88% (611) • 118 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
1. 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
The Nut Plat Retreat
2. 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
The Barn KT9
3. 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
Farm sleep cabin
4. Farm sleep cabin
66km from Chatham · 1 unit · Glamping
Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
5. 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
Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
6. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
125km from Chatham · 25 units · Tents
Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy.
We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.
Pets
Campfires
from
£27
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
7. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
92%
(38)
121km from Chatham · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
The Slips
8. The Slips
91%
(85)
74km from Chatham · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
9. 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
Laleham Camping Club
10. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
71km from Chatham · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Otter Channel Campsite
11. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
41km from Chatham · 18 units · Tents
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
The Sunset Tree
12. The Sunset Tree
96%
(34)
61km from Chatham · 30 units · Tents, Glamping
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£17
/ night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
13. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
84%
(25)
66km from Chatham · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£68
/ night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
14. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
49km from Chatham · 12 units · Tents
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Wonderland Festival Retreat
15. Wonderland Festival Retreat
100%
(6)
75km from Chatham · 2 units · Glamping
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£170
/ night
Huckleberry Farm
16. Huckleberry Farm
81%
(16)
134km from Chatham · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Allington Lock Campsite
17. Allington Lock Campsite
100%
(3)
6.8km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4.
Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen.
Onsite facilities include:
Riverside setting for a tranquil stay
Hot showers and toilets
Covered eating area with BBQs
Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only)
Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night)
Dogs welcome
Onsite CCTV and security barriers
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£34
/ night
Constable Park
18. Constable Park
100%
(20)
76km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
Hale Farm
19. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
55km from Chatham · 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
£14
/ night
The Hop Farm
20. The Hop Farm
82%
(37)
20km from Chatham · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light.
SITE RULES:
Admission is only permitted after registering at reception.
At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
No hen/stag parties permitted.
Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
88% (611) • 118 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham
Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP
1. 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
The Nut Plat Retreat
2. 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
The Barn KT9
3. 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
Farm sleep cabin
4. Farm sleep cabin
66km from Chatham · 1 unit · Glamping
Wonderful elevated views over the stunning grade 1 listed country estate from your tiny house bedroom.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
5. 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
Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
6. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping
125km from Chatham · 25 units · Tents
Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy.
We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.
Pets
Campfires
from
£27
/ night
Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
7. Riverside Camping - Festival Feel
92%
(38)
121km from Chatham · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A pop-up campsite on the banks of the River Great Ouse, with workshops, music, good food and a festival vibe
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£31
/ night
The Slips
8. The Slips
91%
(85)
74km from Chatham · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£19
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
9. 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
Laleham Camping Club
10. Laleham Camping Club
100%
(10)
71km from Chatham · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital.
The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Otter Channel Campsite
11. Otter Channel Campsite
95%
(159)
41km from Chatham · 18 units · Tents
Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
The Sunset Tree
12. The Sunset Tree
96%
(34)
61km from Chatham · 30 units · Tents, Glamping
A sociable, tents-only, pop-up campsite, with a good village pub and playground on the doorstep
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£17
/ night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
13. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
84%
(25)
66km from Chatham · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£68
/ night
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
14. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
95%
(40)
49km from Chatham · 12 units · Tents
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Wonderland Festival Retreat
15. Wonderland Festival Retreat
100%
(6)
75km from Chatham · 2 units · Glamping
Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£170
/ night
Huckleberry Farm
16. Huckleberry Farm
81%
(16)
134km from Chatham · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Allington Lock Campsite
17. Allington Lock Campsite
100%
(3)
6.8km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4.
Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen.
Onsite facilities include:
Riverside setting for a tranquil stay
Hot showers and toilets
Covered eating area with BBQs
Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only)
Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night)
Dogs welcome
Onsite CCTV and security barriers
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£34
/ night
Constable Park
18. Constable Park
100%
(20)
76km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
Hale Farm
19. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
55km from Chatham · 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
£14
/ night
The Hop Farm
20. The Hop Farm
82%
(37)
20km from Chatham · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light.
SITE RULES:
Admission is only permitted after registering at reception.
At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
No hen/stag parties permitted.
Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£28
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Matt
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
See moree
erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
See more
A
Alex
November 2025
Group trip
Morag went above and beyond to make myself, my partner and my pals comfortable although only there for a night we had an unforgettable evening and morag most definitely aided in that- thank you so much ❤️
See more
A
Abigail
October 2025
With pets
While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!
See more
F
Fatima
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Huckleberry Farm
Our getaway to Huckleberry Farm was a gift for my husband’s birthday. Everything from start to finish was really organised and fun. Met all of our expectations. Charlotte and everyone on site were really helpful and sweet. We enjoyed horse riding and seeing the guinea pigs. We stayed in the shepherd’s hut, a clean and well maintained space that felt like home for the night. All in all a wonderful experience. Completely recommend! Thank you Charlotte and everyone at Huckleberry Farm for having Ali & I. Looking back to visiting again sometime soon!
See more
L
Liam
October 2025
With pets
Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.
See more
C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
See more
R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!
See more
B
Bob
September 2025
5 m Class B
Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host
See more
L
Liam
September 2025
Tent
Had such a great stay at The Barn!!
Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries!
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!
See moreM
Millie
September 2025
Tent
Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.
See moreI
Issy
September 2025
Tent
Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!
See moreC
Craig
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc.
After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display.
The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.
See more
G
Greg
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Martin was a great host! Welcomed us upon arrival and was very relaxed about where we could pitch up. The campsite is a hidden gem! Peaceful location. Perfect for our festival weekend in Chelmsford! Campsite has many toilets and heated showers. Would stay here again!
See moreS
Simon
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely site, well spaced out pitches, deckchairs, bbqs and picnic tables provided, facilities clean and functional. There’s also a cafe on site and good walks through the woodland to local pubs.
My only issue was the background road noise but that can’t be helped given the location. It isn’t loud at all but hearing it does take away that feeling of being out in the countryside a little.
See moreG
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Peaceful, lovely field in a great location, good facilities
See moreS
Sophie
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely, wild-looking campsite but super close to London. Great walks nearby and recommend the Jolly Coopers pub for lunch
See more
A
Amy
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely place, rustic and very back to nature. My son loved the whole experience! The little river is a winner and him and his friend had the best time on it the boats and paddle boards.
Such a lovely relaxing and peaceful place for us adults aswell!
Morag was so friendly and approachable and very laid back.
See more
Z
Zoe
August 2025
Tent
With kids
I read mixed reviews before I visited. I personally had an amazing time with my daughter. The atmosphere was great. The staff were so amazing. Rob especially was an awesome help and vibe. Along with Luke and the soul kitchen crew and the big boss was so nice too. The river was beautiful. The music was good. My daughter and myself loved it. I would thoroughly recommend. Great memories
See more
S
Shila
August 2025
With kids
We loved camping in the bell tents. The views were amazing. We loved that the sheep and donkey roam around the campsite area. The kids activities were a lovely touch and my son enjoyed taking the goat for a walk. We will be back some day!
See more
Riverside camping 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.