Camping in High Weald AONB

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Covering almost 1500 square kilometres of bucolic countryside across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey, the High Weald (England’s fourth largest AONB) is dotted with elegant manors, ancient castles, and National Trust gardens. It’s also packed with adventure, from lake swimming and kayaking to refreshing walks across wide-open heaths or through dense, ancient forests. May to October are the best months for outdoor wandering, whether you’re heading for a coastal campsite, a glamping tent on a family-friendly farm, or a secluded treehouse escape for switching right off.

97% (2.4K) 2,721 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in High Weald AONB

The Barn KT9

1. The Barn KT9

98%
(331)
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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Camping at Tomkins Farm

2. Camping at Tomkins Farm

96%
(183)
North Chailey, England · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
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Pett Coastal Camping

3. Pett Coastal Camping

100%
(12)
Hastings, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple pop-up pitches in 11 acres of farm fields on the East Sussex coast Drinking water taps Compostable toilet in field Small shop on farm site, (milk, eggs, apple juice, yoghurt) Back to nature star-gazing opportunities Open field camping Very low light pollution Large meadow, pick your own pitch on the grass Pett Level beach 10-15 mins walk Hastings and Rye only a 15 minute drive away Camber sands 25 mins away Families welcome Sorry no dogs please as on a working sheep farm Perfect for tents and campervans, off grid camping No electricity or grey waste facilities here Nestled within the green rolling hills of Pett, Lunsford Farm opens its flowery meadows for the month of August once more. This is an unique opportunity to enjoy the East Sussex coast overlooking the expansive seashore of Pett Level under the stars on ancient meadow farmland. If you enjoy the proper simple camping experience, you will be in your element! The pebbly and sandy beach of Pett (10 mins walk down the hill) offers a refreshing dip and during low tide an array of rock pools are waiting to be explored in the 6500 year old sunken forest. There are ample places to feed hungry tummies, either at the beachfront cafe, weekend food truck, or up in the village at one of the two pubs that serve great food. The simple shop in the farmyard stocks fresh eggs from the farm’s own chickens, local milk, yogurt, and apple juice from the farm’s orchard. There are also logs to purchase for your campfire. Campfires are permitted as long as they are raised off the ground so as not to burn the ancient grassland which does not repair. We are happy to be able to offer a small number of firepits to hire for a returnable deposit, or bring your own to avoid missing out. With no nearby lights, light pollution is low which makes for a stunning starry nights sky when cloud conditions allow. You will be utterly amazed how many stars you can see, and perhaps discover new ones. A five minute walk (you will need torches for night walking) brings you to the village of Pett. Here you can enjoy a relaxing pint or a good meal at the Royal Oak pub, visit the Tic Tokory tea shop or hang out in the play park in the cricket/recreational field. There is also the Two Sawyers pub 5 mins further on that serves excellent food. As the campsite is situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it can function as a great base for a multitude of walks or bike rides, vineyard tours, or just a general ramble around the towns of Rye, Winchelsea, Old Town Hastings or further afield.
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Far and Away Camping

4. Far and Away Camping

100%
(52)
England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
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Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

5. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

96%
(137)
Canterbury, England · 24 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
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Littleton Farm Campsite

6. Littleton Farm Campsite

94%
(40)
Upwaltham, England · 20 units
Nestled in a valley on the South Downs Way, Littleton Farm Campsite offers a secluded spot for enjoying the countryside. Welcoming tent campers only, the site offers non electric pitches with plenty of space for everyone to have some peace and quiet. Grab breakfast from the onsite Cadence Cafe, spend days exploring picturesque walking routes and evenings by the campfire. Arundel and Chichester are within 20 minutes drive. A great base for exploring the South Downs and all that West Sussex has to offer. For events at Goodwood or for walkers and cyclists on the South Downs Way, the site is also an ideal spot for escaping the crowds. There are 20 non electric grass pitches onsite, each welcoming tents only. Each pitch allows up to six guests, with plenty of space for tents and gazebos with no extra charges other than on a per-person basis. Unloading is allowed by the pitches with parking in the designated car park. Wake up to fantastic rural views and grab a bite to eat from the onsite cafe, which also serves a delicious cup of coffee. Days can be spent enjoying long walks in beautiful open countryside, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages, or down by the coast, only 25 minutes away. In the evenings, guests can cook up a BBQ or relax by the campfire. Please note, the site is dog free.
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Knowler Farm Wild Camping

