Recommendations for campsite (campfires allowed) within 1 hr of North London

[hillbilly]

Due to Saturday afternoon commitments it's very difficult for us to go camping unless it's school holidays - however we have a small window of opportunity on the May Day weekend but it means going straight on from our Sat aft school so needs to be within easy reach of Finchley North London.

Any suggestions - campfire sites only thanks!

So far I have found Brimmers Farm and Town Farm. Has anyone been to either of these?

I've been to Town Farm and really liked it. Lovely setting with wonderful views - felt like I was really in the country. Shower block was fine and always clean, although see they have a new one this Easter. Kids liked the trampoline. Fires must be in fire pits but they hire them out. Lots of reviews on UK camping website which seem pretty accurate.

Also closer to London is Debden House in Epping Forest which is good if you want somewhere very close but I prefer Town Farm.

Could you get to Bouncers farm or The Old Vineyard in Essex in an hour? I haven't double checked whether they both allow fires. Bouncers Farm is listed under the CampsiteUK list of 'fires' sites.

Britchcombe farm Uffington Oxfordshire. Very laid back site, farmer comes round in the evening selling bags of firewood. Might be over an hour from London though.

Blu The Old Vineyard have closed their campsite. I liked the look of it but they've just posted on their FB page that they are closing it with regret.

Sparkle, thanks for that.
it was on my 'top choices to try next' list.

Town farm ok even on busy weekend last year..... good family friendly pubs in close village as well ... will try and update if i can remember it.....walk up the beacon great and doable even by younger kids

Really like Britchcombe as well, bit more basic feeling than town farm for some reason and quite uneven... but has amazing cream teas and nice pub in walking distance!
both good and have returned to both - would recommend taking windbreaks as both can get windy esp Britchcombe

I didn't really like Debden felt it was less open/country feeling and quite enclosed and scruffy, lots of litter and sort of scrap lying around- lots of v drunk groups ignoring their children kicking footballs against other peoples cars... we may have just been unlucky but wouldn't go back...

3rdnparty - how did the facilities cope on a busy weekend? Did you have to queue for the loos and showers?

oddly there were as many showers as toilets last year or so it seemed.....- which were clean and lots of hot water... still only qu'ed once for the loo, another block being built then and should be ready this year so wouldn't expect an issue .. there is also a pub in walking distance to add to its attractions!