- Great Views
The best great views campsites in Kent Downs AONB
97% (695) • 213 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Kent Downs AONB
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
1. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
92%
(65)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Barn KT9
2. The Barn KT9
97%
(322)
Chessington, England · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Alciston Court Farm
3. Alciston Court Farm
95%
(55)
Alfriston, England · 5 units
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well located at the foot of the South Downs
Pets
Campfires
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping
4. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping
97%
(30)
England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just a few tiny pitches but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access.
A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham.
This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
Pets
Campfires
Chalky Downs
5. Chalky Downs
96%
(627)
Brighton, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
6. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
96%
(139)
Canterbury, England · 24 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Glassenbury Camping
7. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(81)
Cranbrook, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Pett Coastal Camping
8. Pett Coastal Camping
100%
(14)
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.
Campfires
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Rahel
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great views onto the south downs for sunset! Was a bit tricky to find the place but host was responsive and friendly. Toilet available but a bit of a trek from the campsite!
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younes
3 weeks ago
5 m car
Group trip
Excellent quiet location and easy to find thanks to the hosts instructions
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antje
September 2026
4 m campervan
Just a magical spot! So private, peaceful and absolutely beautiful. Great communication with the host too. We had a wonderful stay and would definitely recommend it! 🌿✨
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George
September 2026
Tent
Good spot an hours walk from Canterbury and ~2 hours from Whitstable just off the Crab and Winkle Way.
Campsite was well maintained and toilets were nice. Even had some young chickens!
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David
September 2026
Tent
With pets
The Barn is the perfect set up for me and my dog. We hiked in from Ashtead Station (under an hour) and just had time for a coffee before 3pm check in. Really lovely and welcoming cafe staff. Everything is provided on the campsite. firewood and charcoal via an honesty QR code, washing facilities, toilets were clean and flushing! We had an amazing relaxing evening by the fire watching the deers and foxes in the fields. Cafe opens 8 which was brilliant because I dropped my cowboy coffee in the fire. Caffeine secured! We found our new favourite place and will be regulars from now on. Felt like being in the wild whilst still in touching distance from London.
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Luke
September 2026
Tent
With kids
We loved it. Just what we needed! Martin was also really helpful. Would definitely recommend.
See moreJoseph
September 2026
Tent
We were allowed full access to a large field with nice views. I loved how we were left to do what we wanted and trusted by the owner.
See moreChris
September 2026
Tent
Perfect spot off the Pilgrims / North Downs way. Farmer Dave, the host was friendly and helpful!
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Katie
September 2026
Tent
With kids
Absolutely gorgeous campsite, really well set up with relevant amenities, excellent communication, beautiful views and great walks into the nearby woods. Epic sunsets! You really do feel like you have escaped into the wild, yet completely accessible and easy from London.
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Samuel
September 2026
Tent
It was just perfect. Because so remote and peaceful and not busy - and all necessities well cared for.
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Asher
September 2026
Tent
My son and I are prolific campers, and we enjoyed every aspect of our week at Martin's Meadow campsite.
The layout is unlike any campsite I've visited. The pitches surround a field, with the river running behind them. There's plenty of space between pitches, and it's one of the few campsites where simply sitting down to enjoy the view or watch the sunset is a pleasure.
Every pitch has a fire pit, and Martin provides plenty of firewood free of charge.
The location is excellent too, within easy reach of Chelmsford and Ongar.
There are warm showers and proper toilets, but don't expect luxury.
And chatting with Martin is a fun part of the experience.
See moreMateusz
August 2026
Tent
With kids
We loved the tent camping on Martin's land. There were almost unlimited space, very quiet. Met Martin and he is really nice person.
There was water, hot water, two toilets and two showers available to use.
This was our second camping on his land within August.
We could have camp fire and stay late and kept warm by the fire.
Definitely will come back next year.
This is short drive from London but between the filds.
We got a tour on his farm and find more about his farm.
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Nick
August 2026
Tent
Stunning views....once we found it!
Family delightful, really helpful once we went to the farm!
Very peaceful....
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Sarah
August 2026
Tent
It was a small site in a good, quiet location with views across the field on one side. The rest is sheltered by trees. Alexandra was very nice and helpful and responsive to questions. She also kindly let us to stay longer on our last day. There was a good selection of glamping options. A cute play area for kids and some chickens!
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Richard
August 2026
Tent
With kids
We were impressed by The Barn KT9! Charlie was responsive and flexible, they had more facilities than we'd expected and it was a wonderful family friendly atmosphere. The cafe is a lovely addition to the facilities. The location feels very countryside, hard to believe that it is not that far from London! Would highly recommend it.
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rachelbirch72
August 2026
4 m campervan
With kids
Excellent site. Clean, beautiful views, convenient for Brighton
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Tina
August 2026
Tent
Had a fantastic time. Stunning views! And saw the amazing full moonrise.
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Beckie
August 2026
With kids
Beautiful campsite! It was so well maintained and cleaned by Alex. She was so friendly, welcoming and easy to reach! The showers are gas powered so there was hot water, plus they had a wonderful view - such a luxury! The glamping tent was beautiful, spacious and comfortable. Unfortunately the fire ban had come in before we arrived however this had no effect on our stay! Thank you so much we had a wonderful stay ❤️
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Elizabeth
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Beautiful spot with some thoughtful activities to keep kids entertained. Would definitely recommend.
See moreAlison
August 2026
Tent
With pets
This is a beautiful site, space enough for privacy for every camper. Miles and his family were welcoming. You can hear the A27 but it is faint and doesn't spoil the stay, you hear the owls and sheep more!
See moreKent Downs AONB camping guide
Where to go
North-West Downs and the Surrey Hills
The northern borders of the Kent Downs lie right on the outskirts of London, making it a popular choice for day-trippers. Enjoy rambling country walks around Sevenoaks, visit the Knole deer park, and stroll through the orchards of Plaxtol. For long-distance hikers, the North Downs Way national trail runs west into the Surrey Hills AONB.
Medway
North of Maidstone, the River Medway winds its way north to the coast, and the downs give way to lush marshlands. Set sail on a river cruise, discover the hometowns of Charles Dickens in Rochester and Chatham, or go bird-watching along the Thames Estuary at Northward Hill. To the east, seafront campsites and blue-flag beaches dot the shores of the Isle of Shetty.
Central Downs and the North Coast
The Kent Downs AONB has hikes to suit all levels. Explore ancient woodlands and Iron Age ruins in the White Horse Country Park, walk the valleys of the Devil's Kneading Trough, or stroll among the wildflowers in Perry Wood. Camp out in the hills and enjoy day trips to Kent attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle.
Kent’s South Coast
Few natural landmarks are as iconic as the White Cliffs of Dover, and a walk along the famous sea cliffs is a must if you’re visiting the south coast. Afterward, cycle along the Royal Military Canal, stroll along the beach at Folkestone, and choose a campsite with a sea view. Further south, it’s an easy detour to explore the Romney Marshes, a favorite among bird-watchers.
