Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Eastbourne

Q: What are some popular activities to do in Eastbourne?

In Eastbourne , popular activities include walking on the South Downs Way, swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, and enjoying the beach. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.

Q: What can I expect to find in the town of Eastbourne?

In Eastbourne , you can expect to find elegant buildings, gardens, a pier, funfair rides, crazy golf, amusements, and a less busy beach compared to Brighton . The town also offers modern conveniences and is surrounded by glorious countryside, making it a great destination for camping and glamping holidays. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.

Just to the east of Beachy Head, the highest chalk cliffs in Britain, the vibrant seaside town of Eastbourne is often overlooked in favour of its more well-known neighbour, Brighton.

97% (1706 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Eastbourne

Community favorites near Eastbourne

Star Hosts in Eastbourne

100%

(16)

Quaint Farm in a National Park

2 units · Glamping17 acres · Liphook, England

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.

98%

(23)

Hendred Farm Huts

4 units · Glamping6 acres · Abingdon, England

Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside

100%

(14)

Ditchling Boutique Camping

101 units · Tents6 acres · 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.

96%

(12)

Frittenden Orchard

40 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Cranbrook, England

Frittenden Orchard offers a unique camping experience nestled among fruit trees on a Kent farm near Staplehurst. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Grass pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes are available within the orchards. Off-grid camping provides a back-to-nature experience. Wildlife and Nature: Guests can explore the 11-acre woodland wildlife haven surrounding the camping fields, offering opportunities to spot foxes, badgers, and deer. Activities: Start your day with morning tai chi classes, suitable for beginners. Diane your host can suggest local walks and sightseeing activities. Food: Free-range eggs from the farm's hens and freshly picked strawberries are available. Guests can also bring grills for barbecues or visit the nearby village pub for meals. Facilities: While there's no electricity on-site, amenities include wifi, ice-pack freezing, and charging facilities for devices. Local Area: Frittenden village, just five minutes' drive away, Sisinghurst village ha offers a convenient store for locally sourced produce. Additionally the local pub is within walking distance with locally sourced ingredients. Sisinghurst castle - walking distance or 5 mins drive Restrictions and Regulations: The site does not have shower facilities. Certain dog breeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted

98%

(31)

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

12 units · Tents8 acres · Dunmow, England

Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large, well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.

Top camping destinations

Under £50

100%

(38)

Ninham Country Holidays

16 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Shanklin, England

A stunning, family-friendly campsite on the stunning, family-friendly Isle of Wight

99%

(140)

Teddy's Farm

95 units · Glamping, Tents18 acres · Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.

83%

(20)

The Hop Farm

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents500 acres · 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. It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light.

77%

(81)

Lagnersh camping

75 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Bognor Regis, England

Dog-friendly camping near Chichester and the West Sussex coast

100%

(7)

Littleton Farm Campsite

20 units · Tents10 acres · Upwaltham, England

Nestled in a valley on the South Downs Way, Littleton Farm Campsite offers a secluded spot for enjoying the countryside. Welcoming tent campers only, the site offers non electric pitches with plenty of space for everyone to have some peace and quiet. Grab breakfast from the onsite Cadence Cafe, spend days exploring picturesque walking routes and evenings by the campfire. Arundel and Chichester are within 20 minutes drive. A great base for exploring the South Downs and all that West Sussex has to offer. For events at Goodwood or for walkers and cyclists on the South Downs Way, the site is also an ideal spot for escaping the crowds. There are 20 non electric grass pitches onsite, each welcoming tents only. Each pitch allows up to six guests, with plenty of space for tents and gazebos with no extra charges other than on a per-person basis. Unloading is allowed by the pitches with parking in the designated car park. Wake up to fantastic rural views and grab a bite to eat from the onsite cafe, which also serves a delicious cup of coffee. Days can be spent enjoying long walks in beautiful open countryside, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages, or down by the coast, only 25 minutes away. In the evenings, guests can cook up a BBQ or relax by the campfire. Please note, the site is dog free.

12 top campsites near Eastbourne

89%

(157)

Penn Meadow Farm

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents145 acres · Beaconsfield, England

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family owned farm, nestled perfectly into the chiltern hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening.

98%

(25)

Old Litten

1 unit · Tent8 acres · Steep, Hampshire, South East England

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

98%

(23)

Painters Farm Campsite

46 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Whitstable, England

Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.

97%

(185)

The Barn KT9

22 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

96%

(150)

Tomkins Farm

42 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents15 acres · North Chailey, England

Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels

96%

(581)

Chalky Downs

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

99%

(58)

Palace Farm Campsite

28 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Kent, South East England

Unpretentious and peaceful camping in an underrated spot

93%

(63)

Stockbridge View Campsite

62 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Stockbridge, England

A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge

93%

(61)

Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

40 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

97%

(72)

Woodlands Camping

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents200 acres · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

95%

(55)

Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

17 units · Glamping, Tents70 acres · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

98%

(67)

Croft Cottage Camping

12 units · Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small-time camping with a family-friendly buzz, a walk away from the beautiful New Forest

Available this weekend

89%

(14)

