Unique Road Trip Guide to The High Weald National Landscape
Read Time: About 16 minutes
Wadhurst. Andrew
Are you ready for an exciting adventure through a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? It’s time to hire a campervan, pack your bags, and embark on a road trip to the High Weald National Landscape. This historic area brims with things to see and do, and our guide is perfect for readers who want to craft a campervan road trip itinerary. We’ll include a list of our top High Weald National Landscape campsites, quick routes to get you out of the cities in no time, and a list of the best attractions in the High Weald National Landscape.
The High Weald National Landscape (formerly the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is a designated area in southeast England, encompassing parts of Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Surrey, all fantastic locations with excellent UK campsites and campervans for hire in the UK. If you like exploring National Landscapes and National Scenic Areas, check out our list of all the protected landscapes in the UK.
The High Weald National Landscape covers 560 square miles. It is one of the best-preserved mediaeval landscapes in Northern Europe, remaining relatively unchanged since the 14th century, with a distinctive pattern of small, irregular fields, ancient woodlands, and scattered farmsteads. Ancient Roman roads and drovers' paths still crisscross the landscape. There's plenty of natural beauty and biodiversity, best experienced while walking through some of the UK's largest concentrations of ancient woods. Explore the High Weald National Landscape's hidden gems with our campervan hire East Sussex services, bringing you closer to this ancient wilderness. Diverse habitats house numerous species of rare plants, animals, and birds. We'll explore heathlands, river valleys, and woodlands with rare orchids, dormice and nightingales. The High Weald also brims with excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, like walking, hiking, cycling and horse riding.
Park Farm Caravan and Camping is a friendly, spacious campsite ideally located on the Kent and East Sussex Border, just a half an hour’s drive from the golden sand beach of Camber Sands.
Explore charming villages and historic sites like castles, gardens and manor houses. Walkers can explore popular routes like the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Wealdway, both stunning routes perfect for soaking in scenery and historical richness. An exquisite blend of cultural heritage, biodiversity, natural beauty, and environmental significance make the High Weald National Landscape a beautiful base for escaping the modern world. Read on for the must-see attractions and activities to explore on your campervan journey through this stunning area.
- High Weald National Landscape Road Trip Itinerary
- Where to Camp at High Weald National Landscape
- How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape in a Campervan
- How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From London
- How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Cardiff
- How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Liverpool
- How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Glasgow
- How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Hull
- Your Campervan Guide to Visiting The High Weald National Landscape
- Is High Weald Worth Visiting?
- How Big is The High Weald AONB?
- High Weald Estate
- High Weald Seven Sisters
- What is The Highest Point of The High Weald?
- How Long is the High Weald Landscape Trail?
- And So We Must Conclude Our High Weald National Landscape Holiday
High Weald National Landscape Road Trip Itinerary
Bedgebury Pinetum. Mark
To fill you with ideas for your campervan road trip around the High Weald National Landscape, you will find that there are castles galore! From Scotney Castle, to Bodiam Castle, on to Sissinghurst Castle, then Groombridge Place, Wakehurst, Bedgebury Forest and finally Great Dixter House and Batemans.
Start at Scotney Castle in Kent, a stunning National Trust Site featuring the ruins of a mediaeval moated castle, enclosed by a gorgeous romantic garden and a 19th-century country house. The grounds are perfect for walks and picnics, with spectacular views of the surrounding estate. Explore this stunning property that blends history, romance and natural beauty. The old castle, with its ivy-covered walls and serene moat, creates a fairytale-like atmosphere. It makes for a delightful visit, especially paired with the meticulously designed gardens and the Victorian-era Scotney House, which offers a glimpse into life during the 19th century. The site provides on-parking, which is free for National Trust members and a small fee for non-members. Bodiam Castle in East Sussex is one of England's most iconic and picturesque mediaeval castles. The fortress, built in 1385, is surrounded by a tranquil moat, with stunning features like towers, battlements, and stone walls that offer a glimpse into the life of its mediaeval dwellers—constructed to defend against the French invasion during the Hundred Years' War. Cross the bridge over the vast moat, enter the castle's gatehouse, and climb the towers of sweeping views. After exploring this magnificent fortress, you can extend your stay at one of the many welcoming campsites in East Sussex to fully immerse yourself in the area's rich history. There is a large car park located near the entrance. Parking is free for National Trust members; non-members can pay a small fee.
