The Chicken House
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/-3.145191831065552,51.59841223550728,12,0,0/376x277@2x)
- Peaceful adults-only site 15 minutes’ drive from Caerphilly
- National Museum Cardiff half an hour’s drive; Splott Beach 40 minutes
- Pitches on wildflower meadows; walks from the site
Site type
1
10
7
Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed on site.- The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
- Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
- The maximum vehicle dimensions allowed are 5m length x 2.3m width x 2.4m height.
Languages spoken
English
Open from Fri 6 Mar to
Pitch types & availability
5 
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Adults only 2 people maximum 
9.8/10
23 reviews 
Wifi at the unit/pitch Ground type: Grass and earth
Pitch size: Min 5m width × 5m depth (25m²)
Arrival daysFrom £25
View prices & book
- 1
Non-electric hardstanding and grass campervan pitch
Adults only 
6 people maximum 8.9/10
7 reviews Ground type: Hardstanding and grass
Pitch size: Min 6m width × 6m depth (36m²)
Arrival daysFrom £35
View prices & book
Reviews
97% would recommend this site to a friend
97% would stay here again
What customers say
This peaceful, secluded campsite offers a basic, "back to nature" experience, ideal for those seeking solitude. Guests consistently praise the exceptional hospitality and attentiveness of host Matt. Pitches are private with lovely views. While amenities are rudimentary, including a portaloo and no showers, a phone charging station and fridge are available. Improvements to toilet access are noted as a work in progress. The site is well-located for local walks and villages.
Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews
We had a really great stay…
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Non-electric hardstanding and grass campervan pitch
Liked We had a really great stay at this campsite and would definitely recommend it if you want to wind down. The site was clean and had a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that made it easy to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. Also there is a shelter shed where you can charge your phone. 1 portion cabin loo.
A special mention to Matt, who was incredibly helpful throughout our stay. He went out of his way to make sure everything was running smoothly and was always approachable if we had any questions. It really made a difference having someone so welcoming and attentive on site.
Disliked I would love to have tap with running water.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Absolutely book!!
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Quiet, very welcoming, good pitch area
Recommend to friends Visit again
Great hospitality, lovely pond. Starry skies…
Non-electric hardstanding and grass campervan pitch
Liked Great hospitality, lovely pond. Starry skies and birdsong as well as easy access to Cardiff.
Matt also helped out some stranded campers and ensured they had a place to stay which was very kind.
Recommend to friends Visit again
A peaceful site in a lovely setting. Very safe for solo women campers.
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked The Chicken House is a beautifully secluded hideaway when you need to recharge away from the crowds. It's basic camping - just a portaloo hidden in the trees and no showers - but there's a phone charging station in the woodshed and a mini fridge. Set on a peaceful hillside, it's a short walk away from the pretty village of Machen and, if you love parkrun, Coed Cefn-pwll-du, which is said to be the toughest in Wales and serves a fabulous selection of post-run toast and cakes! Matt couldn't do enough to help before and on arrival, and I'm so glad to be in the know about this lovely site. Thank you Matt, and see you again soon!
Disliked Nothing!
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Rebecca,
Such a lovely, well written comment. Thanks so much and look forward to seeing you again soon. Thanks again, best wishes, Matt - CH
The facilities are as described, Matt was really helpful.
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Great pitch, great views, no fuss and simple . Matt was really helpful with good advice for link back to Cambrian way. As always pitch up booking nice and straight forward.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Perfect spot!
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Matt was super nice and hospitable and just wanted to make sure we had a great stay. We were given the option of where we wanted to pitch and our location felt like we were on our own in the woods which was amazing and peaceful.
Disliked Very basic campsite however sometimes that’s all you need when camping!
Recommend to friends Visit again
Gastheerschap Matt! Fantastische plek! Mooi, rustig, natuur!…
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Gastheerschap Matt!
Fantastische plek!
Mooi, rustig, natuur!
Disliked Eigenlijk is een simpel kraantje voor water prettig.
