There is no shortage of campsites in the far east corner of Sussex but Bodiam Camping at The Hub seemed to have a certain charm. Maybe it was the mention of swimming/kayaking/paddle boarding on the river, the fact that there is a café bar on site or its close proximity to a lovely pub we have visited before The Castle Inn. Named, one would assume due to its location, directly opposite the enchanting Bodiam Castle.
We packed the kids, packed the car and drove just over an hour to spend the night under canvas.
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Pitch
Pitches are fairly big. There was enough room for our 7 meter tent and our truck without feeling like we where totally on top of our neighbours. Although I think this helped that the pitch next to us just had small two man tents. Pitches are all located around the edge of a large long grass field which also gives the feeling of space as its pretty far to the tent in front of you. On the one hand, it was quite nice, on the other its such a large space that it would be nice if some of it was used to encourage the kids to socialise and play with each other.
You are allowed BBQ’s. Campfires are allowed providing they are off the ground in a firepit. There are firepits on each pitch although the one on ours was full of water and wet half burned wood so we just used our own. Wood and kindling are available to buy onsite.
If camping isn’t your thing, they do have cabins available too and shepherds huts via the Original Hut Company.
Facilities Available at Bodiam Camping at The Hub
The shared facilities are basic. Portaloos are made slightly more attractive, hidden in shepherds huts but they do smell a tad funky I have to say. I wouldn’t really like to be pitched next to them! They have hot showers, also very ‘rustic’ and not much space to maneuver kids around in. The washing up area and water point was up at The Hub (more details to follow on that) which was a good 5 minute walk from our pitch and we were one of the nearer ones… If there where any closer then I am still non the wiser so it is not made very clear.
However, they do have The Hub which for me was a bit of a bonus. Its a shop/cafe/bar and they serve cocktails, which you know, kinda won me over. How often can you get a Pornstar Martini mixed for you at your campsite!? They sell good food, fresh bread, pastries, smoothies and delicious cakes. Before you arrive you are emailed with a link to an app. From the App you can pre-order pizza on Friday nights and Tacos on Saturdays. I would recommend that you do do this if you would like either as people that hadn’t pre-ordered had a long wait.
You can also pre-order breakfast hampers if you would prefer to cook your own and local beer and wine hampers on the app too.
To Do – Onsite
The Hub has a play area which was pretty popular for obvious reasons. They have two goats and some chickens to visit too.
There are 200 acres of land and orchards to explore and the River Rother flows through the campground. Fabulous for a spot of wild swimming. If that’s not your thing, they also have Epic Life located on site. They have Kayaks, Canoes and Paddle Boards you can hire.
Finish of your day with a massage at Orchid Belle Spa!
To Do – Off Site
You are pretty much in touching distance of the National Trusts Bodiam Castle on of Britans most picturesque monuments.
Bodiam Camping at The Hub is only 30 minutes drive to the beautiful Camber Sands for all you beach bums out there. It gets very busy and parking is limited so get there early on sunny day. The locals don’t appreciate you parking wherever you please for obvious reasons. Although this doesn’t stop some.
20 minutes drive will see you at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest – I am yet to visit, its been on my hit list for ages. It looks like it has everything for a fun day in the great outdoors. Play areas, a Gruffalo Trail, walking, running and cycling trails, plus Go Ape! Amazing!
In Conclusion
We had a lovely stay and although for a longer stretch I would want somewhere, ideally, with better facilities in terms of washing up, toilets and bathrooms, for a weekend it was absolutely fine. If you are happy with the back to basics camping vibe which I know some people live for this will be right up your street.
Bodiam Camping Facts
Prices start from £31 per pitch per night. We paid £72 for two nights, 2 adults and 2 kids with non electric hook up. Tabernacle (camping pods) are available sleeping up to 4 pax from £81 per night. Shepherds Huts are available sleeping up to 5 pax from £98 per night (min 3 nights).
Address: Bodiam Camping, Quarry Farm, Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5RA
Phone: 01580 830932
Email: info@original-huts.co.uk
Website: https://original-huts.co.uk/camping/
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