The best pets off leash campsites in Kent Downs AONB

Sloping farmlands, ancient woodlands, and lush wetlands make up the vast landscapes of the Kent Downs. Kent isn’t called the ‘Garden of England’ for nothing—visit the downs in spring to stroll through bluebell woods and daffodil meadows, in summer when wildflowers blanket the hilltops, or in autumn to admire the changing foliage. Miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails await outdoor adventurers, and campers have options year-round. Camp out in a tipi or pitch your tent by the beachside in summer, then cozy up in a heated glamping hut when the weather turns.

91% (105)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sloping farmlands, ancient woodlands, and lush wetlands make up the vast landscapes of the Kent Downs. Kent isn’t called the ‘Garden of England’ for nothing—visit the downs in spring to stroll through bluebell woods and daffodil meadows, in summer when wildflowers blanket the hilltops, or in autumn to admire the changing foliage. Miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails await outdoor adventurers, and campers have options year-round. Camp out in a tipi or pitch your tent by the beachside in summer, then cozy up in a heated glamping hut when the weather turns.

91% (105)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%

(20)

39 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia

Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.

2. Bellatent

100%

(3)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Newly open this year! Only between July and August! Our exclusive campsite offers a true escape from Wi-Fi and other distractions. Enjoy the lovely setting of this romantic spot in nature. Beautiful walks in surrounding areas include the South Downs link. 30 minutes from Gatwick and 2 -3 miles from the town of Horsham Our bell tent is about experiencing the simplicity and tranquility that only nature can provide. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and comfort in a rural and private location. A serene and private bell tent camping experience—a perfect retreat to reconnect with nature and your loved ones. This bell tent offers a double bed for a comfortable sleep, a double futon (on request) and small furnishings for a back to basics experience. We provide clean running water with a sink, a camp toilet, bbq, outside fire pit, wood, utensils however no shower and NO ELECTRIC. Wake up to the sight of lush greenery and the sounds of birds chirping. Our location provides a peaceful environment where you can unwind and soak in the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or relaxing in front of the fire, our bell tent camping experience is designed for everyone. Create lasting memories in a beautiful setting. Parking is located just off the bridle way where you will find a wheelbarrow to load up and walk over to the bell tent. Walk down the field and you will find the orchard where the bell tent is situated in the corner of your own personal paddock. Padlock on gate and tent is 7415. No driving on the field.

3. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%

(99)

25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.

4. Earth Camp

90%

(34)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.

5. Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

6. Capel Battery WW2 Motorhome Site

67%

(3)

1 unit · Motorhome · Folkestone, England

Are you ready for a camping experience unlike any other? Come explore our historic World War II gun battery site with spectacular views of the English Channel. You've never seen a campsite like this before! Capel Battery is certified Motorhome with 13 acres of land to explore including the gun emplacements, Nissan huts with speculator views of the English Channel. We have both hardstanding and grass areas with electric hook up and water standpipe. Dogs very welcome. Notes About the Site - personal view Imagine stepping back in time to a former World War II gun battery site, built in 1941 as a defense against a possible German invasion. Purchased by my father John Button in 2009, our family has spent the last 15 years restoring the site to its former glory. We've unearthed the gun battery and Nissan huts bases, gained access to the underground plotting room, dressing station, and ammunition bunker. The journey has been exhilarating, and we've created a museum that's open for visitors most weekends. Come and witness history come to life! Looking for a hidden gem on the south coast? Look no further than Capel Battery! Perched on top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this spot boasts stunning views and is conveniently located between vibrant Folkestone (just a 5-minute drive away) and historic Dover (only 15 minutes by car). Plus, explore the unique and secluded natural reserve of The Warren or take a stroll along the beautiful Kent Coastal Walkway and beach. And when you need a break, head to the newly renovated Folkestone Harbour with its pop-up cafes, bars, restaurants, and local artists' shops. Don't forget to add a visit to Dover Castle to your itinerary - it's just a short drive away!

7. Secluded AONB group glamping

100%

(5)

1 unit · Glamping · Battle, England

Babylon Woods is made up of 90 acres of unspoilt countryside, most of which is ancient woodlands. Our glamping site is located in a 19 Acre field which is exclusively yours, not another soul (certainly no other campers) will disturb you apart from the odd rabbit or dear! The south coast is only 10 mins away with all kinds of water activities and hikes to enjoy. On site you have plenty of woodland walks to explore and if you are a fan of English Wine, we are slap bang in the middle of wine country with numerous vineyards to explore locally.

