Camping in Edingley

Camping around Edingley trades big-name attractions for genuine rural quiet, and that is exactly the draw. As with anywhere in England, wild camping is not legally permitted without the landowner's permission, so pitching up in a farmer's field or roadside verge on a whim is not an option here — stick to licensed sites, of which this stretch of Nottinghamshire has a good, if select, choice. New Hall Farm, reached via New Hall Lane at the top of Edingley Hill on the Southwell to Farnsfield road, is a small, adults-only campsite on a working conservation farm, offering a peaceful pitch amid open countryside just minutes from the village. A short distance away, an adults-only glamping site near Edingley offers ensuite pods with fire pits and, on some pitches, private hot tubs, set across a hillside with panoramic views and plenty of wildlife — a comfortable way to enjoy the countryside without the packing list.

Southwell itself, a ten-minute walk from some of these sites, adds pubs, shops and the Minster to the mix, while Sherwood Forest and its ancient oaks are around half an hour's drive north for those wanting a proper woodland walk. The terrain here is gentle farmland and low hills rather than dramatic scenery, so this is camping for slowing down rather than epic hiking — good books, short walks and long pub evenings suit the area well.

Late spring through early autumn is the best window for camping, when the farmland is at its greenest and evenings are long enough for a fire pit and a clear Nottinghamshire sky. Sites here tend to be small and increasingly adults-only, so it is worth checking policies and booking ahead, especially around Southwell Racecourse race days or in peak summer. For those without their own kit, the local glamping pods offer a low-effort way to experience the same countryside in comfort.