Explore the site of one of the most famous battles in English history - Battle Abbey. The abbey rests on the site of the Battle of Hastings, fought in 1066. The abbey was founded by William the Conqueror as a penance for the bloodshed during the victory over King Harold. Take a walk around the atmospheric abbey ruins, visit the battlefield, and learn how the battle here shaped the history of England through interactive displays and engaging exhibitions.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is arguably one of the most famous and influential gardens in England. It features innovative design, intimate 'garden rooms', and beautiful wildflower meadows, creating a stunning space to enjoy nature. Take a walk along the moat and climb the 16th-century tower for panoramic views of the gardens and the surrounding Kent countryside.
For more enchanting gardens and romantic settings, head over to Groombridge Place in Kent, a beautiful 17th-century moated manor house tucked amid enhancing gardens, extensive woodlands, and beautifully designed formal gardens, including Drunken Garden and the Secret Garden. Stunning water features, colourful flower beds and various plant species create a relaxing atmosphere ideal for laidback strolls. Head to the estate's borders and hop in a boat for a tranquil ride around the water. Ample on-site parking is available and included in the price of admission. The car park is conveniently located near the entrance to the estate.
Are you keen to explore more manicured gardens and lush woodlands? Pop over to Wakehurst in West Sussex, a beautiful country estate managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wander through the formal gardens, observe wildlife in the woodlands, and see the world-leading Millennium Seed Bank, which stores seeds from endangered plant species around the globe. The diverse landscape holds exotic and rare botanical gardens, scenic woodland walks, and meandering streams with vibrant aquatic plants.
Enjoy a taste of untamed natural beauty at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, home to a collection of conifer trees. There are also excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, and family-friendly activities like Go Ape and play areas.
The family-run Bluecaps Farm Glamping is a picturesque, spacious site set on a peaceful working farm in High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Take a tour of the former homes of famed gardener Christopher Lloyd and Rudyard Kipling. Great Dixter House and Gardens features one of England's most renowned gardens, famed for innovative planting and bold colour schemes. Bateman's, the former home of Rudyard Kipling, comprises a Jacobean house enclosed by gardens and countryside. Explore the interiors that reflect Kipling's life while the estate offers scenic walking routes. There is a large car park on the premises.
Where to Camp at High Weald National Landscape
Now that you have more information about the area, it's time to consider where you'll rest your head during your campervan road trip in the High Weald National Landscape. There are many beautiful campsites in the High Weald National Landscape, and we recommend staying at Cairds Camping and Caravanning Site, Cedar Gables Camping, and Idle Hours Owlsbury Park. High Weald National Landscape is a quiet camping and glamping site in a calm hamlet in East Sussex. Cedar Gables Camping is a small, friendly site on the Kent-Sussex border, while Idle Hours Owlsbury Park is a wildlife haven with fishing on-site. We will go into these campsites in detail below.
Cairds Camping And Caravanning Site in Wadhurst
Cairds Camping And Caravanning Site, Wadhurst
Cairds Camping and Caravanning Site is a Caravan Club Certificated Site, and a glamping campsite is tucked in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the fringes of Stonegate, a lovely hamlet in East Sussex. Families, couples and friends can enjoy a quiet camping experience with far-reaching vistas over the verdant Sussex countryside. Facilities include electric meters, water taps, waste tank disposal, toilets and showers. Campers who want a little more luxury can kick back in the spacious pod, equipped with a double bed, sofa bed, fridge, and other amenities ideal for 2 - 4 campers.
Cedar Gables Camping in Wadhurst
Cedar Gables Camping, Wadhurst
Cedar Gables Camping is a small, tidy, family-run site on the Kent and Sussex border. It offers excellent facilities and is enclosed on three sides by trees. The site has a range of superb amenities, including a kid’s play area, barbecues, a separate shower and toilets for ladies and gents, a fridge with a freezer, and more amenities. Pitches on grass and gravel are ideal for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans. There are many things to explore, especially for families, with attractions like Go Ape and Bewl Water nearby. There is no dog walking area on the premises; however, there is a public footpath from the campsite that leads through fields and woodland.