8. Wyldewood Retreat

100%

(9)

1 unit · Glamping · Horam, East Sussex, South East England

An exclusive-hire glamping site for six people in a Sussex woodland

Camper favorites in and near Kent Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Earth Camp

90%

(34)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

We are a small, family run, eco-friendly campsite in Chailey, set in a peaceful pocket of Sussex countryside. Our uniqueness includes therapies offered on site, including massage, reiki and pellowah; our classes run on site, including yoga, and gong baths; the wide range of outdoor games we can provide; and our commitment to making your camping experience as pleasurable as possible. We also have a fantastic wood-fired sauna all day on Saturdays, a delicious pizza oven on Saturday evenings, and a coffee truck on weekend mornings! We allow campfires and dogs, and for those who seek a little luxury in camping, we have spacious hot showers. We also have a number of beautiful Bell Tents available to hire, which we will put up for you prior to your arrival (min 2 nights). Look our for our special weekends, including Star Parties, Yoga Retreats, Singing Circles and Wellness Weekends. We also have delicious wood-fired pizzas on Saturday evenings, and an artisan coffee trucks with superb pastries on weekend mornings 8-10am.

Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

Capel Battery WW2 Motorhome Site

67%

(3)

1 unit · Motorhome · Folkestone, England

Are you ready for a camping experience unlike any other? Come explore our historic World War II gun battery site with spectacular views of the English Channel. You've never seen a campsite like this before! Capel Battery is certified Motorhome with 13 acres of land to explore including the gun emplacements, Nissan huts with speculator views of the English Channel. We have both hardstanding and grass areas with electric hook up and water standpipe. Dogs very welcome. Notes About the Site - personal view Imagine stepping back in time to a former World War II gun battery site, built in 1941 as a defense against a possible German invasion. Purchased by my father John Button in 2009, our family has spent the last 15 years restoring the site to its former glory. We've unearthed the gun battery and Nissan huts bases, gained access to the underground plotting room, dressing station, and ammunition bunker. The journey has been exhilarating, and we've created a museum that's open for visitors most weekends. Come and witness history come to life! Looking for a hidden gem on the south coast? Look no further than Capel Battery! Perched on top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this spot boasts stunning views and is conveniently located between vibrant Folkestone (just a 5-minute drive away) and historic Dover (only 15 minutes by car). Plus, explore the unique and secluded natural reserve of The Warren or take a stroll along the beautiful Kent Coastal Walkway and beach. And when you need a break, head to the newly renovated Folkestone Harbour with its pop-up cafes, bars, restaurants, and local artists' shops. Don't forget to add a visit to Dover Castle to your itinerary - it's just a short drive away!

Secluded AONB group glamping

100%

(5)

1 unit · Glamping · Battle, England

Babylon Woods is made up of 90 acres of unspoilt countryside, most of which is ancient woodlands. Our glamping site is located in a 19 Acre field which is exclusively yours, not another soul (certainly no other campers) will disturb you apart from the odd rabbit or dear! The south coast is only 10 mins away with all kinds of water activities and hikes to enjoy. On site you have plenty of woodland walks to explore and if you are a fan of English Wine, we are slap bang in the middle of wine country with numerous vineyards to explore locally.

Wyldewood Retreat

100%

(9)

1 unit · Glamping · Horam, East Sussex, South East England

An exclusive-hire glamping site for six people in a Sussex woodland

Stories from the community

Q

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Great spot! The field was clean, the views were awesome, and the host was friendly. I’d come back!

Paul

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Plenty of space where you’re pretty much left to your own devices. Portaloo in close proximity which was immaculate. You can pick your own pitch either in the wood, the field or next to the lake. We absolutely loved it. A great place to sit round the fire pit, listen to music, sink a beer and reminisce the good times. I found it the perfect place to decompress and forget the outside world! Took paddle boards and a kayak for a day down at Paper Mill Lock and it was perfect. Well worth a visit. £5 for all day parking, tea room and ice cream stall. The place was buzzing!! Tim’s land was the perfect base camp. Bravo Tim!!

D

Demi

August 2025

3 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Earth Camp

really lovely welcome onto the site and friendly hroughout. facilities were nice and clean! loved the coffee van int he morning :)

R

Rossi

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Lovely campsite! The woodfired pizza on Friday was a great addition!

J

John

August 2025

5 m Class B

3 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

All you could wish for in a campsite. Every detail carefully considered from the horse box showers, ingenious and plenty of space, roomy pitches with butterflies and wild flower boarders, a gem, look forward to visiting again. Thanks Philip and congrats on creating such an amazing and peaceful place.

d

dan

August 2025

5 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Awesome to be able to forage your own wood and have a fire pretty much anywhere you like. Tim was very friendly and laid back. A few decent options to pitchup in a field or woods. Heads up no wild swimming there any more as stream has silted up but is still a natural spring there though and some incredbile old oak trees. Tim recommend the River Stour as a paddleboarding spot which was great and 30mins ish drive away. Subbury, henny or Bures all good for getting on the river if you that way inclined

N

Neil

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

Very spacious site in a lovely location. Phillip is a welcoming host and the site is maintained in a very good condition. Excellent if you want a private and quiet site in a peaceful location.

