Camping in North Wessex Downs AONB

Name: North Wessex Downs AONB
Address: North Wessex Downs AONB
Rating: 4.7505

Miles of rolling countryside await in the North Wessex Downs, but this AONB also has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. White chalk horses gaze down from the hillsides, ancient stone circles lie in the valleys, and lively market towns pepper the riverside. Explore the natural landscapes on foot, by bike, or on horseback; cruise the canals by boat or kayak; or escape to a tranquil campsite by the waterfront or in the forest. May through September is the most pleasant time for camping, but the weather can be temperamental even in summer, so pack for all-seasons.

95% (2.1K) • 4,562 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Wessex Downs AONB

Penn Meadow Farm

1. Penn Meadow Farm

91%

(275)

Beaconsfield, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed but must be off the ground BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 10pm and 8am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 10pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; but must be kept off the ground in BBQs or firepits. Fire pits are available to rent from check in. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 8mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Stockbridge View Campsite

2. Stockbridge View Campsite

94%

(110)

Stockbridge, England · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Lordington Park Camping

3. Lordington Park Camping

99%

(56)

Chichester · 16 units

Set on glorious parkland in the middle of the South Downs National Park, Lordington Park really is a wonderful countryside escape. A 15 minutes’ drive from Chichester, our rustic camping field has views over rolling countryside. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises can be expected on cloudless days. Escape the hustle and bustle of every day life in our peaceful rural campsite, with spacious grass pitches big enough for you to have lots of private space. Each pitch has a firepit for barbecues, and there is access to composting toilets, a shower block with warm water, and fresh drinking water. Please note there is no electricity on this simple site. Vehicles are not allowed to park on the camping field, but parking is provided a stone’s throw away. Wheelbarrows are provided to help you get your kit from car to tent. Countryside walks and cycle paths lead directly from your pitch. There are several pubs in the local area – the nearest being 10 minutes’ stroll away. We have a tea room on site, open Thursday - Sunday 10am-3pm. Near by local attractions: Goodwood Weald and downland museum West wittering beach Hayling island Portsmouth historic dockyard Chichester festival theatre Arundel castle Cowdray park Various national trust property’s And many more…

Pets

Campfires

Showers

The T Barn

4. The T Barn

99%

(99)

Cirencester, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Weston Caravan and Campsite

5. Weston Caravan and Campsite

98%

(20)

England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A small family run site in Weston-on-the Green village located with a local pub 5 minutes walk away and on site cafe. The site also has newly refurbished toilet and shower facilities. Amazing location to access Oxford city and easy access to M40 (Junction 9). Good things await for those who grab a berth at Weston Caravan and Campsite, in the Oxfordshire village of Weston-on-the-Green. For starters, space seekers should be pleased to see that there’s plenty of breathing room around this former dairy farm – excellent news for kids or dogs that need a bit of haring-about time after being cooped up in the car. Depending on where you’ve plonked down you may find that your nearest neighbours are the resident beef cattle, sheep or horses; it’s worth keeping your eyes open for sightings of the hedgehogs that often scuttle about the place too. Perhaps most crucially for those whose stomachs dictate a site’s success is the presence of a café that serves up a tempting range of freshly cooked goodies: breakfasts (no rush – they’re served all day), salads, cakes and coffees, plus cheeses, pies and the like to take away. And the crème de la crème – literally: homemade ice cream in up to 16 (yes, a lipsmacking 16) different flavours. Evening appetites can be sated with a barbecue out on the field, or trotting off to the local pub five minutes’ walk away. The site added a new toilet and shower block in 2018. And how to get to this little slice of rural loveliness? The village is just a few minutes’ drive from the A34 and Junction 9 of the M40, making it both a useful stopover on cross-country voyages and a handy spot for Oxfordshire breaks (perhaps taking in Oxford, Blenheim Palace or bagging bargains in Bicester).

