Beach campsites in Wye National Nature Reserve with campfires

Magnificent views await at the Devil’s Kneading Trough—a star attraction of the Kent Downs AONB.

97% (252 reviews)
97% (252 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Wye National Nature Reserve

Dog-friendly getaways

Under £50

12 top beach campsites in Wye National Nature Reserve with campfires

100%
(3)

Wildlings Camp

1 unit · Glamping3 acres · East Sussex, South East England
NB please message before bookings as I’m having problems with my external calendar and don’t want a double booking) Wildling Camp is in a tranquil location in East Sussex and is a campsite which can be rented for you and your group. Therefore perfect for private parties, retreats and special gatherings A space for those that are looking for the quiet life, and an opportunity to escape the stresses and strains of modern living off - grid with family and friends. A very safe environment for children and animals Tune into nature and know that your trip is having little impact on the environment. You don't need to pack anything other than yourselves. Accommodation is available on an exclusive use basis for 16+ in a converted horsebox and a 3 beautiful luxury bell tents, including a communal space, firepit, eco toilet and shower. Almost everything you may need to camp as comfortably as possible is provided, so you only need to pack the bare minimum. Wildlings Camp is set on a beautiful piece of land with views over the downs. Look out for deer and badgers scampering across the field in the mornings and buzzards in the sky. And the inquisitive ducks who have moved in and follow you around. You have your own beautiful large field, perfect for games, picnics or to do yoga in the morning, perhaps up by the pond? It is set within 40 acres of a farm with rights of way leading in all directions On the site there is a private indoor swimming pool in a magnificent 18th century converted barn, with a hot shower and toilet. It is heated to 32° which means on any grey wet days you have the back up of a lovely warm space and entertainment for the kids. This can be rented out on an hourly basis up to 10 guest per time. Pricing is PER HEAD. and numbers are extendable. In addition, "Little Wildlings" is a smaller version of the main camp in the adjacent field. The option is available to supplement the main camp by adding "Little Wildlings" to your booking, (depending upon availability). Gloria is a 7.5 tonne horsebox repurposed into a cosy comfy accommodation. Self sufficient in power via solar, converted using almost nothing but recycled materials 'wombled' from skips, recycling plants, and from what existed inside already, re-used in another capacity. As seen on series 2, ep4 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4. Gloria is also listed as a separate unit if the main campsite isn't booked out. Inside you will find 2 really comfy double beds, one above the cab with a porthole for looking at the tree tops, and one that is a sofa bed for chilling on during the day with a view straight out the back ramp when it's open. Sitting in bed in the morning with that ramp open is one of the most wonderful things. There is a small basic kitchen with gas hob and a fridge with small freezer.. And a dining table. A stereo with speakers both sides and she is fully insulated. Phone charging points. Gloria is a great option for those that aren't that keen on camping or tents, she's a unique cosy home from home. Warm, dry and lots of fun to stay in. Gloria sleeps 4 comfortably but a fold out bed can be added for an extra child at no extra cost. Basic provisions will be provided so you don’t have to lug all of that with you. This means things like olive oil, salt and pepper, basic herbs and spices and some herbal and builders teas bags. ‘Molly’ is a 5m bell tent with a full size double bed with a memory foam so no sleeping on the floor, and 2 singles. Lit and warmed by a candle chandelier and fairy lights. Romantic and dreamy. 'Moira' is more contemporary 5m bell tent, with an incredibly comfortable double futon and 2 singles. The sides can be lifted in hot weather to let the breeze in. There is plenty of room to add an extra single bed if need be. 'Felix' is another 5m bell tent This tent can be configured however you request fitting up to 6 singles. . I have one child's 'easy bed' blow up mattress and sleeping bag. A travel cot can be arranged. So numbers are from a minimum of 8 and comfortably up to 16. (Please see my other listing where it is possible to rent just Gloria for 4 people during off peak periods) A horse trailer "Lulu" has been converted into an off grid shower with an extra compost loo. Wildlings Camp is set on a beautiful piece of land with views over the downs. Look out for deer and badgers scampering across the field in the mornings and buzzards in the sky. On the site there is a private indoor swimming pool in a magnificent 18th century converted barn, with a hot shower and toilet. It is heated to 32° which means on any grey wet days you have the back up of a lovely warm space and entertainment for the kids. This can be rented out on an hourly basis and includes a life guard, for £70 per hour, up to 8 guest per time, which works out around £8 per person dependent on group size. This will be by separate arrangement as the pool belongs to the main house and is rented out as a swim school. I am renting it on your behalf as and when you book sessions. Access is very strictly monitored and only available as and when you book it I endeavour to be as gentle on the environment there as possible. I have a stringent "leave no trace" motto. Therefore to ensure no nasty chemicals are going into the ground I will provide locally made 100% natural cleaning and showering products for your use whilst on site. (Not necessary for the pool) Among other things the bedding is organic approved and I'm using an ethical green insurance company and totally green cleaning products and washing powders. A fire pit is provided and a basket of local sourced logs on arrival will be free and more can be ordered for £8 per load. These will need to be ordered in advance. There are 2 BBQs. One for meat, one for vegetarian. I can arrange for a company called Leaf and Ladle to deliver to site pre ordered vegan/vegetarian meals made with entirely organic ingredients, all the vegetables being grown themselves. Hearty happy nutritional meals that are feast for the eyes and incredibly good for you. Food is delivered in cardboard food boxes and trays, an array of salads and dips, one main dish ie a curry or tagine that can be heated up on the fire and served in the pots provided. No cooking or washing up necessary. A wonderfully nourishing add on. I also have 2 inflatable paddle boards for use on the nearby river or down at the sea, that I can rent out for £20 per board per booking. [To be used at your own risk)
Pets
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£400
 / night
100%
(13)

