How much does it cost to stay at Stuarts Wood?

From $40.41 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.

Stuarts Wood

View prices & book Last booked 4 hours ago 10 4 reviews

Nearly wild site in an oak woodland on a working country farm
Five-minute drive to Stock and 10 minutes to Hanningfield’s bird hide
Campfires allowed; 35 minutes from Southend-on-Sea beaches

Flock to the forest for a secluded stay amid the towering oak trees at Stuarts Wood. This pretty much wild site is set on the 800-acre Apps Estate, a working arable farm, and is a top place for a wildlife-watching weekend away as it’s a 10-minute drive from the bird hide at Hanningfield Nature Reserve. The park is also peaceful – guests drop cars 200m away from the pitches, carrying their belongings to and fro in the provided wheelbarrows so vehicle noise doesn’t disturb the ambience. Continuing the laidback vibes, campfires are permitted on base and, when not building blazes, visitors can wander around the woodland trails or on the historical Pilgrims Way route in the surrounding countryside. The coast is also close enough for a day trip – check out the beaches around Southend-on-Sea 35 minutes away. If you’d like to have food prepared by others, walk towards one of the pubs near the park – there are a few within a half an hour’s amble. Alternatively, fill a bag up with local produce at the farm shop in Stock (five minutes’ drive) and cook it alfresco at your pitch. As you’ve probably already realised, Stuarts Wood is a simple sort of site, so expect long-drop loos in the woods and not much else but a warm welcome and running water. The park operates a ‘love the farm, leave no trace policy’, so please take what you bring with you back home at the end of your stay.

Campground type

Open now

Please note

This park has no on-site shower facilities.

Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
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.
There is no reception building on-site: on arrival please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

The car park is located about 200m from the pitches. You will be provided with wheelbarrows to transfer your gear to your pitch.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Apr 18 to Mon, Sep 22 2025

Campsite types & availability

Berry Boutique bell tent

2 people maximum No dogs allowed 1 bedroom

Dimensions: 5.0m width x 5.0m length (16.4ft width x 16.4ft length) Calculated area: 25.0m² (269.1ft²)

2 people maximum No dogs allowed 1 bedroom

Please bring your own towels and cooking equipment.

Dimensions

5.0m width x 5.0m length (16.4ft width x 16.4ft length) Calculated area: 25.0m² (269.1ft²)

1 room

Open space 1 x Double bed

No toilets in the unit: shared facilities available.

No showers on site.

Features

Bed linen 1 included, 1 max.
Car 1 included, 1 max.
Duvets and pillows 1 included, 1 max.

Barbecue grill
Beds made up
Fire ring
Firewood provided
Lanterns/fairy lights
Outdoor furniture
Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mud

Other restrictions

No dogs allowed
Car parking by site not allowed

Arrival days

From £200 (£200) 2 nights, 2 adults

View prices & book

Other campsite types

Primitive forest floor tent campsite

6 people maximum No dogs allowed

Ground type: Forest floor

Site size: Min 3.0m width x 3.0m depth (9.8ft width x 9.8ft depth) Calculated area: 9.0m² (96.9ft²)

6 people maximum No dogs allowed

Multiple Tent allowed per site

Site size

Min 3.0m width x 3.0m depth (9.8ft width x 9.8ft depth) Calculated area: 9.0m² (96.9ft²)

Ground type

Forest floor

0 rooms

Suitable for

Tent, (Trailer tent not allowed)

Features

Bring a gazebo 1 included, 1 max.
Car 2 included, 2 max.

Fire ring

Other restrictions

No dogs allowed
Awnings not allowed
Pup tents not allowed
Car parking by site not allowed

Arrival days

From £30 (£30) 1 night, 2 adults

View prices & book

Reviews

would recommend this campground to a friend

would stay here again

100%
10
0%
9
0%
8
0%
7
0%
6
0%
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1

Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

Campsite separated by some brush and trees

Friendly and welcoming woodland camping site. We'll come back for sure

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Branislav D. May 2025

Primitive forest floor tent campsite

Liked: The place is in an excellent location in their own private copse. We had a very peaceful stay, with enough distance between all the sites that it feels private. The place is family friendly and allows fires, our two main requirements for camping. Bryony, the manager on duty, was very friendly, welcoming and helpful. I really liked the "poo-with-a-view" compositing toilet which was always clean! The dishwashing liquid, hand soap and sponges that were available at the sink were a nice touch. Nice bridleways for walks and very close to the Essex Wildlife Trust for a day out.

Disliked: No showers, however seeing as this is a wild camping experience, being dirty is part of the fun! Also, provisions for showers would likely require loud generators like at other campsites and for a weekend away, showering is not necessary. There were buckets available which can be used to wash up if needed.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent campsite with a lovely host!

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Luke H. May 2025

Primitive forest floor tent campsite

Liked: We loved everything!

From the moment we arrived we felt at home. Bryony is so so lovely and helpful, an absolute star!

The campsite is one of the nicer ones we've been to. A beautiful woodland with a super cute communal area/campfire, so you have an opportunity to meet other people and tell stories if you wish! This is optional of course, and the pitch sites are tucked away with plenty of space.

Clean compost toilets, well looked after.

When you arrive you'll see a cute little menu - choose from things such as firewood, sweets, and magical fire dust - all reasonably priced. (I believe it is cash only!)

I see there is a rating bar for "WiFi" - AFAIK there isn't any, but you shouldn't really need that anyhow. 4g signal is perfectly fine for when you might need it - so I have left the rating at max to avoid interfering with the review score unnecessarily.

