Horsley Campsite is just the place in question. Trees form a shady, deciduous canopy, jostling around the banks of a central fishing lake. If we've got you hooked, then you'll be pleased to hear luxuries extend far beyond the small reception shop. The real sparkle here comes from Ready Camp’s brand new safari tents, pitched in their own area and decked top to bottom with everything you need: Beds, dining furniture, a kitchen with all the utensils – it’s a shame fish have to be returned to the lake, otherwise you could sling carp from water to kitchen in one fail swoop and whip up your own sashimi sushi. The interior walls of the abodes can be rolled up, or pulled to the side, allowing you to create one larger, open living space. It’s a nice touch that allows families to relax inside the tent should raindrops start pattering on the rooftop.
When you’re out and about though, don’t think that fishing is the life and soul of the party. It’s location that’s key here. The local railway station is a 20-minute walk away and trains run into Waterloo, taking just 45 minutes. For southerners wanting a day in the city, then, it’s extremely handy but those heading the opposite way can find themselves out of the big smoke and into the country just as speedily.
From the station the Horsley Jubilee Trail begins, a nine-mile circular walk that takes in the best of the area. Historic churches pepper the villages and local viewpoints cast your eyes south towards the South Downs, visible on the horizon. The nearby Surrey Hills offer their own share of the fun, with good walking routes and some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. Tear back to camp on two wheels, hose down the tires and slip back into your luxury glamping safari tent. It’s far more modern than crafting fishhooks out of feathers and sleeping bags out of sheep’s wool but it leaves all the more time to explore. Times have changed folks and you need to keep up.
East Horsely is a relatively strung out village and at the other end is the excellent Duke of Wellington (01483 282312), 2 miles from the campsite. In nearby West Horsely, The Barley Mow (01483 282693) and the King William IV (01483 282318) are also both good spots. Further afield top picks include the Running Horses (01372 372279), a 16th-century inn in the pretty village of Mickleham, and the beautifully positioned Percy Arms (01483 561765), beneath the Chantries and St Martha's – two eye-candy vantage points along the North Downs Way. For something different visit Denbies Wine Estate (01306 876616), England’s largest single vineyard, producing 12 award-winning wines.