Cabins in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

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On the southern borders of the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is one of the region’s most visited attractions. Explore 130 hectares of ancient woodlands, where the giant Yew trees and twisted branches create a fairy-tale backdrop. Look out for birds and butterflies as you follow the nature trails—the reserve is home to woodpeckers, buzzards, and many rare butterflies. North of the forest, climb up to the lookout point at Bow Hill for views across the Sussex countryside, and discover the Bronze age barrows (burial mounds) known as the Devil’s Humps.

91% (186)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Woodland Wagon

9. The Woodland Wagon

1 unit · Glamping · England
The whimsical and imaginative accommodation you’ll discover at The Woodland Wagon, actually comprises two beautiful wagons, one for sleeping, and one for lying down and looking at the beautiful Rye Bay. …plus, a piano room, a summer house, and a huge tipi style tent that once featured in the film ‘King Arthur’, now a perfect space for private meditation, yoga, or tai chi! Nestled within magical ancient woodland in the sleepy village of Pett, you’ll be surrounded by views of peaceful ‘1066 countryside’, that lead your gaze all the way out to sea. (Seriously, what better location for a blissfully secluded, ultra-romantic break with your loved one?) The first, spacious, wagon is the setting for relaxed open plan studio living and snoozing; furnished with two squishy chairs, a Smart TV, a kitchen and dining area, and a gorgeous kingsize bed that’s ideal for lazy lie-ins. Just a few steps away is a refreshing shower room and separate compost toilet, along with some outdoor seating and a firepit for al fresco enjoyment of your woodland garden – although you could always retreat to the tent for some quiet contemplation, or head across to the piano room and tinkle those ivories! In the mood for a snack? The summer house is home to a commercial pizza oven, while the exquisite 1940’s showman’s wagon is an ideal haven for relaxing vintage-style; equipped with a warming wood-burner to curl up in front of, with a post-pizza tipple nicely in hand.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£150
 / night
The Vacationist

10. The Vacationist

88%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Uckfield, England
The Vacationist offers the chance to sleep in a beautifully designed bespoke eco-cabin in your own peaceful meadow. Fully off-grid, available all year-round and with 4 comfortable berths, this is your chance to escape it all without compromising on comfort, location or eco credentials. The Vacationist has been carefully designed to balance luxury, freedom and environmental impact. We wanted to help people reduce the carbon impact of their holiday by offering them a luxurious, comfortable and relaxing alternative in the UK. This is as close to net zero travel as you can get! We also wanted our guests to experience the joy of a outdoors, off-grid escape, where the kids can run around fields and climb trees and the adults can sit around the fire drinking wine and watching the stars. This is what memories are made of. The cabin is full of eco-technology and features solar panels, infrared heating, a bio-ethanol burner, double-glazed windows, water saving technology and sheep's wool insulation. We've repurposed where we can and also worked with partners chosen for their dedication to sustainable design - you will marvel at the story of our sofas and our painstakingly-assembled (with the help of our local school) ‘coloured-pencil’ epoxy kitchen counter. And your kids will love the hidden bookcase room - it was designed by our kids for your kids, so we're confident it will go down well! The Vacationist invites you to East Sussex to holiday without damaging the planet.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£161
 / night

On the southern borders of the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is one of the region’s most visited attractions. Explore 130 hectares of ancient woodlands, where the giant Yew trees and twisted branches create a fairy-tale backdrop. Look out for birds and butterflies as you follow the nature trails—the reserve is home to woodpeckers, buzzards, and many rare butterflies. North of the forest, climb up to the lookout point at Bow Hill for views across the Sussex countryside, and discover the Bronze age barrows (burial mounds) known as the Devil’s Humps.

91% (186)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Woodland Wagon

9. The Woodland Wagon

1 unit · Glamping · England
The whimsical and imaginative accommodation you’ll discover at The Woodland Wagon, actually comprises two beautiful wagons, one for sleeping, and one for lying down and looking at the beautiful Rye Bay. …plus, a piano room, a summer house, and a huge tipi style tent that once featured in the film ‘King Arthur’, now a perfect space for private meditation, yoga, or tai chi! Nestled within magical ancient woodland in the sleepy village of Pett, you’ll be surrounded by views of peaceful ‘1066 countryside’, that lead your gaze all the way out to sea. (Seriously, what better location for a blissfully secluded, ultra-romantic break with your loved one?) The first, spacious, wagon is the setting for relaxed open plan studio living and snoozing; furnished with two squishy chairs, a Smart TV, a kitchen and dining area, and a gorgeous kingsize bed that’s ideal for lazy lie-ins. Just a few steps away is a refreshing shower room and separate compost toilet, along with some outdoor seating and a firepit for al fresco enjoyment of your woodland garden – although you could always retreat to the tent for some quiet contemplation, or head across to the piano room and tinkle those ivories! In the mood for a snack? The summer house is home to a commercial pizza oven, while the exquisite 1940’s showman’s wagon is an ideal haven for relaxing vintage-style; equipped with a warming wood-burner to curl up in front of, with a post-pizza tipple nicely in hand.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£150
 / night
The Vacationist

10. The Vacationist

88%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Uckfield, England
The Vacationist offers the chance to sleep in a beautifully designed bespoke eco-cabin in your own peaceful meadow. Fully off-grid, available all year-round and with 4 comfortable berths, this is your chance to escape it all without compromising on comfort, location or eco credentials. The Vacationist has been carefully designed to balance luxury, freedom and environmental impact. We wanted to help people reduce the carbon impact of their holiday by offering them a luxurious, comfortable and relaxing alternative in the UK. This is as close to net zero travel as you can get! We also wanted our guests to experience the joy of a outdoors, off-grid escape, where the kids can run around fields and climb trees and the adults can sit around the fire drinking wine and watching the stars. This is what memories are made of. The cabin is full of eco-technology and features solar panels, infrared heating, a bio-ethanol burner, double-glazed windows, water saving technology and sheep's wool insulation. We've repurposed where we can and also worked with partners chosen for their dedication to sustainable design - you will marvel at the story of our sofas and our painstakingly-assembled (with the help of our local school) ‘coloured-pencil’ epoxy kitchen counter. And your kids will love the hidden bookcase room - it was designed by our kids for your kids, so we're confident it will go down well! The Vacationist invites you to East Sussex to holiday without damaging the planet.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£161
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

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Cabins in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve guide

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. South Downs campsites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, so reservations are always advised. Plan three to six months in advance for popular sites.
  2. If you do arrive without a reservation, it’s a good idea to secure a pitch first thing in the morning or call ahead, as available spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  3. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation, and many sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  4. Hiking and camping season in the South Downs runs from mid-March through early October, and many campsites close out of season. However, campsites open year-round often offer lower rates in low season.

When to go

Kingley Vale is magnificent in autumn, when fall foliage transforms the forest into a kaleidoscope of colour, while summer visitors flock to see the butterflies. Crowds descend on the reserve in July and August, so get there early to secure a parking spot or choose a quiet weekday out of season if you want the forest to yourself. Allergy sufferers might want to avoid visiting in spring—Yew pollen is notoriously allergenic.

Know before you go

  • Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is located within the South Downs National Park, about a 10-minute drive from Chichester. Direct trains run to Chichester from London Waterloo and take 1.5 hours.
  • Free parking is available at the West Stoke car park, at the south end of Kingley Vale.
  • Getting around the nature reserve is only possible on foot and uneven terrain means access for wheelchairs is very limited.
  • All land within the national reserve is privately owned and wild camping is not permitted anywhere.

Popular Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve glamping styles