Nice campsites in the Hampshire / Sussex area

[Tatty Chap]

Was going to go Dorset way, but been decided that its too far for one night
(did take 7 hours last time )

Have a 1 yr old and a 7 yr old, and pref would like to have a campfire, perhaps with some woods, and a little pub down the road
Tried one calle WooWoo but its booked up

Any suggestions / reports ?

[jamesc76]

try http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk try pritty good or funplacetobe

[DanO]

The Witterings (near Chichester) are really nice, Nunnington Farm is good with kids as there is are a few animals that you can pet/feed etc. Also close to the beach for things to do during the day, it's an awesome beach!! There's a couple of pubs within walking distance and a few more if you've got a bike. You can't have a fire though, I've not found any that do so far. http://www.camping-in-sussex.com/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unfortunately they don't take bookings but if it's full there should be space at Scotts Farm around the corner, you could always go to Nunnington to see the animals anyway. http://www.scotts-farm-camping.co.uk/home.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is also Stubcroft Farm in the area that we've not used. http://stubcroft.com/campsite/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[thechubbsdub]

Have a look at the fox and goose at greywell near basingstoke. It's only a field behind a pub with a tap and loo but free as long as you use the pub for a drink or meal. There should be some pics in the gallery of previous meets there.

[alkers]

Hi, theres meant to be a good one called Toms Field, but not sure if they take vans. Just came back from Blackberry Woods in Plumpton, Sussex which was nice, campfires standard. Say they don't take vans, but if you call they might let you in - the best pitches are for tents though. You wont' wanna stay more than 2 nights though - I am still trying to get the smell of bonfire out of my hair!! Look it up online http://www.blackberrywoods.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Not cheap mind,and no luxurys - you pay for the opportunity to experience nothing!! Also the showers have no roof's!! Loads of wildlife. Pub is drive away really, but good playground with old tractors to climb on. But if your 7yr old is good at walking you could prob walk it, about 1or 2 miles across fields and copse.

I know of another one that allows bonfires in southeast - looking out for good ones myself with young kids, but will have to let you know another time and stuff at work (you can tell I work hard!!) I think it might be in Uffington.

[burnsey]

Deerhut, its on ukcampsites, pub with fires and hassle free, topjob

[thechubbsdub]

Hi Burnsey, just looked for deerhut on ukcampsites but no records found. Can you tell me roughly where it is?

Alkers mentioned Toms Field, if it's the one near Fordingbridge in the new forest, they do take vans but not caravans.

http://www.tomsfield.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is another Toms field at the isle of purbeck, maybe thats the one that don't take vans.

Adrian

[rugchucker]

Hi
I've just got back from this site at Lymington. Loads of space and great for walks to the beach and a couple of pubs within walking range. Toilets & showers are a bit basic but adequate.

You can have a campfire here and most people do.

Try this link:
http://www.hurstviewleisure.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Des

[alkers]

Can't find deerhut

[alkers]

Just thinking, we are off to Pevensey end July, "Normans Bay" which is meant to be nice. Both this one and Folkestone are right on the beach - maybe you can have the best of both worlds... the luxuries of a modern campsite (hot running water, decent showers, don't leave with all clothes and van stinking of bonfire etc), and have the bonfire on the beach!? Is that legal??
It seems most of the sites that allow bonfires are for rich folk who can afford to ruff it! Everyone was a bit posh at Blackberry woods! And although it was beautiful, we were bored and fed up a lot of the time - the place evacuated during the day with everyone driving off for stuff to do. OK wasn't helped by bad weather. But I do think these Kitch campsites charging what they do are taking the p.... I noticed WoWo tell you to take your rubbish home. Not being funny but we seem to generate loads when camping (all those tins!). If you leave your rubbish out in just a bag in Croydon an animal of some kind will rip it open and scatter the contents,so whats it like there!
I don't know, it was lovely, I think I am feeling a bit resentful as my hair still stinks of smoke and lighter fuel (every pitch has a fire), and my van is filthy which I still need to clean, and my hands are all chapped from the cold water.
If we go again I would use the old tent - you get a much better pitch in the middle of woods, which is really what you are paying for. And make sure I had loads of other families with young kids going with me.
We booked 3 nights and left after 2, 2 is enough I think - which could make an ideal weekend spot. But you can pay the same price and go to Henley - you got a heated outdoor pool, haybails in nearby fields, thames over the road, town 5 min walk on pushchairable footpaths if weather poor ...
Oops need to finish my rant as out of room!!!

[Tatty Chap]

I do kinda get what your saying.

It can get a bit "Tabatha and Tarquin " at these places.

And yes, as soon as it rains your boogered. There is a lot to be said for a site with a club on site (kids discos are a lifesaver), and other facilities.

[Tatty Chap]

This is a nice happy medium if you ask me.

Nice short walk to the steam trains too

http://www.herstonleisure.co.uk/accommodation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[burnsey]

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/revie ... revid=5321" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

Sorry for the delay, probably too late now but for me its propper camping, somewhere to wash and crap, with hassle free set yourself up how you want with your friends and bbq fire (off the ground of course) to your hearts content.

And then there's the propper country pub! Pop in for a pint 1 day anyway, its a mile from liphook

[DanO]

Blackberry woods didn't take vans when i asked a couple of weeks ago, although you can take it but you'll have to park up and carry your tent to your pitch. Looks nice but seems to be very booked up. The website annoyed the hell out of me!!

[alkers]

Yep, website is a bit fancy - too fancy for its own good. They let my van in, but there are only 2 pitches that take vans - and one (adjacent) is taken up with a gypsy caravan being refurbed. The van pitch isnt' great though, its right next to the carpark and isn't surrounded by hedgerow or trees like the other pitches. I dealt with a lady called Yvonne who said it was OK, but said they don't allow vans normally. Maybe if you really want to go with the van, mention that you heard the "St Andrews" pitch was ok for vans. Make sure you mention it is only a small vw (I think they fit in with their ethos).

But as I said earlier, you are better of with a tent anyway. They give you wheelbarrows to transport the stuff from car to pitch. I would also say it isn't tranquil, it is full of kids! so best to only go if you have them too!! or choose school hols / mid week. Best age are school age, I felt mine are too young to really get the most out of it - all under 5.

I did get the impression though that there were forest walks within / linked to the site. But when you do wander through the woods, you are just going from pitch to pitch, so you do feel you are intruding a bit on others space (as you step over the guy ropes and bikes!) Lots of nice bike rides locally too.