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Chalky Downs

Hosted by Sharen · Brighton, England
10 units · RV, Tent · 12 acres
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Best tent pitches in the UK
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Best in South East England: 1st place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

Not many campsites can boast a peerless location within a National Park, beautiful beaches within reach and the delights of arguably Britain’s most fun-filled seaside city just a walk away. But then again, not many campsites are Chalky Downs.

Set on Sharen and Stuart's Bevendean Farm, Chalky Downs, as the name suggests, sits atop the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. There’s a refreshingly laid-back vibe to proceedings here – pitches are unregimented so it’s a case of finding a suitable spot amidst the undulating slopes. The site itself is a car-free zone, with complimentary parking at the farmyard on approach. Campfires are welcome in the firepits for hire and there’s acres of space for kids to roam free or groups to plot out their own pocket of the site.

Tents and small campervans are welcome (there’s also a cluster of bell tent bases if you have your own) but the caravan contingent are not, meaning there’s no unsightly wagons blotting the landscape of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In fact, the only white shapes on the horizon are likely to be the grazing sheep in the surrounding fields who, along with the resident cattle, comprise the residents of this working arable farm.

Facilities are simple but more than ample with hot showers and plenty of toilets provided. Sharen and Stuart also serve up cracking breakfast baps daily (including locally-reared sausage, bacon and egg), while for larger groups evening dinner menus can be pre-arranged.

Besides the splendour of the South Downs and the nearest beach a handy two miles away, one of the site's many draws is undoubtedly its close proximity to Brighton. And, as the uninitiated will soon discover, Brighton doesn't do boring. There’s always something unexpected to discover; be it a bargain from a bohemian flea market in the North Laines’, stumbling across a truly oddball museum (the Booth Museum of Natural History springs to mind), or watching a skateboarding Yorkshire Terrier on Brighton Pier whilst devouring your 99 ice-cream (sauce and sprinkles optional – unlike the town itself). The secret of Brighton is to stroll leisurely, keep your eyes peeled and take in the cool, carefree seaside atmosphere.

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Motorhome/tent pitches (undesignated)

10 units

Grass pitch

96%
(627)
Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 4 m
Chalky Downs campsite is located at Bevendean Farm on top of the beautiful South Downs. The site is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with views of rolling hills across the Downs and is only 2 miles away from the sea. This family run working farm consists of arable land growing wheat, barley and oil seed rape. There are also cattle and sheep grazing in fields close to the campsite. We offer self-serve pitches for tents, which include free parking. Each pitch can accommodate a family of 6, with acres of space for the kids to play. We also allow campfires in fire pits. These are available to hire (please choose in extras) We have hot showers and plenty of toilets. We also serve up cracking breakfast baps daily (including locally-reared sausage, bacon and egg). You can treat yourself to a lengthy walk through the South Downs (England's newest National Park). The park offers a host of walks with stunning views (the scenery over the flood plains of the River Ouse are particularly scenic).
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

96%· 627 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Chalky Downs is a picturesque campground with stunning views of the South Downs and fantastic accessibility to Brighton, making it a favorite for many campers. Visitors consistently mention the cleanliness of the facilities and the friendliness of the hosts, adding to the campsite's charm. While most reviews are glowing, a few note the site's hilly terrain and occasional issues with shower temperature. Overall, the campsite offers a peaceful escape with easy access to local attractions.

  • Rachelbirch72 ?.

    Camped in a 4 m campervan at Grass pitch with kids, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    Excellent site. Clean, beautiful views, convenient for Brighton

  • L O.

    Tent camped at Grass pitch, Aug 2026.

    Recommends

    Me and my partner both agree that it's one of the nicest campsites we've ever been to. So, so pretty, clean and abundant facilities, friendly staff and walking distance to a cute town with pub, cafe for brekkie, and anything else you could possibly need. It was also just a 25 minute bus back from Brighton.

  • Sharon S.

    Tent camped at Grass pitch with kids, Aug 2026.

    Recommends

    Pretty field with good walks and transport links from the campsite

    • Coastal path nearby between newhaven and rottingdean
    • Newhaven
    • On site
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Amenities

  • Fire pits
  • Toilets
  • Potable water
  • Showers
  • Trash disposal
  • No picnic tables
  • No electricity hookup
  • No water hookup
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • 2WD accessiblePark at your site.
  • Pet-friendlyKeep pets on a lead and clean up after them.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Sharen upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policy50% refund up until 30 days before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 3pm. Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowBook from 1 day to 12 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.

Extras

  • Fire pit£20.00 per item1 fire pit including logs and starter kit
  • Logs£9.00 per itemI bag of logs 5 kg

Location

Brighton, East Sussex, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Sharen C.Joined April 2022

Frequently asked questions

From the host
Chalky Downs campsite is located at Bevendean Farm on top of the beautiful South Downs. We offer self-serve pitches for tents with free parking. The site is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with views of rolling hills across the Downs, only 2 miles away from the sea, and the centre of Brighton & Hove. This family run working farm consists of arable land growing wheat, and barley and oil seed rape. There are also cattle and sheep grazing in fields close to the campsite. This relaxed campsite offers an escape to the countryside but within a short trip to the city if you feel the need.
Nearby attractions

A lengthy walk through the South Downs (England’s newest National Park) is certainly a must do given that you're already pitched in it. The park offers a host of walks with stunning views (the scenery over the flood plains of the River Ouse are particularly scenic). Cycle or walk the path that stretches all the way to Lewes (6 miles away). The town is rich in history, with its enchanting castle (01273 486290) built during the days of William the Conqueror, and the historic Anne of Cleves House (01273 474610). Continuing the history theme, the fully restored Jack & Jill Windmills in Clayton are open Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, while just down the road from the campsite is the lovely little village of Rottingdean (once home to Rudyard Kipling) which also boasts a striking windmill and pretty flint cottages. Brighton boasts an almost endless list of activities to keep you busy. The town centre is just a short bus or taxi ride away – be sure to visit the famous beach, Brighton Pier and British Airways i360 viewing tower. For football fans, the Brighton and Hove Albion American Express Stadium is within walking distance. Walk a little further and you will discover Stanmer Park, a large open park with beautiful woodland walks, picnic areas and the stunning Grade I-listed ‘Proud Country House’ (01273 680400). Built in 1722 and stunningly restored, the house serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner daily.

Food and drink

The farmhouse serves up home-cooked breakfast baps every morning between 08:30–10:30.  Fresh orange juice and a choice of tea or coffee are included and vegan/vegetarian options are available - all for just £8. Just up the track from the campsite is the lovely family run Circa Deli (01273 694111) serving freshly roasted local coffee, lunch and cakes which are all prepared daily using local produce. Just along from the Amex Stadium in Falmer village you'll find The Swan Inn (01273 681842) serving traditional pub food, and hosting regular quiz nights. In the nearby village of Rottingdean there is a great choice of pubs such as The Plough Inn (01273 390635), The Black Horse (01273 300491) and The White Horse (01273 300301) as well as several restaurants – a favourite being the delicious Ros Thai (01273 302067). The Jugg's Arms (01273 472523) in Kingston is also a great stopping point on the beautiful South Downs walk to Lewes.

Video
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