Woodland glamping in Hainault Forest

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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.

90% (519) 161 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Hainault Forest

The Barn KT9

1. The Barn KT9

98%
(321)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
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Riverside Farm experience fire & activities

2. Riverside Farm experience fire & activities

86%
(37)
England · 83 units · Tents, Glamping
NEW we have 2 brand new toilet blocks with multiple toilets , showers , basins . NEW we have 2 full kitchens for you to use with fridge freezers , gas hobs , electric , and everything needed for your stay we have many different options including bring your own tent , belltent yurts cabins . please enquire for info farm riverside camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow 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. NEW Goldings sandy beach , next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .plus boats paddle boards , fishing instruction and equipment with unique catch nets . Zipwire hammocks , forest activities for the kids , arts and crafts , fireside cooking etc We have many activities at the farm including woodland activities , cooking campfire with our unique forest school . 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, bottle feed our piglets walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) 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.
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Secluded Woodland Camp

3. Secluded Woodland Camp

96%
(23)
Ware, England · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Beech Estate Campsite

4. Beech Estate Campsite

97%
(193)
Battle, England · 52 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
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Potable water
Hurtwood Hideout

5. Hurtwood Hideout

Dorking, England · 1 unit
Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, Hurtwood Hideout Campsite is the perfect base for exploring miles of beautiful woodland walks, scenic cycling routes, and breathtaking countryside. Step straight from the campsite onto a network of public footpaths through Hurtwood Forest, with charming villages, traditional country pubs, and stunning viewpoints all within easy reach. Guests also have access to our on-site facilities, including a welcoming hostel, café, communal amenities, and bike hire. Whether you're pitching a tent, staying in one of our bell tents, or travelling as part of a group, Hurtwood Hideout offers a peaceful countryside escape just over an hour from London. It's an ideal destination for walkers, cyclists, families, schools, and outdoor groups looking to experience the very best of the Surrey Hills.
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Campfires
Fit in the Wild

6. Fit in the Wild

East Grinstead, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Fit in the Wild is a furnished bell tent on the grounds of Homestall Manor, a Grade II* listed medieval Tudor estate in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Sussex. Wake up to 28 acres of formal gardens, ponds, woodland, and views across the Sussex countryside. Step outside your tent and walking trails into Ashdown Forest from the gate. Tennis and padel courts are available for guests throughout your stay, as well as the grounds for outdoor exercise, yoga, or simply sitting still for five minutes. Your tent is a bell tent with a two single beds, cotton linen, rugs, lighting, and a side table. Toilets and hot showers are available on site. Three miles from East Grinstead station with direct trains to London Bridge and Victoria. The village of Ashurst Wood is a 10 minute walk for a pub, shop, and post office. Bring your own breakfast or pick up supplies in the village. Quiet, adult, considered glamping. No music after 10pm. Balance for body and mind. Pets £10 per night and wood logs for fire pit available for £10. Pain on site.
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Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

7. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping

95%
(66)
Waldron, England · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Wild Boar Wood Campsite

8. Wild Boar Wood Campsite

97%
(70)
Haywards Heath, England · 9 units
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Wingbury Farm Glamping

9. Wingbury Farm Glamping

98%
(26)
Aylesbury, England · 3 units
Modern pod glamping with hot tubs in a quiet Buckinghamshire meadow
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Belltent farm stay + activities

10. Belltent farm stay + activities

England · 1 unit
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 .
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The Orchard at Fen End Farm

11. The Orchard at Fen End Farm

97%
(15)
Cambridge, England · 4 units
No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge
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Campfires
Potable water
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

12. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%
(21)
Brightlingsea Road, England · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

13. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%
(8)
Shere, England · 1 unit
A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

14. Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

92%
(6)
England · 1 unit
Escape the noise and settle into meadow views at Willow Wood. This cosy off-grid cabin sits in open countryside with panoramic views from the bed and zero light pollution - perfect for stargazing on clear nights. Fully off-grid but thoughtfully equipped with: King-size bed Hot shower Full kitchen Wood-burning stove Dog friendly, with open space to explore. Walk 1km to The Six Bells pub for a proper pint, visit the Gun Tap Room & Brewery (3km), or drive 30 minutes to the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters coastal walk. Simple, peaceful countryside living.
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Campfires
Berty the yurty

15. Berty the yurty

95%
(19)
Canterbury, England · 1 unit
Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline. The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends. We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes. Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive. Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use. Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice. Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.
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Surrey Hills Yurts & Bell Tents

16. Surrey Hills Yurts & Bell Tents

Westcott, England · 5 units
Yurt glamping in the Surrey Hills
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Fire & Stars Bell Tent Village

17. Fire & Stars Bell Tent Village

Chalfont St Giles, England · 1 unit
Nomadic Woodland Stays Tucked away within our private woodland, Nomadic Woodland Stays offers exclusive use of a beautifully furnished bell tent camp designed for groups looking to slow down, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together in nature. With ten furnished bell tents sleeping up to twenty guests, the camp is available on a private hire basis only, ensuring your group has the entire space to yourselves from arrival to departure. Spend your evenings gathered around the fire pit, sharing food, drinks, and conversation beneath the trees. Wake to birdsong, explore woodland walking routes, and enjoy a slower pace of life away from the noise of everyday routines. Each tent is thoughtfully prepared with proper beds, quality linen, lantern lighting, and cosy furnishings. Guests will also find a woodland guide and estate map to help them discover the landscape around them. The experience is intentionally simple. Rather than a traditional hotel or resort, Nomadic Woodland Stays offers a more relaxed and immersive way to spend time together outdoors. A communal fire pit, outdoor cooking facilities, lawn games, and exclusive access to the camp create the setting, while the woodland provides the atmosphere. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, friendship groups, creative retreats, and small team getaways, Nomadic Woodland Stays is a place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors together. Included Exclusive use of the camp 10 furnished bell tents Sleeps up to 20 guests Proper beds with linen and blankets Communal fire pit Big Green Egg / outdoor cooking area Firewood starter supply Woodland guide and estate map Lawn games Compost toilet and wash facilities Host welcome on arrival Good to Know Private hire only Designed for groups of friends, families, celebrations, and retreats Outdoor cooking facilities available No shower facilities currently available No access to Nomadic event kitchens or dining infrastructure Located within private woodland surroundings
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Campfires
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Goldings farm yurt with activities

18. Goldings farm yurt with activities

CA · 1 unit
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.
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Hainault Forest camping guide

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Hainault Forest holidays

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