Campsite with pre-erected tents/yurt etc next to normal pitch..?

[Beckadillo]

We want to go camping this summer with friends visiting from abroad. They'll have no gear, but we will. So we're looking for a site with pre-erected, all-gear-provided tents alongside pitches for Normals. Anyone know of any good ones?

Campfires essential, bonus points for woods and proximity to Brighton (though Wowo's all booked up...).

Thank you, wise women of the Camping board!

[SummerSazz]

We went to 3 cliff bay and were next to a pre pitched yurt and they also have shepherds huts. But is on the Gower on Wales.

Or Painswick Glamping www.painswickglamping.co.uk/ in the cotswolds (2.5 hrs from brighton) have pods

[Beckadillo]

Ace, thanks SummerSazz. Painswick looks lovely, though should have said we're both families of 5, sadly won't fit into the pods (shall bookmark for later though).
Was this the 3 Cliffs Bay one? Can't find yurts mentioned, but perhaps it was another site? That's reminded me how gorgeous The Gower is though, has to be worth some extra driving...

[Milliways]

Longhorns Farm in Dorset has shepherd huts and Tipi hire. Literally next door to Monkey world, alpacas on site, a small wood with path through, stream etc, absolutely great for families. Sorry not close to Brighton though!

[SummerSazz]

That's interesting Beckadillo as we were camped right next to one and it definitely looked like it was pitched there by the owners with people just renting/visiting - could have been just a trial which they have stopped - worth a call maybe although as you cant book specific pitches it might be tricky. Def the right campsite though.

[SummerSazz]

That's interesting Beckadillo as we were camped right next to one and it definitely looked like it was pitched there by the owners with people just renting/visiting - could have been just a trial which they have stopped - worth a call maybe although as you cant book specific pitches it might be tricky. Def the right campsite though.

[SummerSazz]

Oops, sorry!

[CatherineDeB]

This place is blissful. Very basic, composting toilets which don't smell and are the best ones I have ever used, solar shower, campfires, lots of room, stream, wood etc

www.wardleyhillcampsite.com/about-us

This one ranks in my top five UK sites as well, similar ethos, lovely shower rooms though.

www.hay-on-wye-camping.co.uk

[PrizeyPrize]

www.palacefarm.com/contact.html

Also have a look at cool camping.com, and wigwam holidays come. Consider and search the wooden eco pods rather than yurts, these are popping up more and more on regular campsites and there might me more availability.

[PrizeyPrize]

Sorry just saw that pods are not an option!

[Beckadillo]

MONKEYWORLD? Ok, so that's now campfires, woods and monkeys on my essentials list....
Thank you all so much for your suggestions, those places look idyllic CatherineDeB, if it weren't for the darn school run I'd be booking multiple trips right now.
PrizeyPrize that Kent one definitely going on my list - we stayed at another one very near there that I really liked too, here.
Hope pods get bigger one day, they look great, though suppose there's only so large they can get without becoming big sheds (however am sure my boys would love the idea of sleeping in a shed!).
Right, really must concentrate on finding 4 pairs of shoes...

[PrizeyPrize]

Ah good beck I've stayed in the tipis at Palace Farm. Easily close enough to interact with the tenters. Good luck.

[bombayflambe]

www.orchardcampsite.co.uk/
not very close to Brighton, but not so far away...

[Beckadillo]

Thanks bombayflambe that looks interesting - quite like the idea of our friends having a safari tent with the works, then we can borrow some of their opulent facilities when 'real' camping gets tiresome. Ah, so many brilliant places to try, we really must get our beautiful hunk of canvas out more often!

[Beckadillo]

Oh and not being close to Brighton is no big deal - it's just that's where our friends are based for the summer, so the scottish highlands wouldn't make sense, but generally south-ish is fine...

[Fuckoffdailymailnobs]

Little halden in Kent

[CatherineDeB]

Been to Orchard Campsite - it was OK but busy and fairly noisy when we were there.

I think that they are affiliated with Brick Kiln Farm or maybe they just know them.

We used to go to Brick Kiln a fair bit as we had friends nearby. I am not sure if the owner was just kind or after the cash but it really did have too many campers for the size of the field/facilities.

[Beckadillo]

Thanks for that Catherine, I must admit that a peaceful spot is quite a priority, so have just exchanged emails with the Hay on Wye campsite, who have bell tent availability woo-hoo! Looks gorgeous. Love the idea of walks on the doorstep for grown-ups and older kids (we're taking 6, ranging from 3-10). Are there any woods bordering the site? Our boys do like woods to romp in...

[CatherineDeB]

There is an orchard on site and a massive field with an uncut meadow with the odd bench in it. You can walk to Hay on Wye across fields/woods on a marked path.

They sell eggs and other stuff (bread some days) all homemade.

We had the place to ourselves once

[CatherineDeB]

Some photos on my phone, the site, view and orchard!

They only allow 15 tents unless the festival is on.

[NettleTea]

www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsites/uk/england/south-east-england/east-sussex/1068-glottenham

we are putting 4 new units up just for the summer and would consider allowing another tent to be put up next to it

[Beckadillo]

Thanks NettleTea, and WOW your place looks totally amazing. These are such hard, but lovely decisions to make! Your gaff has the extra, considerable appeal of woods, which make my kids near-ecstatic. Shall pm you for details...

Sorry for slow reply btw, absurdly hectic last days of term and a 9th birthday have knocked me off my feet this week. CatherineDeB thank you for providing me with a new campsite wish-list, am now positively itching to get out again. (Did you once have a username beginning with an S btw? If so you've helped me before).

We decided on camping with our friends as a bit of a money-saving exercise, but not sure that will now be the case. Have just rememebered how much kit we borrowed last year, think this is the year to add all necessary accoutrements to our gorgeous pyramid tent, oh man I love camping gear... Squashy sims and adjustable grills I'm looking at you!

[NettleTea]

Thanks for coming to stay with us Beckadillo it was our first year running the site, and we hope to be doing more next year too