Where's The Best Camping and Glamping places in Kent?
From Hobbit Houses to Bell Tents, we have picked out our favourite camping and outdoor overnight locations in Kent
Glassenbury
After a year bingeing on Netflix and scrolling incessantly through Instagram, now is the time to shoehorn yourself off of the sofa and get outside…. and to be more specific, it’s time to go camping.
From a boom in back-to-basic, off-grid campsites to the continued love of glamping, any savvy staycationer will have already outlined their spot to avoid missing out this year.
With things they way they are on the travel front… even the most hardened urban dwellers will be relinquishing themselves to the Great British Outdoors after months of the same four walls.
And lucky for them, things have evolved in the camping world.
Luxury bell tents, where you don’t even have to forgo your bed, wagons and huts have made the transition a little easier - some have even got hot tubs… but they are all surrounded by open space which makes saying you’re ‘going camping’ just about legit.
Or for those wanting to ditch civilization and reconnect with nature, you’ve got campsites which well and truly take you back to nature.
Whichever way you prefer to camp, we have picked out few of our favourites from Kent:
Plough and Harrow in Tilmanstone
Plough and Harrow in Tilmanstone
Ever wondered what it’s like inside a hobbit house? Well, here’s your chance to find out.
The Plough and Harrow in Tilmanstone has just unveiled six luxury hobbit pods, which will be available to book at the end of May.
Located in the grounds of the pub, which dates back to the 1850s and is currently undergoing refurbishment, the plush pods resemble the home of Bilbo Baggins in Tolkien’s famous tale.
Each have a double and two single beds, plus a shower and toilet.
Grass pitches are also available on the site, with eight electric hook-ups for caravans and tourers.
For details email ploughandharrowtilmanstone@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/ploughharrowcamping
Badgells Wood Camping
Badgells Wood Camping
If you prefer your campsite with mown lawns, plastic playgrounds and a swimming pool then Badgells Wood Camping near West Malling is probably not for you.
Instead, the team here is on a mission to inspire a love of the woods.
In a corner of their 250 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, they have created a unique off-grid experience that is as close to wild camping as possible, with fires and enough space to feel like you are nearly on your own in the woods - but with hot showers and composting loos for a few creature comforts.
You can order local craft beers from Kent Brewery to be delivered to you, to have alongside a woodfired pizza from Woodhouse mobile pizza van which drops by on Fridays.
Otherwise, Badgells invites you to switch off and allow nature and the magic of the campfire to send you home feeling healthy, energised and relaxed.
For those needing a gentler easing into the woodland camping experience, there are a number of pre-erected bell tents.
Otherwise just bring your tent and immerse yourself in nature.
For more information see https://badgellswoodcamping.co.uk/
The Nut Plat Retreat
Nut Plat Retreat
Who says leaving the urban surrounds means you have rough it?
Located in the hamlet of Roughway in Tonbridge, The Nut Plat Retreat is a holiday home from home, offering two lovingly restored bijou and boutique living vans, called Ransoms and Bomford.
Each has its own facilities, including a fire pit and barbecue area, and offers a full size double bed with cosy feather duvet and pillows, as well as fold down table and chairs.
Games, books and a pack of cards is provided, too, so once you’ve switched off your phones, shut your tablet and gone ‘off grid’, you can get back to the basics - although the owners have spoiled you and provided lighting in the vans.
Both also have their own private wooden wood-fired hot tub, with as many logs as you need to keep warm.
For more information see http://nutplatretreat.co.uk/
Nethergong Camping
Nethergong Camping
Christine and Jed Jenkins have been welcoming campers to their 26 acre slice of countryside in Upstreet since 2010.
Inheriting it from Jed’s father in 2003 - who back in the 1990s planted 3,000 trees and dug out two lakes - they knew, after years of enjoying it to themselves, that they had to share it. And so they did.
With a two-acre wood, a frog pond and carp lake with the chance to fish, pond dip and explore, it’s little wonder it’s become so popular.
And while there are grassed areas for people to pitch up their tents, the site offers shepherds huts and family bell tents with camp beds.
A charming Romany wagon, with a super king sized bed, is also available in its own glade, against the riverbank.
Children are free to roam through the woods and glades, play on our tyre swings and make dens, and portable firepits are also available for evening campfires.
For more information see http://nethergongcamping.co.uk/
Lillyroo’s
Lillyroo’s
This family-owned and managed glamping and camping spot in Deal promises a “little piece of heaven on Earth”.
LillyRoo's philosophy is to provide visitors with an unsurpassed, eco-friendly and environmentally sound experience, in your very own, fully-equipped bell tent.
With bunting and fairy lights, log burning stoves, hot water bottles and fleecy throws, you’re set for a cozy and magical experience.
Eight are fully furnished and two unfurnished.
Of course you can BYO, with pitches available for tents and campervans, too.
And alongside a bespoke kitchen serving breakfasts and evening meals, there is also The Lillyroo’s Bar with local beers, ales and ciders and a large selection of gins and other spirits.
There is a cosy indoor space in the barn, with a log burner, comfy seating and a big screen that's sometimes used for showing films.
For the morning after, they also do an amazing coffee for anyone enjoying that bar a little too much.
For more information see http://www.lillyroosglamping.co.uk/
Glassenbury Camping
The name may sound similar to a somewhat well-known festival, but Glassenbury comes without the 200,000 other people and live music.
It does however have the same eco-vibe, offering an off-grid and sustainable camping experience.
Set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cranbrook, on an 800 acre estate, this campsite is run by owners Raf and Maria, and dog Tia.
In addition to grass pitches for tents, they offer three bell tents for those wanting the off-grid experience without the hard work.
Each is furnished with a double bed, with side tables, a mirror, hanging rail and chairs, offering a home from home, but away from real life.
For more information see https://www.glassenburycamping.co.uk/
Fallow Fields Camping
Fallow Fields Camping
Kick back and relax over six acres of beautiful Kentish countryside on Selson Farm, not far from from the coast in Deal.
This working farm, with its old-school camping vibe, offers pitches nestled between the fruit orchards.
And for those who’d rather not pitch themselves, there are 15 fully-furnished bell tents as well as two unfurnished.
For those wanting to bring their campervans, there is no extra charge, in fact it’s the same cost as pitching a tent.
And in addition to camping facilities and food nights, campers can get involved in a whole host of activities including bush craft, yoga, zoolab and a bit of welly wanging.
For more information see https://www.fallowfieldscamping.com/
IF THERE IS ANOTHER CAMPING SITE THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE FEATURED HERE
PLEASE EMAIL US WITH AN UPDATE ON: