Campsites with campfires near Winchester

·

Near the historic cathedral city of Winchester in South East England, discover a treasure trove of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and overnight options for tent campers, caravan campers, and glampers. From the historically significant chalk valleys to the expansive South Downs National Park, explore sweeping landscapes in the quintessential British countryside. A short journey across the water reveals the Isle of Wight’s coastal magnificence, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Back on the mainland, New Forest National Park offers a mosaic of ancient woodlands and heathlands, teeming with free-roaming ponies and dramatic hiking trails. Each attraction offers on-site accommodations from rustic tent pitches, Mongolian yurt rentals, or holiday parks with full hookups for caravans so campers can spend days immersed in Winchester’s natural splendour.

94% (1.9K) 1,075 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Winchester

The T Barn

1. The T Barn

99%
(90)
93km from Winchester · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£29
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

2. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
78km from Winchester · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

3. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
118km from Winchester · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

108km from Winchester · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm. At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night. Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature. We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire. If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace. January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
Radcot Leisure on Thames

5. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%
(305)
78km from Winchester · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Abbey Home Farm

6. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
92km from Winchester · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Chalky Downs

7. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
82km from Winchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

8. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
103km from Winchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
The Barn KT9

9. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
72km from Winchester · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
The Nut Plat Retreat

10. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
110km from Winchester · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£88
 / night
Buzzard Holt Hosting

11. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%
(7)
111km from Winchester · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£59
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

12. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
22km from Winchester · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

13. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
83km from Winchester · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

14. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
28km from Winchester · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Old Litten

15. Old Litten

99%
(60)
19km from Winchester · 1 unit · Tent
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
from 
£40
 / night
Cotswolds Glamping

16. Cotswolds Glamping

100%
(6)
113km from Winchester · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£96
 / night
Brig's Farm

17. Brig's Farm

97%
(157)
123km from Winchester · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Camping5Acres

18. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
121km from Winchester · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Quaint Farm in a National Park

19. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%
(26)
30km from Winchester · 2 units · Glamping
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
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£125
 / night
Benville Manor Camping

20. Benville Manor Camping

98%
(24)
103km from Winchester · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We set up our campsite to be a unique place where guests could be as close to nature as possible, while retaining some of the basic comforts of home. Think wildflower meadow with hot showers! We've gone for ultimate peace and tranquility, with a very limited number of pitches mown into the wildflowers with lots of space between. Our remote site is far from roads or light pollution, making for serene starry nights around the firepit. The camping meadow is bordered by woodlands, a small nature reserve, and the gardens of a stunning Tudor manor house, all of which you're free to explore. Nestled in a remote and picturesque corner of West Dorset, the campsite is within easy reach of some of the South West's most stunning spots, from world-famous fossil beaches to neolithic hill-forts.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night

Near the historic cathedral city of Winchester in South East England, discover a treasure trove of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and overnight options for tent campers, caravan campers, and glampers. From the historically significant chalk valleys to the expansive South Downs National Park, explore sweeping landscapes in the quintessential British countryside. A short journey across the water reveals the Isle of Wight’s coastal magnificence, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Back on the mainland, New Forest National Park offers a mosaic of ancient woodlands and heathlands, teeming with free-roaming ponies and dramatic hiking trails. Each attraction offers on-site accommodations from rustic tent pitches, Mongolian yurt rentals, or holiday parks with full hookups for caravans so campers can spend days immersed in Winchester’s natural splendour.

94% (1.9K) 1,075 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Winchester

The T Barn

1. The T Barn

99%
(90)
93km from Winchester · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£29
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

2. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
78km from Winchester · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

3. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
118km from Winchester · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

