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Visited for a few nights with my son and dog during the half term week.
The site has a lovely peaceful location, at the end of a long lane, no road noise, nice views of Ashdown Forest and the Weald. Relaxed atmosphere, and the fishing lake was a bonus, as the lad discovered the joys of sitting quietly for a long stretch of time.
Lots of nice walks and things to do in the area - we saw loads of birds, deer, and nearly trod on an Adder on a walk in Ashdown Forest.
Facilities are basic and limited - ok if you're there for a few days only, only 2 showers, and the loos weren't in too good a state due to the amount of use. Somewhere to freeze ice packs would be handy.
Although it was friendly and relaxed, it could do with a bit more organisation: it took ages to find anyone when we arrived, and then were told just to find somewhere that didn't have a 'reserved' sign on it. The people next to us were told they'd have to move the next day, as that area was reserved, even though it didn't have a sign.
I don't really like too much regimentation, but numbered pitches would be better. When I phoned, I was told to make sure I kept my dog on the lead, which I do anyway, but other dogs were running loose, and nothing seemed to be said. There were no rules about noise ( some kids were fishing at 5 am, and not quietly ! ).
Nice to be able to have a fire, but again, this wasn't consistent - I was told not to have one near our pitch, as the grass would be damaged. Either allow them or not - again numbered pitches with a fire pit would make this easier to manage.
Although at first it sounded cheap, once you add in the cost of logs and fishing, it was over £20 per night for the 2 of us. Most people fishing were kids like mine, just messing about, so this seemed like an unnecessary extra charge.
So, a lovely quiet rural site, which would benefit from a bit more organisation, nicer facilities and expectation on noise, dogs etc.
I'd go again, for the location and fun for the kids.
Nice location next to lake, lovely easy access to bluebell woods for walks and Ashdown forest, good for bike rides, brilliant to have campfires, nice campsite owner who sold wood daily if you needed it. Good on site coffee shop.
However. When we were there we stayed in the top field which was quiet when we arrived but by Saturday morning was completely overrun with children who kicked balls at our heads when we were sleeping, played in our fire, nearly fell in the lake and in the end we moved because we were scared for their and our safety. This was probably just bad luck and on a good weekend could be much quieter.
The portaloo's in the top field were also not kept clean, they were often completely open so you could see what other people had done before you and the loo roll wasn't well stocked. If these had been maintained it would have been much nicer. Nonetheless the toilets in the caravan field were much better looked after and the facilities nicer, if not still basic.
Conclusion: We would probably visit out of season or during the week.
Just back from a 4 night stay at St Ives, 3 adults and 2 dogs. Upon arrival we were very impressed with the lovely location and peaceful campsite. First 2 nights were lovely and other campers friendly. We weren't so impressed on the Friday and Saturday night when the site became busy. The facilities also became stretched, could do with an extra shower or so and the portaloos quickly became 'full'.
Campfires a big plus for this campsite, along with the beautiful location, but lack of rules may be an issue at weekends.
Would recommend for a midweek visit, but weekends only if happy with late nights, early mornings and a decent head torch to check where you're treading!
To sum up all the below reviews this campsite is a lovely area of unspoilt countryside. Although at times it can get quite busy, off peak it is even more spectacular. The Tea rooms on site are lovely and brilliant to take small children to because of the peacocks etc walking around. Nice little shop in the village which sells basics etc. Owner David is very friendly and helpful and makes you feel very welcome. Facilities could be improved but given the price charges they are more than adequate. Look forward to returning in a few weeks.