Idle Hours Owlsbury Park in Crowborough
Idle Hours Owlsbury Park, Crowborough
Idle Hours Owlsbury Park is a lovely little campsite, perfect for campers who want to enjoy an adults-only camping experience. The site rests in a rural wildlife haven with stunning countryside views of the South Downs. Plenty of wildlife is visiting the region, including foxes, deer, and badgers. Glittering coarse fishing ponds brimming with carp, roach, tench and perch are ideal for angling enthusiasts of all levels, so feel free to bring your fishing gear. Pitches for tents and touring vehicles on gently sloping grass, and share access to amenities, like ladies' and gents' toilets, hot showers, hot water washing up area, and the freedom to enjoy barbecues on your plot. Fire baskets are provided, and campers can purchase logs plus kindling on-site.
How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape in a Campervan
With an itinerary in place and your campsites sorted, it's time to map out the best route to get you from the congested city to the serene settings of the High Weald, a stunning medieval rural landscape in the heart of South England. We've created two routes - one scenic and one quick - for our readers who can spend time taking a few detours and other travellers who prefer to get to the High Weald as soon as humanly possible. Follow our travel guide from London, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Hull to the High Weald National Landscape. Each city will include a list of campervan-hire locations in and around the area for easier planning. We want to make it easy for our readers to plan a trip, reserve a campervan and book a campsite all in one go. Find the best route for your High Weald National Landscape campervan road trip.
How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From London
Book a campervan hire London and make your way down to the High Weald National Landscape in around two hours via the M25, heading south on the A21. The road tends to be quite busy as you enter Tunbridge Wells. However, this is the quickest route, eventually leading to the open countryside and the rolling hills the High Weald is famed for. If you prefer to avoid the motorways, head south on serene country lanes and wander past lush sceneries and charming villages like Westerham and Edenbridge. Follow the A25, and find yourself in the heart of Kent. rumble through Ashdown Forest and beautiful ancient woodlands, until the beauty of High Weald confirms that the cities are well and truly in the distance. A short drive to the High Weald makes it a fine destination for weekend escapes, bank holidays, and longer school breaks. Our campervan hire locations in London include campervans for hire in Barnet.
Age: 23-75
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Frederick is a beautifully converted, super reliable, incredibly spacious, modern VW Crafter. This van boasts ceilings high enough for the longest humans at foot inches.
How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Cardiff
Little Park Farm. Boxley
Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, is a stunning city where castles meet modern culture, offering history, art and waterfront charm. If you need a break from the bustle, hire a campervan in Cardiff and go down to the High Weald National Landscape. The fastest route from the city to the countryside follows the M4 east, skirting London and heading onto the A21 south towards the Weald. The route covers 206 miles in 227 minutes and is the best route for our readers in a hurry. Alternatively, take a more relaxed, scenic drive from Cardiff, winding down country lanes eastwards through the stunning Brecon Beacons, driving past glittering rivers, hills and ancient woodland that lead into the High Weald National Landscape. Just over a 4-hour drive to the protected landscapes makes it a holiday best explored during a bank holiday. Our readers can also make a holiday of it and spend a few days in the lush settings of the Weald. With 70 campervans and motorhomes in Cardiff, you’re certain to find the perfect home on wheels for your escape.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
INTRODUCING Vallerie. Our Luxury 2016 VW T6 Campervan - She can carry five passengers and will sleep 4 or more. You can hire our Vango Airbeam Drive-away Awning, too.
How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Liverpool
Hire a campervan in Liverpool and work your way to the stunning High Weald National Landscape, taking the motorways for the shortest driving time. Browse our selection of 53 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Liverpool. Take the M62, M6, M1, and M25, and then follow the A21 to the High Weald, Which takes 5 hours minutes to cover 280 miles. If you’re more inclined to take a laidback campervan journey, hop on the scenic back roads of the Peak District, follow winding lanes through the Cotswolds, and meander past historic market towns before driving into the Weald National Landscape. A longer driving time of just over 7 hours makes a holiday better suited for bank holidays or our readers who want to set aside a few days to explore the National Landscape.
