As serial campers we are constantly looking for the next new Perfect Pitch. We came across Kitts Cottage, a recently opened camp site. Located in a forest clearing deep in the Sussex Countryside, with basic facilities, plenty of space to feel as if you are escaping the hordes and allowing campfires Kitts Cottage holds true to what camping is really about.

The camping ground is set in and around  a natural glade - a forest clearing if you like, although in this case the open area that surrounds the site runs to nearly 20 acres. Pitches are set both in the glade itself and along the outside of its circular edge. It is a tranquil and totally natural area, which really is very beautiful. It’s quite high relative to the surrounding countryside, so the views can be spectacular. However, at the same time, the lie of the land and woods to the west means that the site is very sheltered, even on the windiest of days.

Review:

This campsite is difficult to find! The website instructs you to follow their directions clearly as the Sat Nav instructions are incorrect but unfortunately the directions on the website are also incorrect. We arrived late on a Friday evening due to traffic on the M25 and spent extra time trying to locate the campsite, it was not easy to contact the campsite owners either as there is little mobile signal in that area. Eventually we asked in the Sloop Pub, a great place for lunch and really friendly helpful staff, and they advised us that we had not gone far enough up the road. So if you choose to visit this campsite ignore the directions saying that if you have reached the Sloop Pub you have gone too far, keep driving up the hill and at the top on the left is Freshfield Farm B&B, just before this on the left is a small sign for Kitts. Turn in and drive through the B&B grounds, keep going through past their allotment, past the wood storage area, keep going through the open field at the back following the path, drive through the second field, until you reach a third field this is Kitts Camp. I am glad that this campsite is hard to find as it adds to the feeling of seclusion, you really are in the middle of nowhere, and hopefully this will stop most people from visiting it as this is one I would love to keep to myself.

There is no campsite office so make sure you take the owners mobile number with you to arrange when you will be arriving so that they can be there when you arrive to show you around. We arrived late at night, but the owners had placed a pile of wood next to our marked out fire area. We had pre-ordered the wood due to our late arrival and were pleased with the amount you get for your money, £5, and the fact that this included kindling. The owners of Kitts Camp believe that the campfire is the centre of the whole camping experience and this is something that is mirrored in their other campsites and others that they are planning to open soon. We were certainly grateful of the campfire as we arrived, lighting the fire before we set up our tent to give us light and warmth. You advised not to collect kindling (fallen branches) from the neighbouring woods as these do not belong to the campsite.

 

We set up camp and got the fire started, settling in for a cold autumn evening under one of the clear starry sky. As we were setting up, James, one of the campsite owners turned up to make sure we had arrived safely and had all we needed. It was nice to know that they were looking out for us and left us to settle in. The top tip for this campsite is to take a head torch and be careful if you arrive in the dark when you try to find the toilets for the first time. At the entrance to the campsite there is a small wooded area, you can camp in this area but we were pitched on the edge of the woodland facing the main field. In this wooded area is a small clearing, but there are a few boggy patches and a pond. This is where the basic facilities are located. There is a small collection of portaloo toilets, a cold tap and sink for washing up, and a cold outdoor shower. In my eyes this is all that you need for a short stay but if you are planning to stay for longer than a 3 night stay, you may want to think about how you will be able to get hot water. If you are looking for a basic campsite where you feel secluded and instantly welcome this campsite is not to be missed.

 

The sort of people that stay at Kitts Camp are all like minded back to basic campers looking for their next hidden pitch before the masses catch up with them. Even if the site is full, there is still more than enough space to make you feel like you are not closed in and have your own piece of field. Whilst we stayed there, there was a party for a fellow campers 40^th birthday, congratulations again Nick! Even though this was a large gathering this did not invade in our stay, if anything it added to the charm of the site being able to share in their experience, watching them launch Sky Lanterns and Sock Wrestle. There is no one to tell you to stop your music or stop talking to loudly but the sort of people that visit this campsite are respectful of their fellow campers and this ensures that everyone has a pleasant stay. However if you were unlucky and a group of noisy campers arrived, playing their car stereo’s, the lack of supervision at this site might make this an issue.

 

We were lucky enough to catch the last of our Indian summer the weekend that we visited, and spent most of our time there just indulging in the beauty of the location. Practicing Poi, reading, sunbathing, walking in the woods following the footpaths linking around the area, and finally getting up some energy to explore the local area. Although Kitts Cottage is quite remote there is no shortage of things to do in the local area. You can hear the sounds of The Blue Bell railway from the camp; this is only a short walk away and makes for a great day out. Sheffield Park House and Gardens are a beautiful and tranquil place to visit, and has some of the most placid rabbits in their gardens. There is also a great little vineyard & brewery shop within the grounds. Why not treat yourself to some local wine or beer to take back to the campsite for the evening.  The Sloop Pub is a 7 minute walk away and serves great Real Ales and a classic Pub menu. If you want to venture further afield Lewes is great for a day out, and Eastbourne and Brighton really are not that far away.

 

If you are looking to buy local produce for your BBQ or want to try some locally grown fruit and veg then there are plenty of farm shops near by. Plaw Hatch Farm isn’t too far away, and Tablehurst farm, but for a real taste of local produce and a cream tea take a visit to Heaven Farm in Furners Green. There’s also a craft shop and camping facilities there if you fancy a change of scene but they do not allow campfires. The camping field itself though is a pretty little site off the main caravan field, but you can hear noise from the nearby road. Heaven Farm is a favourite place for the open top bus from Brighton to pull in for a cream tea break and is popular with many.

 

Kitts Cottage is a great little campsite with the most basic of facilities but this creates a perfect escape from everyday life. If you are looking for somewhere to let the kids explore, and to kick back yourselves this is a perfect campsite for a short break. Just make sure you treat it with respect and leave no trace.