Pets

Electrical hookup

Showers

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

6. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%

(165)

Warwickshire, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

Showers

Potable water

Wifi

Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

7. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%

(51)

Trowbridge, England · 51 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Sopley Farm Camping

8. Sopley Farm Camping

100%

(5)

Christchurch, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Our camping field is set on the grounds of a pick your own fruit and veg farm, we have acess to one end of the lake, views over it and plenty of nature. There is a small kids play and picnic tables at the farm shop and bakery. Our pods and huts are dotted around the lake shore and some in small private clearings. Situated on the edge of the New Forrest National Park and within 20 minutes of the beaches of Christchurch. There is easy access to walking and cycling. With plenty of good pubs and restaurants, some withing walking distance of the site. The farm itself is home to a farm shop and delicious bakery. So you can easily garb a coffee and pastries for breakfast. Or some local farm produce. Walking around the lake is reserved for those who wish to book our huts or pods on the lakeside to preserve their privacy and tranquility of the lake and it's nature.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Old Litten

9. Old Litten

99%

(79)

Petersfield, England · 1 unit

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

Pets

Potable water

Abbey Home Farm

10. Abbey Home Farm

94%

(225)

Cirencester, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Spring Hill Wild Camping

11. Spring Hill Wild Camping

96%

(103)

Andover, England · 15 units

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.

Potable water

Crooked Willows Farm

12. Crooked Willows Farm

90%

(36)

Wimborne. Dorset, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Adults-only, back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Pitchcott Farm

13. Pitchcott Farm

92%

(31)

Aylesbury, England · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Harry's Meadow

14. Harry's Meadow

97%

(76)

Fordingbridge, England · 51 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Loves Hill Camping

15. Loves Hill Camping

99%

(36)

Somerset, England · 49 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A tents-only, dog-friendly site with campfires allowed in Somerset.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Haywards Bridge Farm

16. Haywards Bridge Farm

83%

(18)

Shillingstone,, England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes

We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. A five acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

Pets

Potable water

Small Trees Campsite

17. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(39)

West Wellow, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

18. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%

(18)

Emsworth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Shire Camping

19. Shire Camping

98%

(28)

England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Shire Camping is located in a peaceful 10 acre meadow looking towards Edge Hill. Spacious and with running drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a footpath running alongside it taking you 25 minutes to a village shop one way and 20 minutes to a good pub the other way, all across fields. There are some amazing walks to do from the site, and being on the edge of the cotswolds there are plenty of pretty villages and market towns to explore. There are also some well regarded cycling routes in the area.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

In Nature Camping

20. In Nature Camping

100%

(1)

Christchurch, England · 103 units · Tents, Glamping

Dog-friendly pop-up site in a spacious ten-acre field A 10-minute drive from beaches and 15 minutes from Milford on Sea Whether you’re paddleboarding on local beaches, pursuing outdoor activities in the New Forest or mooching around the nearby towns, there’s a great balance between civilisation and peaceful countryside at In Nature Camping, part of Coast & Country Camping Club in Hampshire Under a mile from the edge of the New Forest National Park and 10 minutes’ drive away from beaches, there’s lots on the agenda here: days at the beach, visits to nearby historic towns and properties as well as shopping in local villiages. There’s a microbrewery 10 minutes' walk away, which serves drinks like small-cask beer, handcrafted ales and ‘unfined’ beer. A five-minute drive away, there’s another café with pick-your-own farm produce activities. The closest beaches for strolls, snoozes, swimming and the likes are Avon beach (10 minutes), Highcliffe beach (10 minutes) Barton-on-sea beach (10 minutes). As for interesting local towns with shops and cafés, make your way to Highcliffe (five minutes), Christchurch (10 minutes), New Milton (five minutes) and Milford on Sea (15 minutes). The main road from Lyndhurst to the coast runs just a short distance from the field, making it nice and easy to access local attractions. What about the place you’ll be calling home for your Hampshire holiday? Off-grid, it’s very much a wildlife haven. Try your hand at self-sufficiency (barbecues and firepits are allowed, weather conditions permitting) or grab your meals locally. There are four hot showers, six toilets and two washing-up sinks for those of you who decide to dust off the old camp stove and try cooking under the stars.

