The rolling hills of the South Downs have been attracting walkers, artists and anyone who can appreciate this quintessentially English countryside, for centuries, and the village of Ditchling has always played host to those bound for the great outdoors. Where the houses peter out into open, sheep-dotted grassland, the chalky earth veers skyward as the northern face of Ditchling Beacon climbs to its summit. The beacon is the highest point in East Sussex, affording spectacular views in all directions. Those who cast their eyes back toward the pastoral fields through which they came may just about spot one quaint new addition to the landscape.
Unobtrusively settled in a meadow, an off-grid, back-to-basics campsite is merged so subtly amongst the greenery it’s easy to miss, but those who search it out will certainly reap the rewards. Camping as it should be, this scenic spot, ensconced within the national park, is a pretty little pick for those who enjoy life’s most simple pleasures.
Any campsite that has recently opened comes with a caveat or two, and for most it is the promise that electricity will eventually be installed, a shower block built and perhaps an onsite café, perched in the corner, selling summer time ice-creams and freshly baked bread. Not so here, where the charm of the site is its distinct lack of human development, something that is set to stay. Despite being brand new there are no plans to set down power lines and bring in the caravans. Instead, the natural feel that off-grid camping provides fits perfectly amongst this age-old, walker’s countryside. Ablutions still exist, of course, with proper flushing loos and a rustic outdoor shower but they are a sidepiece to the more important facility of a firepit, with one provided at every pitch.
Designated pitches are spaciously set out amongst the flat field, sloping slightly on the western edge where the campsite dips towards a private woodland. In all other directions, hedges provide shelter but still allow for stunning views out across the South Downs, punctuated by the Beacon that provides a steep but excellent morning walk from the site.
Ditchling itself also makes for a pleasant wander. Just a mile and a half away, it has a small museum, a tea room and three pubs to choose from. If you’ve hung up your boots for the day, then the 15 minute drive to Lewes brings you to one of the most charming towns in the South East, with crooked Georgian buildings leaning around the banks of the river Ouse. Journey to the coast for a vibrant daytrip to the renowned seaside town of Brighton.
Whichever you choose you’ll find the rural feel of the site does not come at the cost of absolute remoteness and there is still speedy access to many of the best sites in the area. Just make sure you book in advance, Ditchling Camp is reservation only, and from what we’ve seen spaces may quickly be in short supply!
The first thing is surely to pick up the South Downs Way and stretch yourself with the walk up to Ditchling Beacon (take the bike if you're feeling particularly energetic) – the views are well worth the effort. The village itself boasts a small but beautiful museum (01273 844744) and a cluster of good pubs. Those willing to head a little further afield should head to the beautiful county town of Lewes, with its prominent hilltop castle (01273 486290) and wonderful Georgian buildings. If the weather permits, take a dip in the oldest outdoor pool in the country, Pells Pool (01273 472334), a community-run, spring fed pool, first opened in 1861 and bordered by a big tree-lined lawn. The bright lights of Brighton, on the south coast, are 8 miles from the campsite and its famous pier (01273 609361), beach and collection of galleries, theatres and bars make it a worthwhile day trip at some point during your stay.
Ditchling, 1.5 miles away, has three pubs. The Bull (01273 843147), a 16th century coaching inn, is just the sort of place you want to retire after tramping through the countryside, with plenty of candlelit cosy nooks, sagging beams and crackling log fires, plus a beer garden for sunny days. The White Horse (01273 842006) offers a similar history and has a wide selection of real ales, also best enjoyed in the sunny, walled garden out back. The Greyhound (01273 842645) too dates back to the 16th century and, yes, its still retains the same rustic charm, though it's becoming better known for its restaurant than bar. Ditchling Tea Rooms (01273 842708) and Mister Manolia (01273 846638) offer something lighter during the daytime, the latter strikingly modern compared to the rest of the offerings.
