The best farm stays near London

·

Beyond London, it actually takes a surprisingly short amount of time before you can stumble across some of the UK's best campsites, hidden among woodland on the city’s edge or tucked in the rolling hills of the green belt. Take advantage of London’s transport network to discover outdoor opportunities both inside and outside the M25. Time-limited campers can jump on the tube in central London and be in Abbey Wood or Epping Forest within the hour, while hikers, bikers, and sightseers can take their time to discover the hills, farmland, and forests of London’s Green Belt. There’s plenty of camping accommodation to choose from too, from bring-your-own tent pitches in popular parks to private huts in hidden glens, and pet lovers are widely catered for with dog-friendly campsites commonly found across the area. Whether it's hopping on a train or getting in the car, you can still escape the city for a few days for a camping holiday to enjoy the best of the fresh air.

When it comes to camping near London, there's nothing we love more than a traditional night under canvas. Around London are loads of fantastic campsites where the focus is not on commercial caravanning and tarmac pitches but on the humble tent camper. Whether it's driving to the likes of Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, or Buckinghamshire, or getting a train out to the South Downs, Surrey, Sussex, or Kent, we're sure we'll have a campsite near London that's right for you.

A big part of the allure of camping near London is the convenience of being able to get in and out of the city easily while still feeling remote and cut off from the urban world. Whether it's a campsite in East Sussex or a caravan site in Berkshire, we’ve got plenty of spots with good train links to and from the city. If you really want to treat yourself, you could even hire a campervan from the city and take a roadtrip from the capital out to your chosen destination.

95% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near London

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(178)
122km from London · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a WILD campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night

4. Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

121km from London · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Situated just a brief ten-minute drive away from the stunning coastline and merely five minutes from Sutton Hoo, this welcoming site is perfectly positioned for exploring all that Suffolk has to offer. Embracing a commitment to sustainable, low-impact living, the campsite aims to preserve its natural surroundings. Visitors have the option to settle into one of the site's 50 generously-sized pitches, 30 of which are equipped with electric hook-up. Spread across five small fields adorned with native trees and bushes, these pitches cater to tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, and RVs. For those in search of a touch of luxury, a 6m bell tent awaits, providing an ideal glamping experience. Housing up to five guests, the bell tent boasts a king-sized bed, double futon sofa-bed, single futon chair bed, complete bedding, electric amenities, a small fridge, and a kettle. Outside, a spacious decking area beckons with a shaded table and chairs, accompanied by a fire pit, gas BBQ, and a hot plate, setting the scene for delightful al fresco dining (complete with cooking utensils and crockery). Nestled within a smallholding, the campsite is home to rare breed pigs, alpacas, goats, and chickens, and guests are invited to join in the evening feeding sessions. Depending on the season, visitors may even have the chance to meet baby alpacas, goats, chicks, piglets, and more. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, available for hire on-site, and firewood can be purchased (though guests are welcome to bring their own). Dogs are welcome on secure leads, and the campsite offers direct access to walking trails meandering through acres of picturesque countryside.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night

11. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(178)
52km from London · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night

15. Dogwood Cottage Campsite

81%
(24)
80km from London · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, friendly, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the pretty village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the woods and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a 'dark sky' area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all different types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Please note our strict 'no group' policy - we only accept single families, single couple and single campers. No more than 2 adults in any group, even on separate pitches. Please bring your acoustic guitar or similar but, as this is a quiet site, please no radios, stereos or videos unless you're using headphones. The birdsong here is incredible by the way! Very wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night

16. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
42km from London · 27 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£12
 / night

19. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%
(8)
58km from London · 4 units · Glamping
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night

20. Penn Meadow Farm

91%
(233)
40km from London · 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 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 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night

Beyond London, it actually takes a surprisingly short amount of time before you can stumble across some of the UK's best campsites, hidden among woodland on the city’s edge or tucked in the rolling hills of the green belt. Take advantage of London’s transport network to discover outdoor opportunities both inside and outside the M25. Time-limited campers can jump on the tube in central London and be in Abbey Wood or Epping Forest within the hour, while hikers, bikers, and sightseers can take their time to discover the hills, farmland, and forests of London’s Green Belt. There’s plenty of camping accommodation to choose from too, from bring-your-own tent pitches in popular parks to private huts in hidden glens, and pet lovers are widely catered for with dog-friendly campsites commonly found across the area. Whether it's hopping on a train or getting in the car, you can still escape the city for a few days for a camping holiday to enjoy the best of the fresh air.

When it comes to camping near London, there's nothing we love more than a traditional night under canvas. Around London are loads of fantastic campsites where the focus is not on commercial caravanning and tarmac pitches but on the humble tent camper. Whether it's driving to the likes of Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, or Buckinghamshire, or getting a train out to the South Downs, Surrey, Sussex, or Kent, we're sure we'll have a campsite near London that's right for you.

A big part of the allure of camping near London is the convenience of being able to get in and out of the city easily while still feeling remote and cut off from the urban world. Whether it's a campsite in East Sussex or a caravan site in Berkshire, we’ve got plenty of spots with good train links to and from the city. If you really want to treat yourself, you could even hire a campervan from the city and take a roadtrip from the capital out to your chosen destination.

95% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near London

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(178)
122km from London · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a WILD campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night

4. Shottisham Campsite & Smallholding

121km from London · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Situated just a brief ten-minute drive away from the stunning coastline and merely five minutes from Sutton Hoo, this welcoming site is perfectly positioned for exploring all that Suffolk has to offer. Embracing a commitment to sustainable, low-impact living, the campsite aims to preserve its natural surroundings. Visitors have the option to settle into one of the site's 50 generously-sized pitches, 30 of which are equipped with electric hook-up. Spread across five small fields adorned with native trees and bushes, these pitches cater to tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, and RVs. For those in search of a touch of luxury, a 6m bell tent awaits, providing an ideal glamping experience. Housing up to five guests, the bell tent boasts a king-sized bed, double futon sofa-bed, single futon chair bed, complete bedding, electric amenities, a small fridge, and a kettle. Outside, a spacious decking area beckons with a shaded table and chairs, accompanied by a fire pit, gas BBQ, and a hot plate, setting the scene for delightful al fresco dining (complete with cooking utensils and crockery). Nestled within a smallholding, the campsite is home to rare breed pigs, alpacas, goats, and chickens, and guests are invited to join in the evening feeding sessions. Depending on the season, visitors may even have the chance to meet baby alpacas, goats, chicks, piglets, and more. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, available for hire on-site, and firewood can be purchased (though guests are welcome to bring their own). Dogs are welcome on secure leads, and the campsite offers direct access to walking trails meandering through acres of picturesque countryside.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night

11. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(178)
52km from London · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night

15. Dogwood Cottage Campsite

81%
(24)
80km from London · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, friendly, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the pretty village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the woods and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a 'dark sky' area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all different types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Please note our strict 'no group' policy - we only accept single families, single couple and single campers. No more than 2 adults in any group, even on separate pitches. Please bring your acoustic guitar or similar but, as this is a quiet site, please no radios, stereos or videos unless you're using headphones. The birdsong here is incredible by the way! Very wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night

16. Secluded Woodland Camp

95%
(10)
42km from London · 27 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£12
 / night

19. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%
(8)
58km from London · 4 units · Glamping
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night

20. Penn Meadow Farm

91%
(233)
40km from London · 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 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 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night

Camper favorites near London

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best farm stays near London guide

Where to go

Lea Valley

Home to the enormous Lee Valley Park, this urban-to-rural floodplain is popular among thrill seekers, thanks in part to its White Water Centre, built especially for the London 2012 Olympics. Several campsites dot the region, with accommodation options including (almost) wild camping, fully furnished cabins, and safari tents, plus motorhome and caravan parks. Most train stations connect to London’s Liverpool Street directly, offering countryside escape within 30 minutes.

Epping Forest

Just east of the River Lea, Epping Forest marks the spot that London blends into the home county of Essex. The forest’s paths are popular with ramblers and riders, while its wildlife-rich ponds are great for nature photographers. Camping is prohibited within the forest itself, but there are plenty of pitches nearby in spots like the Lee Valley Park. The forest is on the outer reaches of London’s Central Line, making it a destination for city dwellers as well as holidaymakers.

South London

If you’re keen to stay within the confines of the capital, the leafy suburbs of Abbey Wood and Crystal Palace both boast campsites with a London postcode. Whether you’re after a break from the city or a city break, conveniently located campsites offer caravan parking, tent pitches, and—in the case of Abbey Wood—some luxury pods with private bathroom facilities.

Surrey Hills

With Area of Natural Beauty status under an hour’s train ride from the capital, Surrey Hills and its many campsites serve as an ideal springboard for areas like Box Hill, Devil’s Punch Bowl, and Newlands Corner. Accommodation options range from simple tent pitches to exclusive glamping experiences.

Sussex

The home county of Sussex is a great spot within two hours’ reach of the capital. From the coastal towns of Worthing, Littlehampton, and the LGBTQ+ capital of Brighton to the ancient landscapes of the South Downs Way, this rural county is a great choice for campers in search of authentic British culture, with several farms providing back-to-basics tent camping.

When to go

The best time to explore London area camping spots is undoubtedly during spring and summer, when the grass is green and the days are long. Autumn brings its own charms too, as well as smaller crowds, while those who brave December’s chillier climes are rewarded with arguably one of the most beautiful city winters in the world. Not all campsites remain open year-round, so check ahead. If travelling with all your gear, avoid public transport during rush hour.

Know before you go

  • When travelling beyond city limits, it’s worth booking your train ticket in advance for the best deals. Trains are spacious, so it’s generally no problem to travel with your camping gear (outside of rush hour).
  • Some campsites offer on-site gear rentals or can point you in the right direction. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring your own or visit a camping shop such as Blacks, Millets, or Cotswold Outdoor.
  • City explorers need an Oyster card, which provides access to all inner-city transport services. Purchase one at any tube station or newsagents displaying the Oyster sign, but know you won’t need this out in rural areas.