Pets

Showers

Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Gaby

3 days ago

4 m campervan

With pets

1 night at Small Trees Campsite

I loved my overnight stay at Small Trees! The owners were so lovely, made me and my pup Ezra feel very welcome and safe. The facilities were very clean and some of the best campsite ones I’ve come across. The campsite itself was spacious, tidy and the dark sky at night was beautiful. They run a brilliant set up. I would love them to be open for more than 2.5 weeks as I’d definitely spend a lot of the year visiting as it’s the perfect space for a reset and to enjoy a peaceful few days! Will definitely be back next year. Thank you again so much!

Clare

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Haywards Bridge Farm

Very relaxing. Lovely space. Clean, quiet and a brilliant location

Sean

1 week ago

7 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Haywards Bridge Farm

We had a great weekend in a simple quiet camp there was a clean toilet and drinking water the train station and cafe is so close and lovely yo have a look round. CoOp it very convenient too Thank you very much for a lovely place to spend the weekend we will be seeing you again

Katy

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Old Litten

Beautiful spot with stunning views it was lush having the whole field to ourselves. Thank you very much Charlotte 🫶🏻🤍

Emanuele

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Stockbridge View Campsite

me and my family loved to stay in David's land, really good size of the camp site, really good toilette and showers with hot water. good space for my children to play. Then the campsite is in a good zone if you want go to visit around, there are Winchester, Stonehenge really close. really recommended.

Nyleeta

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

I've camped here twice now. The first time was my sister and myself, the second time with family. The campsite is safe, clean andwholesome. My parents who are not fans of camping had a beautiful time and we'll all be back again. Thank you to the lovely team at Penn Meadow for making this trip a beautiful experience.

Kate

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The T Barn

Lovely campsite. Beautiful location. Good facilities and nice amount of space in spite of it being a busy weekend with all pitches in use. Would definitely return and recommend.

David

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Lordington Park Camping

Beautiful site, great big pitches! Would come again

Karlie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Loves Hill Camping

Really lovely campsite, lovely community feel and everything you could need - showers, compost toilets, washing up space, even breakfast available in the morning! Beautiful scenes of the local area and peaceful. Would highly recommend. The only thing to be aware of is there was lots of off lead dogs around and our older on-lead dog struggled a little with this - just something to be aware of and plan for!

Claire

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to In Nature Camping

The campsite is lovely. Very well looked after. It was great not to have to put the tent up and down and have it ready on site. Owner is very accomodating. Close to a great micro brewery and BBQ food within the same premises. Nice walks around the area.

Grant

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Spring Hill Wild Camping

My daughter and I had a great experience here. We were expecting nothing more than composting toilets and a field to pitch in but there were numerous sinks set up to make hand and pot washing easy and convenient. Nicholas was also a fantastic host. After a quick call when we arrived he met us to explain the site and made us feel welcome. He also offered for us to help feed (and shower) the alpacas in the evening, which was my daughter’s favourite part of the whole trip! I would highly recommend this site and will likely stay again. Thank you Nicholas, a pleasure to meet you!!

byron

2 weeks ago

6 m campervan

With kids

2 nights at Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

A beautiful site. Family friendly with electric and non electric pitches. We had a wonderful time and would recommend a stay!

Becky

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Shire Camping

Really nice facilities. A peaceful campsite which is well thought out. Harry and family were excellent hosts.

Zoe

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Hill Wild Camping

Nicholas is absolutely lovely, he kindly came up to meet me once I arrived, showed me where to pitch up, explained where things were and set me up with drinking water. The site is simple, but has some great sunset views, clean toilets, and is close to a great pub. This is a particularly good spot if you’re into cycling, as the roads nearby are smooth and quiet. All the cyclists flying by the pub in the mornings made me wish I’d brought my bike!

