The campsite is at the foot of the South Downs on the outskirts of Lewes and 7 miles from Brighton city centre. On a public footpath and a short walk from access onto the South Downs Way.

Review

On paper Spring Barn Farm looks like the perfect weekend retreat. A quiet campsite with basic facilities attached to a petting farm and close enough to the coast for relaxing days at the beach. However there are a few minor details that need ironing out before this site can fulfil its potential and become a Perfect Pitch.

Spring barn Farm is 7 miles from Brighton and walking distance to the local inn. If you fancy a campsite a short distance from London, and close to the seaside with all that you need within a short distance this is a perfect site. Lewes is a very short distance away, roughly a mile and this can be walked. When you arrive you are given a map with plenty of information on the surrounding area and a detailed map of Lewes. If you need any extra advice on the local area the staff at the Farm shop are more than happy to help and can give you plenty of suggestions for an active day out.

We arrived late at the campsite after work, the site being roughly only an hour from London down the A26. If you arrive later than 6 you need to give advance notice as there is no site office and the farm closes at 6. Our pitch was clearly marked and as we pulled up the stunning view of the surrounding South Downs bowled me over. The pitch is within a valley, the Downs surrounding the campsite, and made for a beautiful sunset as the sheep on the farm roamed the hillside.

Unfortunately our pitch was next to the only facilities of the campsite. The site has very basic facilities but this was one of the reasons that we chose to book this site, looking for a site that would be quieter, less populated and allowing us to get back to basics. The toilets are portaloo cabins, and there is a tap for washing up. Our pitch was right next to the portaloo’s and as there was no site office we could not contact them to discuss us moving pitch. This was not an issue until the next day when the site was full and the sound and smell did start to intrude in to our camping experience. I think this may have been more to do with groups spending more time at the tap due to the hot weather but if you are allocated this pitch it could potentially put a dampener on your experience. There are no showers here so a short stay would be adequate, unless you have a solar powered shower pack and a good supply of baby wipes. The pressure of the tap sometimes drops off making washing your hair under the tap a lengthy experience.

On average however the pitches are well placed, on the outer edge of the field with space at the centre for children to play. The pitch sizes are decent if you have a standard sized tent, but there were many groups and the site had allowed them to fill their pitches with sometimes three or four tents. This left no room for their cars and as the site was so busy it soon turned in to a car park on the second night. The first night however was a peaceful and contented experience.

You are allowed campfires here but you must use the firepits they provide. These can be rented from the farm shop. To avoid disappointment I’d suggest renting in advance. These cost £15 for the first night, and you receive a pack of wood, firelighters, and some kindling. This then costs £10 for any subsequent nights. The major downside of this is that you need to provide a £65 deposit for the firepit. This is returned when you return the firepit but this then becomes a costly experience. However, the site takes on a relaxed atmosphere as the campers light their fires and chat sat around the firepits. If you have the available funds to spend on the deposit you can also cook on the firepit as it comes with a grill. You are not allowed to collect wood from the surrounding area as this would break their terms and conditions of safety and if you do you will not get your deposit back.

The campsite is attached to a working farm that charges entrance to a petting farm. This is perfect for families and means that you really don’t need to leave the site for entertainment. There is a large play area within the farm, and from July onwards there is a maize maze for children and adults to enjoy. You can also purchase animal feed in the store to give to your kids and watch them enjoy the farm in all its glory.

If you are a Real Ale lover this camp site is perfect as it is so close to Lewes and the Harvey Brewery, take a tour and sample some of the local Ales. Just round the corner from the Brewery is their shop and the brewery tap, The Harvey Brewery Tavern, great for lunch and a pint. Otherwise if the café experience is more your thing, Bill’s Café is just next door. Bill’s café is a bustling café and food hall, with a delightful array of produce for your campfire cooking. Further along over the bridge on the high street is the Riverside Café and food market. There is a Butchers, a Deli, a Fishmongers, Florist and other useful stores. The Olives from the Deli are some of the best I have ever tried. Lewes is a beautiful place with many interesting shops (try Steamer Trading Compnay) a castle and some great pubs.

Spring Barn Farm Park is a good basic site with room for some improvements but has the potential to become a wonderful alternative campsite to some of the larger, well known and fully booked options available within Sussex.