Five bell tents are spread around, each with memory foam mattresses and bedding, while a scattering of rugs, cushions and bunting give them a chic feel. Lanterns and lights festoon the tents and tea lights can be lit for some romantic outdoor lighting. Campfires are also a must, with logs and firepits provided. Such is the stylish charm of the Freedom set-up, they’ve also started taking on vintage-inspired weddings. So if you fall in love beneath the stars you could always pop back again for the big day.
Venture forth from the site and the delights of West Sussex unfurl before you. The best way to explore the surroundings are from the carriages of The Bluebell Railway, a gorgerous period locomotive which steams through the county's idyllic fields and valleys. Arundel Castle; Ashdown Forest; Sheffield Park – the latter the inspiration for A.A. Milne's '100 Aker Wood' – there's a plentitude of great days out to be enjoyed. But with wild deer on site, nearby farm shops stocked with the finest local produce, and a roaring campfire to cook on back at site, the spirit of Freedom Camping may prove so alluring that you never even bother leaving the fireside!
Sussex has no end of attractions – from the rural idyll of its Weald and innumberable chocolate-box villages; to the storied stone steps of Rye; to the bright lights of boho Brighton. But the very heart of the region is West Hoathly and its surroundings. Hop aboard The Bluebell Railway (01825 720800) at East Grinstead to soak up the sites of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Capability Brown-designed Sheffield Park (01825 790231) is the end destination, and there are plenty of other leafy leeways to get lost in, like Wakehurst Place (01444 894066) and in particular Ashdown Forest (01342 823583) which also boasts a sailing and canoeing centre (01444 892549). Elsewhere, Deers Leap Park (01342 325858) is over 240 acres and jam-packed with great outdoor activities such as archery, bushcraft and falconry. Further west to neighbouring Dorset, Priest's House Museum & Garden (01202 882533) offers a fascinating glimpse into the local history in an atmospheric Grade II listed setting.