Age: 30-79
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Automatic
Izzy is a newly converted, custom VW Transporter T6.1 Long Wheel Base campervan in Ravenna Blue.
How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Glasgow
If you’re coming from Scotland or have a campervan hire in Glasgow, hop on the M74, M6, M1, and M25, it’s a long drive, taking around 8 hours to reach the High Weald. The quickest route covers 471 miles and is best suited for longer holidays where our readers can spend at least 4-5 days before returning home. A more romantic route would be to make your way through Scotland's lush countryside on minor roads. Make your way through the Lake District's green valleys and across the Cotswold’s rolling hills until you reach the High Weald. The more scenic route takes around 12-14 hours to complete. Our campervan hire locations in Glasgow include campervans for hire in Yorkhill, campervans for hire in Hillhead, campervans for hire in Drumchapel, campervans for hire in Anniesland, campervans for hire in Garscadden, campervans for hire in Scotstounhill, campervans for hire in Canal, campervans for hire in Maryhill, campervans for hire in Shettleston, campervans for hire in East Centre, campervans for hire in Baillieston and campervans for hire in Pollokshields. We list over 17 campervans and motorhomes in Glasgow.
Age: 21-79
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Gorgeous Galli boasts a new layout built for off-road family life. She offers a fixed French-style bed to the rear, plus daytime seating that converts to a further double bed at night.
How to Get to The High Weald National Landscape From Hull
Hull, a bustling port town, has plenty to offer residents and visitors. However, there comes a time when one prefers a change of scenery. Swap the coastline for countryside with a Hull campervan hire and rumbling down to the High Weald National Park. Follow the M62 to the M1, then head south on the M25 before merging onto the A21, enjoying the green and open views - a far cry from the busy roads packed with traffic. The quickest route covers 245 miles in 279 minutes, however, you’re welcome to take your time and explore a few destinations. Head south through the Yorkshire Wolds, joining the A1079 and A64 before heading onto the A272, which twists past charming villages and hills, before arriving in the High Weald. This route takes approximately five and a half hours but may vary depending on the time spent at each stop. A 4 - 5 hour drive into the High Weald suits it best for bank or school holidays. Our Hull campervan hire locations include campervans for hire in Dunswell, campervans for hire in Cottingham, campervans for hire in Goxhill, campervans for hire in Barrow Upon Humber, campervans for hire in Hedon, campervans for hire in Barton Upon Humber and campervans for hire in Sproatley.
Age: 25-75
Travel: N/A
Gearbox: Automatic
Minimum 5 night booking between June and September. Our pride and joy is an autor oller 675. Sleeping up to six people in a combination of fixed and make-up beds.
Your Campervan Guide to Visiting The High Weald National Landscape
While we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive guide to a campervan road trip, however, we're confident you may have a few niggling queries in mind. Perhaps you'd like to know how big the High Weald AONB is, or you'd wonder if this National Landscape is really worth a visit. Dive in, below.
Is High Weald Worth Visiting?
Eridge Rocks. Debs-Eye
Located just 30 miles south of London, the High Weald National Landscape covers a large area from the coast of East Sussex to Kent. The undulating landscape is attractive and contains mostly fields and woodlands free of crowds and concrete. It's the perfect escape from the busy campsites in London, offering peaceful countryside where you can truly disconnect and breathe. Excellent walking country crisscrossed with an array of routes beckons the walking enthusiasts, while ancient villages and rural pubs create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Get lost among isolated hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. Explore well-preserved mediaeval structures and historic sites, and tour landmark houses with lush gardens; crumbling castles provide insights into the area's rich history, and a wealth of outdoor activities make the High Weald a fantastic place to visit on a campervan holiday.
How Big is The High Weald AONB?
