Camping in Sussex

There’s plenty to do for all ages and interests while camping in Sussex. Explore the best beaches along the Sussex coast, discover secrets of the past at one of the many castles and enjoy family-friendly attractions near our campsites.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Anyone camping in Sussex will hear the call of the beautiful beaches, fresh forests and endless walking opportunities.

• Visit the UK’s highest chalk cliffs at Beachy Head in Eastbourne, a renowned beauty spot. While there you can visit Beachy Head Pub which offers views out across the stunning South Downs. The visitor centre has a gift shop and gives information on the geology and history of Beachy Head. Beachy Head is a 20-minute drive from our Normans Bay Club Site.

• Camping on the coast gives you access to some of the best beaches in the South East. Pagham, Worthing, South Lancing, Bognor Regis and West Wittering are some of the options available. Don’t forget a trip to Brighton and its famed pavilion either for fantastic coastal views, shopping and eateries. Brighton is under an hour’s drive away from our Crowborough Club Site.

• Birling Gap, between the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head is ideal for a blustery winter walk, a day exploring with the kids or a picnic on a sunny day with a beautiful backdrop of sea views. Enjoy the pebble beach, see unrivalled views from the cliff tops and visit the National Trust Visitor Centre for information. From Normans Bay, it’s around a 30-minute drive to Birling Gap.

• The South Downs Way National Trail is one for walkers. Wildlife, great views, pretty villages and lots of pubs along the way are just a few reasons to walk the South Downs Way.

• Woods Mill Nature Reserve is a 45-minute drive from our Graffham Club Site. Walk through ancient woodland, keeping a close eye on your surroundings. The woodland, ponds and lakes are a great habitat for a range of animals. Barn owls, kingfishers and great spotted woodpecker are just a few of the birds you could see during your visit.

• On the steep slopes of Windover Hill near Wilmington, you can see the chalk figure of the Long Man of Wilmington. To see the chalk figure, you can park not far away, just south of Wilmington Priory which is around a 20-minute drive from our Normans Bay Club Site.

Visit the best family attractions in Sussex

• Follow in the footsteps (or pawprints) of Winnie-the-Pooh at Ashdown Forest. The Hundred Acre Wood in A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh was famously inspired by the picturesque woodland here. Great for walking and exploring, the forest is part of the High Weld Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are 40 car parks to pick from, but in general, it’s around a 20-minute drive from Crowborough.

• Take the 40-minute ride on the Bluebell Railway through the scenic Sussex countryside. Great for all ages, this will take you back into an era gone by. Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides, a woodland fringed picnic area and plenty of history await. Sheffield Park Station, one of the best starting points is a 25-minute drive away from Crowborough.

• One of the best family attractions in Sussex is Drusillas Park, a 20-minute drive from Normans Bay Club Site. The zoo is home to red pandas, sloths, penguins and many more fascinating animals to meet. There are regular feeding times and keeper talks throughout the day so you can find out more about your favourites. As well as the zoo, Drusillas Park has great kids rides and play areas for the whole family.

• Washbrooks Family Farm has plenty of animals, indoor play, tractor rides and even a zip wire to keep kids entertained.

• Head to Treasure Island in Eastbourne for a swashbuckling good time. Hop in the car from Normans Bay and in 15-minutes you’ll come across Treasure Island with it’s indoor and outdoor play areas as well as crazy golf.

Discover myths and legends

Sussex has a diverse history rich in archaeology, being the key location for many of England’s major invasions including the Roman offensive and the Battle of Hastings. This means there are plenty of historical places to visit and things to see.

• Bodiam Castle, a 40-minute drive away from Normans Bay Club Site, is a picture-perfect, 14th-century moated castle. Visit for a guided tour to climb the spiral staircases and discover what life was like in the medieval castle. The castle grounds are ideal for a dog walk or tranquil stroll.

• The National Trust owned Petworth House and Park boast staterooms full of art and culture to explore. The 17th-century house was built to rival the palaces of Europe, and the extravagant interior won’t disappoint. Petworth House is a 10-minute drive away from our Graffham Club Site.

• One of Britain’s largest hill forts, Cissbury Ring is around a 40-minute drive away from our Graffham Club Site. Perched on the South Downs, Cissbury Ring is privy to fantastic views and offers an insight into the Neolithic period, Bronze Age and more.

• Seaford is a great coastal town to visit during your camping trip in Sussex. Seaford’s museum is housed in one of the towers built during the Napoleonic Wars to defend the Sussex coast. Learn about the maritime history of the area and enjoy the collections of domestic appliances throughout the ages. Seaford is a 35-minute drive from our Normans Bay Club Site.

• The 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield is a great way for all ages to learn about one of the greatest battles in England’s history. Pick up an audio guide and explore the battlefield while listening to the story of the Norman invasion. Stand in the Abbey, in the very spot where King Harold is said to have died and explore the artefacts in the Gatehouse Exhibition. The Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield is a 25-minute drive from Normans Bay.

• Walk in the footsteps of Roman royalty at the Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens, just a 10-minute drive away from our Chichester Club Site. Walk around the recreated Roman gardens and see beautiful mosaics from the dedicated walkways.