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Fontmills Farm Campsite

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· Hellingly, East Sussex, England
20 acres hosted by Fontmills C.
5 glamping pitches · 35 motorhome/tent pitches
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home in nature — including real toilets, showers, and kitchen.
Fontmills is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best all-round: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Family-friendly camping near the Cuckoo Trail, where campfires are permitted and space is guaranteed

Framed by oak and ash trees and scented with the familiar smell of campfire smoke, Fontmills Farm is one of East Sussex’ most unassuming little campsites. "Little" is perhaps misleading: The camping meadow is a pleasing 20 acres and part of a larger 140-acre farm, but Fontmills’ conscious restriction to maintain just 30 camping pitches means any large-scale feel is carefully avoided. Instead, the place is as uncommercial as they come, with only sheep as your neighbours, watching unobtrusively as you try to pitch your tent.

Facilities are simple yet spotless, with a couple of hot, roof-less showers, four proper flushing loos, dish-washing sinks and a fridge-freezer anyone can use. There’s also a clutch of furnished bell tents in one corner of the meadow, kitted out with memory-foam-mattress beds, rugs, lighting and, of course, colourful strings of bunting. A box of kitchen wares will help you get cooking, with a gas stove supplied, though, like everyone else on the campsite, hiring firepits and cooking the old fashioned way is usually the most popular option. Logs are sold by the sack load and free range eggs are available.

Hosts Steve and Nicola are long-standing owners of the farm and a well-spring of local knowledge. On arrival they’ll happily wave you into the field, where campers can drive to their pitch and make themselves at home before returning the car to a parking area. Those in the know will have brought bikes along for their stay too. A few hundred yards from the camping meadow, the renowned Cuckoo Trail is like a purpose-built, pub-to-pub pathway designed for the casual cyclist. In fact, it’s simply retracing the old railway line and much of what’s pedalled today is the same flattened route from the 19th century, just with the old sleepers and irons removed. Fontmills’ local sections are a flashing mix of green, tree-lined stretches and wide-open views across the quiet Cuckmere River.

Not that you’ll have to pedal everywhere. It’s an easy drive to some of the main attractions, with the beaches of Eastbourne and the commanding white cliffs of the Sussex Heritage Coast just 20 minutes or so away. The nearby A267 leaves it all wonderfully accessible and whether you’re a culture vulture looking for Herstmonceux Castle and the 1066 trail or walkers with an eye on the nearby South Downs, Fontmills Farm is certainly a handy base. When you get back in the evening you still have the pleasures of an open campfire and wonderfully clear, starry skies.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Field
Farm
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103 Ratings · 110 reviews
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Heidi U.recommends
September 11, 2023
Grass Pitch
really lovely small family campsite with lots of thoughtful personal touches. the owners were very helpful and will definitely come again
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Julia P.recommends
August 23, 2023
Grass Pitch
Wonderful View, hot showers, logs for fire, nice hosts
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Rebecca D.recommends
August 22, 2023
Grass Pitch
Fabulous long weekend !
Such a sweet and beautiful spot - even though there were many happy campers around us we still felt like we had ample space and privacy. No wonder lots of people were there. The campsite backs directly onto the Cuckoos Trail which is a cracking walk, and you're only a short bus ride from over fun spots if you don't have the car (like us!). I'd highly recommend this spot for all ages an camping desires.
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Shayna W.recommends
August 21, 2023
Grass Pitch
10/10 campsite!
Loved our stay at Fontmills! Really impressed with the overall campsite and facilities, all really practical, clean, well thought out and well maintained. Pitch sites were all flat and spacious, with a separate adults only section. Loved that the fire pit was supplied for free (most other sites charge a fee!) and really generous bags of good quality wood. Can’t recommend Fontmills highly enough, and will definitely be returning in the future!
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Inayaili L.recommends
August 14, 2023
Grass Pitch
Fontmills was excellent. The facilities were great, the area was super clean and the staff was super friendly and helpful. We visited with a toddler and a child and they had a great time exploring the grounds. Also can't fault having a Starbucks just 4 mins drive away! Will definitely return. Thanks so much for having us.
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Odders65 ?.recommends
July 13, 2023
Grass Pitch
Perfect escape in wonderful countryside. Steve and Nicola made us feel very welcome and keep the campsite immaculate. Plenty of space between pitches, so relaxing. Thank you
Location
Hellingly, East Sussex, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Fontmills C.Joined in March 2015
From the host
Set in 140 acres of beautiful East Sussex countryside, Fontmills Farm Campsite is the perfect place to take a step back from reality and enjoy an idyllic rural stay. Based on a family run farm, the campsite can be found in the low Weald of East Sussex between the popular towns of Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells. Whether you’re looking for an al fresco home from home, rest from the city, magical mini break or action-packed family holiday, the spacious pitches in our meadow field allow you to wake up with the birds and fall asleep under the stars. From walking countryside trails and cycling along the tree-lined Cuckoo Trail to visiting local attractions including some of Sussex’s most iconic pubs, coastlines and villages, Fontmills Farm Campsite is located within a hub of excitement. Book now, adventure awaits.
Nearby attractions

You don't have to stray far; Knockhatch Farm and Adventure Park (01323 442051) is just over 3 miles away – something to keep the kids entertained – and Blackberry Farm (01825 872912) is a great nearby family-run farm with lots of animals and café. The coast, though, is an obvious draw for many, with the famous white cliffs at The Seven Sisters Country Park (03456 080194) and Beachy Head just 25 minutes drive away. Plus don't miss Eastbourne's large and accessible beach. Back in land the South Downs (03003 031053) are even nearer and the beautiful village of Alfriston is a perfect place to visit and enjoy a pub lunch, while culture vultures will like Batemans (01435 882302), the former home of Rudyard Kipling and now a fascinating National Trust property along with 15th-century, moated Herstmonceux Castle (01323 833816); also the home of the Observatory Science Centre (01323 832731). Both are around a 20-minute drive.

Food and drink

The nearest pub is The May Garland (01435 812249) at Horam, a traditional, family-run spot that's a five minute drive away. There is also an excellent fish and chip shop (01435 812624) in the same village. Perhaps a bit more legendary is The Six Bells (01825 872227) at Chiddingly (10 mins), they offer hearty pub-grub, a never-ending supply of beer and have live bands every weekend. The Plough (01323 844859) at Upper Dicker has an extensive menu and cosy, relaxed atmosphere, while The Gun (01825 872361) at Chiddingly is a classic pub with a country garden and panelled dining room – great for local ales. Both are 10 minutes drive from the campsite. On the third Saturday of every month Heathfield Farmer’s Market is the perfect place to buy fresh local produce, fruit, veg and meat (10 minute drive). If you’re looking for a large supermarket, Sainsburys and the Co-op can be found in Heathfield, whilst Hailsham has a Waitrose, Tesco and Asda.

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