Small Meadow Farm

3 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Fairlight, England
This low-impact, off-grid campsite is set within a working permaculture fruit and herb farm, with a small flock of sheep that are helping restore a wildflower meadow. There is a strip of woodland at the top of my field where you can escape summer heat under the trees and put up hammocks or hammock tents. I am offering only two pitches at any one time (up to 6 people per pitch). Each pitch has their own fire pit at the top of the field near the woodland, with camping lower on the slope nearer to shower unit and compost toilet. Each pitch also has its own compost toilet tent in the woodland, near the fire. Should the weather be uncertain there is the option of renting the group tent in addition to fire and camping areas, the group tent has a yoga deck/ flat outside area and can be used for sleeping or hanging out. Up on the top field we can open the horsebox as a field shelter/ field kitchen at a small extra cost, great for keeping food and camp cookers in when your are off exploring the beaches and surrounds. There are stunning far-reaching views form the fire pits and even more stunning views of Rye Bay, a short walk away on Mountain Field or at the Balehouse -which is the info centre and cafe of the Hastings Country park. Nature and the species I'm surrounded by are paramount, such as butterflies, wildflowers and birds. The whole site is full of birdsong, especially up near the woodland by the fire pits. At night you get clear views of the stars and my favourite thing is to wake up in the morning in the summer, seeing the dew on the grass, connecting with natural peacefulness and first rays of sun. In May the woodland and field are covered in bluebells and the blossom in the permaculture orchard is astounding. Do bring a yoga mat at stretch first thing on the yoga deck! Please Note: This is a working farm so farmer and woofer(s) are sometimes on site, in areas that are not part of the camping facilities. Exclusive use refers to campsite areas not the entire farm. New option for 2024, exclusive rental of campsite area, £250 for up to 10 people, 5 extras at extra £20 a night! Why not meet friends and family on the field and enjoy the scenery over a fire, BBQ or giant cook out/ picnic. It's a very peaceful and natural spot, yet only 10 minutes drive away from the Old Town in Hastings with all the music, people and festivals that go on. It really is the best of both worlds and I'm happy to share it!
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
£50
 / night

Star Hosts in Wye National Nature Reserve

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach campsites in Wye National Nature Reserve with campfires guide

Overview

At the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this small nature reserve encompasses one of the area’s most visited viewpoints. Make a beeline for the Devil’s Kneading Trough, where the steep coombes afford views across the Romney Marshes and along the Channel coast. Once you’ve admired the views, stop for a picnic on the hillside or follow the hour-long Wye NNR nature trail to spot rare orchids, butterflies, and wildflowers. Hikers can also set out along the long-distance North Downs Way, which passes through the reserve.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for country views: The Sunny Field has off-grid tent pitches, campervan sites, and glamping in bell tents, amid miles of open countryside. It’s a 10-minute drive from the reserve.
  • Best for budget campers: Flying Horse Inn is a country pub just west of the reserve and offers free overnight campervan parking for evening diners.
  • Best for escaping the crowds: Sunnyside Farm has plenty of grass and hardstanding pitches, optional electric hook-ups, and tranquil surroundings. It’s a 20-min drive away.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Kent Downs campsites and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Plan up to six months in advance for popular sites or those with limited pitching. 
  2. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment in advance. 
  3. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates. Many campsites open from March through October, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

The most pleasant weather for camping is from April through September, and this is the main hiking season in the Kent Downs. Wildflowers bloom throughout this period, but come in late spring to admire them at their most colourful. Sites like the Devil’s Kneading Trough fill up with day-trippers throughout July and August, so make an early start to get a jump on the crowds or opt for a weekday visit in the off-season to enjoy the view to yourself.

Know before you go

  • Wye National Nature Reserve is located in the Kent Downs AONB, about a 20-minute drive from Ashford. Trains from London take about an hour to reach Wye train station, just 2 miles from the reserve. 
  • Free parking is available at the Wye Nature Reserve car park along Coldharbour Lane.
  • Camping is not possible in the reserve itself, and wild camping is not permitted throughout the Kent Downs AONB.
  • The reserve has a restaurant, but for public restrooms or to purchase picnic supplies, head to Wye village.

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