- Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
Riverside cabins in Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve
97% (47)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (47)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
A
Abigail
October 2025
With pets
While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!
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L
Liam
October 2025
With pets
Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.
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A
Anita
August 2025
With kids
Absolutely amazing retreat! We stayed at Finlays cabin, sadly for only couple of nights. Really lovely, peaceful, private wooden cabin. The owner just let us be! Reccomend to anybody who wants to get escape from daily life.
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Charley
May 2025
3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat
Had a brilliant time! Would highly recommend to a couple wanting to get away from it all. We loved our stay and will definitely go back
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Ryan
February 2025
With kids
Super space
Fabulous hot tub
Quiet
Great pub a stones throw away means you don’t have to cook if you don’t want to
All very organised by Duncan, the flexible owner who really let us be
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Fabrice
February 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
A fantastic cosy, quiet and romantic cabin, perfect for a little weekend getaway. The hosts are super accommodating and responsive but are also very respectful of your privacy. We arrived with both the fireplace inside and the hot tub fire already roaring. A fantastic experience overall would recommend to anyone!
And easy enough to access by just public transport if you don't want to drive :))
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Emma
January 2025
With pets
Came for a short break away from work and degree stress. Planned to go on some nice walks with the dog but the weather was awful. So ended up staying in by the log burner, reading our books and crochet. I did also manage to get the hot tub HOT ♨️ one day, took a few rounds of restocking the fire but once we got there, it then got so hot I had to add some cold! So worth it! There is good WiFi available so manged to watch a few films in the evening. Might be back for one of my reading weeks when I need minimal distractions! 😂
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Sam
December 2024
Group trip
Cosy, charming, relaxing spot for a weekend away out of London. We loved the outdoor hot tub!
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Riverside 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.