Camping in North Wessex Downs AONB

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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.

94% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Wessex Downs AONB

13. Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

100%
(8)
6 units · Glamping · England
Handcrafted, eco-conscious stays in harmony with nature. Tucked away in a secluded pocket of countryside, Nordic Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed for those who seek peace, privacy and a gentler pace of life. Our four beautifully handcrafted yurts sit within five acres of unspoilt organic hay meadow—surrounded by ancient woodland, thick hedgerows, a bubbling stream, a weather-led newt pond and charming little bridges. There is a lot to explore! This untouched, undulating landscape is home to thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly facilities: soft composting toilets, hot showers, fresh running water, and a covered kitchen and dining area. Shaded spaces for gathering or unwinding allow you to connect with nature in comfort. Each yurt is carefully dressed with organic cotton or linen bedding atop handcrafted wooden beds—combining rustic charm with deep rest and relaxation. Everything here is off-grid and in rhythm with the land… although a reliable 4G signal is on hand for those absolutely necessary connections ;-) Nordic Glamping shares Botswicky Copse with award-winning organic farmer Helen Browning. Together, we’re committed to working with the land—not against it—ensuring its vitality for generations to come. We’re proud members of the Greener Camping Club, which helps support more sustainable, low-impact camping in the UK. To stay with us, we kindly ask that one person per booking is, or becomes, a member. A seasonal membership is just £12 and supports our shared vision of responsible travel and eco-conscious living. (*Existing members do not need to pay again.)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£110
 / night

15. Adsdean Avenue Camping

100%
(3)
25 units · Tents · East Ashling, West Sussex, South East England
Off-grid woodland camping on the edge of Funtington in West Sussex South Downs National Park five minutes’ drive; Chichester 15 minutes Peaceful pop-up site with spacious pitches; pub five minutes’ drive After a dollop of peace and quiet along with an almost wild camping adventure on the edge of the South Downs? Adsdean Avenue Camping, five minutes’ drive from the country village of Funtington, is where you need to be. Set in woodlands, the vast pop-up camping field has a limited number of pitches so everybody is nicely spread out and private. The meadow is surrounded by lush farmland and mature trees, and your rural soundtrack will be birdsong and the rustling of leaves. The simplicity of the setup (no electricity, no wifi, no showers) gives you all a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether you’re looking to explore the walking – bring any family dogs to join your expeditions – and cycling trails nearby, enjoy family evenings cuddled up around the campfire, or go stargazing under the clear night sky.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

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.

94% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Wessex Downs AONB

13. Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

100%
(8)
6 units · Glamping · England
Handcrafted, eco-conscious stays in harmony with nature. Tucked away in a secluded pocket of countryside, Nordic Glamping offers an off-grid retreat designed for those who seek peace, privacy and a gentler pace of life. Our four beautifully handcrafted yurts sit within five acres of unspoilt organic hay meadow—surrounded by ancient woodland, thick hedgerows, a bubbling stream, a weather-led newt pond and charming little bridges. There is a lot to explore! This untouched, undulating landscape is home to thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly facilities: soft composting toilets, hot showers, fresh running water, and a covered kitchen and dining area. Shaded spaces for gathering or unwinding allow you to connect with nature in comfort. Each yurt is carefully dressed with organic cotton or linen bedding atop handcrafted wooden beds—combining rustic charm with deep rest and relaxation. Everything here is off-grid and in rhythm with the land… although a reliable 4G signal is on hand for those absolutely necessary connections ;-) Nordic Glamping shares Botswicky Copse with award-winning organic farmer Helen Browning. Together, we’re committed to working with the land—not against it—ensuring its vitality for generations to come. We’re proud members of the Greener Camping Club, which helps support more sustainable, low-impact camping in the UK. To stay with us, we kindly ask that one person per booking is, or becomes, a member. A seasonal membership is just £12 and supports our shared vision of responsible travel and eco-conscious living. (*Existing members do not need to pay again.)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£110
 / night

15. Adsdean Avenue Camping

100%
(3)
25 units · Tents · East Ashling, West Sussex, South East England
Off-grid woodland camping on the edge of Funtington in West Sussex South Downs National Park five minutes’ drive; Chichester 15 minutes Peaceful pop-up site with spacious pitches; pub five minutes’ drive After a dollop of peace and quiet along with an almost wild camping adventure on the edge of the South Downs? Adsdean Avenue Camping, five minutes’ drive from the country village of Funtington, is where you need to be. Set in woodlands, the vast pop-up camping field has a limited number of pitches so everybody is nicely spread out and private. The meadow is surrounded by lush farmland and mature trees, and your rural soundtrack will be birdsong and the rustling of leaves. The simplicity of the setup (no electricity, no wifi, no showers) gives you all a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether you’re looking to explore the walking – bring any family dogs to join your expeditions – and cycling trails nearby, enjoy family evenings cuddled up around the campfire, or go stargazing under the clear night sky.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

Camper favorites in and near North Wessex Downs AONB

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Camping in North Wessex Downs AONB 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.

Top counties in and near North Wessex Downs AONB

Top towns in and near North Wessex Downs AONB