7. Knowler Farm Wild Camping

98%
(47)
England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a family friendly site and have something for everyone! Offering Wild Camping and bespoke and unique Glamping stays! On site Cafe, serving hot and cold food, fresh coffee and delicious homemade cakes. open 7 days a week! Friendly Farm animals including miniture shetland ponies who you can book to spend time with and even take for a walk! Our very own Double Decker bus, hosting bookable weekend toddlers play and craft workshops. On-site Gym- fully kitted out with all the equiptment required for a full holiday workout! Classes and Personal training sessions also available! Bush-Craft, Archery and Forrest School weekend workshops including Den building, woodland crafts and more, delivered by our qualified and friendly staff. Friday night Wood-fired Pizza (available to Pre-Order) Throughout the Summer, we host a variety of events such as Family Festivals, Wellness and Well-being retreats, gig nights and workshops. Check out our socails to see what's coming up next!
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Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

8. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%
(131)
Pulborough, England · 56 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
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Setts Wood Camping and Glamping

9. Setts Wood Camping and Glamping

100%
(6)
England · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We look forward to welcoming you to Setts Wood Farm and will provide you with all you need for a relaxing and rewarding visit to Tenterden and The Weald. We offer a selection of bell tents or you can bring your own tent. The camping is set across 2 fields and extends to 12 acres. We have a maximum of 30 tents so it is never crowded. Come and meet the alpacas, sheep, pigs, goats and horses! We also have a small fishing lake which guests are welcome to use for a small donation. We restocked last year and there are carp and several species of smaller silver fish. It is ideal for beginners and children. Any children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Setts Wood Farm is perfectly positioned to explore Tenterden and the surrounding villages, and is less than a 20 minute drive to the historic town of Rye, with the beaches of Camber, Dymchurch and Littlestone just a few minutes further.
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Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite

10. Field and Fallow Pop-Up Campsite

100%
(3)
Haywards Heath, England · 5 units
Child free campsite- please note before booking :) Come and stay in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, less than an hour from London. Nestled amongst rolling fields and ancient woodland, Field & Fallow offers the perfect escape. ​Our peaceful adults only campsite is surrounded by nature, with a lovely woodland, abundant wildlife and space to relax and reconnect. Created for Glastonbury Festival's fallow year, this new pop-up campsite is designed to bring people together in a friendly setting, welcoming friends, couples and solo travellers alike. We have a woodland sauna, a communal campfire (acoustic music is encouraged), badminton and table tennis. Please note the sauna is an additional cost. Nearby there are lots of beautiful walks and the Ardingly reservoir offers a range of water sports (8 minute drive). The famous bluebell railway is also within walking distance. Please be aware there is no mobile service at the campsite, which we see as a good opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. There is limited Wifi onsite if necessary. Please come and help us create somewhere special!
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Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

11. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%
(33)
Cranbrook · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
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Housedean Farm Campsite

12. Housedean Farm Campsite

98%
(112)
Lewes, England · 4 units
Epic views of the South Downs, and a walker’s paradise, hidden sweetly on the South Downs Way
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Alciston Court Farm

13. Alciston Court Farm

95%
(49)
Alfriston, England · 5 units
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs
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The Sunnyfield Campsite

14. The Sunnyfield Campsite

95%
(111)
Canterbury, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
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Wonderland Festival Retreat

15. Wonderland Festival Retreat

93%
(7)
Henfield, England · 3 units
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
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Chalky Downs

16. Chalky Downs

96%
(622)
Brighton, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
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Beech Farm Camping

