The High Weald is somehow both wonderfully timeless as well as ever-changing. Vast Ashdown Forest, the inspiration for A.A.Milne's Winnie the Pooh series, spreads across the landscape as it has for centuries, while the local estates, like Bolney and Sedlescombe, have transformed their stripy land from young vines bearing their first fruit, to fully-fledged British vineyards. The towns and villages, meanwhile, remain full of history and charm, while, within them, new independent shops open their doors and modern restaurants spring to life.
In the heart of the High Weald, 7 miles south of the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough Campsite offers a perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. The campsite, a long established spot with the likes of family shower rooms and an indoor recreation hall, has only recently added glamping accommodation to its stock of excellent on-site options. And today, campers can turn up with little more than a tooth-brush and change of clothes to enjoy a long stay in the Ready Camp safari tents.
The Ready Camp tents aim to offer a balance between home comforts and outdoor living and are equipped with everything you need for a family holiday. There are two bedrooms with proper beds (the tents can comfortably sleep four adults or a family of six), a fully stocked kitchenette and an extending living area with an outside verandah. The two tents occupy their own quiet area in the camping meadow but still make use of all of the campsite's main facilities.
It's a short stroll from the campsite to the Crowborough Leisure Centre, a handy addition on the doorstep with a swimming pool that helps occupy kids on rainy days. Further afield, meanwhile, taking a stroll through Ashdown Forest for a game of Pooh sticks is a must, while, on the way, stopping off at the local llama park for llama walks in the parkland and a little clambering around in their adventure playground is an added treat. Be warned, however, they do usually have a handful of llamas available for sale at the park. So don't let the kids get too chummy with these characterful animals or you might just find yourself driving home with a cuddly new addition to the family!
