I love camping and every year I hanker after a trip when summer wanderlust is in the air. So today I wanted to tell you about my recent adventure…
This year, the idea of wild camping in a forest close to home appealed so we checked into a place called Blackberry Wood just a 20-minute drive outside Brighton deep in the Sussex countryside, where it’s all about ‘proper’ camping in the woods and meadows and lighting fires.
We made our way across the country lane to the ‘Wild Side’ with its pretty hidden glades and mind-blowing wildflower meadow filled with pitches cut into the tall grass – there’s so much space between each pitch you feel as though you have the field all to yourself.
Every pitch has its own fire pit, so you can sit up and BBQ, drink wine, toast marshmallows and listen to the crackling fire…
What’s also amazing about this place is that you don’t need to touch your car all weekend; you can just walk off into the South Downs, map in hand, and it’s only 30 minutes walk through fields to the nearest cosy pub.
The Jolly Sportsman is a smart English country pub with a cosy dining room with artwork on the walls, and a lovely beer garden.
Which means it’s also an easy walk back to camp before the sun sets and another campfire session…
Before we leave we couldn’t resist a little peek at the main part of the campsite centered around a small field of novelty ‘glamping’ accommodation. There’s a bright red Routemaster double-decker bus, with a kitchen/diner downstairs and a soft-play area upstairs which converts into a bedroom.
…a vintage caravan from the 1960s called ‘Double Bubble’, which sleeps four people and is completely original inside.
…and a gypsy caravan built in the 1930s hidden away in a pretty sheltered outside area for cosy breakfasts and dinner.
The newest addition is the ‘curvy cabin’, bought from the Grand Design Show in 2012 which has a double bed and a bunk room for kids.
In case you forget anything, there’s a handy shop inside a pretty painted shed selling all the essentials.
Book your stay at Blackberry Wood here.
6 Comments
This looks like so much fun and I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to camping. Also, your man is cute! XOXO
Haha he will love you for saying that! We both used to be scared of camping but now love it – two sips of wine and you easily settle in!! x
Oh that looks like a nice spot! Love the bus idea, that's brilliant. We're off camping again next week, praying for sunshine….. x
It was so nice, and really close to where we live. I've my fingers crossed for you! Where are you off to? x
looks lovely els, definitely up for a trip next year!!
It was so nice. It's a shame the wild side is only open at weekends. I could have easily stayed for longer.