High Weald National Landscape covers around 560 square miles and falls within Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Surrey counties. It is renowned for its distinctive, gently undulating landscape of hills, ancient woodlands, and historic villages. Uncover England’s natural and cultural heritage as you explore areas like Cranbrook and towns like Uckfield and Heathfield.
High Weald Estate
There are several beautiful estates to explore on your road trip in the High Weald National Landscape. We have highlighted several above, including Scotney Estate, famed for its historic Scotney Castle and gardens, and Batemans, the former home of Rudyard Kipling.
Warbleton Farms Campsite is a friendly, spacious, back to basics campsite ideally located a twenty-minute drive from the inviting beaches of the south coast.
High Weald Seven Sisters
The High Weald Seven Sisters are a group of prominent and picturesque hills in the High Weald National Landscape, featuring distinctive smooth ridges and gentle slopes typical of High Weald’s rolling landscape. The hills are famed for excellent vantage points and several walking trails that vary in length and difficulty. Take your campervan for a scenic drive through the High Weald, and admire the beauty of the Seven Sisters without getting out of your vehicle.
What is The Highest Point of The High Weald?
The highest point of High Weald is located at Brightling Down in East Sussex, and rises to an elevation of 197 metres (646 feet) above sea level, offering spectacular views best enjoyed on the Brightling Circular Walk, or the Brightling and Burwash Walk, both offering far-reaching views and and interesting stops along the way.
How Long is the High Weald Landscape Trail?
Ashdown Forest. Grassrootsgroundswell
Explore a range of self-guided walks in Kent and Sussex through a fantastic network of footpaths, byways, and bridleways with their combined length being a very long 1300 miles. This protected landscape has something for everyone, from families to avid ramblers and anyone in between. The hardier walkers can follow long-distance walking routes like the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Wealdway, offering access to beautiful and varied landscapes of the High Weald National Landscape. The High Weald Landscape Trail, approximately 90 miles long, runs from Horsham in West Sussex to Rye in East Sussex, winding through the heart of High Weald National Landscape, and holds a diverse selection of woodlands, rolling hills, traditional farmsteads, and historic towns plus villages. Explore Ashdown Forest, famed for its connections to Winnie the Pooh, and potter around quintessential English villages like Ticehurst and Goudhurst. The Wealdway route, extending 83 miles, stretches from Gravesend in Kent to Eastbourne on the Sussex coast, cutting through the High Weald, connecting the North Downs to the South Downs.
Cyclists can explore safe, surfaced routes winding to off-road locations and along disused railway lines. Follow miles of country lanes, two National Cycle Network routes—no. 21, the Forest Way, and the no. 18 Canterbury to Tunbridge Wells providing access to endless adventures. Mountain bikers can pedal along four dedicated off-road sites and endless bridleways.
If luxury holiday escapes in Sussex are what you’re searching for, Glottenham Farm Glamping is where you need to be.
These attractions provide a fantastic blend of natural beauty, historic attractions, and excellent activities for fun-filled family days out, making a campervan road trip to the High Weald National Park an ideal addition to your itinerary.
And So We Must Conclude Our High Weald National Landscape Holiday
So concludes our guide for a campervan adventure in the High Weald National Landscape is over. We trust you’ve found our informative blog helpful in mapping out a bespoke itinerary that best suits your budget and holiday requirements. For more campervan guides like this, check out our National Landscapes page and enhance your holiday with some of the best attractions and highlights in the UK.
Recent Blog Role
Back to blog listSome of the recent articles on Camperbug
Perfect Camper Road Trip Guide to The Berwyn Mountains
Road trip the berwyn mountains. explore this corner of north wales with attractions like llangollen, snowdonia national park, and cadair berwyn.
Go Deeper (16 min read) →Unforgettable Road Trip Through Ambleside by Campervan
Road trip ambleside lake district. hop in your camper, and come discover windermere, loughrigg fell, galava, cosy pubs, scenery and more attractions.
Go Deeper (15 min read) →Your Ultimate Campervan Road Trip Guide to Cardigan
Campervan road trip cardigan. explore points of interest like new quay, aberystwyth, aberaeron, ceredigion coastal path, and parts of the wales coast path.
Go Deeper (19 min read) →