Looking for a fun, low-cost, outdoors, educational family break? It’s all about where you pitch your tent. Explore historical Sussex with a camping holiday near one of the amazing castles below and get your kids learning about history whilst enjoying quality family time spent in the great outdoors.
Arundel Castle and Camping
The village of Arundel is beautiful. Home of the Arundel Wetland Centre, it is a home for a great many birds and there are many places to feed the ducks, geese and swans. As well as the Wetland Centre itself which is a fantastic conservation haven and an excellent day out for all ages. The village also offers independent shops, antique stores and some lovely pubs which offer great food. Check out the Black Rabbit for beautiful views whilst you eat and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the River Arun.
Oh yes, and there’s the castle. As this castle has been restored it’s pretty magnificent. A long way from the ruins of other castles this old. Plenty of its original medieval architecture is still there to explore. However, as much of the castle was rebuilt in the late 1800s, you’ll also love the gothic style of Victorian England, especially in the main house. The inside is just as impressive with magnificent interiors and collection of paintings.
Since Arundel will keep you plenty busy, you’ll need a great place to pitch up your tent. Somewhere family-friendly for evenings around the campfire.
10 minutes drive from Arundel you’ll find Fox Woods, a families-only campsite in a woodland setting. Set in 35 acres of private woodland, there are many bridleways and footpaths to explore. Reviewers praise the generous pitch space, the safe campfire setups and the tire swing for the kids (and big kids).
Find out more about camping at Fox Woods
Find out more about visiting Arundel Castle
Bodiam Castle and Camping
Bodiam is a 14th-century quadrangular castle in the village of Robertsbridge in East Sussex. Owned by the National Trust, this moat surrounded castle offer many of the classic features one hopes to discover in a medieval ruin. Including the gatehouse, towers and courtyard.
Bodiam Castle is also home to many bats so look out for the bat walking events in the spring.
One of the things we love most about Bodiam Castle is its proximity to The Hub, a campsite and venue focused on sustainability. There are so many great things to say about The Hub. From their emphasis on local produce, support of their community and motto to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’. There are also many activities on offer including paddleboarding and yoga classes. There’s also some great food available on site, a covered area within the campsite and Bodiam Castle can be reached by walking through their orchards. Hard to beat, yes?
Find out more about camping at The Hub
Find out more about visiting Bodiam Castle
Herstmonceux Castle and Camping
People visit Hertmonceux as much for the gardens as the castle itself. A picturesque moated castle, Herstmonceux stands on 300 acres of woodland and formal gardens. The building itself is now a centre for international study but still offer great tours, exploring the rich history behind the building and its royal connections.
Part of what makes Hertmonceux so appealing for families is that it is next door to The Observatory Science Centre. If this interactive experience doesn’t spark your kid’s interest in science, nothing will. With a hands-on learning focus, physics has never been more engaging. Look for deals on tickets to visit both attractions on the same day but leave plenty of time as there’s a lot to do in both.
If you’re visiting Herstmonceux, you may want to stay 15 minutes drive away at Chestnut Meadow Camping and Caravan Park. The modern site has a large camping meadow and many facilities. There is plenty of room for large tents and bell tents and the kids will love the games room and outdoor play area. As for the adults, there’s a gym, farm shop, wifi and coffee shop.
Find out more about camping at Chestnut Meadow
Find out more about visiting Herstmonceux Castle
Lewes Castle and Camping
Lewes is a lovely old town, well worth a visit. The castle stands between the South Downs and the River Ouse. It is over 1000 years old and you are still able to climb to the top and enjoy the stunning views. Built just after the Norman invasion, Lewes castle is steeped in history. The on-site Museum of Sussex Archaeology also boasts a generous collection. Plus, there’s a lot there for kids including dressing up clothes, trails and other activities. Their mini-cinema is also a great child-friendly way to tell the story of the castle.
There are a few campsites near to Lewes Castle, but for families, Blackberry Wood in Ditchling is particularly unique. Just under 15 minutes drive from the castle, Blackberry Wood offers some amazing glamping options from a converted red bus to a helicopter! For us bell tent owners though, there’s also plenty of space to pitch up with a choice between the glades or the woodland. There’s also a kids play area, zip wire and a stream. The facilities have also been built to be in keeping with the woodland surrounds. A truly magical setting for families to enjoy the great outdoors.
Find out more about camping at Blackberry Wood
Find out more about visiting Lewes Castle
Make your castles and camping experience with the kids a lot more comfortable, with one of our high-quality bell tents, available to buy or to rent.
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