Tomkins Farm

View prices & book 9.2 72 reviews
Plenty of space
Plenty of space
Luxury bell tents
Grassy pitches
Picnic tables may be available for group bookings
Ariel view of the campsite looking west
Ariel view of the campsite looking east
Relaxing in the sun
Sunset
1/126
Luxury bell tents
Grassy pitches
Picnic tables may be available for group bookings

  • Dog-friendly East Sussex farm site with alpacas, sheep and camels
  • A 15-minute drive from Barcombe Mills and half an hour from Brighton
  • Firepits provided; several pubs within walking distance; trails nearby
From wild swimming, hiking and mountain biking to touring castles and museums, Tomkins Farm is well situated for a pretty chirpy rural break in East Sussex. Your headquarters will be a farm site with grasslands (occupied by alpacas, sheep, Jeffrey and Batu the camels) and spacious pitches that are nicely set up for families, large groups or whoever else you’re bringing along, including dogs. There’s a lot of scope for blood-pumping activities from here, whether that’s following miles of footpaths, mountain biking down the South Downs Way (the national park is 10 minutes’ drive away) or swimming and paddleboarding at Barcombe Mills (15 minutes). You can also hire a rowing boat from the Anchor Inn pub (15 minutes) and go looking for herons and cormorants on the River Ouse. On site, relaxation comes in the form of fresh air, open spaces and regular starry skies, thanks to the low light pollution. Each pitch has its own firepit and space enough for on-pitch parking. Although basic, the facilities are functional, with full flushing toilets, hot showers and a washing-up area with hot water. Craving something to eat from a classic country pub? The closest pub is just 10 minutes’ walk away, with several others in Newick (40 minutes’ walk or a five-minute drive). As for local produce, you’ll be able to sniff that out at a farm shop five minutes’ drive away.

Site type

Tent pitches 44
Motorhome pitches 44
Rent a tent 5
Open now
Opens 18 April
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
  • There are no bins onsite: all rubbish will need to be taken home with you.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 18 Apr to

Reviews

9.2

Overall rating from 72 Pitchup.com customers

  • 75%
    10
  • 1%
    9
  • 13%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 5%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 4%
    4
  • 0%
    3
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    2
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 6
Peaceful

92% would recommend this site to a friend

89% would stay here again

What customers say

Lovely, well-kept site with plenty of space. Great views, animals, and friendly staff. Warm showers and handy fire pits. Breakfast and pizza a bonus. Can get busy, rules on noise. Basic facilities and rubbish disposal occasionally a bother.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 8
Arrival date (latest first)

Great campsite with everything you need.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked This campsite had everything we needed. We were a large group of 5 x families. Tasty pizzas on one night. Good facilities, never had to queue. We liked having a football pitch close by.
The resident camels were charming. Good location, easy walk to closest pub. Woodland play area for the kids.
Friendly farmer/host.

Disliked Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Peaceful location. Relaxed and engaged owner. The tables in the pitches is…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Ian A.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Peaceful location. Relaxed and engaged owner. The tables in the pitches is a great touch.

Disliked Would prefer fire pits to the washing machine drums. But it's still a cool idea.

Recommend to friends Visit again

It was the first time we had been in a non-electric campsite…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 2
Christel G.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked It was the first time we had been in a non-electric campsite that was so well organised. Breakfast, bar, pizzas delivered to your pitch! Fire pits in all pitches, and wood deliveries every day
Excellent toilets and showers, even though they are outside, the water was very warm.

Disliked There were so many kids! There are restrictions with music, and kids should be in their pitches at 20:00 and controlled. Obviously, that didn't happen. The first night, they were playing around until 22:30.
Second night, music from I have no idea where from was loud until late…. So next time I'll take my speaker… if I need to suffer other people's kids… they will not complain about my music

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful setting and friendly staff

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Friendly staff, gorgeous setting, great breakfast and coffees, spacious pitches.

Disliked Loos quite basic.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Top campsite

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Harry H.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Great campsite. Clean, quiet, nice walks nearby. South facing and managed to catch some gorgeous sunsets in the evening. Pizza served on Saturday nights

Recommend to friends Visit again

A beautiful, friendly place hidden between Lewes and Uckfield

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Antonio T.

