Modern life is stressful. A seemingly unsurmountable endless array of tasks levied at you one after another, the smartphone, a once celebrated luxury, now a device that makes the stranglehold of work inescapable.
It’s safe to say that whilst we live in a society with many luxuries, never has such a level of social and work-based interaction been expected. Sometimes you just need a break from civilisation.
By far the best way to have a quick escape is a camping trip, but not everyone can be expected to go rogue and pitch up in the middle of nowhere. Most of us lack the bear grylls survival skills, and thankfully, the relatively modern innovation of peaceful yet authentic campsites should suffice for a weekend getaway before that stress overwhelms you.
Here are just some of the best campsites around Brighton for your work and technology detox!
Stud Farm
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of the South Downs, a bastion of serenity set to stunning views in every direction, The Stud Farm Campsite offers a peaceful and idyllic retreat for visitors looking to escape the stress of civilisation. This family-run campsite is set on a working farm and provides a unique camping experience that is authentic to rural life in the heart of East Sussex.
A beautifully maintained site, there’s space for tents and small camper vans. If luxury and style are integral to your enjoyment, you can book one of their already set-up, themed Bell Tents. These tents come in themes ranging from Safari, English County gardens, and even an Indian Summer, providing all the enjoyment of camping without having to sacrifice so much comfort.
The standout selling point is its stunning location. Set amongst rolling hills and with views across the South Downs, it’s the perfect location.
Close to the nearby village of Ditchling and a short drive from Brighton, the site offers the perfect basecamp for an exploration of the Sussex countryside. You need not go without a pint or a place to stock up on food, with Ditchling offering a range of amenities for would-be campers, including a pub and shop.
Furthermore, if you want to remain on the farm, there is a local produce farm shop on location, selling a range of freshly cut meats and eggs. Can’t function without a good morning coffee? You’re in luck! There’s no need to rely on horrible instant sludge water, with a Cafe style food truck offering coffee, tea, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and even ice cream.
The Stud Farm Campsite is also home to a range of farm animals, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Guests can wander amongst the fields and meet the resident sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks. For those interested in the working farm aspect, there is even the opportunity to help with feeding and caring for the animals, giving a real taste of rural life.
For those looking to relax and unwind, there are plenty of quiet spots to sit and soak up the stunning countryside views or simply curl up with a good book.
The Stud Farm Campsite is a perfect choice for families, with plenty of space for children to run around and explore. including bush craft and farm experiences. The site is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for a countryside adventure.
Stud Farm, Telscombe, Lewes BN7 3HZ
Pegs and pitches
Another tranquil location, great for an escape from the city, pegs and pitches is great for that classic campsite experience. With picturesque surroundings like its competition on this list, it rivals any other campsite for views, with the incredible backdrop of the English channel laid out for your pleasure.
An ideal setting for camping, picnicking, and relaxing. With washroom and shower facilities, there’s no need to sacrifice cleanliness for a camping holiday! There’s nothing like an early morning cold or hot (however you take it) shower to start the day after a cosy night beneath the stars.
The staff at Pegs and Pitches are friendly and always ready to help with any queries or issues visitors may have. The team works diligently to maintain the site to the highest standards. Your area or ‘pitch’ will no doubt be spacious enough for you, with ample room to make your temporary dwellings your own.
Just a short walk from the beach, you have Brighton’s biggest attraction on your doorstep. With campsites, its location location location, and this one ticks all 3 boxes.
A standout feature is the range of activities on offer. For the adventurous and active, there’s a plethora of trails for walking and cycling to explore. Didn’t bring a bike? You can hire one from the campsite! For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, why not try country crafts or their winery tours?
The campsite is also well-positioned for exploring the local area, with easy access to the South Downs Way and a range of nearby attractions, such as Knockhatch Adventure Park and Go Ape Bedgebury.
If you want to visit the historic town of Lewes, Brighton, or explore the stunning coastline, the Beech Estate Campsite is the perfect base camp. There are 600 acres of Woodland, surrounding the site, making for a truly off-the-grid experience. Turn off your phone for a few days and just forget about all the stress of work, social lives, and global affairs, and just enjoy a peaceful escape.
Beech Estate Campsite, B2096 Kane Hythe Road, Battle TN33 9QU
Chalky downs
The campsite has a range of pitches to suit all types of campers, from those with tents to those with caravans and campervans. The facilities are clean and modern, with hot showers, toilets, and washing-up areas available for use. There is also a small shop on site that stocks basic provisions, as well as firewood and kindling for those who want to enjoy a campfire in the evening.
Dogs and VW-sized campervans are welcome, which can sometimes be an issue in other campsites. If you can’t bear the thought of being without a phone for a few days, their site even has a strong 4G signal meaning if you must, you can keep up with the outside world. They also provide charging outlets!
Going truly above and beyond, you don’t need a coolbox, with Fridges/freezers available on request.
Best of all though is their breakfast delivery service. For £8, you can have breakfast delivered to your tent by staff. Some may enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking a rudimentary English breakfast on a dodgy 10-year-old camping stove, but personally, I always find a meal that’s been prepared just for you tastes just a little bit better. I can’t think of a better surprise (within reason) to wake up to while camping.
There are also plenty of walking and cycling routes nearby, including the famous South Downs Way, which runs right past the campsite. Also a working farm in addition to a campsite, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. Watch the farm animals and maybe even pet some of them, as they host goats that are more than happy to receive head pats.
The Secret Campsite is a one-of-a-kind place to camp. Peaceful and secluded this family campsite offers the most authentic of camping experiences, whilst still providing plenty of amenities.
Frolic and camp among local wildlife, and connect to nature with your loved ones. With a rule of no dogs, music, or cars in the camping areas, you can be sure that nothing will remind you of the stresses of everyday life.
No youths playing loud music. No agitated yappy dogs, no late-night car engine noises, or the pain of some idiot putting their full beam lights on at 6 in the morning so they can find their glasses.
Whilst the campsite is secluded and eco-friendly, you can still enjoy hot showers, flushing toilets, and freezers. Everything here is Solar powered! You can even charge your electric car.
Tucked away in a secluded woodland just a short drive from the city, this eco-friendly campsite is a true camping experience.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more relaxed, serene campsite, and the only way to find an even more peaceful authentic camping spot would be to rough it in the middle of a forest. But then you of course won’t have any of the luxury of washing or showering, or even cooking, lest you try to sort all that by yourself.
The secret campsite is all the joy of authentic camping without the pain, hassle, and stinkiness. The woodland setting is out of a fantasy novel, with ancient trees, wildflowers, and a babbling stream that runs across the site.
The pitches are again spacious, but the added benefit of the site is each pitch being surrounded by a natural screening, offering privacy and a sense of seclusion that is rare to find in typical campsites
The site as mentioned is 100% eco-friendly, and truly committed to keeping it that way. In addition to the already mentioned solar Power, their compost toilets and rainwater harvesting systems are all state of the art and put in place to ensure their commitment to sustainability is reached and minimising its impact on the environment.
The owners are passionate about conservation and ecology, which is reflected in every aspect of the site.
Despite its rustic setting, the Secret Campsite offers everything you could need, and expect of a campsite, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. In addition to the hot showers, there’s a campfire pit, a communal kitchen area with everything you need to cook up a feast, and fresh produce available from the on-site farm shop.
Bevendean Farm, Brighton BN2 6AF
