Beau and Bell at South Farm

Summertime in the Sussex countryside means the sound of skylarks and the sight of Fresian cows grazing in fields. It’s the thwack of cricket balls in village matches, long lunches in sunny pub gardens and the promise of a paddle in the sea. It’s exactly this that’s on offer with a stay at South Farm. This bell tent-only site in the South Downs nestles in the bowl-like valley of Cricketing Bottom. It’s seven miles from the coast with the South Downs Way providing a route to the nearest pub garden and ice cream from those Fresians on sale at the farm.

Beau and Bell at South Farm is a collaboration campsite; the result of someone with great tents and someone with a great location working together – and we predict great things. The ‘someone’ at the farm is Emma. She and her brother are busy working farmers but in the summer months she’ll take the time to welcome you and show you to your tent. Cars are parked away from the camping field so kids can run about freely; though the farmyard is out of bounds. This is a working farm and not a petting zoo; which means livestock in surrounding fields and tractors rolling by. It also means there’s a constant supply of fresh milk and South Farm ice cream – just the thing to enjoy while watching these rural scenes.

Bell tents are kitted out as plush and comfy bedrooms for families of four (extra fold-out mattresses available for up to six) and, outside, there’s a firepit for roasting marshmallows. The set-up here is simple as befits a summer site; compost loos, open-air sinks and a couple of hot water showers shared between the 12 bell tents. It’s a place to sleep out under the stars without pitching a tent; as attractive to walkers and cyclists who want an easy stop-over on the South Downs Way as to families looking for a weekend away in the country.

The local pub, the not-so-English-sounding Abergavenny Arms, is little over a mile away in Rodmell. For some, especially those on the national trail, the gentle amble (on the low route) there will be enough adventure. For others, there’s more to explore by striking out on longer walks or hilly cycles. A few miles down the road at Southease you can launch a paddleboard or kayak on the River Ouse and in the other direction visit the charming town of Lewes. The closest beaches are just ten minutes’ drive away and there’s always vibrant Brighton if you want some bustle for a day.