Bell tent

Liked We loved staying at Tomkins Farm. The place is very quiet, child-friendly, and there are beautiful walks around. Bonus points for the animals (llamas, sheep, alpacas, and camels). There are nice facilities, clean toilets, and good showers. There is also delicious food at the shack if you don't want to cook your own.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Basic but wonderful

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 7
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Chris E.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Stayed there only as close to where I was taking motorcycle training and feeling love with the place. So much so I plan to return. Yes it is basic but excellent value an in a beautiful location no stunning location. Phil was very friendly and I wish him well

Disliked None really approach road is a farm road so a mclaren is out and I say basic so no hookup or powershowers etc and motor homes are out (I had a camper van) but that said it was all the better for that.

Thank you for a peaceful relaxing stay

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful place. Freindly helpful people. Perfect facilities.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
steve a.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Everything!
Especially the shower. It's rustic yes. But the water was warm, enough space to change and if you're lucking to be showering in the blazing early sun like I did the open roof gives an amazing experience.

I'd give 6 stars for value for Money if I could.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful scenery

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
ian n.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Beautiful campsite. Nearly 360 degree views. Wonderful for nature lovers and those who like nice scenery. I was lucky enough to see an owl at dusk. Nice and friendly owner.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Just loved peace and quiet and the countryside and seeing camels in…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
ROD F.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Just loved peace and quiet and the countryside and seeing camels in the Sussex countryside was a bonus.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Portable toilet

Dogs allowed

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 Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent pitches

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful Remote location

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Tomkins Farm

Cinder Hill

North Chailey

East Sussex

England

BN8 4HP

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.95755°N
0.00851°W

Route directions

The What3Words code for the entrance is lawfully.shorthand.alas

Nearest transport

Coach
7.3 km Bus Station
9.5 km School Lane
9.5 km School Lane
Rail
4.8 km Plumpton Rail Station
6 km Cooksbridge Rail Station
7.5 km Uckfield Rail Station
Ferry
19.1 km Newhaven Harbour Ferry Terminal
Airport
24.2 km Shoreham Brighton City Airport
24.6 km London Gatwick Airport South Terminal
24.7 km London Gatwick Airport

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.

Local attractions

Run by the National Trust, Sheffield Park and Garden (10 minutes’ drive) has a large landscaped area spreading around four lakes, plus swathes of parkland. The kids might want to spend some time exploring the woodland play trail, with den-building materials, wood carvings and, of course, a bunch of trees to climb. Speaking of the kids: if they’re into Winnie the Pooh, they might feel right in their element at Ashdown Forest (15 minutes), where children’s author A.A. Milne set his stories. They can go hunting for favourite places like Pooh Sticks Bridge and the Heffalump Trap, while the adults take in the glorious High Weald landscape. Whatever the weather, the seaside city of Brighton (half an hour) has plenty to keep you busy. On sunny days, you can unfurl a towel on the pebbly beach or check out the rides and arcades at Brighton Palace Pier. If you’d rather be indoors, you can visit the spectacular Royal Pavilion or the SEA LIFE Brighton aquarium.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Brighton Kemptown 17.6 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentGood
Saltdean 17.7 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Brighton Central 18 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Hove 18.6 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Southwick 21.4 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Sheffield Park Garden 4.8 km

Bluebell Railway 5.1 km

Wakehurst Place 13.5 km

Preston Manor 16.2 km

Standen 16.2 km

National Trust

Sheffield Park Garden 4.8 km

Wakehurst Place 13.3 km

Monk's House 13.4 km

Standen 16.2 km

Nymans 16.9 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

NEWICK PARK 2.4 km

SHEFFIELD PARK 4.7 km

North to South over the South Downs 4.9 km

Anchor Inn - Barcombe Mills - Anchor Inn 5.5 km

PLUMPTON PLACE 7.1 km

Local events

  • Arundel Festival (Saturday 16 August 2025 – Saturday 16 August 2025)

    Arundel, England 40 km

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.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in East Sussex?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Tomkins Farm have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Tomkins Farm dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Tomkins Farm? Run by the National Trust, Sheffield Park and Garden (10 minutes’ drive) has a large landscaped area spreading around four lakes, plus swathes of parkland. The kids might want to spend some … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Tomkins Farm?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Tomkins Farm? From €39.30 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.