Camping in Pett

Pett Level's open shingle beach, the Royal Military Canal and the flat, quiet lanes around the village make this a pleasant part of Sussex for camping, though options in the immediate village are limited and mostly small and informal rather than large holiday parks. As everywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal, so pitch only on a recognised campsite or with explicit permission from whoever owns the land.

The terrain around Pett is low-lying coastal marsh giving way to higher, more sheltered ground inland towards Fairlight and Guestling, so exposure to wind and weather varies a good deal depending on where a site sits; anyone camping close to Pett Level itself should be prepared for a breezier pitch, especially in shoulder-season months. Spring through early autumn is the most comfortable and reliable stretch for camping on this part of the coast, when the marshes and nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are at their best for walking and birdwatching, though the sea wall and canal towpath make for good walking well into autumn too.

For those who prefer more comfort than a tent but still want to be close to the marshes and the sea, glamping options — from bell tents and shepherd's huts to static safari tents — can be found scattered around the wider Rye, Winchelsea and Hastings area, giving easy access to Pett's beach and countryside without the need to carry full camping kit. Given how small Pett itself is, it is worth checking availability and exact location carefully before booking, and considering sites a short drive away in Fairlight, Winchelsea or towards Rye if nothing suitable is available in the village.