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Chalky Downs

96%

· Brighton, East Sussex, England

12 acres hosted by Sharen C.

36 motorhome/tent pitches

Best all-round: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

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.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

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.

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).

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Field

Farm

96%

581 Ratings · 409 reviews

Jordon T.recommends

October 12, 2024

Grass pitch

What a great place

Bloody lovely everything about this place clean showers toilets and toilets friendly owners will definitely be returning!

Bede G.

September 30, 2024

Grass pitch

Good site for a couple of nights

It's a nice basic site for one or two nights, although I was there for a bit longer. The showers and toilets were kept very clean. Pitches are quite close together and most of them are on a fairly steep slope. It's a short walk into the village; Brighton is a short drive or long walk, although the bus is probably the easiest option because parking in Brighton is expensive. Lots of nice walking nearby but I was unlucky with the weather. A problem with the water one morning was fixed very quickly. Overall, I'd recommend it for walkers, cyclists, or anyone else looking for one or two nights camping, but probably not for people wanting to stay much longer.

Adrian C.recommends

September 22, 2024

Grass pitch

Great choice for Brighton

Beautiful views over rolling farmland, easy bus ride into Brighton (£2 each way, regular until midnight) from a short walk away. Loos and showers decent.

Freya S.recommends

September 8, 2024

Grass pitch

Amazing campsite with good views and facilities and very friendly owners. Great spot for hikes and easily accessible!

Elliot B.recommends

September 2, 2024

Grass pitch

Elliot Bannister

Very lovely hosts and very convienent campsite. Breakfast was lovely, couldn't speak more highly of the place.

Sam H.recommends

September 1, 2024

Grass pitch

Great campsite, easy to get too, good service and loved the fire pits

Location

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

Hosted by Sharen C.

Joined in January 2018

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

https://www.youtube.com/embed/alDJXwAaTmg

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