Tomkins Farm

View prices & book 9.3 70 reviews
Plenty of space
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.

Campground type

Tent sites 44
RV sites 44
Rent a tent 5
Open now
Opens April 18
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • The park caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • This is a quiet park: 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 flashlight with them as parts of the park 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 garbage cans onsite: all garbage will need to be taken home with you.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Apr 18 to

Reviews

  • 77%
    10
  • 0%
    9
  • 12%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 5%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 4%
    4
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    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

91% would recommend this campground to a friend

89% would stay here again

What customers say

This well-organized, back-to-basics campground has spacious sites and a beautiful, tranquil setting with stunning countryside views and farm animals. Guests loved the friendly staff, clean facilities with warm showers, and convenient fire pits/wood delivery. Breakfast and pizza were a hit. Some found it family-friendly but busy, with noise rules. Basic facilities and trash disposal were minor drawbacks for some.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 7
Arrival date (latest first)

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.

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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.

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

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

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great field with large pitches. Pizza night on Saturday was awesome.…

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
2
Anonymous

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Great field with large pitches. Pizza night on Saturday was awesome.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Wonderful Experience would certainly return.

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
4
Anonymous

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The campsite was wonderful. I enjoyed the open space - which made sound silly when camping in a field, but it felt quite secluded, very spacious and not on top of other campers. We were given the choice of where we wanted to pitch up, more in the open field or nearer to the trees. We were provided with a fire pit and bbq grill and bought wood & kindle for a small fee when the owner came around on his quad with his little dog! The forest was accessible and we happened to be next to a secure forest tree swing for the children to play on, and even my 70yr old grandad enjoyed having a turn. The campsite was quiet, meaning we could really enjoy nature and it didn’t feel crowded and noisy. There were shower and toilet facilities, that always had toilet paper and a small mirror for me to do my make up in the morning. The llamas and alpaca were wonderful, it was beautiful to learn these creatures were here to live out the remainder of their days and were not used for meat, wool or milk. This meant you could enter the field via the gates and walk with the heard, this was a fantastic experience for all of the family and came at no additional costs. The owner was friendly and down to earth and my grandad enjoyed conversing with him on multiple occasions. On the weekends they even offer a tent service for drinks from the fridge, including wines, ales, etc which you may scan the QR code nearest your tent and get drinks delivered directly to you. I believe there were also some food options of pizza on Saturdays but as our stay commenced on a Sunday we didn’t take part in this so couldn’t comment. Overall a fantastic stay and we certainly will be returning.

Disliked I wouldn’t say these two things were dislikes for myself personally but two important things to note.
All music is banned due to licensing. This may be a dream come true for some, but for others who want to have some background noise, it’s worth noting this may not be the place for you.
Secondly, all rubbish must be taken home with you. This is another thing that isn’t really a dislike but is something to consider for longer stays or larger families.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent sites

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful Remote location

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites)

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

Bus
4.6 mi Bus Station
5.9 mi School Lane
5.9 mi School Lane
Rail
3 mi Plumpton Rail Station
3.7 mi Cooksbridge Rail Station
4.6 mi Uckfield Rail Station
Ferry
11.9 mi Newhaven Harbour Ferry Terminal
Airport
15 mi Shoreham Brighton City Airport
15.3 mi London Gatwick Airport South Terminal
15.3 mi 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 11 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentGood
Saltdean 11 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Brighton Central 11.2 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Hove 11.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Southwick 13.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Sheffield Park Garden 3 mi

Bluebell Railway 3.1 mi

Wakehurst Place 8.4 mi

Preston Manor 10.1 mi

Standen 10.1 mi

National Trust

Sheffield Park Garden 3 mi

Wakehurst Place 8.3 mi

Monk's House 8.3 mi

Standen 10 mi

Nymans 10.5 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

NEWICK PARK 1.5 mi

SHEFFIELD PARK 2.9 mi

North to South over the South Downs 3 mi

Anchor Inn - Barcombe Mills - Anchor Inn 3.4 mi

PLUMPTON PLACE 4.4 mi

Local events

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

    Arundel, England 24.9 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.

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

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?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-park 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 $45.68 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.