Wimbles Farm

Details

Facilities

2 well-maintained pitching areas, the larger suitable for 3-4 large tents, and the small section suited for 1 large or 2 small tents. Each pitch has a fire-pit (with grid) for cooking and boiling water, and includes a barrow of logs for your use each night. Both camping areas have their own compost toilets and access to a shower tent (using hot water heated on the fire or through the solar water heater). 2 stand pipes provide fresh water.

2 shepherds huts, one for couples and another sleeping 2 adults and 2 children. Proper beds, kitchenette and wood-burner provided in each hut. Dogs are not permitted in either of the huts.

Private, spring-fed, coarse fishing lake (next to the house) set amongst ancient natural woodland, home to: rudd, roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike.

Suitable For

Nearby

The nearby Cuckoo Trail is a great option for cycling or walks, weaving its way through woods, fields, and the best of the rolling Sussex countryside. Normans Bay, named after the Normans who landed here a thousand years ago, is 25 minutes away; or if its raining pop into The Observatory Science Centre (01323 832731) on selected evenings when you can look through impressive telescopes at events in the night sky. Brighton (45 minutes away) has a fabulous array of activities to keep you busy, whilst a lengthy walk along the South Downs National Park (England’s newest National park) is certainly a must do given its proximity. Lewes (17 miles) is a pretty little market town with great shops, thousands of flea markets and a number of decent pubs. Don’t leave without visiting its enchanting castle (01273 486290) built during the days of William the Conqueror, and continuing the history theme just south of the town centre lies the historic Anne of Cleves House (01273 474610).

Food & Drink

The recently reopened Brewers Arms (01435 812435) is within easy walking distance and treats visitors to a quintessentially British country pub experience. The menu is eclectic and the food always fresh and (whenever possible) locally sourced. Also within walking distance is the Black Duck (01435 830 636), a 15th Century freehouse, situated in the depths of the East Sussex countryside. The traditional pub grub has gained an excellent reputation so you are strongly advised to book ahead. Classics include: deep-fried Brie in breadcrumbs & cranberry, local pork sausages with mash & onion gravy and pork tenderloin wrapped in Parma ham with mash potato and cider sauce. Visit Hank who runs the local farm shop (again within easy walking distance) for sausages and home-cured bacon that taste delicious on the campfire. There’s also some great little shops and supermarkets in the local market town of Heathfield (4 miles), which also gives the option of takeaways and restaurants.

Open

Open all year.

Pricing

Shepherds Hut 3–4 night stays £180–£280, depending on season, £350–£490 a week again depending on season. Camping £10 a night for adults, £5 for children (and dogs!).