New Wharf Campsite

Swimming in the river, cooking on campfires, and swinging from trees on tractor tyres… Move over Huck Finn; this is the story of New Wharf Campsite. You get to play the main character and the action will be set, not on the banks of the Mississippi, but down by the peaceful River Adur, instead. It’s in Sussex, in the shadow of the South Downs, just over half an hour from Brighton and an hour south of London.

This easy-to-reach but idyllic location has been welcoming campers for a few years, previously by a pop-up camping brand. Now farmer’s daughter Elle and her partner Ed are running the place. They’ll still be offering a mix of meadow and riverside camping and have five simple shepherd’s huts too. Apart from those it’s all off-grid, tents-only camping with campfires welcome. Cars are not allowed in the camping areas, which means footloose and fancy-free kids are. And there's plenty of space to play.

The shepherd’s huts are all different but most have log burners, and all bar one can sleep four people. Those family-sized huts are in the main camping field with the other, Ellena, which is just right for couples, tucked a little further away. It has its own loo and shower to boot. All have electricity, lighting, USB charging, and an outside cooking and eating area. Just don’t forget to bring your own bedding.

Whether you camp in your own tent or stay in a hut, it’s the rural and riverside location that makes New Wharf special. Make the most of it with the 45-minute riverside walk to the most-local pub or by taking the plunge to cool off. The water is tidal, so do take care, and, if swimming is not your thing, try a kayak or paddleboard to get your fix. Both are available for hire on the riverbank nearby. Walking or cycling in the nearby South Downs is almost as much of a must but other than that? Stick a blade of grass in your mouth, pull your straw hat over your eyes and simply relax by the river.