Want to lift the tent flaps on more than just caravans and new-mown lawns? Samantha Laurie checks out woodland campsites for a family adventure over summer
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Welsummer Camping Kent
A small family-run campsite in beautiful countryside, where you can pitch a tent in the meadow or the chestnut woods and each pitch has a firepit and griddle. Kids’ entertainment is strictly of the old-school variety: climbing trees, swinging on tyres, making dens in the undergrowth. Direct access to the footpath network offers hours of walking on the Greensand Ridge, while a smallholding of bees and chickens ensures plenty of fresh eggs and seasonal produce in the site shop.
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Mellow Farm Farnham
This full working farm on the Surrey/Hampshire borders has four camping fields, all of which are situated alongside the River Wey. Kids can swim and play in the river and the site provides (a limited number of) fire baskets. Very poor mobile phone reception makes for a peaceful stay with orienteering and nature trails.
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3
Inwood Campsite Basingstoke
Inwood Camping Farleigh Road, Basingstoke, RG25 2HPA beautiful secluded site, with a choice of camping in big open meadows or woodland, this is one of the Camping Unplugged family, which offers a traditional camping experience on historic country estates. Here, it is the Farleigh Wallop Estate, close (but not too close) to Basingstoke. Campfires and dogs are positively encouraged and there are flushing toilets and hot showers at base camp, as well as open-air woodland showers. Bushcraft lessons on Saturday mornings.
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Wowo Campsite Sussex
Very big, popular back-to-nature site. Pitches come with a firepit and metal trivet and the focus is very much on the simple joys of camping: fires, whittling, foraging, basketry, wild pottery. It even offers free camping for professional musicians willing to entertain around the fire. Camping here with friends has a distinct festival feel and the entire 150-acre site is a huge, natural adventure playground for kids, extending well beyond the four main camping areas.
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Blackberry Wood
At the foot of the South Downs in the National Park, this small 20-pitch site offers secluded woodland glades – each with their own firepit – plus a variety of other unique glamping accommodation, including an old Routemaster bus, gypsy caravan, tree house and helicopter.
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Badgells Wood Kent
Eco-conscious, off-grid site in ancient woodland with hot showers and composting loos (but no drinking water). Campfires welcome (buy on site). The place is a former WWII training ground, with old tracks and hut bases, great for kids to explore.
Check out another one of our great summer articles, like our list of great picnic spots in Surrey & SW London
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