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Hook Farm Campsite

98%
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· East Grinstead, West Sussex, England
10 acres hosted by Hook F.
13 tent pitches
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Best in South East England: 1st place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best all-around: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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
98%
148 Ratings · 116 reviews
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Melissa L.recommends
September 22, 2024
Beautiful Grass Pitch
Definitely recommended
This was a pleasant surprise for our 2nd camping trip with my young family. I loved that we were surrounded by forest and different levels of terrain and even better that we could pitch anywhere. The kids and the dog was able to run around freely. It was handy having logs and marshmallows for sale on the site as we couldn't find any to buy. Lots of fun things to do around the area too! I appreciated that someone did drive around the campsite to ensure campers were safe and OK. All In all we would definitely be coming back!!
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Claire D.recommends
September 1, 2024
Beautiful Grass Pitch
It is a vast piece of land with four fields and you can pitch anywhere. You do have a choice of different types of areas, so you can choose between open fields, or more secluded private areas if you want to. You can check in at 11am and check out at 2pm, so it gives you more time that other campsites would offer.
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Martin P.recommends
September 1, 2024
Beautiful Grass Pitch
Incredibly friendly owner and lovely fields. Another great visit! Great fun to take the Land Rover there for a night
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Isobel M.recommends
August 27, 2024
Beautiful Grass Pitch
It was such a lovely place to camp, so many fields to choose from to find the perfect spot, and the staff were so friendly and helpful.
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Victoria M.recommends
August 25, 2024
Beautiful Grass Pitch
Fabulous campsite. Immersed in nature and a chance to go off grid. Even the rain didn't put us off. Fab staff, a lot of flexibility. Dogs are welcomed.
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Jonathan A.recommends
August 25, 2024
Beautiful Grass Pitch
One of the most beautiful campsites we have been to. Beautiful scenery surrounded by magical trees. Plenty of space between the tents, not overcrowded. Compost toilets and nice showers. The local pub is great.
Location
East Grinstead, West Sussex, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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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
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