Campsites near Chatham

·

Famed for its incomparable 18th-century dockyard and important maritime history, Chatham sits near the Medway Estuary, surrounded by bewitching southeast-England countryside and coast. Rock climbing, hiking, biking, kayaking, horse riding and paragliding are just a few of the local temptations for outdoorsy types, while the buzzy Kent coast serves up water sports, boho-feel towns and cliff-edge paths. Campers of all kinds are spoiled here, with everything from isolated farms for setting up tents to luxury glamping pods attached to lively pubs.

96% (2.1K) 813 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(180)
100km from Chatham · 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
Stockbridge View Campsite

2. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
144km from Chatham · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

3. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%
(292)
137km from Chatham · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£28
 / night
Lakeview Paddock

4. Lakeview Paddock

121km from Chatham · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Chalky Downs

5. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
71km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

6. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
146km from Chatham · 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!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
The Barn KT9

7. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
59km from Chatham · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Nut Plat Retreat

8. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
19km from Chatham · 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
Campfires
from 
£88
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

9. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
38km from Chatham · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Hill Farm Secluded Camping

10. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
125km from Chatham · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
Buzzard Holt Hosting

11. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%
(7)
128km from Chatham · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£59
 / night
The Pig Place Campsite

12. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
144km from Chatham · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Old Litten

13. Old Litten

99%
(60)
109km from Chatham · 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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Walltree House Camping

14. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
142km from Chatham · 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
Rosehip Woods Campsite

15. Rosehip Woods Campsite

136km from Chatham · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£13
 / night
The Sunnyfield Campsite

16. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%
(99)
42km from Chatham · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£38
 / night
Pigs in Blankets

17. Pigs in Blankets

96%
(70)
135km from Chatham · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Hollington Park Glamping

18. Hollington Park Glamping

95%
(11)
133km from Chatham · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£105
 / night
Far and Away Camping

19. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
21km from Chatham · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Woodlands Camping

20. Woodlands Camping

97%
(104)
118km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night

Famed for its incomparable 18th-century dockyard and important maritime history, Chatham sits near the Medway Estuary, surrounded by bewitching southeast-England countryside and coast. Rock climbing, hiking, biking, kayaking, horse riding and paragliding are just a few of the local temptations for outdoorsy types, while the buzzy Kent coast serves up water sports, boho-feel towns and cliff-edge paths. Campers of all kinds are spoiled here, with everything from isolated farms for setting up tents to luxury glamping pods attached to lively pubs.

96% (2.1K) 813 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%
(180)
100km from Chatham · 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
Stockbridge View Campsite

2. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
144km from Chatham · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

3. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%
(292)
137km from Chatham · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£28
 / night
Lakeview Paddock

4. Lakeview Paddock

121km from Chatham · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Chalky Downs

5. Chalky Downs

96%
(605)
71km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£16
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

6. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
146km from Chatham · 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!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
The Barn KT9

7. The Barn KT9

97%
(271)
59km from Chatham · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
The Nut Plat Retreat

8. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%
(73)
19km from Chatham · 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
Campfires
from 
£88
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

9. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
38km from Chatham · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Hill Farm Secluded Camping

10. Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%
(32)
125km from Chatham · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
Buzzard Holt Hosting

11. Buzzard Holt Hosting

100%
(7)
128km from Chatham · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£59
 / night
The Pig Place Campsite

12. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
144km from Chatham · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Old Litten

13. Old Litten

99%
(60)
109km from Chatham · 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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Walltree House Camping

14. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
142km from Chatham · 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
Rosehip Woods Campsite

15. Rosehip Woods Campsite

136km from Chatham · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£13
 / night
The Sunnyfield Campsite

16. The Sunnyfield Campsite

94%
(99)
42km from Chatham · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Looking for a place where you can camp, glamp and campervan together with friends? The Sunnyfield is the place.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£38
 / night
Pigs in Blankets

17. Pigs in Blankets

96%
(70)
135km from Chatham · 26 units · Tents, Glamping
A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Hollington Park Glamping

18. Hollington Park Glamping

95%
(11)
133km from Chatham · 6 units · Glamping
Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£105
 / night
Far and Away Camping

19. Far and Away Camping

100%
(18)
21km from Chatham · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Woodlands Camping

20. Woodlands Camping

97%
(104)
118km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night

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Campsites near Chatham guide

Where to go

Kent Downs AONB

Within a 30-minute drive of Chatham, the Kent Downs AONB makes an idyllic, on-the-doorstep escape for outdoors lovers. Pick from glamping yurts, cabins and huts, or just set up your tent or caravan at a deliciously rural campsite, before exploring miles of designated walking paths through ancient woodlands and farmed landscapes. There’s also wonderful horse riding and cycling, not to mention arty Folkestone by the beach.

High Weald AONB

Whether you’re keen to cycle, hike, kayak, paddle-board or splash about in a lake, this 1500-sq-km AONB is just the ticket. The High Weald spreads across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, and is easily accessible from Tunbridge Wells, an hour’s drive southwest of Chatham. The area is known for its cobblestone villages, wide-open heaths, secluded farms and age-old paths, all of which you can explore from countryside campsites, glamping yurts and huts tucked into organic farms, and fully-equipped caravan parks.

Coastal Kent & Sussex

Kent’s pretty coastline stretches east from Chatham to trendy Margate, then south past Dover’s famous white-chalk cliffs. Beyond, Sussex hugs England’s south coast, with more spectacular scenery, especially around the unmissable Seven Sisters cliffs and Beachy Head. There are terrific walks all along the coast here, including the long-distance England Coast Path, and water sports and view-drenched campsites abound.

South Downs

Extending inland from Eastbourne on the Sussex coast and within two hours’ drive of Chatham, the South Downs National Park is one of southeast England’s back-to-nature jewels. Rippling chalk hills, endless sea views and gorgeously green fields patrolled by chatty sheep provide the backdrop for outstanding hiking (tackle some of the 160 km South Downs Way). You can also go cycling, horse riding and even paragliding, before pitching up on a remote farm or settling into a safari-style glamping tent in a hidden valley.

When to go

England’s southeast gets packed in warmer July and August (and over bank holiday weekends in spring), and you’ll need to book camping spots and glamping accommodation far ahead, especially along the coast. Spring can be a rewarding time to explore, with the countryside bursting into bloom before the summer masses arrive, and weekdays year-round see fewer crowds. If you aren’t fussed about the weather, autumn brings both changing colours and low-season prices.

Know before you go

  • Wild camping is generally illegal in England, but you’ll find plenty of campsites with secluded pockets in this region, and you can request landowner permission to set up camp elsewhere. 
  • Chatham is an easy hop by train from London (under an hour) and has good rail links with Margate, Ramsgate, Dover and other coastal towns as well as Canterbury. 
  • Don’t miss the chance to explore nearby Canterbury’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, one of the southeast’s greatest attractions. 
  • Chatham has plenty of shops for stocking up on outdoors gear, camping kit and food supplies.