Safari tents near Newhaven, East Sussex

Perched at the mouth of the River Ouse and the English Channel, most visitors come to Newhaven to catch the ferry to Normandy in France. The port town is worth more than stopover, though. It’s strategically located for exploring the coast and the surrounding AONBs, has plenty of options for campers and caravanners, plus far fewer crowds than nearby Brighton. Start your explorations at Newhaven Fort, then follow the heritage trail around Paradise Park, take a scenic cruise along the river, or cool off with a swim at the sandy beach.

98% (152)

Top-rated campgrounds

Perched at the mouth of the River Ouse and the English Channel, most visitors come to Newhaven to catch the ferry to Normandy in France. The port town is worth more than stopover, though. It’s strategically located for exploring the coast and the surrounding AONBs, has plenty of options for campers and caravanners, plus far fewer crowds than nearby Brighton. Start your explorations at Newhaven Fort, then follow the heritage trail around Paradise Park, take a scenic cruise along the river, or cool off with a swim at the sandy beach.

98% (152)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%

(122)

39km from Newhaven · 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)

19km from Newhaven · 17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

3. Star Field Camping

97%

(62)

46km from Newhaven · 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. Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

102km from Newhaven · 5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service

5. Bozedown Boltholes

100%

(5)

112km from Newhaven · 1 unit · Glamping · Reading, Berkshire, South East England

A single, self-contained safari tent with its own acre of land on the edge of the Chiltern Hills

6. Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

43km from Newhaven · 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.

7. The Hare lodge

100%

(11)

52km from Newhaven · 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

8. Woodchests Glamping

100%

(2)

137km from Newhaven · 3 units · Glamping · Pebmarsh, England

Safari tents in North Essex, close to the Suffolk border, with a fishing lake nearby.

Camper favorites near Newhaven

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

102km from Newhaven · 5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service

Bozedown Boltholes

100%

(5)

112km from Newhaven · 1 unit · Glamping · Reading, Berkshire, South East England

A single, self-contained safari tent with its own acre of land on the edge of the Chiltern Hills

Barefoot yurts and Safari Tent

100%

(2)

43km from Newhaven · 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.

The Hare lodge

100%

(11)

52km from Newhaven · 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

Woodchests Glamping

100%

(2)

137km from Newhaven · 3 units · Glamping · Pebmarsh, England

Safari tents in North Essex, close to the Suffolk border, with a fishing lake nearby.

Stories from the community

E

Emma

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bozedown Boltholes

Such a beautiful setting, really is private with stunning views. The check in instructions and how to find the tent were superb and made it so easy. The tent itself is amazing, really cosy and comfortable and amazing furnishings. Beds are very comfy and luxurious bedding and towels. Even the toilet toll was thick and luxurious. Loved every second of our stay.

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 near Newhaven guide

Where to go

Sussex Coast

Neighboring Brighton is just a 30-minute drive, famous for its street art, shopping boutiques, and LGBTQ community—sampling the nightlife is a must. East of Newhaven, head to Eastbourne to swim, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard along the long sandy beach, or visit Hastings to explore the medieval castle ruins right by the seafront. Summer is the most popular time for seaside camping, or visit out of season to enjoy scenic strolls with the beach all to yourself.

High Weald

Less than an hour’s drive north, the High Weald AONB is home to some of Kent’s most magnificent landscapes. Stroll through bluebell woods and wildflower valleys, picnic in National Trust gardens, or sample Kent wine at local vineyards. For a change of pace, time your visit to Royal Tunbridge Wells for market day, then hop aboard for a ride on the Spa Valley steam railway.

South Downs

The vast chalklands of the South Downs AONB encircle Newhaven, providing access to miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. Hike part of the 101-mile South Downs Way national trail, pitch your tent at backcountry campsites, or paddle along the Cuckmere river in a kayak. Along the coast, head to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, where the towering white chalk sea cliffs are a jaw-dropping sight.

When to go

Passenger ferries run from Newhaven to Dieppe in France from May-September, and the busiest months are July and August, when the port fills up with ferry passengers. To avoid the crowds, come in spring or autumn—the perfect time for hiking among the wildflowers or admiring the fall foliage in the South Downs.

Know before you go

Newhaven has a couple of shops where you can pick up camping supplies, but nearby Brighton (a 20-minute drive) has a larger choice.
Newhaven has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and AONBs, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment up-front. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Sussex.