The Secret Campsite
4.91 /5
The Secret Campsite is focused on nature, peace and space. Surrounded by ancient woodland, enjoy the natural world, campfires and an invigorating dawn chorus from your tent. Encounter wildlife, marvel at the stars and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. The site provides great facilities including EV charging and plenty of solar powered hot water for showers. Three unique glamping shelters are available too - the Tree Tent, Gridshell and Okra.
Landscaped for privacy and for wildlife, the perfect escape for nature lovers
A peaceful location close to the South Downs AONB, with friendly staff too
Sustainably built wash house with solar showers, rainwater flushed toilets, and EV charging points
About The Secret Campsite
With nature, peace and space at the core, this family friendly campsite is great for exploring Lewes, Brighton and the South Downs National Park. Despite the nearby attractions, this is actually a sparsely populated part of East Sussex, where you'll find both private and public nature sites on all sides. The site is surrounded by ancient woodland and a dismantled railway that is now a site of nature conservation interest. There are a total of 18 camping pitches most of which allow up to seven people each and are located within differemt parts of the campsite - the Meadow, Orchard and Bank. They are all tent-only and are very large with plenty of privacy, with campfires allowed. It's kept car and dog free so that you're even more likely to meet stunning wildlife, and little ones can feel free to play, climb trees and explore. Visitors often see kestrels, owls and deer, and many other species, including glow worms in July and August. There are also three secret glamping shelters, The Tree Tent, The Gridshell and The Okra. These are all fantastic quirky accommodation options for your stay and were designed by local inventor and designer Jason Thawley. As featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4, The Tree Tent offers a mesmerising experience. It is suspended between three sturdy oak trees on the edge of the ancient woodland surrounding the camping meadow, looking out over the South Downs National Park. Head up via wooden stairs, and inside you will find three single beds with a mattress where you can take in the view whilst gently moving with the sway of the trees. You'll also have your grass pitch where you can enjoy a campfire and relax at ground level during the day. It is designed to sleep two adults and accommodates a child on the third bed. The Gridshell is made from ash wood, combined with a heavy-duty canvas that provides excellent protection from the elements for up to five people. It is located in the orchard part of the campsite with its fire pit and a grass area for you to relax on and enjoy the sunshine. Finally, Okra provides a comfortable and quirky alternative in its five-sided shell. The simple yet cosy interior sleeps up to three people (max two adults) in two double bunk beds. There is a sofa day bed, and the fire pit is located outside. Please note that this is a peaceful family site, and it does not allow groups.
The Secret Campsite is open from 22/03 to 01/11.
There are 22 accommodation options on-site
Bookable pitches and accommodation options
13 x Non Electric Meadow Pitches
Max 7 people
Non electric grass pitches in the meadow, flanked by trees that provide dappled shade and screening. Suitable for tents only.
Other accommodation
3 x Non Electric Orchard Pitches
Max 7 people
Spacious grass pitches set in the orchard, without electric. At least 15m in between pitches. Dappled shade provided by trees. tents only.
3 x Non Electric Bank Pitches
Max 7 people
Secluded grass pitches without electric, surrounded by wildlife. Suitable for tents only.
The Tree Tent
Max 5 people
This secret shelter sleeps two adults and one child suspended between oak trees and offering stunning views - the first one of its kind in England. You'll find comfy beds and mattresses inside. Extra people can stay in their own tents below the tree tent.
The Gridshell
Max 5 people
Two double beds with mattresses and two extra mattresses are provided. There are free hot showers and toilets at the campsite. The Gridshell has its own fire pit with two chairs for you to relax in front of the fire.
The Okra
Max 3 people
Sleeping up to two adults and one child in two double beds in a bunk bed style with mattresses. Outside fire pit along with logs and bench. Kettle, camping stove, cooking utensils and cutlery included.
Site tariff
Things to do on site and in the Lewes area
Barcombe is a small village and is just a 20 minute walk away along the course of the old railway, or 5 minutes in the car.
The vibrant city of Brighton with its eclectic Lanes filled with quirky shops and lovely pebbled beach is just a 30-45 minute drive away. The nearest town is Lewes (10 minutes), which is a delightful 5 mile walk across farmland and alongside the River Ouse.
Visit Devil's Dyke (30 minutes) in the South Downs National Park and cycle, walk, bird/sheep watch or picnic in the sunshine with unbelievable views to the sea. The Ashdown Forest (20 minutes) is somewhere you can enjoy Pooh sticks on Winnie the Pooh's own bridge.
Middle Farm is an exciting open farm on the A27 near Firle, and Drusillas Zoo Park (30 minutes) is a little further on towards Eastbourne and has lemurs, meerkats, monkeys, reptiles, and birds. En route you could stop off for a quick tour at Charleston (25 minutes), the Sussex home of the Bloomsbury set.
Other nearby attractions:
- Lewes Castle and Museum (10 minutes)
- Butterfly Gardens at Middleton (10 minutes)
- National Trust Ditchling Beacon (20 minutes)
- Oldland Windmill (20 minutes)
- Knockhatch Adventure Park (30 minutes)
Finding other sites like The Secret Campsite
Nearby towns and attractions
AlfristonAshdown ForestBrighton and HoveCrawleyDitchlingFirleHailshamHassocksHaywards HeathRelated searches near Lewes
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