We had everything we needed and can't wait to visit again!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Friendly staff, Nearly Wild Camping, Communal Fire pit, Peaceful

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	8
Cleanliness	8
Wifi	No rating

Bryce G. Apr 2025

Primitive forest floor tent campsite

Liked: Absolutely amazing little get away just outside the city. All of the pitches are separate allowing you some privacy. The tranquility and peace of these woods is the best I've experienced while camping in the UK. Will definitely be going again. Wood for sale aswell which is a bonus.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A beautiful place to stay

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Anonymous Apr 2025

Primitive forest floor tent campsite

Liked: I had a lovely couple of nights staying at Stuarts Wood site. A small but beautiful woods in a beautiful location, with friendly people. I liked everything about this place. Even the toilet facilities, a poo with a view.

Surrounded by wildlife. Falling asleep at night to the sounds of Tawny Owls, then waking to an orchestra of bird song. Very close to wild camping.
I've put 5 stars for wifi, there isn't wifi but who really wants it when you go away to a place like this? There's adequate phone signal if you need it.

Disliked: What did I dislike? Only that i didn't book to stay longer.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

No dogs allowed

Pop-up campground

Campfires allowed

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 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 Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed No dogs allowed No pets allowed

Themes

Forest Peaceful Remote location Wild camping

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) No hot water Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Pop-up campground Tiny (1-10 sites)

Nearby leisure

Fishing nearby

Location

Stuarts Wood

Great Preston Lane

Stock

Essex

England

CM4 9RN

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

51.65913°N
0.4762°W

Route directions

What3words: prance.summit.player.

Nearest transport

Bus

1.4 mi War Memorial

3.3 mi The Chequers

Rail

3.2 mi Billericay Rail Station

3.6 mi Wickford Rail Station

4 mi Ingatestone Rail Station

Ferry

13.9 mi Wallasea Island Ferry Landing

14.9 mi Burnham on Crouch Ferry Landing

15.2 mi Tilbury Ferry Terminal

Airport

11.6 mi London Southend Airport

18.5 mi London Stansted Airport

21.3 mi London City 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

Check out Chelmsford (15 minutes’ drive) from this park – the city’s a historical haven with hotspots including the 18th-century Hylands House’s multiple acres of parkland and the medieval Chelmsford Cathedral. The Essex Regiment Museum, showcasing military bits and bobs including weapons, uniform and medals, is also nearby (15 minutes) to excite folk who find poking around in the past the most satisfying way to spend some time. A little out of the city is the RHS Garden Hyde Hall (20 minutes), just the place for glimpsing views from the hilltop setting or to rove around the rose-filled green areas. For a wilder landscape, head to Hanningfield Nature Reserve (10 minutes), an 870-acre reservoir edging old woodland that’s covered in bluebells during springtime. And for a change of scenery? Set off for the busy beachside resort of Southend-on-Sea for bucket and spade sessions or hours at the machines in the amusement arcades.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name	Distance	Type	2020	2019	2018	2017
Leigh Bell Wharf	11.2 mi	Estuary	Good	N/A	Poor	N/A
Southend Chalkwell	11.9 mi	Estuary	N/A	Good	N/A	Good
Southend Westcliff Bay	12.4 mi	Estuary	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Southend Three Shells	13.4 mi	Estuary	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Southend Jubilee	14 mi	Estuary	N/A	Good	Good	Good

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

RHS Garden Hyde Hall 4.2 mi

Dickens World 18 mi

The Historic Dockyard Chatham 18.5 mi

Rochester Castle 18.6 mi

Rochester Cathedral 18.7 mi

National Trust

Rainham Hall 15.7 mi

Coggeshall Grange Barn 16.8 mi

Paycocke's 17 mi

Eastbury Manor House 18.3 mi

Owletts 18.8 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

HYLANDS PARK 4 mi

DANBURY PARK 5.2 mi

RIFFHAMS 5.9 mi

Danbury - Great Graces - Little Baddow Hall - Danbury 5.9 mi

South Woodham Ferrers Circular Walk 6.2 mi

Local events

All Points East (Friday, August 22, 2025 – Friday, August 22, 2025)
London, England 23.9 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.

Policies

Booking terms and conditions

Changes to your holiday

Changes cannot be made once you have booked.

Admission

Admission is only permitted after registering at reception.
At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Arrivals and departures

No refunds/discounts for inclement weather, late arrivals or early departures.
Please pick any available site on arrival.

Extras

Motorcycle(s) can be brought instead of the car(s) included.

General

In the event of a complaint, please speak to reception immediately. Complaints which are not brought to the management's attention during your stay cannot be dealt with once you have left the site.
Quiet hours must be respected between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m..
The management reserves the right to deny access or terminate the stay of those guests whose behavior is deemed unsuitable. No refunds will be offered.
This park has no on-site shower facilities.

Hired accommodation

No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
Your unit must be left clean and tidy; a fine of £50.00 ($67.78) will be charged for unclean units upon departure.

Occupancy

No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.

Reception

There is no reception building on-site: on arrival please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

Safety

Barbecues are permitted but must be raised off the ground and attended by an adult at all times.
Firearms are not permitted.
Guests are advised to bring a good quality flashlight with them as parts of the park are unlit.

Vehicles

No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.

Visitors

Visitors are not permitted on site.

Additional terms

The car park is located about 200m from the pitches. You will be provided with wheelbarrows to transfer your gear to your pitch.

Payment terms

Offers

Conditions apply - see campsite type section for details

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Frequently asked questions

Does Stuarts Wood have a swimming pool? No View all features
Is Stuarts Wood dog friendly? No View all features
What attractions are near Stuarts Wood? Check out Chelmsford (15 minutes’ drive) from this park – the city’s a historical haven with hotspots including the 18th-century Hylands House’s multiple acres of parkland and the medieval Chelmsford Cathedral. The … Read more