- Shepherds Hut
Shepherd's huts near London
99% (297) • 56 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near London
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
1. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(20)
60km from London · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years.
The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead.
Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet.
The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance.
Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes.
An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
2. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
63km from London · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
3. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
67km from London · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Foot of the Downs
4. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
68km from London · 3 units
Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£117
/ night
Hale Farm
5. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
70km from London · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
6. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
70km from London · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
7. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
71km from London · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
8. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(34)
73km from London · 1 unit
The Shepherd's Hut at Coombe Farm Glamping is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you're here, you'll feel as if you've stepped through the back of the wardrobe and into the ancient woodland that surrounds, unimpeded views towards the South Downs and barely another soul around. The hut stands alone in the field, so you will exclusively enjoy the tranquility the land has to offer.
The Hut is equipped with fresh linen and towels, made extra cozy and warm with a beautiful flame and clean burning bio ethanol burner which creates a relaxed ambience, providing amazing heat for the chillier season stay.
The wash area is compact with everything you will need for alfresco catering and dining, including a great camp compressor fridge. We also provide equipment to cook on the ample fire pit for an authentic camp experience. We have a revitalizing, hot and spacious shower, all run from our off grid system. We also provide luxury toiletries.
Our loo is composting, extremely clean and freshly set up for every new guest and in keeping with our off grid, low-fi ethos.
Our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm is in Rogate, 5 min drive from Rake or about an hours walk through the woodland south from the hut. The popular Tea room offers a great breakfast and lunch menu. Booking is advisable.
Between the nearby traditional market towns of Petersfield and Haslemere you will discover a diverse choice of places to shop, dine and drink.
The site is encompassed by beautiful walks and trails taking you further into the heart of the South Downs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£108
/ night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
9. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(60)
82km from London · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£152
/ night
Hendred Farm Huts
10. Hendred Farm Huts
99%
(37)
84km from London · 4 units
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
11. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
95%
(104)
85km from London · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£11
/ night
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
12. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(21)
88km from London · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£130
/ night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
13. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
88km from London · 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
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Walltree House Camping
14. Walltree House Camping
98%
(29)
95km from London · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Greenhill Glamping
15. Greenhill Glamping
100%
(31)
102km from London · 2 units
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
Barn Owl Camping
16. Barn Owl Camping
97%
(18)
103km from London · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
17. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
90%
(20)
112km from London · 3 units
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£128
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
18. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
127km from London · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
19. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
127km from London · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
20. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
100%
(21)
135km from London · 2 units
Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
99% (297) • 56 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near London
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
1. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(20)
60km from London · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years.
The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead.
Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet.
The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance.
Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes.
An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
2. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
63km from London · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
3. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
67km from London · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Foot of the Downs
4. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
68km from London · 3 units
Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£117
/ night
Hale Farm
5. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
70km from London · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
6. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
70km from London · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
7. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
71km from London · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
8. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(34)
73km from London · 1 unit
The Shepherd's Hut at Coombe Farm Glamping is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you're here, you'll feel as if you've stepped through the back of the wardrobe and into the ancient woodland that surrounds, unimpeded views towards the South Downs and barely another soul around. The hut stands alone in the field, so you will exclusively enjoy the tranquility the land has to offer.
The Hut is equipped with fresh linen and towels, made extra cozy and warm with a beautiful flame and clean burning bio ethanol burner which creates a relaxed ambience, providing amazing heat for the chillier season stay.
The wash area is compact with everything you will need for alfresco catering and dining, including a great camp compressor fridge. We also provide equipment to cook on the ample fire pit for an authentic camp experience. We have a revitalizing, hot and spacious shower, all run from our off grid system. We also provide luxury toiletries.
Our loo is composting, extremely clean and freshly set up for every new guest and in keeping with our off grid, low-fi ethos.
Our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm is in Rogate, 5 min drive from Rake or about an hours walk through the woodland south from the hut. The popular Tea room offers a great breakfast and lunch menu. Booking is advisable.
Between the nearby traditional market towns of Petersfield and Haslemere you will discover a diverse choice of places to shop, dine and drink.
The site is encompassed by beautiful walks and trails taking you further into the heart of the South Downs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£108
/ night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
9. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(60)
82km from London · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£152
/ night
Hendred Farm Huts
10. Hendred Farm Huts
99%
(37)
84km from London · 4 units
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
11. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
95%
(104)
85km from London · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£11
/ night
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
12. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(21)
88km from London · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£130
/ night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
13. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
88km from London · 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
Campfires
Showers
from
£32
/ night
Walltree House Camping
14. Walltree House Camping
98%
(29)
95km from London · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Greenhill Glamping
15. Greenhill Glamping
100%
(31)
102km from London · 2 units
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
Barn Owl Camping
16. Barn Owl Camping
97%
(18)
103km from London · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
17. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
90%
(20)
112km from London · 3 units
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£128
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
18. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
127km from London · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
19. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
127km from London · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
20. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)
100%
(21)
135km from London · 2 units
Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
B
Bryn
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
A beautiful location and lovely shepherds hut. Very private and romantic. I particularly loved the outdoor kitchen and sitting by the fire bit in the evening. Lovely walks through woodlands easy to get to with no need to drive.