We booked 2 motor bikes and a small tent at short notice and were delighted to be fitted in. The fishing was fun although the fish were a little shy! There is a cold sink and waste water area uncovered, 1 shower for the girls and one for the boys oddly situated in the caravan field! 2 loos accompany the showers. 4 Portatoilets have been placed in the camping field and look like they are perminent. There was always soap and loo paper. Fires are allowed but ask and aim for bare ground not grass. They sell wood but not lighters matches or kindling (they could make a bit of extra money if they did!). There is a cottage at the end of the lane and we had lunch. The cakes sounded great but weren't they tasted of old tupperware and the staff were hard to find. The baked potatoe was microwaved but the garden was pretty. There is a Tesco express about 10 mins away and a pub about 5 mins. The surrounding area is lovely and close to lots of places to visit like Penshurst Place and Groombridge. The campsite is pretty. I'd go back but only with a caravan or for a short stay as love my showers! The kids on site we could see loved it and made dens and swings for themselves. The owner was very nice. Could improove by having local information available as nothing not even leaflets.
We are a family of 4 - our boys were 1 and 5 when we stayed at St Ives for 2 nights. We had a very enjoyable stay here! It was great being able to have a campfire, and our elder boy loved this. There was a hammock and tyre swing near to our tent, which the boys also had a great time playing on. The fishing lake at the campsite is no doubt an attraction for some, but a constant worry for us with our younger child especially. The people on the caravan part of the site did seem a bit funny about you being on their field - you certainly got some stares if if wandered onto their grass on your way back from the toilet block! The mens toilets were not particularly pleasant when we stayed there - quite grubby and smelly. There were also some of those single portaloos in the corner of our field, which were fine to use as portaloos go. The washing up facilities were very limited, and there was usually a queue. We went mid-week, so the campsite was not particularly busy. The people camping were all very friendly, and the site in general was very family/child friendly. There were some tea rooms at the entrance to the site, which did good food at reasonable prices, and had peacocks which was lovely for the kids. There was not much else to keep the kids amused on site though. We did have a great time staying at St Ives, but having been to other sites that allow fires (especially Forgewood), I don't think we'd go there again, as there was so much more for the kids to do at other sites. Even just being able to play in the woods - ah, the simple pleasures!
Having made lots of calls in the week leading too our first ever camping trip as a couple and my second ever. Poor David (owner) put up with my many calls regarding location, availability pitches and wood. Nothing was too much trouble he returned all my calls and had all the right answers. Including recommending an excellent pub called the Thatch the food was amazing!
Also there is a farm shop just before you turn down to the campsite which as all the basics like bread, milk and locally grown everything but Mark particularly liked the free testing of ciders and bought plenty of it perfect camp fire companion. Well other than me of course!
The site is basic but has everything you need including a gorgeous sun rise over a cornfield and a sunset over a Lake.
First and lasting impression of this campsite was of the litter strewn around. We arrived on a Monday morning and maybe a lot of it had been left from a busy weekend, but still, in this day and age when people are meant to be more environmentally aware I am surprised that people don't bother to clear up after themselves. When we found our pitch I filled a carrier bag with litter from the immediate vicinity.
Despite this, the campsite is great and the atmosphere fantastic. The kids had a ball, making friends and hanging out with them. The campfires in the evening were wonderful and really made up for what the campsite lacks in (ie good showers and loos!). As are the perils of camping, you never know who will be pitched near you, luckily for us, it was all families. We were aware of one noisy group of campers, but they were further away round the corner so it didn't really bother us. I get the impression that weekends on this site can be busy and noisy. One other camper commented that it was nice to be on a site that didn't have too many rules, but I think that a clear message not to leave litter would be a rule worth enforcing.
This is a really friendly campsite set in a very rural location. Hartfield is a very pretty little village. There is a great indoor climbing centre about 2 miles away.
David who runs the site is very friendly and helpful.
Facilities are basic, but clean.
Being able to make a fire was definitely one of the reasons we chose to go here. Also the 2 pubs in Hartfield are about a 30 minute walk. I must recommend going to the Anchor Inn. The locals are very friendly and there is plenty of room to get a seat for groups. We played a great pub quiz on the Saturday night. They also sell ale by the yard!
My partner, dog and me have visited this campsite on 2 occassions - and have loved it.
The location is great - easy to reach from London - feels very rural. Excellent 30min walk across countryside to the pub. And pretty meadows the other direction. Ashdown forest is also easy to reach.
