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Wimbles Farm
UK England South East England East Sussex Heathfield
If you fancy the freedom of wild camping but the thought of no shower or toilet for a few days makes your blood run cold, then you may find yourself in a camping quandary. However, here at Cool Camping we think we’ve found the solution in the form of the wonderfully secluded Wimbles Farm. With room for only five or six pitches, this self-sustained campsite in the heart of rural Sussex is as close to wild camping as you get, but with basic ablution facilities to ease you through the experience.
The family-run Wimbles Farm feels incredibly rural. Nestled by a meandering stream in a secluded flower meadow are two well maintained pitching areas, each with their own fire-pit, compost toilet and access to a shower tent. As mentioned, there’s only room for half a dozen or so tents, so there’s no danger of feeling crammed in here. As well as farming and camping, a recently renovated shepherds hut can be found in a quite corner of the field, and comes kitted-out with a double bed, pillows, furniture and rugs.
As for things to see and do, you can start right on the farm. Coarse fishing is available from the site's private, spring-fed lake where campers can enjoy peaceful days amongst the ancient natural woodland. Bike hire and guided cycling tours are also available – perhaps the the perfect way to explore the many secrets of East Sussex. Qualified tour leader Mark tailors outings to your particular interests, with the South Downs National Park and Pevensey Levels (exploring its ancient dykes and castles) proving to be fabulous days out.
Wimbles Farm isn’t so much a campsite, but more a place to camp. If you’re squeamish about compost toilets (we did say basic!), or loathe the idea of unzipping your tent at first light to find yourself face-to-face with a nosey donkey, then best you look elsewhere. Wimbles Farm is all about reacquainting yourself with the great outdoors and blending in with the local surroundings, which just so happens to be a playground of stunning natural beauty.
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Facilities
2 huts to choose from. The Higler hut is designed for couples only. It is off grid and set well away from the rest of the camping areas, under the partial shade of an old oak tree. It is simply laid out with a French Double bed, Chilly Billy wood burner, comfy seats and reading lights. There is a single burner gas cooker for kettle boiling and simple cooking and sink. Outside there is a BBQ, fire pit and grid, picnic bench, shower and eco toilet. All kitchen provisions are provided and a welcome pack can be ordered separately, which usually includes fresh farm eggs, juice, bread, butter, milk, cereal.The Anderida Shepherds Hut provides accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children with a double bed and separate bunk room, a kitchenette with gas cooker, dining area and a unique recycled wood-stove, hot shower cubicle (bring towels). Bed linen & duvet for the double bed and single duvets, bottom sheet and pillows for children (under 16). The hut has its own clean eco compost toilet in a stylish beach hut with a poesy of fresh flowers. In winter we move the hut lakeside, where it becomes a cosy retreat for adults. Campfires permitted in the river meadow. Dogs are not permitted in either of the huts.
Suitable For
Tents, glampers, family groups, and well-behaved dogs – yes (although dogs are not permitted in the shepherds huts). Caravans and motorhomes – no.
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.Opening Times
March–November.Location
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