4. Furnace Brook Cabins & Camping

108km from Winchester · 16 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Furnace Brook, a tranquil 60-acre Ecosystem Restoration Community tucked away in the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Here, peace, wildlife, and connection to nature come first. Whether you’re waking up in a handcrafted lakeside cabin or camping beneath the stars, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover calm. At the heart of the land lies our beautiful lake, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Herons, dragonflies, and kingfishers visit often, and misty mornings give way to glowing sunsets reflected on the water. Our cabins blend simple comfort with rustic charm — natural materials and wide windows that open to birdsong. For campers, we have rural private pitches or spacious and communal spaces. It’s quiet here — no loud music, no generators, just the crackle of a fire and the sounds of nature at night. Furnace Brook is part of a working Ecosystem Restoration Community. Every stay supports rewilding and soil regeneration, helping wildlife and woodland return to the landscape. Guests are welcome to wander our trails, learn about the restoration work, or simply enjoy being surrounded by thriving nature. We also brew our own small-batch Furnace Brook Beer, made with local ingredients — the perfect companion for a lakeside sunset or a cosy evening by the fire. If you’re looking for stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to the natural world, Furnace Brook offers it in abundance. Come to rest, reflect, and experience life at nature’s pace. January Booking Special: Save 10% on all stays booked in January for any dates later this year with CODE: TSWVL3G2
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
£25
 / night
Radcot Leisure on Thames

5. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%
(305)
78km from Winchester · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Abbey Home Farm

6. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
92km from Winchester · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Chalky Downs

7. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
82km from Winchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

8. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
103km from Winchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
The Barn KT9

9. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
72km from Winchester · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
The Nut Plat Retreat

10. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
110km from Winchester · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£88
 / night
Buzzard Holt Hosting

11. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%
(7)
111km from Winchester · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£59
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

12. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
22km from Winchester · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

13. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
83km from Winchester · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

14. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
28km from Winchester · 20 units · Tents
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Old Litten

15. Old Litten

99%
(60)
19km from Winchester · 1 unit · Tent
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
from 
£40
 / night
Cotswolds Glamping

16. Cotswolds Glamping

100%
(6)
113km from Winchester · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
£96
 / night
Brig's Farm

17. Brig's Farm

97%
(157)
123km from Winchester · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Camping5Acres

18. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
121km from Winchester · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Quaint Farm in a National Park

19. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%
(26)
30km from Winchester · 2 units · Glamping
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
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£125
 / night
Benville Manor Camping

20. Benville Manor Camping

98%
(24)
103km from Winchester · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We set up our campsite to be a unique place where guests could be as close to nature as possible, while retaining some of the basic comforts of home. Think wildflower meadow with hot showers! We've gone for ultimate peace and tranquility, with a very limited number of pitches mown into the wildflowers with lots of space between. Our remote site is far from roads or light pollution, making for serene starry nights around the firepit. The camping meadow is bordered by woodlands, a small nature reserve, and the gardens of a stunning Tudor manor house, all of which you're free to explore. Nestled in a remote and picturesque corner of West Dorset, the campsite is within easy reach of some of the South West's most stunning spots, from world-famous fossil beaches to neolithic hill-forts.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night

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Campsites with campfires near Winchester guide

Where to go

South Downs National Park

A significant natural area near Winchester, South Downs National Park boasts diverse outdoor activities that immerse campers in England’s pristine countryside. Tread the 100-mile South Downs Way by foot or mountain bike, or marvel at the majestic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Ascend to the summit of Ditchling Beacon for panoramic views at sunrise or sunset, or head to River Itchen for tranquil trout fishing. Whether campers are looking for rustic tent pitches, well-appointed caravan sites, or luxurious glamping yurts, South Downs delivers.

The Isle of Wight

For an island camping adventure, head to the Isle of Wight. Relish in country campsites nestled amid pastoral farms, enjoy peaceful strolls on serene footpaths, and look out for red squirrels, peregrine falcons, and Glanville fritillary butterflies. Newtown National Nature Reserve is a noteworthy tidal estuary and wetland for spotting wading birds and wildfowl. Nearby holiday parks with fully serviced caravan pitches or safari tent rentals offer easy access to Shanklin Beach or Hale Manor Lakes so campers can beat the crowds.

New Forest National Park

Thousands of New Forest ponies freely roam throughout New Forest National Park, about 20 minutes west of Winchester. The semi-feral ponies are owned by members of the common community, and their presence creates one of the most unique camping experiences in England. Enjoy a more rustic forest camping trip at one of the park’s tent pitches, or have a more comfortable holiday at glamping pods and shepherd’s huts. Remember to watch for vulnerable wading birds like stonechats and Dartford warblers that may be nesting in the heathlands.

When to go

The area around Winchester is generally driest and warmest from May to September. Summer months average temperatures around 22°C and are especially popular due to school holidays, so be sure to book pitches at camping parks well in advance. For cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, April and October offer a serene setting. Spring and fall also delight campers with blooming flowers, fall foliage, migratory birds, and excellent fishing opportunities.