Beech Estate Campsite

Set within a 600-acre woodland estate near Battle, this off-grid campsite, now run under the Pegs & Pitches name, is densely wooded, with simple wild glamping bell tents nestled amongst the trees. Sometimes the only giveaway you aren't camping alone is the occasional rustle in the woodland as other campers wander by. Numbers are controlled, with only a few pitches available across roughly 20 acres of the estate, but for total seclusion you can book a pitch on a hill overlooking the valley.

Beech Estate offers glamping at much keener prices than many dedicated glampsites. Its bell tents come with simple, clean decor, cooking equipment and firewood, a great introduction to the world of glamping without breaking the bank. There are traditional tent pitches scattered through the forest too. The site is serious about its eco-credentials, being completely off-grid with eco toilets and, for the adventurous, Australian-made bucket showers. You'll need to heat your shower water on a giant wood-burning gilly kettle (or cheat with the gas-fired boilers), then fill said bucket and hoist it above you to enjoy an al fresco wash. If the weather is playing ball it's an experience you'll not forget, and campers still single out those bucket showers as the highlight; at the very least it will make you consider the modern luxuries we all take for granted.

Just down the road lies the historic town of Battle (where in 1066 William defeated King Harold, you've all heard it), but happily the biggest battle you'll face here is deciding how to while away your days. From your tent there are walks and mountain bike trails covering a huge area that only campers have access to. From the site you can easily reach the South Coast, and Battle itself offers good pubs, delis, tea rooms and the castle. One thing to note before you book: this is a no-dogs site, part of keeping the woodland wild.