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- Shepherds Hut
Shepherd's huts near Chatham
99% (310) • 46 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
1. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(20)
27km from Chatham · 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
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
2. 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
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
3. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
52km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Greenhill Glamping
4. Greenhill Glamping
100%
(31)
54km from Chatham · 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
Hale Farm
5. 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
£15
/ night
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
6. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(21)
63km from Chatham · 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
Foot of the Downs
7. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
76km from Chatham · 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
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
8. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
80km from Chatham · 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
Barn Owl Camping
9. Barn Owl Camping
97%
(18)
96km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
10. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
99km from Chatham · 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
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
11. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(34)
103km from Chatham · 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
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
12. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
114km from Chatham · 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
Rolling Fields Glamping
13. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
119km from Chatham · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
14. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(60)
129km from Chatham · 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
15. Hendred Farm Huts
99%
(37)
132km from Chatham · 4 units
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
16. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
100%
(45)
140km from Chatham · 5 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£95
/ night
Walltree House Camping
17. 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
Blooms Westerby Farm
18. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
142km from Chatham · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
19. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
36km from Chatham · 5 units
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
20. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
100%
(2)
45km from Chatham · 2 units
Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£85
/ night
99% (310) • 46 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chatham
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
1. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(20)
27km from Chatham · 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
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
2. 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
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
3. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
52km from Chatham · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Greenhill Glamping
4. Greenhill Glamping
100%
(31)
54km from Chatham · 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
Hale Farm
5. 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
£15
/ night
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
6. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(21)
63km from Chatham · 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
Foot of the Downs
7. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
76km from Chatham · 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
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
8. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
80km from Chatham · 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
Barn Owl Camping
9. Barn Owl Camping
97%
(18)
96km from Chatham · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
10. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
99km from Chatham · 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
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
11. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(34)
103km from Chatham · 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
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
12. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
114km from Chatham · 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
Rolling Fields Glamping
13. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
119km from Chatham · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
14. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(60)
129km from Chatham · 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
15. Hendred Farm Huts
99%
(37)
132km from Chatham · 4 units
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
16. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
100%
(45)
140km from Chatham · 5 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£95
/ night
Walltree House Camping
17. 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
Blooms Westerby Farm
18. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
142km from Chatham · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
19. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
36km from Chatham · 5 units
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
20. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
100%
(2)
45km from Chatham · 2 units
Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£85
/ 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 more
C
Claire
October 2025
With kids
My son and I had an amazing time at Angela's Shepherds hut. It was so cosy and a lovely adventure for us. Having the hot tub made it even better. There was a heater, thank goodness 😁 and all the amenities we needed. Angela was so welcoming too. We will be going back.
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 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 moreC
Cameron
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!
See more
Shepherd's huts 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.