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Beau and Bell at South Farm

100%
·
· Lewes, England
1 acre hosted by Emma W.
10 glamping pitches
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Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
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Emma is a Star Host
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Romantic
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Summer bell tent camping on a South Downs farm in Sussex

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.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Field
Farm
100%
20 Ratings · 15 reviews
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N Avdeep Dhillon R.recommends
September 15, 2024
Site 5 - Beau and Bell at South Farm
Connect to nature!
We went to Beau and Bell glamping site for a nught stay- and we are full of praises. First of all, the directions to get to the farm were clear, secondly, we were surprised to find there is a hugeee maize maze at the site. This brought such joy. There is also a coffee kiosk being run daily from 10 am-5 pm. The camp was clean, with washroom, and compost toilets. The site is like you are in a valley- with farm animals (sheeps, cows) grazing around. We walked up the hill, explored and walked around. We really enjoyed our stay, and would love to cone back again. Highly recommended.
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Emily W.recommends
September 1, 2024
Site 5 - Beau and Bell at South Farm
Stunning location, would recommend.
Visited South Farm for a 1 night stay for my Birthday. Stunning location tucked away amongst the South Downs. A short walk to the local pub and great for exploring the South Downs Way. Amazing views and we had lots of fun in the Maize Maze. Would recommend and we will hopefully visit again another time.
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David W.recommends
August 30, 2024
Site 6 - Beau and Bell at South Farm
lovely campsite in a beautiful location. Really enjoyed our night at Emma's campsite - the tents were clean and simply but nicely furnished. The beds were comfortable for foam mattresses and the duvet was lovely and warm - felt very cosy all night despite it being a bit chilly - and much more comfortable than a sleeping bag! Great attractions on the doorstep including nice walks on the South Downs, good beaches and also the onsite Maize Maze (which also serves good coffee). Highly recommended!
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Lucinda N.recommends
August 30, 2024
Site 8 - Beau and Bell at South Farm
A Perfect Getaway!
If you're looking for a peaceful retreat to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is the perfect spot. Nestled on a picturesque farm, this bell tent campsite offers a unique blend of rustic charm and cozy comfort, making it an ideal escape for couples, families, or small groups. Accommodation: The bell tents are spacious and beautifully furnished, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each tent is equipped with comfortable bedding, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The large size of the tents allows plenty of room to spread out, and you'll feel right at home in the cozy, well-thought-out space. Facilities: One of the standout features is the hot showers—nothing beats a refreshing wash after a day of exploring the farm and nearby attractions. The long-drop loo is kept clean and adds to the authentic camping experience. Every pitch has its own picnic table and log fire, perfect for those memorable evenings under the stars. Communal Area: The communal tent is a real highlight, offering a large sitting area and a communal table where you can gather with fellow campers. It’s an excellent spot for enjoying meals together or simply unwinding with a good book. Activities: The campsite is packed with fun activities, including a Maize Maze attraction in the summer, it is on the South Downs Way and has lovely hiking and views on the doorstep. Nearby attractions include Seaford Beach, Newhaven and Cuckmere Haven.
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Judith G.recommends
August 29, 2024
Site 9 - Beau and Bell at South Farm
Bell tent camping in Sussex
We had such a great week at Beau & Bell! The campsite is quit and surrounded by greenery. The tents are huge, especially since there were only two of us. And Emma is a great host - she welcomed us upon arrival, showed us around and was kind enough to bring the firewood over to our tents when we asked for some more. I would recommend this campsite to anyone - friends, couples and families!
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Charlotte B.recommends
August 27, 2024
Site 6 - Beau and Bell at South Farm
Beautiful sight, views amazing from the hills. Comfy beds and cosy tent.
Location
Lewes, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Emma W.

Joined in May 2021
From the host
The Beau and Bell campsite is nestled in a peaceful corner of South Farm at Cricketing Bottom. Situated within the South Downs National Park we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by beautiful downland, close to the historic town of Lewes and only 7 miles from the stunning Sussex coastline. Our bell tents are fully furnished with plush bedding, soft flooring, bedside tables, soft lighting, a fire pit and a picnic table. There are just 10 bell tents which will be on the campsite all summer plus a large communal bell tent for relaxing in. We do not permit campervans, caravans or bring your own tents. A short walk from the campsite along the South Downs Way brings you to the quaint village of Rodmell where you can enjoy a drink or a meal at the wonderful Abergavenny Arms. Continue along the South Downs National Park towards Alfriston or Black Cap. If you're after a little bit of luxury, peace and quiet, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, campfires, walks on the South Downs, paddleboarding/kayaking on the River Cuckmere, visits to the coast, Brighton, and the historic town of Lewes, then come and stay with Beau and Bell at South Farm. If you are booking with friends please book corresponding unit numbers and write a note on the booking form. We will do our best to put you together.
Nearby attractions

South Farm is situated at the foot of the South Downs Way just over a mile of pleasant walking away from Rodmell village where there's a pub and Virginia Woolf's former home, Monks House (01273 474760), now open to the public thanks to the National Trust. You can also use the South Downs Way for longer walks towards (but perhaps not to) its furthest points: Eastbourne (20 miles to the east) and Winchester (80 miles to the west). The River Ouse is a short walk of about 20 minutes away through the quaint village of Southease. You can launch your own paddleboard or kayak on the river there or for more water head to the Sussex coast, seven miles from site. Newhaven, with its fort (01273 517622), is the closest place on the coast or go a little further east to the wide shingle beach at Seaford or the cliff-backed beach at Cuckmere Haven.  Brighton & Hove with its pier, Royal Pavilion and all its attractions are just 11 miles west. Closer to site is the historic town of Lewes, a-10 minute drive away, where you can visit its Norman castle (01273 486290), Anne of Cleeves House (01273 474610) and its many independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Food and drink

The Abergavenny Arms (01273 472 416) in Rodmell is a 15-minute walk along the South Downs Way. For a longer walk with the reward of lunch at the end, try The Juggs (01273 472 523) at Kingston (about an hour along South Downs Way). There are lots of places to eat out and stock up on supplies in the historic town of Lewes; including the lively Lewes Farmers' Market which takes place on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

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