West Sussex: Woodfire Camping
Between Easter and the end of September there’s a very special campsite hidden away in a field in the South Downs National Park. Run by Griff and Stella, who advocate a lifestyle that leaves little impact on the landscape, Woodfire Camping is a quiet environment populated with tents, surrounded by nature (no electronic music, but guitars and the like are welcome). It’s a fantastic space for kids with no cars on site, showers housed in cute wooden cubicles (complete with mirrors) and fire pits for hire that light up the night.
For those who prefer an easy arrival and departure, pre-erected tents are available. Our four-person Sheraton came with comfortable sleeping mats, hot water bottles, plus a table and benches, though we took our own bedding. There’s plenty for kids to do, with horses to admire, trails and paths to explore and a good-sized area for playing a spot of football. Just a short drive away you’ll find National Trust property Petworth House, and further afield, along the West Sussex coast, stop off at villages like Climping and West Wittering to visit antique shops and tea rooms, and stroll along the beach at Bracklesham Bay. Most Thursdays to Sundays – and this is why you’ll really want to book – Griff cooks evening meals over a fire on the enormous iron grill, or a stew in a potjie (a cast iron pot), including veggie options. These come with delicious homemade flatbread, also cooked on the grill, with salads on the side. You need to order dinner in advance and prices range from £7.50-£12 for adults and £4-5 for kids. Eat at one of the communal tables or take away back to your pitch; either way you’ll need to bring your own plates and cutlery.
If you haven’t sorted out breakfast, bacon and egg butties are often available in the mornings, along with tea and freshly brewed coffee, for a small fee. The meat is free-range and and vegetables come from the kitchen garden if possible, while other fresh ingredients are sourced locally.
On remaining evenings, or for lunch, you can walk to the pub. Within easy reach are The Foresters Arms ( forestersarms-pub.co.uk), The White Horse (whitehorsegraffham.com) – a smarter option – and The Cricketers (thecricketersduncton.co.uk) with dinner from 6pm, which is useful with kids in tow, plus it serves enormous portions. Lulu Grimes
How to do it
A Sheraton tent costs £30 per night (for adults) or £10 for children 3-18 years, with a minimum spend of £60; there’s a two-night minimum stay at weekends, and three nights over bank holidays. woodfire.co.uk
Kids have horses to admire, trails and paths to explore, and an area to play football