Dogwood Cottage Campsite

8 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Rye, England

Come and meet the chickens and ducks, friendly pygmy goats and miniature shetland pony Dino at Dogwood Camping, a gem in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. We are a small, family-run campsite set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect base from which to explore the beaches, castles, ancient woodlands and towns like Rye, Battle and Hastings. Dogwood is in the small village of Brede, and is walking distance from two fine country pubs. We are surrounded by stunning countryside where you can take your dog for a short stroll across the fields or go for a long romp through the fields and valleys. Or just sit and relax, listen to the birds and soak up the peace and quiet. We are fortunate to be in a dark skies area, perfect for long, relaxing summer nights around the campfie, sipping hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows and spotting shooting stars! During the summer our site is a popular spot for families and campers visiting nearby Camber Sands sandy beach and year round we welcome all differnt types of campervan, motorhome and caravan. We look forward to welcome you to our little slice of paradise. Wet weather and winter – please note in the off-season, and if very wet, the camping field is closed to vehicles, replaced instead by semi-hardstanding areas or our summer car-park area. Facilities are open but please be prepared for the vagaries of the weather, leaves, puddles and mud. To change pitch please let us know asap so that we can try if possible to find you another. Apart from the car-park, pitches can get very muddy in prolonged, heavy rain. If you are not prepared for these eventualities please do not book.

100%

(143)

Hale Farm

38 units · Glamping, Tents56 acres · East Sussex, South East England

A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches

90%

(15)

Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

39 units · Motorhomes, Tents15 acres · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia

Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.

100%

(3)

Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

1 unit · Tent3 acres · England

Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just one pitch but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.

99%

(83)

The Secret Campsite

21 units · Glamping, Tents8 acres · Lewes, East Sussex, South East England

A not so secret campsite in East Sussex with camping and glamping – and campfires encouraged

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(48)

Fox Wood Campsite - under the oaks

21 units · Glamping, Tents35 acres · West Sussex, South East England

Woodland camping with campfires in the South Downs National Park

92%

(52)

The Nut Plat Retreat

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kent, South East England

Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else

95%

(135)

Otter Channel Campsite

18 units · Tents3 acres · East Sussex, South East England

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

39 units · Motorhomes, Tents15 acres · Sudbury, Suffolk, East Anglia

Laleham Camping Club

100 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · England

Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital. The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

With access to the Seven Sisters clifftops, however, and with beautiful walking routes across the South Downs National Park, the area around Eastbourne is fantastic for camping – and the town itself has all the fun and games of a traditional seaside resort. Discover our pick of the best local campsites and book your holiday under canvas today.

Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Eastbourne guide

Overview

Campsites in Eastbourne

If you’re looking for a south coast seaside getaway – how about camping in Eastbourne? Like so many seaside hotspots, it had its heyday in Victorian times and the central seafront reflects that with elegant buildings, gardens and a pier. And it’s still a great spot if you’re looking for fish and chips, buckets and spades and sticks of rock. There are funfair rides, crazy golf and amusements – not to mention the beach itself. It’s much like Brighton – but much less busy. The modern town sprawls away from the seaside and while it’s not all picturesque, it offers all the modern conveniences you could wish for. It’s beyond all this that you’ll find the glorious countryside that surrounds Eastbourne which adds to its appeal as a destination for camping and glamping holidays. The town sits just east of the Seven Sisters White Cliffs. These towering chalky cliffs mark the end of the South Downs – the boundary of the South Downs National Park and the end of the South Downs Way National Trail. It’s classic camping country.

Things to do in Eastbourne

Camping in Eastbourne is all about the coast. Whether you have come to walk on the South Downs Way or to enjoy days of swimming and sunbathing on the beach – it’s all about the sea. You might want to get in it with a spot of swimming, paddleboarding or sailing, or perhaps you’ll be content to gaze at it from the high clifftops of the Seven Sisters Country Park and the South Downs National Park. In town, you can take a stroll down the pier and amuse yourself at the amusements or rock out at the town’s unusual 1930s bandstand concert hall. The town is at its busiest during the annual airshow which usually takes place in August. If you fancy a trip to other south coast seaside resorts, bustling Brighton and artsy Hastings are about 20 miles either side of town. For more information on things to do in Eastbourne check out the Visit Eastbourne website.

About

Just to the east of Beachy Head, the highest chalk cliffs in Britain, the vibrant seaside town of Eastbourne is a fantastic focal point for any camping holiday, with plenty of great campsites in the surrounding countryside. As always, only the very best make it into our collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular activities to do in Eastbourne?

In Eastbourne, popular activities include walking on the South Downs Way, swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, and enjoying the beach. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.

What can I expect to find in the town of Eastbourne?

In Eastbourne, you can expect to find elegant buildings, gardens, a pier, funfair rides, crazy golf, amusements, and a less busy beach compared to Brighton. The town also offers modern conveniences and is surrounded by glorious countryside, making it a great destination for camping and glamping holidays. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.

When does the annual airshow usually take place in Eastbourne?

The annual airshow in Eastbourne usually takes place in August. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.

What are some nearby seaside resorts to Eastbourne?

Nearby seaside resorts to Eastbourne include bustling Brighton and artsy Hastings, both about 20 miles away. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.

Why is Eastbourne a fantastic focal point for a camping holiday?

Eastbourne is a fantastic focal point for a camping holiday due to its vibrant seaside town, elegant buildings, gardens, pier, funfair rides, crazy golf, amusements, and less busy beach. The surrounding countryside also adds to its appeal as a camping and glamping destination. You can also explore different options for camping near Eastbourne on Hipcamp.