B

Biba

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

Prachtige camping met ruime, uitgemaaide plaatsen. ‘S avonds hoorden we de bosuilen. Heel zacht op de achtergrond is de snelweg te horen. Door de week rustig, Engelsen kamperen voornamelijk in het weekend. De pizza en koffie corner is dan ook gesloten door de week. Hout is te koop bij de camping eigenaar. Philip is vriendelijk en positief. Wc en douche is basic zoals meestal op de Britse campings, maar prima.

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Sunnyfield Campsite

Beautiful campsite. Well spaced out pitches with loads of room for big tents and plenty of room for the children to run around without worrying about them bothering other guests. Would recommend the pizzas on Saturday night, too! We’ve stayed at lots of great campsites this summer and this was easily our favourite.

D

David

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Earth Camp

Earth Camp was a great place to pitch a tent and relax for a lovely weekend outdoors. The facilities are solid and the pizzas on Saturdays are excellent value for money. Certain parts of the field are a bit sloped, so make sure to arrive early to get the best pick of the pitches!

L

Louis

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Excellent campsite, very good location and space between pitches make it feel quiet even if full.

S

Sarah

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

My partner and I stayed in the orchard field for two nights . Stunning is an understatement. Beautiful views , immaculate facilities , open air shower and compost toilet. Our pitch was spacious and felt very private. Would defiantly stay again.

M

Matilda

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Really beautiful views, loved our stay here. We stayed in the smaller more secluded campsite in the orchard which was such a lovely spot and very quiet / relaxing.

A

Alex

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Bellatent

Loved our stay at Bellatent, good value and has all you need for a pleasant stay. Bit far from anything, but you can order in food etc relatively easily if needed

L

Laura

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Bellatent

We loved staying at Julian’s land. Everything was prefect, the tent is fully equipped, clean and tidy, furnished with excellent taste and functionality As an enclosed land we enjoyed playing free with our furry loved. We enjoyed the privacy and peace and just nature around. We had the pleasure to meet Julian, extremely kind and welcoming, he was very supportive in everything we need and more. He also shows us walking paths and local village where we found a lovely pub. We definitely recommend Julian’s Bella Tent. Thank you Julian for let us stay! Hope to come back soon.

A

Anwen

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Stone Pit Meadows

We loved our stay in Southdown shepherd hut. Was extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly think of for a couple of nights. Including firewood, lighters and marshmallows! Thoroughly recommend the breakfast hamper add on - with delicious modifications as one of us is a veggie. The campsite is great - beautiful surroundings with a lovely little swimming hole (wild and a bit weedy but refreshing) You can see the other tents/ hut and kids playing etc but it didn’t feel noisy or crowded at all. The location is very peaceful and rural - a good 30+ minutes walk to the local pub, but there is off road paths to get there. And it’s close to lots of attractions by car - chapel down winery, the coast etc. There’s lots more exploring to do in this area and when we come back we’d love to stay at Stoneput meadows!

T

Thomas

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Bellatent

I love the tent and beds, slept better than in my own home. The site is clean, with ample privacy from the surrounding bushes and trees. The fire pit and wood supply made me feel like a little gatherer which is a plus. Has everything you need like gas stove, pans, cutlery, foil, boardgames and books.

C

Cherian

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Secluded AONB group glamping

I can’t recommend this camping site enough. Nestled within 90 acres of serene, open land, it offers a truly secluded escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life. The setting is stunning – peaceful, untouched, and expansive – with total freedom to roam and unwind. Georgina and Max are exceptional hosts. They’ve thought of absolutely everything, and their attention to detail shows in every corner of the site. From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth and clearly explained. They’ve created that perfect sweet spot between traditional camping and glamping – you get the authentic outdoorsy experience without compromising on convenience or comfort. From essentials to thoughtful extras, everything you could possibly need has been provided. It’s clear they’ve poured a lot of love and effort into making this a truly special place. There were zero issues – no noise, no disturbances – just nature, calm, and comfort. I’ll absolutely be coming back, and I recommend this place wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a proper, well-balanced camping getaway.

A

Alex

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyfield Campsite

Everything was amazing! Pitches are spaced out perfectly, loved the cowboy style campfires and the toilets and showers were luxurious. Can’t recommend this place enough.

m

matt

April 2025

6 m Class A

1 night at Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

Very friendly welcome by Tim and a peaceful stay in lovely woodlands

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash campsites in Kent Downs AONB 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.