Wapsbourne Manor Farm, East Sussex
Child Friendly Campsite, Holiday Yurts and Tipis, East Sussex
There is plenty of space for camping with your own tent and pitches are generously allocated. Have your pick from several fields to enjoy the beautiful countryside setting of Wapsbourne Manor Farm. One of the main attractions of this site is that they allow and actively encourage you to enjoy the ambience of sitting round a camp fire on a night - there are fire pits by each pitch for friends and families to share. Friday night's Musicians go free - although it is stipulated that you have to be "half decent" and to be able to share your talents to an awaiting audience. Be ready to audition to the owners with your favourite song. Don't worry drums and bongos are not allowed but a guitar would be to your advantage.
Why not try some luxury camping and stay in one of their four Yurts. All come complete with wood burning stoves, gas cookers, all cooking utensils, and proper beds!! Situated in the most beautiful spots in the camp site next to the Pellingford brook, this is what we call 'Glamping' folks!
The reception sells basics like milk, butter, fresh bread, home grown veggies and salad and cheese and there are plenty of farm shops near by, you can ask in reception on details for all local trade. There are no recycling facilities on the farm and you are asked to take your refuse home with you, so pack lightly and manage your waste before you arrive, a good practice anyway!
Wowo plan to turn the camp site into more of an educational centre so are now hosting a range of workshops for families including bush craft, wild life tracking, herbal remedies and the importance of conservation. Sign up to their newsletter on their website to be kept up to date. They grow a lot of their own produce and you can take the kids for a walk into their poly tunnel, they also sell a large range of pumpkins, squashes and gourds which you can see growing through out the year and go back to purchase come the autumn.
With lots to do in the surrounding area for families there is never a dull moment - one of the main attractions being the Bluebell Railway. You can walk there in about ten minutes and it is a Mecca for any steam railway enthusiast or Thomas the Tank Engine fans. The surrounding area is full of wildlife and getting the kids to enjoy nature in a fun environment is always a bonus. Ashdown Forest is worth a visit with its Pooh Bridge. You could do with taking wellies as there are plenty of walks through woodland with a nearby stream and as with all campsites has the prospect of getting muddy underfoot. There is a definite family feel to Wowo and kids will love the rope-and-tyre swings.
The toilet blocks are quite basic with eco friendly composting toilets but are cleaned regularly and showers have plenty of free hot water. There are three wash up points, again with plentiful hot water.There are a few local pubs serving a high standard of food that welcome children and a great cafe within walking distance called Trading boundaries which has a playground, shops and live music on busy weekends.