Camping in Eridge

Wild camping is not legally permitted in England without the landowner's express permission, and that applies fully around Eridge, where much of the land beyond the public footpaths belongs to the private Eridge Park estate, so any camping trip here should be booked at a proper site or farm pitch rather than improvised. The High Weald's terrain, close hedged fields, sandstone gills like those at Eridge Rocks, and patches of ancient woodland, means pitches tend to be small, sheltered and often part-wooded rather than wide open fields, which suits those after a quieter, more tucked-away camping experience. The best season runs from late spring through early autumn, when the ground has dried out after the Weald's notoriously heavy clay winters and the woodland around Eridge Rocks and Ashdown Forest is at its most walkable; midsummer brings the longest days for exploring, while September and October add the bonus of turning leaves across the ancient parkland oaks. For those who prefer a roof over their heads without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping options, in the form of shepherd's huts, bell tents and safari-style tents, are increasingly common on farms across the wider Wealden countryside around Tunbridge Wells, Frant and Crowborough, offering a comfortable base for walking Eridge Rocks, cycling the quiet lanes, or riding the Spa Valley Railway from its Eridge terminus. As with any High Weald site, midge and tick awareness is worthwhile given the woodland and bracken cover, and advance booking is recommended around the railway's special event weekends when local accommodation fills up quickly.