would think you were deep in the countryside. The stream was crystal clear and crisp, we floated down on the kindly provided paddle boards which the kids loved. Not to mention the very friendly animals who wander freely around the site, it was beautiful seeing animals free in their natural environment. The piglets were extremely friendly and my daughter had so much fun playing with them. There is so much to do, in the woodland area my daughter had fun playing in the sandpit, swinging in the hammocks and zooming along the zip wire. We had a gorgeous fire in the pit provided, grilled our fish and enjoyed the starry night. In the morning we collected eggs from the lovely chickens - the freshest eggs I’ve ever had! And to top it all off, Morag is the loveliest person, such a genuine down to earth soul. We will definitely be back!

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

it was our first time camping and it was lovely, would return!

Weekend Trip to Pitchcott Farm

The views are great. It’s very peaceful. There’s a great football goal in the barn. Tony is a friendly and interesting owner. It’s a really big field with waist high grass, so being on the opposite side of it from the loos or shower is a bit of a challenge - pitch on the loos side if you can. It’s quite a long way to get water too.

Nicola

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely camping spot! Really cosy and inviting, perfect place to escape from the city just a stone's throw from London, great cafe and onsite facilities (barbecue, coal if needed, toilets, hammocks) - just enough to feel comfortable yet still embracing nature and the great outdoors! We loved it.

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

What an incredible campsite. The pitches feel private and peaceful, the facilities are amazing - hot showers AND flushing toilets! Charlie was really welcoming and helpful. We'll definitely be coming back!

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

We had a lovely stay at the barn. The site had everything we needed! The coffee shop opening early was a huge perk not to mention the amazing gym too! Would highly recommend, thank you so much!

Claire

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great site. So much empty space and calm :) We will definitely be returning with friends..

Weekend Trip to Hook Farm Campsite

Such an awesome spot! Loved the early check-in and late check-out, it really helped us make the most of our one-night stay. The shower was hot and super nice too.

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Had an absolutely lovely time! A lot of space to freely choose where you want to camp. Bathroom/showers were exceptionally clean and lovely to use. Very friendly site

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Beautiful place lovely people someone came round and asked if we needed any help and the facilities there were beyond my expectations!

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

It’s very nice camping site with very good facilities. It was lovely to see farm animals and walk to the pub between them. Only negative thing was cars. There were many cars in the camp area. This made the beautiful view a bit less beautiful.

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Second time we’ve been here and it was fab again. Amazing coffee place and lovely area to mooch about

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

The campsite was really lovely. Will be back again!

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Brilliant spot just outside of London. Nice and relaxed, pitch wherever you life, and great for kids with animals and woods to explore. The local pub is worth a visit.

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

Beautiful campsite - little piece of heaven. Kids and adults equally had a wonderful time. Would recommend to anyone.

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience camp fire

Great campsite, very easy from north London and lots for kids to do. Great to have the stream to play in. Would recommend.

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Cracking little spot and amazing as always. Charlie (host) is super friendly, immediately attentive if you need anything, but otherwise lets you crack on and just really enjoy the land and the spot. Cafe, gym, showers, sauna etc all on site a welcome respite if needed. Super convenient for London and easy to get to....

6 top campsites in Hainault Forest

97%

(207)

The Barn KT9

22 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

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

90%

(200)

Penn Meadow Farm

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents145 acres · Beaconsfield, England

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.

98%

(177)

Hook Farm Campsite

18 units · Tents10 acres · West Sussex, South East England

Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald

94%

(72)

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

40 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

100%

(7)

Riverside Farm experience camp fire

28 units · Glamping, Tents60 acres · England

Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large meadow pitches includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter. Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team. Seasonal activities such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.

87%

(163)

Daisy May’s Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Bishop's Stortford, England

Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family camping 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.