Lush, undulating fields of kermit-green, tanned a rich red hue come summertime; fringes of forests the barn owls and jenny wrens call home. Do campsite settings come more idyllic than this? Nestled deep in the heart of 1066 Country, the 200 acre Pickham Farm plays host to the lovely Lander family's über-luxurious Freshwinds Camping. This scenic setting sits equidistant from both Rye and Hastings – two of East Sussex's most enchanting enclaves.
First-time camper? Think this 'great outdoors' lark is all tangled-up tent and midge-repellant? Then Freshwinds is the spot for you. There's a wealth of accommodation options on offer to suit all tastes, group sizes and budgets. Sat atop a spacious decking area (with seating and a firepit), the darling Shepherd's Hut is ideal for couples. Comfortably sleeping two on a proper double bed (fluffy pillows and duvet included), this cosy abode sits nice and secluded, but just two minutes from the farmhouse where you'll find flush-toilet, shower and washing up area (you'll also find a compost loo nearer the hut). It comes with a great little kitchenette equipped with all the basics you could need, while the wood-burning stove keeps things nice and toasty at night.
For larger groups looking to bring a flavour of the east to East Sussex, Freshwinds boasts a couple of twin Mongolian-style yurts. The Owl Yurt sits beside a tranquil pond and enjoys unheeded views over the valley. The Woodland Yurt is actually two yurts – one for living (wood-burning stove, and futons which can easily sleep 6), the other for kipping (sumptuous double bed) – perfect for those seeking sylvan seclusion.
The real gem here though is the tents-only camping field. With space for just 15 pitches, this off-the-grid grassland lies beside a small stream and features even more secluded pitches in a private woodland glade. There's no cars and that buzzing you hear is only the honey bees, not any electric hook-ups. Why not travel light and rent the four-man Freshwinds tipi, complete with wood-burning stove? Best of all, you can admire the unspoilt night sky by the warming glow of your very own campfire.
No matter where you lay your hat, you'll find a care and attention-to-detail throughout. That said, you're still very much aware that you are camping on a bona-fide Sussex farm. Your fellow farm residents include 30 strong herd of suckler cows, a flock of 130 ewes, plus a handful of hens who'll lay your breakfast eggs. You can even sample some of the farm's own meat products, or why not arrange a welcome pack of one-pot meals to heat up on arrival? Ask nicely and gracious hostess Anne might even let you help muck in with the farmyard chores. Just be sure not to get on the wrong side of Harry the Bull. But then again, could one really have a 'wrong side' in a setting so relaxing as Freshwinds?
Freshwinds camping is ideally placed nested deep in the heart of 1066 country, it is equidistant from both Rye and Hastings. The camping field is surrounded on all sides by trees and has a stream running along two sides. The pitches are large and we have two compost toilets, two hot showers and a washing up facilities with hot water.Nature abounds with lots of bird life including owls at night and Jenny wrens who call it home. Best of all you, can admire the unspoilt night sky by the warming glow of your very own camp fire.
