Looking for a campsite in or by a great forest, in Britain

[antimatter]

I have been very busy this year and am dreaming of a remote campsite, near or by a lovely forest, quiet and ideally so that we can have campfire (thin isn't a must).

Can anyone suggest place like that? We are planning to camp end of August/early September. Is that too late for Scotland?

We live in London but I am prepared to drive far away if I can be close to nature.

[Blu]

Look at Lordswood in E Sussex or Kent. It is one of the Camping Unplugged sites.

I went last year and just sat every evening looking at the huge trees. Some lovely forest walks, and the site was very sparsely camped (most of it is unsuitable because of a slope)

[thisgirlrides]

We've been to one very close to the bluebell railway in west Sussex (sorry can't remember the name something manor I think!) and it was fantastic - kids roamed freely in the woods, playing in the shallow stream and on rope swings whilst we sat drank wine around the campfire and one afternoon went on a long woodland walk to a local pub.

[antimatter]

Thanks! Those are very close to us so I may try them for weekends.

[converseandjeans]

Hollands Wood in the New Forest or Forest of Dean

[HirplesWithHaggis]

www.gallowayforestpark.com/camping-c32.html

Google "Galloway dark skies" for more.

End of August, early Sept the weather can be variable - you might get bright sunny days, you might get pouring rain, or a mixture, or just a bone-soaking drizzle - but it's unlikely to be bitterly cold or blowing a gale. Do bring wellies and waterproofs, though. :)

[antimatter]

Yes Hirples! I read about that area before but forgot the name.
My BF is a bit reluctant due to possible rain but I would love to see dark skies.
We are so light polluted here in the South I forgot how bright stars in the sky can be.

I will certainly push for Scotland unless id pouring with rain!

[HirplesWithHaggis]

www.gallowayforestpark.com/bothies-c29.html

If the rain gets too bad, you can always head for a bothy!

You will really notice the difference in the skies at night (even if it's cloudy). It's really quite mindblowing to get away from all the light (and air) pollution. Very restorative.

[antimatter]

I read somewhere that within a week away from artificial lights our bodies return to their natural rhythm. I experienced it only once many years ago. I felt amazing!

I used huts similar to bothies many moons ago abroad when backpacking as a student. they are really good!

[antimatter]

Thanks Maki - both are definitely worth visiting as weekend trips from London!

[reynoldsnumber]

Have you been to this one in Epping forest?

www.debdenhouse.com

We discovered it recently and you do really have a sense of being in the countryside even though London is close by. The fire pitches back right on to the forest.

[Quodlibet]

Hollands wood is lovely.

[HarrietSchulenberg]

I'm with Hirples. Galloway Forest Park is utterly beautiful.

[JammieDodgem]

The Forest of Dean - go down to symonds yat in the evening and sit by the water and look at the night sky - fantastic!

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

Hollands wood is a great location but it's not quiet! I think it's one of the largest campsites in the UK.

[DragonboysMum]

Another vote for the Forest of Dean. We spend loads of time there.

[PosiePootlePerkins]

I am just place marking as some fab ideas on here

[wonkylampshade]

Galloway forest park is lovely.

The best place we've ever been was Ruberslaw Wild Camping in the Borders, so peaceful.

[GreenGoth89]

Berry hill near symonds yat in Forest of Dean is great

[antimatter]

Lots of great ideas!
I will be testing those near London at weekends.

I heard a lot about Forest of Dean so will check that out too!

[antimatter]

I found this website just now: www.campingintheforest.co.uk/

[poorbuthappy]

Hurst view. New Forrest.

[PoshPenny]

^ poor - hurst view campsite is practically in the Solent rather than in the new forest. I would add Setthorns campsite as another possibility but not sure that you are allowed an open fire in any of the camping in the forest campsites (it's an offshoot of the forestry commission). You also need to take your own loo. It really is in the middle of the woods and I personally think it's beautiful there.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

www.campingintheforest.co.uk/scotland/aviemore/glenmore-campsite

And loads to do in the area for families.

Scottish schools go back mid to late August and generally we get weather at last when they are back in school :( so you may be lucky...