New Wharf Campsite
UK England South East England West Sussex Horsham
Swimming in the river, cooking on campfires, and swinging from trees on tractor tyres… Move over Huck Finn; this is the story of New Wharf Campsite. You get to play the main character and the action will be set, not on the banks of the Mississippi, but down by the peaceful River Adur, instead. It’s in Sussex, in the shadow of the South Downs, just over half an hour from Brighton and an hour south of London.
This easy-to-reach but idyllic location has been welcoming campers for a few years, previously by a pop-up camping brand. Now farmer’s daughter Elle and her partner Ed are running the place. They’ll still be offering a mix of meadow and riverside camping and have five simple shepherd’s huts too. Apart from those it’s all off-grid, tents-only camping with campfires welcome. Cars are not allowed in the camping areas, which means footloose and fancy-free kids are. And there's plenty of space to play.
The shepherd’s huts are all different but most have log burners, and all bar one can sleep four people. Those family-sized huts are in the main camping field with the other, Ellena, which is just right for couples, tucked a little further away. It has its own loo and shower to boot. All have electricity, lighting, USB charging, and an outside cooking and eating area. Just don’t forget to bring your own bedding.
Whether you camp in your own tent or stay in a hut, it’s the rural and riverside location that makes New Wharf special. Make the most of it with the 45-minute riverside walk to the most-local pub or by taking the plunge to cool off. The water is tidal, so do take care, and, if swimming is not your thing, try a kayak or paddleboard to get your fix. Both are available for hire on the riverbank nearby. Walking or cycling in the nearby South Downs is almost as much of a must but other than that? Stick a blade of grass in your mouth, pull your straw hat over your eyes and simply relax by the river.
Our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Book with complete confidence at New Wharf Campsite with the Cool Camping Coronavirus Booking Guarantee. We guarantee the following clear policy for your booking:
- A low deposit of 30% to secure your booking
- Balance due 30 days before your holiday
- Complete flexibility to move bookings up to the end of 2021 in the event of Coronavirus restrictions
- Due to the flexibility provided we are unable to offer refunds
- This guarantee supersedes any other policies
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Details
Facilities
Toilet and shower cabins are dotted about around the site; there are ten toilets in total (a mixture of composting and flushing loos) and five showers. There are also drinking water taps and sinks for washing up. Campers are required to bring their own washing-up bowls. Campfires are allowed in off-ground fire pits and logs are for sale. Campers are asked not to collect firewood from around the site as this is left for wildlife. There are steps down into the River Adur and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for hire from the site.
Suitable For
Just about everyone! Glampers, campers, families, children, groups and well-behaved dogs – yes. Campervans, motorhomes, caravans – no.
Nearby
You can go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in the River Adur from a private launching point by the campsite. Kayaks and paddleboards are usually available to hire from The Kayak Coach (07796 203870), on site, but do call ahead if you want to reserve one. There are lovely riverside and bluebell woodland walks from the campsite and, not far away, you can join the Downs Link cycle trail. For a longer route you could join the South Downs Way National Trail, which runs right through the South Downs National Park. The closest beach is just over the Downs, at Shoreham, eight miles away. Alternatively, head to bustling Brighton for a trip down its famous pier, a wander along The Lanes, a visit to the Brighton Pavilion or a day on its shingley shores.
Food & Drink
There’s a good pub The Fountain Inn, with roaring fires inside if the weather's bad and a very nice garden outside, just a walk away – it’s 45 minutes if you take the riverside route, 20 minutes along the road (but there’s no pavement). The closest shops are in the small town of Steyning about four miles away where there’s a butchers and a Co-op. For tea head to the Steyning Tea Rooms (01903 810103), The Sussex Produce Company (01903 815045) is a good spot for lunch with fresh locally-sourced ingredients, while Chez Joel (01903 813311) serves delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere most evenings.
Open
April–September.
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
Our family run farm and campsite is located on the outskirts of Ashurst in the middle of stunning West Sussex, situated on the river Adur. We are happy to boast about our generous sized tent pitches, vast playing areas, comfortable and cosy shepherd huts, a wide variety of areas where you can camp and never be too far from our facilities.
Accommodation
30 meadow camping pitches, 10 riverside camping pitches and five shepherd’s huts.
Ellena
Molly
Matilda
Guinevere
Location
Contact New Wharf Campsite, New Wharf Campsite, Horsebridge Common, Ashurst, West Sussex BN44 3AL
Getting There
If coming from London, on the B2135, drive through Ashurst, past The Fountain pub on your left and follow the road around the bend. The road straightens, as the trees clear, take the next left (marked by a flag; the one before the New Wharf Farm entrance). Follow the straight track until you see reception. If coming from the south, head towards Steyning and Ashurst. Turn right onto the B2135 to Ashurst and Partridge Green. Drive along the wiggly country road. As the road straightens, keep an eye open for New Wharf Farm sign on your right. Take the next right after the farm onto a track marked by a flag.
Shoreham-by-Sea is the nearest railway station, eight miles away. From there, you would need a taxi to get to site. Expect to pay around £25.
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 2 reviews
Lovely long weekend in a secluded sheperd's hut
Amazing!
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
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