1 / 39

Hook Farm Campsite

98%
·
· West Sussex, West Sussex, England
10 acres hosted by Hook F.
13 tent pitches
Avatar
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in South East England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Hook is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Blissfully back-to-basics camping in the heart of the West Sussex High Weald

It's easy to marvel at the West Sussex High Weald and not realise the history hued in its landscape of sprawling heathlands, woodland pockets and scattered farmsteads. This irregular patchwork of undulating fields, snaked with ancient bridle paths is a living medieval landscape sculpted and shaped by the 14th century rural folk of these parts. As the years progressed and the rest of the world bore witness to the sweeping tide of industrialisation, this charming corner of south-east England remained wonderfully unspoiled for a region just a couple of hours from the capital. The lucky inhabitants of its quaint ridge-top villages have always had a healthy respect for the land which continues to this day, hence its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And it is on one such hilltop village, West Hoathly, that the Buckley family's vast former dairy farm now plays host to the region's loveliest back-to-basics campsite.

Spread over 20 acres of typically tranquil meadowland, Hook Farm is a tents and campervan only site site with spacious pitches. Facilities provide the basic comforts, including clean composting toilets, showers hidden within in a rustic shepherds hut, as well as water filling points set across the site. The site makes sure the basic creature comforts are there but in a wild setting and that's all part of the charm

The south-facing site's open grasslands, fringed by copses of enchanting woodland, are free to explore, unencumbered by roads, permanent buildings and grazed upon by cattle in the winter months. This is seriously low-impact camping.

And from its enviable location in the heart of the High Weald, the charms of West Sussex are eminently explorable. Take the steam locomotive Bluebell Railway and chug your way through the region. Or for chugging of a different kind, there's a cracking traditional country pub in The Cat Inn, mere metres' walk from the campsite.     

The site facilities are simple, cold running water and toilets, and new for 2023 hot showers in a purpose built rustic shepherds hut. In all other ways it is back to basics wild camping as it should be. For those seeking a digital detox the Farm is the perfect place to let go, although we do recommend a camera to capture the amazing sunrises and campfire moments. Our campers are welcome to have a small camp fire next to their pitch with logs and kindling  available for purchase onsite. Families, couples and singles are welcome. To ensure the campsite remains peaceful and for the benefit of fellow campers and neighbours we adopt a no strict music policy at Hook Farm. Friendly, well behaved dogs are encouraged and can camp free of charge, we just ask that they are kept under control. Please note Hook Farm is Off-Grid
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Farm
Select a unit
Filter by
Loading units...
98%
78 Ratings · 69 reviews
Avatar
Judith H.recommends
October 10, 2023
Beautiful Grass Pitch
Lovely and quiet . Beautiful site. Lovely pub in next village . Really popular though so need to book Bit hilly! Wished I had brought the bigger car Compost toilets but clean Didn’t use showers as only one night Guy super friendly
Avatar
Edward F.recommends
October 9, 2023
Beautiful Grass Pitch
Hook Farm has.a delightful campsite: pretty and secluded. Simple, pleasant facilities . There were pheasants everywhere! It’s a good location, with views of the South Downs from the village. Book early for The Cat.
Avatar
Polina B.recommends
September 24, 2023
Beautiful Grass Pitch
I really loved the pitch! It was beautiful and very easy to access with public transport, although it feels like it’s quite in a remote natural area. It is well equipped and have provision for compost toilets, showers, drinkable water and and the host is responsive! It is located to a nice village called West Hoathley, which has rich history. I hope next we will see the Blue Bell Railway!
Avatar
Mourad M.recommends
September 10, 2023
Beautiful Grass Pitch
1st time camper
Everything went well, as fiist time camper, e really enjoyed it and the kids too. Beautiful experience. We definitely do it again
Avatar
Lycia A.recommends
September 5, 2023
Beautiful Grass Pitch
What a wonderful site, hods of space, beautiful views and the owners popped round every so often to see if we needed anything.
Avatar
Adrian N.recommends
September 4, 2023
Beautiful Grass Pitch
“Does exactly what it says on the tin “. Simple uncomplicated camp site without all the whistles and bells. Despite being busy it was quiet and relaxing. The guys running the site are really nice. If you’re looking for a classic camp in a field where you can sit around a fire and watch the stars , this is it. Sensible price too.
Location
West Sussex, West 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
Avatar
Hosted by Hook F.Joined in November 2013
From the host
The campsite is nestled on the south facing valley of the farm with beautiful views of the Sussex Weald. The site extends to include over twenty acres of secluded meadows, and small copses of woodland giving each pitch a unique feel. The site offers an opportunity to camp in the authentic English countryside, but only a short journey from the hustle and bustle of nearby London, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. The patchwork of small meadows makes the site perfect for family camping, with the Top Field large enough for games of cricket, football, badminton, the list goes on. The Lower Fields offer more tranquillity where you can have a secluded pitch perfect for couples looking to have their own space and peace and quiet. You will experience true wild camping, there are no permanent buildings on the site and no main roads and over the winter months the site is grazed by cattle. The campsite is designed to have a minimal impact on the landscape and environment. We feel this gives the site a natural charm.
Nearby attractions
The Bluebell Railway (01825 720800) is a wonderfully nostalgic way of exploring this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hop on the steam from East Grinstead to the Capability Brown-designed Sheffield Park (01825 790231). Ashdown Forest (01342 823583) and the Ardingly Reservoir are lovely spots for a stroll. The former has a riding school (0781 809 3880) and served as the inspiration for A.A. Milne's '100 Aker Wood'. The latter boasts a sailing and canoeing centre (01444 892549), plus abundant stocks of pike, carp for fishing. Nearby Wakehurst Gardens is just a mile down the road. This Kew Gardens subsidiary features acres of stunning ornamental gardens, woodlands and a gorgeous Elizabethan mansion. For history buffs, the beautiful Arts and Crafts house, Standen (01342 323029), and Arundel Castle (01903 882173) are both within easy reach.
Food and drink
There's a couple of cracking pubs in West Hoathly. The Cat Inn (01342 810369) is a lovely little gastro just 800m from the site which boasts an inventive menu of locally-sourced dishes. The Vinols Cross Inn (01342 810644) promises a friendly welcome and a well-stocked bar. 
Video
https://www.youtube.com/embed/N35P2lcfvjc
More camping spots nearby
Campers also viewed...

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp, your best resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover & reserve tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, & glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.