Woodland Cabins in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

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.

95% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds

The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats.

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.

95% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Dogwood Glamping

90%

(42)

4 units · Glamping · Rye, England

The luxury option to one of the Sussex High Weald's loveliest rural retreats

2. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

3. The Baker's Hut

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Ashurst, England

A shepherd’s hut hideaway for two in rural Sussex

4. 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.

5. Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

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(1)

1 unit · Glamping · England

Escape the noise. Reconnect with nature. Our cosy off-grid cabin is set in an open meadow with sweeping countryside views and zero light pollution (perect for stargazing!) Fully off-grid, but with all the comforts: hot shower, king-size bed, full kitchen, and a wood-burning stove. - Panoramic views from bed - Dog-friendly with outdoor space to roam - 1km walk to the Six Bells pub (proper pub) - 3km from Gun Tap Room & Brewery - 30 mins to the Beachy Head to Seven Sisters coastal hike

6. Acacia Bay Woodlands

2 units · Glamping · England

A beautifully designed and curated set of cosy cabins located in a magical ancient woodland setting. Completely renovated for 2024, an ideal retreat for a group looking for a magical holiday surrounded by nature. Each cabin has private parking, secure gardens and private entrance. The cabins are not isolated as just off from the main road. This allows you to feel cocooned in The Woodlands yet have easy access to a Tescos superstore 5 minutes up the road.

Stories from the community

C

Chat

October 2025

2 nights at Willow Wood Off-Grid Cabin

Went as a solo traveller, the location was quiet enough to feel secluded enough, the cabin was clean warm with modern comforts, nice local pubs and excellent walks would recommend

S

Sarah

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Dogwood Glamping

Stayed in the cabin for one night. Beautiful location; cabin tucked away in the corner of the site. Owners extremely friendly and responsive. Shared amenities excellent. Would highly recommend

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland cabins in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve guide

Tips for snagging a campsite

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.
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.
You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation, and many sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival.
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.