Curator's Pick

Welsummer Camping

A simple, sunny smallholding in the Kent countryside where pitches split between garden meadows and shady woodland, and sustainability and the simple pleasures of camping come first

Arriving at Welsummer the sun beamed down as the site happily lived up to its name. Owner Laura offered an even warmer welcome than the weather and explained a little about the ethos behind this idyllic little site. A small holding with a focus on sustainability, Welsummer celebrates the simple pleasures of camping. The pitches are split between garden meadows and shady woodlands where nothing feels contrived but is simply practical and, by natural extension, beautiful. From the bees buzzing around the hive to the English apple orchard where dead wood is strictly left to rot, you can feel the love that goes into maintaining the site.

For glampers, Welsummer offers bell tents in the top field, and in the woodland you'll find the Wendy House hut complete with a double bed, plus cabins like Alice's Palace and the Hive, a cabin built around a living tree that is a wonderful spot to catch bluebell season in the surrounding woods. Campfires are encouraged, marshmallows very much included, and there is now a licensed bar as well as a site shop selling local produce and organic fruit and veg grown on site. If you're very lucky you'll be able to snap up some cookies baked by Laura's children.

Local attractions include Leeds Castle a few miles away, and for drinks the Pepperbox Inn is within walking distance.

On film

Welsummer CampsiteFilm by Eifion Jones

Before you book

Small site, open April to September only
glamping cabins can feel dusty if not freshly aired, so flag any allergies when booking

“A lovingly run, sustainability-minded small holding where woodland and meadow pitches, campfires and a licensed bar make simple camping feel special.”