See more
W
Wina
January 2026
3 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
We absolutely loved our stay at Jane’s shepherd’s hut. it was the perfect off-grid escape from our busy lives. The hot tub and outdoor pizza oven were definite highlights and made the trip feel extra special.
Jane and her husband were incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and quick to respond whenever we had a question or needed anything. The hut is also ideally located; peaceful and secluded, yet close enough for lovely walks/run and a nearby pub for a quick pint.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing countryside getaway.
See more
C
Catherine
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
This is the ultimate weekend getaway. Jane and the family are fabulous hosts. Everything was so incredibly clean, and there was so many personal touches from fresh bread to handmade soaps. The view of the property from the cabin was truly spectacular.
Would definitely stay again ☺️✨
See more
A
Alex
November 2025
2 nights at Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
We had a great stay! Would highly recommend.
Everything you need is there and the hut is so cosy and the beds super comfy. The views around are beautiful and it feels very secluded. Amazing walks straight from the hut! Thank you
See more
K
Kimberley
October 2025
With pets
I had a lovely stay, Despite visiting in October, the Shepard’s hut kept me nice and warm. The hut was as pictured and described. There were lots of lovely nearby walks. The Shepard’s hut was very accommodating for the dogs too who enjoyed their stay and use of the field. Thank you.
See moreR
Rachel
October 2025
2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
We had the most wonderful stay at this little countryside getaway! From the moment we arrived, Jane was absolutely incredible - so kind, welcoming, and full of helpful information about the lodge and surrounding area. She’d thought of everything, leaving clear instructions for how everything worked, which made our stay effortless and relaxing.
The thoughtful touches really made it special - from the freshly baked bread to the delicious shortbread cookies, everything felt homely and made with love. The setting itself was pure peace and quiet, surrounded by nothing but cows, trees, and the soft sounds of nature. It was the perfect place to switch off, breathe deeply, and just enjoy the calm of the countryside.
We honestly didn’t want to leave - a hidden gem that we’d return to in a heartbeat!
See more
R
Richard
October 2025
2 nights at Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
Off grid, basic and rustic shepards hut. Very relaxing, and comfortable,
Excellent communication from Alice on finding the feild and lots of good information about the local area.
Really enjoyed my time here.
See moreE
Eren
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
My girlfriend and I had a lovely stay at Little Fleece to celebrate her birthday. The hot tub was lovely and we made some great pizzas using the pizza oven. Jane and Dave were brilliant hosts - it was lovey to meet you both! The homemade bread and biscuits were a lovely touch. Thank you!
See more
A
Anne
October 2025
With pets
Lovely break . The little touches made it very special from the tea coffee and milk to a birthday gift for my husband. Very thoughtful
See moreT
Tim
September 2025
1 night at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
What a beautiful spot. Lovely little cabin. Everything worked as expected. Hot tub was AMAZING! Pizza oven worked a treat. Loads of wood supplied.
Jane and Dave were so kind and accommodating. Just wish we had more time there!
See more
A
Amber
September 2025
With pets
Had the most lovely stay, would definitely recommend. The cabin was well thought out, cozy and beautiful.
Thank you ❤️
See more
J
Joanna
September 2025
With pets
This was our second stay and this time we stayed in Agatha. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and everything was perfect. Hendred huts really offer a peaceful relaxing break away from everything!
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !!
All windows had lovely views.
Ivan & Sylvia S xxx
See more
L
Lydia
August 2025
2 nights at Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
This was a wonderful place - a really idyllic setting and superb shepherd’s hut. Super cosy with its own secluded area and kitchen with everything you need. The orchard is beautiful, Natasha and Nick have done amazing job in making this a really special place. One of our favourite ever UK stays!
See moreI
Imogen
August 2025
1 night at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
The shepherds hut was amazing, Jane’s attention detail was fantastic, she had baked bread and shortbread.
The hut is in amazing condition and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Highly recommend!
See more
D
Dave
August 2025
With kids
Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop
See moreP
Penelope
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
My partner and I had the most amazing one night stay here (wish we had longer) at Plum Farm, surrounded by nature and wonderful peace and quiet.
We had a lovely welcome from Natasha and Tim who are super attentive lovely people. We enjoyed using the firepit to cook our dinner on, we brought most of our own utensils but its all there for you to use if needed. Was great to have running water and the gas hob to use too - Love an outdoors kitchen!
Also loved the home grown, hand picked flowers that were there for us too., we were also very lucky to be given a bottle of Apple juice from the apples grown on the Orchard, definitely recommend buying a bottle if there's any available.
The shepherds hut was cosy and accommodating, was great to have the black out blinds which was a pleasant surprise, had a great night sleep.
I would love to come back next year.
Thank you both for having us :)
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See moreM
M
August 2025
2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
My partner and I had an incredible stay at Little Fleece. It had everything we needed, set in such a peaceful and relaxing environment 🙌🏽
See more
M
Michele
August 2025
With kids
We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!
See more
Shepherd's huts 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.