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Welsummer

UK England South East England Kent Maidstone

Can't decide whether you prefer wood camping or field? Then make your mind up at this site which offers you both

If you’re one of those people who lie awake at night fretting over whether you prefer camping in a field or in a wood – there’s no shame in it, there are millions of us out there – you’ll be relieved to learn that there is a select posse of sites that offers both, one of which is Welsummer.

On arrival, the site appears quite conventional: a short track off a minor road leads up to two small, flat camping fields. However, go through an unobtrusive gate underneath a beech tree and you enter a dense dark wood harbouring half-a-dozen pitches, which can only be described as naturalistic – the owners, Laura and Med, may have to point them out to you before you realise where they are. This is quite deliberate as Laura used to camp in these woods as a child and her aim is to offer others a taste of the joys she experienced back then. Situated on a smallholding with chickens roaming around a copse, bees zipping in and out of hives, and a miniature orchard containing native English apples, Welsummer is a laidback campsite that wears its quirky touches lightly (rainbow-coloured windsock, anyone?).

For those wanting more than a traditional grassy camping spot there is also a charming old Wendy's House that the couple have converted into a cosy glamping den. With its proper bed, table and chairs, this tiny hut has everything you need to stay warm and dry. The green, wood finish allows the exterior to blend subtly into the surroundings, while the inside is small without being cramped. A cluster of bell tents mean any remaining glampers are catered for too, with a few different sizes to match your needs.

Prepare to make friends here. This is the sort of place where meals are shared with strangers, especially with those who make the schoolboy error of not lighting their fire early enough in the evening to cook their jacket potatoes by a reasonable hour, so end up stuffing themselves with that haut cuisine of al fresco cooking: the half-incinerated marshmallow.

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Facilities

All pitches have their own fire pit or firebowl. 2 Bathrooms each with 2 loos, 2 basins and 2 showers. Small shop selling basic foodstuffs, camping supplies, the smallholding’s own free-range eggs, organically grown veg, ice cream and hot drinks. (Exceptions during Covid-19) Kids will love the trees to climb and find places to hide. Acoustic instruments and fireside singing positively encouraged, but radios and other electronica frowned upon; no looting the woods for firewood. Dogs welcome by prior arrangement.

Suitable For

Families, couples, pets yes. Campervans and caravans no.

Nearby

Leeds Castle (3¾ miles) – sheer stone-fortress perfection; 01622 765400. Biddenden Vineyards (11 miles) – wine tasting and 22 acres of vines to admire.

Food & Drink

The Pepperbox Inn (Shepherd Neame), Windmill Hill, nr Ulcombe (¾ mile) – food comes highly recommended (no U14s allowed inside, but there is a beer garden); 01622 842558.

Open

April–October.

Family Friendly

A little site that's ideal for little campers. Even the owner used to camp in the woods here when she was a child. And with trees to climb, dens to build and eggs to collect, it's easy to see why.

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The Owner Says

Come and join us at our woodland retreat in Kent for some laid back fun in a picturesque setting. Welsummer is located just 2 miles from Lenham or Harrietsham. Many families, young couples, and older ones too, have enjoyed peaceful afternoons under the beech tree accompanied by the song thrush, the perfume of the bluebells, and the rustle of a pheasant through the undergrowth. Our accommodation options include woods and meadow pitches plus a variety of glamping options and cabins too! Our cabins are open through winter with private use of the facilities. Facilities are simple but pretty, and we do our best to use renewable resources and eco friendly products where possible! Sheltered area and small cafe/shop onsite.

Accommodation

Family size grassy pitches and smaller pitches in woodland. Pre-erected Bell tents (sleeping up to 6). Wendy house (sleeping 2–3 people).

Family Bell Tent for 4 persons

Bell tent Sleeps 4

A fully equipped tent providing you with the basics for a stylish, comfortable and practical camping trip, add bedding and linen to your booking for extra convenience.

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Deluxe Family Bell Tent for 2

Bell tent Sleeps 2

A fully equipped tent providing you with the right basics for a comfortable and practical camping trip, add bedding and linen to your booking for extra convenience.

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Large Grass pitch

Grass pitch Sleeps 6 3 Available

A large pitch with use of a fire pit

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Small Woodland Pitch

Grass pitch Sleeps 3

Small Woodland pitch with use of a fire pit.

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Location

Contact Welsummer, Chalk House, Lenham Road, Kent ME17 1NQ

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Getting There

Exit at Junction 8 of the M20 and follow A20. From the A20 turn right (from the west) or left (from the east) onto Chegworth lane. At the junction turn left on the Lenham road. Continue for 1.2 miles where you will find our discreet entrance with double gates on your right just after a narrow section.

Train station: Lenham or Harrietsham (both 2 miles) – Maidstone to Ashford line. No onward bus service.