17. Beech Farm Camping

100%
(4)
England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A rural getaway doesn’t have to involve a long drive or lots of winding lanes to negotiate – and an excellent example of this is Beech Farm, in the West Sussex countryside about five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst. This site is about a mile and a half from the nearest A road, half an hour’s drive from the A3 and M23, and about 45 minutes from Junction 9 of the M25. All of that adds up to a quick-to-reach destination for residents of London and most of the South East, as well as easy access for those coming from further afield. This is a fairly simple site with just essential facilities (toilet block, rubbish area and chemical disposal point), but it’s all well maintained. It’s a laidback place where families, dogs and groups are all welcome, but please note that campfires and barbecues are not allowed for safety reasons. Bed down here and you’ll be in an excellent spot for all sorts of days out – the site is just outside the South Downs National Park for scenic walks and bike rides, and within easy reach of Chichester (40 minutes), the Goodwood Estate (35 minutes) and the beaches of the south coast (half an hour). Billingshurst has a good selection of shops and places to eat, plus a railway station for days out by train. - Simple but well-kept site five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst - Just outside South Downs National Park; farm park two minutes' drive - Rural location with easy access from main roads and motorways
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Oak Valley Lodges & Camping

18. Oak Valley Lodges & Camping

93%
(75)
England · 32 units
At Oak Valley Campsite, simplicity and space are part of the charm. Tucked among ancient oaks in the gentle countryside of Pett, East Sussex, this peaceful spot is all about traditional camping. Pitches are generous, grassy, and flat – ideal for tents and campers who like room to breathe. There are hot showers, proper loos, and fresh water on tap. At night, toast marshmallows around a hired fire pit, watch the stars, and enjoy the quiet. Explore local walks, pop down to Winchelsea Beach, or lose a few hours in the pretty streets of Rye, just 15 minutes away. Need to know: - No electric hook-up - Family-friendly & dog-friendly - Fire pits and logs available - Check-in from 2 pm
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Hook Farm Campsite

19. Hook Farm Campsite

98%
(217)
East Grinstead, England · 13 units
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald
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The Nut Plat Retreat

20. The Nut Plat Retreat

94%
(85)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
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
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High Weald AONB camping guide

Where to go

East Sussex

The bulk of the High Weald AONB sits in East Sussex—a rolling southern landscape of mediaeval villages, chalk cliffs, mist-wrapped forests, and open heathland. Highlights include walking, cycling, and horse-riding in Ashdown Forest, known for inspiring AA Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories; dipping into lively south-coast towns such as Brighton and Eastbourne; and for climbers, tackling sandstone outcrops including Harrison’s Rocks. Pitch your tent by a gurgling river, overlooking moody woodlands, or by the sea near Camber Sands.

Kent

Southern Kent’s swathe of the AONB extends around the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. There are miles of cycling trails and a scented pinetum to explore in Bedgebury Forest; gorgeous protected woodlands to wander such as Hargate Forest and Tudeley Woods; and all kinds of water sports on Bewl Water, from kayaking to paddle-boarding to wild swimming. Camping delights include off-grid farm sites, glamping tents in flower-filled meadows, and shepherds’ huts gazing out on undulating hills.

Surrey & West Sussex

The western part of the High Weald AONB is all about restful valleys and rippling hills that give way to the peaceful West Sussex coast. Chichester, Arundel, and Hever Castle (where Anne Boleyn grew up) are regional showstoppers, and birdwatchers adore Weir Wood reservoir. Across this go-slow region you can set up camp everywhere from a safari-style tent in a lakeside field to a glamping pod on the fringes of the South Downs.

South Downs

A hop south from the High Weald lies the view-drenched South Downs National Park, a 1600-square-km southeastern wonderland stretching from Beachy Head near coast-hugging Eastbourne to Winchester in Hampshire. Some 3000 km of delightful rambling trails crisscross its chalk hills, including the long-distance South Downs Way, and adventure opportunities are endless, from mountain biking to paragliding.

Frequently Asked Questions

In East Sussex, the High Weald AONB offers highlights such as walking, cycling, and horse-riding in Ashdown Forest, known for inspiring AA Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories; dipping into lively south-coast towns such as Brighton and Eastbourne; and for climbers, tackling sandstone outcrops including Harrison’s Rocks.

You can camp near High Weald AONB in various ways, from a safari-style tent in a lakeside field to a glamping pod on the fringes of the South Downs. You can also explore different options for camping near High Weald AONB on Hipcamp.

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

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