Hayley

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lordington Park Camping

Lordington Park is an excellent campsite. Josie was super quick to respond when I asked for the gate code I'd already been given (sorry!) and the campsite was exactly what we hoped for. Basic, peaceful (other than one loud group on our second night), and not overcrowded. Didn't use the showers as but the toilets did the job, just wish other campers would have read the instructions. All in all, a great base for visiting family and we will certainly stay again in future.

James

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Haywards Bridge Farm

Lovely and peaceful camp, nice river which Mark went out of his way to get a pathway cleared to when I'd messaged asking if there was access to it

Joe

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Old Litten

The camp site at old litten was amazing. Incredible views and so much space. Felt really private with loads of beautiful walks around the immediate area. Charlotte was also a great host. We will definitely be back

Christopher

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Crooked Willows Farm

Simple camp site Good location Good toilets and shower Good value

Matt

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Absolutely stunning site, very nice views and private pitches, hammocks were excellent and facilities were clean and well hidden away, only downside was it very noisy with a nearby church going off all night but they do provide free ear plugs which helps

Daya

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at The T Barn

The campsite is set in a beautiful hidden valley with only several pitches. Loved having our own fire pit. Climbed the hill over the campsite for gorgeous views! Very quiet and serene.

North Wessex Downs AONB camping guide

Where to go

Wiltshire

Most of the North Wessex Downs lie within Wiltshire, where you can hike, cycle, or horseback ride across open chalklands. Visit the UNESCO-listed Avebury stone circle, explore the Great West Way heritage trail, or marvel at the Wiltshire White Horses, giant chalk drawings etched onto the hillsides. To the south, the world-famous Stonehenge is an easy detour, and there are more hiking opportunities in the surrounding Salisbury Plains.

Hampshire

Downton Abbey fans won’t want to miss a visit to Highclere Castle—the real-life Downton Abbey—in the southeast corner of North Wessex Downs. Explore the surrounding farmlands by bike, stop off at pretty Hampshire villages, or stay at quiet country campgrounds. To the south, the cathedral city of Winchester and the New Forest National Park are less than an hour’s drive.

Berkshire

Newbury and Reading are the gateways to the eastern downlands, where the hillside towns are dotted with thatched-roof cottages and traditional pubs. Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Kent & Avon Canal, stop to browse the markets in Hungerford, or hike the 20-mile Lambourn Valley Way.

Oxfordshire

The northern borders of the North Wessex Downs spill over into Oxfordshire, where highlights include the market town of Wantage and the Uffington White Horse. Continue north to visit the university city of Oxford or take a road trip along the winding country lanes of the Cotswolds, another AONB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular activities to do in North Wessex Downs AONB?

In North Wessex Downs AONB, you can explore the natural landscapes on foot, by bike, or on horseback; cruise the canals by boat or kayak; or escape to a tranquil campsite by the waterfront or in the forest. May through September is the most pleasant time for camping, but the weather can be temperamental even in summer, so pack for all-seasons. You can also explore different options for camping near North Wessex Downs AONB on Hipcamp.

What are some nearby attractions to North Wessex Downs AONB?

In North Wessex Downs AONB, the world-famous Stonehenge is an easy detour, and there are more hiking opportunities in the surrounding Salisbury Plains. Newbury and Reading are the gateways to the eastern downlands, where the hillside towns are dotted with thatched-roof cottages and traditional pubs. Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Kent & Avon Canal, stop to browse the markets in Hungerford, or hike the 20-mile Lambourn Valley Way. The northern borders of the North Wessex Downs spill over into Oxfordshire, where highlights include the market town of Wantage and the Uffington White Horse. Continue north to visit the university city of Oxford or take a road trip along the winding country lanes of the Cotswolds, another AONB.