The facilities are basic but adequate - though if you need big flash toilet blocks - this isn't the place for you.
First time we was a very busy weekend, but despite this we had a great time. We were in the main area at the bottom of the lake. There was enough space between tents so didn't feel too overlooked. It was noisy however, as lots of large groups use this site, though this didn't really bother us.
Second time went mid - week and were able to bag a spot on the top field - which is much prettier and more tranquil.
The owner is friendly and helpful.
Fires are allowed and wood is delved to your door.
The tea rooms at the end of the lane are worth a visit too.
I can't recommend this enough - though book early to avoid disappointment - like we experienced earlier this year :(
We have been here for 3 years in a row now for a weekend in July. It is great fun, beautiful location and a really friendly site. We come with friends to celebrate birthdays and have good fun enjoying the views and playing games. Not the quietest site, but that is not what we are looking for. It has everything we want and toilets and showers are always clean, and cheap to use (20p shower!) It is a small site with a stunning lake. Would definitely recommend.
This is a brilliant site for campers around a pond amidst trees where fishing is allowed, and camp fires. Best campsite near to London that I've found, for a short stay. But be warned that the amenities are very basic. Camp during the week or in low season for a truly superb experience of peace and calm. Avoid weekends if you are with young children or you simply want a good night's sleep, because you won't get it!
Brilliant campsite. We were a big group and had a lot of fun. There was enough space for all of us to pitch near each other but far away from others so that we didn't disturb anyone with our chatter. There was also enough space for a big campfire to gather round in the middle. Clean facilities, logs to buy, shops within short driving distance, lovely cream tea place down the lane. The swimming lake looked good too.
Stayed on this site for a weekend, we were attracted by the fact you could have campfires and there was no regimented pitches.
Arrived early evening and chose to pitch on the edge of the site overlooking the cornfield. Owner arrived just after us and was a very nice man, very helpful, provided us with wood for a small fee.
Beautiful site, lake in the middle and plenty of trees. Facilities are basic ( one shower for women and one for men) and 7 toilets in all, but this is camping.
Saturday night the site got very crowded, I`m sure there were more than 20 units there, bearing in mind there are also 15 statics I`m not too sure the facilities would have been up to the job if they were all full too.
Beautiful surounding area, plenty of walking to be done, handy shop in Hartfield, as well as a nice pub.
We had an unfortunate incident with a fellow camper, but the site owner was very apologetic and made a point of saying people like that weren`t welcome on his site, which is reassuring.
All in all a lovely site, a campfire made it all the more enjoyable on the chilly evenings.
Will problalby return, but not on a busy summer weekend.
A group of 9 adults with 4 tents, 5 cars, (several of our group had stayed before and on their recommedation we all returned)
We had a fantastic weekend, there was plenty of space for all our tents and cars to be together, but we were not cramped at all
Although quite basic, the toilets / showers were exreamly clean and SPIDER FREE! and there was more than enough loo roll. The ladies shower was hot and 20p gave more than enough lovely hot water. There was only 1 ladys shower, and on Sunday morning the only mens shower was not working so there was a short que, but hey!
Brand new portaloos were delivered on the friday. It was very muddy reaching them, but that was due to the fact it had rained almost constantly for the previouse 2 weeks. So long as you had wellies (which we all did) it was fine. As it was a very busy weekend they were 'full' by Sunday, but the main block was still avaliable
Being allowed to have campfires is a real bonus,
The owner was extreamly friendly, the pitches were good value and I would deinitley return.
(St Ives tea room next door was very nice as well)
There were several people fishing in the lake. If you have small children / toddlers you need to be aware of the lake and watch them constantly, as they could potentially easily fall in / drown
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Common Questions
Is St Ives Farm Campsite child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to St Ives Farm Campsite? There is a shop within 5 miles View all facilities
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
No Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
No Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
No Wifi Access 
Shop <5 miles 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <5 miles 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing On Site 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire <10 miles 
Golf <5 miles 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
Lakeside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Visited for a few nights with my son and dog during the half term week.
