Wildlife-watching campsites in Surrey Hills AONB

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Country walks and suburban market towns provide the ideal escape for Londoners in the Surrey Hills, just over an hour by train from the capital. Verdant downlands and woodlands blanket the landscapes of this AONB, where you can hike up to hilltop viewpoints, cycle along tree-lined trails, or enjoy horseback riding across open commons. Camping almost always comes with a great view, and the scenery is ever-changing. Visit in spring when wildflowers dust the valleys, or summer when the heathlands bloom with purple heather. Spring through autumn is best for camping, but the Hills’ towns and trails are easily accessible year-round.

96% (909)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hastingford Fishery Glamping

15. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%
(8)
4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Fantastic views of the South Downs

19. Ditchling Boutique Camping

86%
(22)
101 units · Tents · Ditchling, East Sussex, South East England
Hunker down in a historic village, surrounded by vineyards, hilly countryside and some rather spectacular views. With Ditchling Camping as your base, you’ll be on track for rural bike rides or visiting Brighton and its busy coast 25 minutes’ drive away. That’s because this dog-friendly site is in Ditchling – a village in the splendid South Downs National Park and a rather excellent location for all sorts of days out. Good news if the whole family is tagging along: there’s plenty to play with around the site, including an adventure trail through the woodlands, a swing tree and places for kids to fashion their own little dens. The site is only a five-minute drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the traditional Jack and Jill windmills and the neighbouring family-run pub, which serves both grub and good ales. A vineyard is 15 minutes’ walk away from the site if you'd like to include a wine-tasting tour on your break. Otherwise, simply pedal along country lanes on the surrounding cycling routes (it’s easy enough to hire a bike locally). On your route, you might want to stop by in characterful Ditchling, home to local craftspeople and winemakers. There’s a nice selection of independent shops here, plus cosy cafés and pubs that will serve you a good spread of Sussex food, all within a 5-minute walk. Back on site, end the day with a cosy evening beside the fire-pits. The site facilities are nicely straightforward otherwise and include warm showers and a separate dishwashing area and of course our newly installed Composting Toilets.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£13
 / night
The Hop Farm

20. The Hop Farm

82%
(37)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brenchley, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£28
 / night

Country walks and suburban market towns provide the ideal escape for Londoners in the Surrey Hills, just over an hour by train from the capital. Verdant downlands and woodlands blanket the landscapes of this AONB, where you can hike up to hilltop viewpoints, cycle along tree-lined trails, or enjoy horseback riding across open commons. Camping almost always comes with a great view, and the scenery is ever-changing. Visit in spring when wildflowers dust the valleys, or summer when the heathlands bloom with purple heather. Spring through autumn is best for camping, but the Hills’ towns and trails are easily accessible year-round.

96% (909)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hastingford Fishery Glamping

15. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%
(8)
4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Fantastic views of the South Downs

19. Ditchling Boutique Camping

86%
(22)
101 units · Tents · Ditchling, East Sussex, South East England
Hunker down in a historic village, surrounded by vineyards, hilly countryside and some rather spectacular views. With Ditchling Camping as your base, you’ll be on track for rural bike rides or visiting Brighton and its busy coast 25 minutes’ drive away. That’s because this dog-friendly site is in Ditchling – a village in the splendid South Downs National Park and a rather excellent location for all sorts of days out. Good news if the whole family is tagging along: there’s plenty to play with around the site, including an adventure trail through the woodlands, a swing tree and places for kids to fashion their own little dens. The site is only a five-minute drive (or a 30-minute walk) from the traditional Jack and Jill windmills and the neighbouring family-run pub, which serves both grub and good ales. A vineyard is 15 minutes’ walk away from the site if you'd like to include a wine-tasting tour on your break. Otherwise, simply pedal along country lanes on the surrounding cycling routes (it’s easy enough to hire a bike locally). On your route, you might want to stop by in characterful Ditchling, home to local craftspeople and winemakers. There’s a nice selection of independent shops here, plus cosy cafés and pubs that will serve you a good spread of Sussex food, all within a 5-minute walk. Back on site, end the day with a cosy evening beside the fire-pits. The site facilities are nicely straightforward otherwise and include warm showers and a separate dishwashing area and of course our newly installed Composting Toilets.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£13
 / night
The Hop Farm

20. The Hop Farm

82%
(37)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brenchley, England
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£28
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Surrey Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Wildlife-watching campsites in Surrey Hills AONB guide

Where to go

Central Surrey Hills

The market town of Dorking is the gateway to the central Surrey Hills, where you’ll find some of the AONB’s most enchanting spots. Hike between historic landmarks at Box Hill, discover little-known sites like the Silent Pool and Tillingbourne Waterfall, or stop by a local winery or brewery for a tasting. To the south, the Greensand Hills climb up to Leith Hill, the highest viewpoint in southeast England. 

West Surrey Hills

West of Guildford, rolling hills stretch down to the Devil’s Punchbowl, one of the Surrey Hills most photographed viewpoints. Nearby, Frensham Great Pond is a bird-watching hotspot with boat cruises in the summer. After a day’s hiking in the hills, head to Haslemere, Farnham, or Godalming to browse the artisan shops and enjoy dinner at a traditional English pub. 

East Surrey Hills

The peaceful farmlands and rural villages of the eastern Surrey hills offer a chance to escape the crowds. Stop by Reigate to explore the castle ruins and picnic in the park, admire the landscaped gardens of Gatton Park, or hike part of the 108-mile Greensand Way. Wine lovers will also find one of Surrey’s most popular wineries here, Godstone Vineyards, where you can sip sparkling wines with a view over the vineyards.

Along the North Downs Way

The 153-mile North Downs National Trail is the ultimate challenge for hikers visiting southeast England. Winding its way through the Surrey Hills into the Kent Downs AONB, you’ll hike through wildflower meadows and woodland valleys, pass medieval castles and stately homes, and enjoy spectacular views of the White Cliffs of Dover. Picturesque Kent villages, country pubs, and campsites are dotted along the way.

Top counties in and near Surrey Hills AONB

Top towns in and near Surrey Hills AONB