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Stud Farm Telscombe Village

99%
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· Lewes, East Sussex, England
1 acre hosted by Justine A.
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A glorious little East Sussex campsite that's worthy of the farm's prize-winning history

It’s now over a hundred years since Stud Farm in East Sussex had its glory days of a Grand National winner. Shannon Lass, champion of the 1902 race, was trained here on the South Downs, galloping across the green landscape with the dazzlingly blue backdrop of sky and sea. Alas, today the farm has hung up its horse racing shoes in favour of a more laid-back pace to life. There are sheep, pigs, cattle and acres of arable farming space, while horses still clip-clop their way across the livery yard but are here for casual hacking and rides rather than weekend trips to Aintree. The farm is also home to an excellent little campsite; a perfect place to breathe in the sights and sounds of small-time Sussex agriculture.

Just a mile and a half from the coast and slap bang on the South Downs Way, Stud Farm Campsite certainly boasts a sought-after setting. Campers in the know should book here early. With just 25 informal grass pitches, the campsite has a habit of filling up quickly, especially on summer weekends. The atmosphere is one of back-to-basics simplicity. Campfire smoke wafts in the evening breeze, with firepits for hire and logs for sale, while facilities – toilets, taps and two showers – are a thoroughly basic affair. The result is a paired-back campsite with a pleasingly casual atmosphere. Walkers pass through as they pace the full length of the South Downs Way and families come for short breaks, bathing in the English Channel as they forgo their weekend showers.

By car, busy Brighton and ancient Lewes are within easy reach. The former is on hand for a vibrant city break by the coast, the latter for stepping back in time and sipping tea in ivy-clad cafés. You needn’t to and fro in the car, however. From the campsite it only takes around 20 minutes to walk to the nearest beach on Telsombe Cliffs waterfront and, when you return, a quick detour via the local pub offers a handy place to refuel. When you get back to Stud Farm, meanwhile, there’s the farm’s own lamb, pork and sausages for your evening supper. Plus, of course, the obligatory evening marshmallows. Bliss.

Activities
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Beach
Farm
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
99%
128 Ratings · 177 reviews
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Andy P.recommends
August 7, 2022
Grass pitch
We had a great relaxing time camping it was a well run site, Michelle even did a daily ice pack run for us thank you for that. There were interesting and diverse people on the site to chat to. Visiting the area for the first time we found it interesting and plenty to do Severn sisters is a must visit. Thank you for a great time
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Marylou ?.recommends
August 2, 2022
Indian Summer-Pitch 2
What a fabulous find of a campsite! We selected a bell tent to reduce the amount of lugging we needed to do for two nights - We brought a gazebo in case of rain/wind to put the cooker under which proved a good idea as the winds were high on one of our days. The beds were comfy, the site brilliant, rural, with wonderful views. BBQs and a fire pit all provided. The toilet block was ace! Water pressure can be an issue but does not spoil the camping experience AT ALL. A short walk to a tesco's express for emergencies or a slightly longer walk to the sea. We bought some of their pork - D-Lish. Would not hesitate to recommend it or to return - Thank you
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Barbara P.recommends
August 1, 2022
Grass pitch
Stunning views
We definitely want to come back next year but would really like a flatter pitch so the children could play football etc, it didn’t really work for that. The views are fabulous. The hosts so welcoming, friendly and helpful.
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Maren R.recommends
July 20, 2022
Grass pitch
Camping with family
Very nice place and beautiful surroundings.
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Isabella M.recommends
July 17, 2022
Grass pitch
Amazing campsite with wonderful views of the sea. Staff were super helpful and easy to find and facilities were great
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Martin L.recommends
July 15, 2022
Grass pitch
Great place to stay
It is a great place to stay. But I would recommend that you charge 5,-£ more per night and put a big bin for the rubbish there. If we have to take it with us maybe some of them will just dump it somewere. Greetings Martin
Location
Lewes, 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 Justine A.Joined in July 2017
From the host
Our picturesque campsite is located just off the beautiful South Downs Way, offering pitches for tents and camper vans only, (sorry no caravans or motor-homes). The site is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with breathtaking views over the Downland and sea. Where ever you pitch you are guaranteed a view and peaceful stay. It's also only a 20 minute stroll from the  gorgeous Sussex coast and within easy reach of Brighton and many other attractions. The site is purposefully basic but does offer a flushing toilet facility with 2 basic showers. A washing up area and 2 drinking water taps. Please do not expect power showers though, due to our our location right on top of the downs! Fire pits can be hired to create a camp fire or barbecue (camp fires directly on the ground are NOT permitted). Logs & fire lighting packs can be purchased along with breakfast & barbecue hampers & marshmallows. The campsite is dog & family friendly and you are able to park next to your chosen pitch. This is an ideal location for walkers, cyclists and riders. Stud Farm is a mixed working organic farm. Previously a horse stud and home of a Grand National winner in 1902. It is now a working sheep farm, along with pigs, cattle and arable farming. Race horses are still trained here under the trainer Camilla Poulton. We produce our own lamb, pork and a range of sausages, pork & lamb burgers, all available for purchase and along with our free-range eggs can be supplied to hungry campers! The beautiful farm house offers B&B with equine companions welcome. Perfect for a ride along the South Downs way. Also look out for our open day running every year on the Sun & Mon of the first May bank holiday. We are based in lovely Telscombe, a historic and picturesque village recorded in the Domesday Book. It is nestled at the foot of the South Downs with Telscombe Tye to the South. It houses the ancient church of St.Laurence which dates back to the twelfth century. Stud Farm forms part of the village along with the village Hall and houses such as The Manor and the Old Rectory. It has less than 50 inhabitants and therefore still remains quiet and unspoilt.
Nearby attractions

Countryside or city life, the choice is yours. For the former, walk the South Downs Way, drive to the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park or head to Sheffield Park Station (15 miles) to ride through the glorious scenery on the Bluebell Railway Line (01825 720800), while, for the latter Brighton and Lewes are only a couple of miles away and can be reached by local bus. Lewes, a beautiful market town, boasts quaint antique shops, lots of cafés and Harveys Brewery (01273 480 217), for a delicious pint of ale, plus, Lewes Castle and Museum (01273 486290) at the centre of it all. Brighton is full of all sorts of attractions such as the pier & Sealife centre to name only 2. If you dont make it onto the Beach then try out 1 of 2 local outdoor pools, Pells pool in Lewes or the Lido in Saltdean         

Food and drink

Stud Farm produce their own pure pork sausages and free-range eggs. Along with local bacon, these are sold as a breakfast hamper. Customers can also pre-order bread, milk, butter and beans. Marshmallows with skewers for toasting are also available. There are 3 good local pubs: The Abergavenny Arms (01273 472416) in Rodmell (2 miles), The Telscombe Tavern (01273 584674) in Telscombe Cliffs (8 miles by car but a mere 30 minutes walking direct) and The Smugglers Rest (01273 586593), which is also in Telscombe Cliffs and just as accessible. There are numerous restaurants, cafes & pubs in nearby Lewes.

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