ShelleyOaks Farm Camping New Forest

Can you remember the exact moment when you became hooked on camping for the first time? At Shelley Oaks, that snapshot moment would be watching the sun rise over the enchanting, dewy pine woodland, at the edge of the site or perhaps the savoury aromas of the full English breakfasts being rustled up by the sleepy campers as they begin to light their campfires. There’s a feeling of community and freedom that Caroline and her family at Shelley Oaks, are cultivating. There is a chilled, family friendly vibe with an opportunity to recharge your batteries.

Camping is a new venture for the Jewell family on their 10 acres of grassland touching the North East edge of the New Forest. You will find only 20 pitches and your main neighbours, over the fence and in surrounding fields, are a flock of fluffy sheep. Caroline wanted to offer campers room to spread out and have their own space and to that end, you can pitch your tent right next to the idyllic, pine woodland. If you’re bringing children, they will, no doubt, have a blast chasing each other within the trees. Boasting brand new shower and toilet facilities, two undercover washing up stations and with campfires allowed, this is family camping at its best.

The farm has direct access to a footpath that runs between West Wellow and the New Forest, so you can walk back to the site after a picnic and gaze up at the unpolluted night sky. For those with children who are super fans of Peppa Pig, Paultons Park is just a five-minute drive away or bring bikes and make the most of the car-free trails through the New Forest, looking out for deer and New Forest ponies. If you prefer peonies over ponies, meanwhile, the stunning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are also within 15 minutes' drive, home to an incredible 70 different varieties of peony, as well as 20 different wisteria – perfect if you want to stroll the grounds pretending you’re in a period drama.