Safari tents 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.

98% (152)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (152)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

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(122)

36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.

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. Star Field Camping

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(62)

21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kent, South East England

Off-grid camping and glamping in the High Weald of Kent with campfires, acres of space and a farm shop on site

4. Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

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2 units · Glamping · Rye, England

A unique self catering holiday   in an area of outstanding beauty Near Rye in East Sussex Escape to the peace and tranquility of the secluded countryside We offer a magical experience where you will connect with nature and fully relax. No neighbours, total privacy and uninterrupted views of the Brede valley. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful location where we are surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Your experience at Barefoot yurts and Barefoot safari tent will be one that you never forget and be a place you want to come back to again and again, as so many of our guests do. We very much look forward to welcoming you. When you book our self catering Yurts or Our Safari tent you will have the whole site to yourselves. Both are in very private separate locations. Barefoot yurts has been a family business since 2009 Barefoot Yurts has 2 yurts booked together. One a bedroom and the other a sitting room that has sofa beds. There is a log cabin kitchen and shower room which is fully fitted and equipped for most cooking needs with electricity. The compost loo is next to the kitchen exclusive to the yurt guests. Barefoot safari tent is for 2 adults only. All under one roof is the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Off Grid.

5. The Hare lodge

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(11)

2 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Luxury safari tent glamping on a rural Kent farm within walking distance of the local vineyards yet speedily reached from London

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

Lovely camp site and very welcoming hosts! We stayed in the Foxglove tent and it was lovely. The communal kitchen has excellent amenities. There was an oven, gas hob, pizza over, bbq, plates, crockery, cutlery and things to wash up! You have your own cupboard, fridge and shower/toilet which was great! Easy to get to and not far from some great hiking spots. We had a great time and would stay again 😊

G

Grace

November 2024

With pets

2 nights at The Hare lodge

This was our second time to Gravel Pit Farm and we would come back over and over again! The perfect glamping experience especially with children and a dog. Just what we needed to switch off for a few days. There is lots to do locally with national trust castles very close. Annabel the host is kind and friendly too.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Safari tents 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.