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Thank you very much both! Lovely to meet you! Good suggestion although the regulations and cost prevent a tap. Welcome back anytime! Matt - CH
Super quiet, lovely owner. Basic amenities…
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Super quiet, lovely owner. Basic amenities but everything worked well and it was great for a short stay!
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Thanks very much Tia, both. Much appreciated, stay anytime you're down this way.
My best, Matt - CH
Hospitality from host was exceptional. Very…
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Hospitality from host was exceptional. Very much enjoyed our time away from home and shall definitely come back. The grounds were well maintained, surroundings are beautiful. Thanks again from Paul & Philip
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Thanks very much for the kind comments. Glad you both had a great time. Nice to meet you and welcome back anytime, my best, Matt - CH
Matt is a legend, would strongly recommend to anyone
Non-electric grass and earth tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Matt is incredibly attentive, approachable, and friendly. The best campsite experience I’ve ever had - start to finish, Matt was on hand to address any queries, suggest local attractions, or just have a chin wag.
The best host you could ask for, in a beautiful location - plenty of mobile signal and WiFi too!
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Massive thanks for this G&S. I am over the moon. Hope to see you both again soon. All of my very best wishes, Matt - CH
Features
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Portable toilet
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Pop-up campsite
Dogs allowed
Adults only
Leisure on site
Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis WatersportsAmenities on site
Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Adults only Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearCamping 2.0
Jumbo tent pitchesThemes
Forest Lake and/or mountain Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wildlife havenUtilities
Charging facilities Chemical disposal Communal fridge Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available No drinkable water point No hot water No running water Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearbyType
Pop-up campsite Small (11-25 pitches)Accessibility
Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mudNearby leisure
Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearbyLocation
The Chicken House
Ysgubor Fach Stables
Ysgubor Fach Lane
Machen
Caerphilly
Glamorgan
Wales
CF83 8QE
Directions Timezone
Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)
GPS
51.59841°N
3.14519°W
Route directions
Nearest transport
Coach
Rail
Ferry
AirportPlease note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Local attractions
Water quality at nearby bathing waters
| Name | Distance | Type | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson'S Bay Barry Island | 15.2 mi | Sea | N/A | Good | N/A | Good |
| Whitmore Bay Barry Island | 15.5 mi | Sea | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Cold Knap Barry | 15.8 mi | Sea | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Clevedon Beach | 16.4 mi | Estuary | N/A | Good | Good | Good |
| Weston-Super-Mare Sand Bay | 17.9 mi | Estuary | N/A | N/A | Good | Good |
Data source: European Environment Agency
Must see
Caerphilly Castle 3.6 mi
Castell Coch 6.2 mi
National Museum Cardiff 7.9 mi
Cardiff Castle 8.2 mi
Caerleon Roman Fortress & Baths 8.2 mi
National Trust
Clevedon Court 17.4 mi
Tyntesfield 21.3 mi
Blaise Hamlet 22.7 mi
Westbury College Gatehouse 23.8 mi
The Kymin 24.4 mi
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
Machen - Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Footpath - Machen 0.3 mi
Draethen - Ruperra Castle 1.5 mi
Rhyd-y-gwern Woods 1.8 mi
Cardiff Ridgeways 2.4 mi
Cwmcarn Visitor Centre - Mynydd Maen - Nant Gwyddon - Cwmcarn 2.9 mi
Local events
- Green Man Festival (Thursday, 20 August 2026 – Thursday, 20 August 2026)
Crickhowell, Powys 18.6 mi
- Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (Friday, 7 August 2026 – Friday, 7 August 2026)
Bristol, Greater Bristol 23.1 mi
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Want to know more about camping in Glamorgan?
Frequently asked questions
- Does The Chicken House have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is The Chicken House dog friendly? Yes View all features
- What attractions are near The Chicken House? Local attractions and activities include: - Fourteen Locks Canal Centre: 15 minutes’ drive - Caerphilly shops: 15 minutes - Walnut Tree Farm Park: 20 minutes - National Museum Cardiff: half an hour … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of The Chicken House?
Read moreCamping and touring Arrive: Anytime – 7 p.m. Depart by: 12 p.m. - How much does it cost to stay at The Chicken House? From £25 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.