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Dernwood Farm
Little Dernwood Farm Dern Lane, Heathfield TN21 0PN England
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4.5
#2 of 4 campsites in HeathfieldLocation
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HOTEL STYLE
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Property amenities
Free parking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Convenience store
Outdoor fireplace
Picnic area
Location
Little Dernwood Farm Dern Lane, Heathfield TN21 0PN England
Getting there
74 Restaurants
within 5 miles
143Reviews5Q+A15Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
Our experience of Little Dernwood Farm was perfect from start to finish. Upon arrival we parked up our car and checked in where we found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.
My partner and I stayed in the ‘encampment’ area at Little Dernwood Farm on 12TH August 2020. We were looking for more than just a place to pitch our tent and wanted somewhere which offered a secluded environment where we could be as immersed in the woodland as much as possible. This is exactly what the encampment provides and is a large area surrounded by dense, beautiful woodland and very separate from other campers.
We would recommend pre ordering some of the produce they have available such as steaks, sausages and eggs which all come from the animals reared on site at the farm.
What’s really special about the encampment is that you really do feel secluded and living amongst nature. There is no electronic music allowed which might be an issue for some but as we were looking to take a break from the modern world this was ideal for us. If you’re looking to have a rowdy camping trip I would definitely recommend you book somewhere else. The space provided on the encampment is enormous and it feels like the surrounding woodland is just for you. To top it off there is washing facilities and a toilet just at the edge of the encampment which is exclusively for those staying there.
We will definitely be returning, and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a peaceful camping experience.
My partner and I stayed in the ‘encampment’ area at Little Dernwood Farm on 12TH August 2020. We were looking for more than just a place to pitch our tent and wanted somewhere which offered a secluded environment where we could be as immersed in the woodland as much as possible. This is exactly what the encampment provides and is a large area surrounded by dense, beautiful woodland and very separate from other campers.
We would recommend pre ordering some of the produce they have available such as steaks, sausages and eggs which all come from the animals reared on site at the farm.
What’s really special about the encampment is that you really do feel secluded and living amongst nature. There is no electronic music allowed which might be an issue for some but as we were looking to take a break from the modern world this was ideal for us. If you’re looking to have a rowdy camping trip I would definitely recommend you book somewhere else. The space provided on the encampment is enormous and it feels like the surrounding woodland is just for you. To top it off there is washing facilities and a toilet just at the edge of the encampment which is exclusively for those staying there.
We will definitely be returning, and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a peaceful camping experience.
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Date of stay: August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m not entirely sure how many times I have stayed at Dernwood. Frankly not enough. I have stayed in almost all their sites.
After the lifting of the Lockdown we could think of no better place to go and stretch our legs, than Dernwood.
We stayed in the second-to-none Safari tent. And despite the weather not being the kindest, Dernwood delivered again.
You really feel like time stands still when you’re there. You are truly far from the maddening crowd. That the site is car free is genius. That you have to make a short “trek”, I use the term lightly, to the sites only adds to the adventure of it all. When you have lit the fire and cooked the lamb, beef, sausages or whatever bought from the farm shop, produced from the farm, all is well in the world.
As an antidote for the extraordinary times we find ourselves in, really Dernwood, Amanda and her team have created something wonderful.
Anyone reading this and goes, set the alarm for 5am, brew up a cuppa, and listen to the dawn chorus. Wow! It is orchestral.
We are coming back.
After the lifting of the Lockdown we could think of no better place to go and stretch our legs, than Dernwood.
We stayed in the second-to-none Safari tent. And despite the weather not being the kindest, Dernwood delivered again.
You really feel like time stands still when you’re there. You are truly far from the maddening crowd. That the site is car free is genius. That you have to make a short “trek”, I use the term lightly, to the sites only adds to the adventure of it all. When you have lit the fire and cooked the lamb, beef, sausages or whatever bought from the farm shop, produced from the farm, all is well in the world.
As an antidote for the extraordinary times we find ourselves in, really Dernwood, Amanda and her team have created something wonderful.
Anyone reading this and goes, set the alarm for 5am, brew up a cuppa, and listen to the dawn chorus. Wow! It is orchestral.
We are coming back.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A group of five of us stayed for three nights in The Encampment - Holly pitch. This is our second visit to Dernwood. They have refurbished the showers which were fine in 2018 but are even better now! There is a toilet and kitchen sick for the exclusive use of The Encampment. Loads of privacy. Some beautiful walks to view the other properties available.
Amanda is very relaxed and flexible, doing her best to make your stay a pleasant one. There is a little shop for forgotten times form tomato ketchup to toothbrushes. The meat eaters in the group ordered fresh bacon, sausages and steak, whilst we all had some freshly laid eggs. Firewood and kindling is available on site also.
Dogs are welcome if they are quiet and well behaved.
The site is a seven minute walk away but this was fine for us as they supply trolleys for you to transport your bits and bobs.
We got talking to some of the other residents and they were also really lovely. Chris said he'd been coming here for 10 years!! We plan to make this trip an annual thing, so Chris maybe see you next year buddy!
Amanda is very relaxed and flexible, doing her best to make your stay a pleasant one. There is a little shop for forgotten times form tomato ketchup to toothbrushes. The meat eaters in the group ordered fresh bacon, sausages and steak, whilst we all had some freshly laid eggs. Firewood and kindling is available on site also.
Dogs are welcome if they are quiet and well behaved.
The site is a seven minute walk away but this was fine for us as they supply trolleys for you to transport your bits and bobs.
We got talking to some of the other residents and they were also really lovely. Chris said he'd been coming here for 10 years!! We plan to make this trip an annual thing, so Chris maybe see you next year buddy!
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: The Encampment is just a seven minute walk from the car-park but it's so private and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
More positives than negatives but it can be improved. The wild camping field is too far (we were aware, we read it in the website, yes, but I really didn’t expect it was “that” far) but very spacious and nice woods to enjoy.
Great for children, because they don’t have to pull or push those heavy trollies for such distance 😓 . No soap in toilets (the website says there is) only antibacterial gel. Night light in the toilets is there but doesn’t work so you need to use your own lantern or light. Good wash up area , no hot water, though that doesn’t bother me really. Very friendly staff and owners. Too far to walk to pubs , restaurants or shops if you have kids, you need to drive. The cafe/restaurant/reception only open a couple of hours in the morning, and another couple of hours afternoon. Nearest beach in Pevensey is good enough but a nightmare to park.
I would go back if the field was closer to the parking area or I could suggest for them to get a couple more of those little trucks to help families at check in and check out, I would be happy to pay extra for an across the forest taxi 😉. My five year old enjoyed it anyway, and that’s the most important thing. She said goodbye to the piggies 🐷
Great for children, because they don’t have to pull or push those heavy trollies for such distance 😓 . No soap in toilets (the website says there is) only antibacterial gel. Night light in the toilets is there but doesn’t work so you need to use your own lantern or light. Good wash up area , no hot water, though that doesn’t bother me really. Very friendly staff and owners. Too far to walk to pubs , restaurants or shops if you have kids, you need to drive. The cafe/restaurant/reception only open a couple of hours in the morning, and another couple of hours afternoon. Nearest beach in Pevensey is good enough but a nightmare to park.
I would go back if the field was closer to the parking area or I could suggest for them to get a couple more of those little trucks to help families at check in and check out, I would be happy to pay extra for an across the forest taxi 😉. My five year old enjoyed it anyway, and that’s the most important thing. She said goodbye to the piggies 🐷
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Date of stay: August 2020
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda gave us a friendly welcome. We parked up, checked in for parking permit and got a few trolleys for all our stuff. The walk from the parking area, showers, shop to the camping area was 8 minutes through the woods. The camping area was huge and very well spaced out. Its surrounded by beautiful woods to explore. We took the dog and walked through the woods and the children found a swing or two. We had a camp fire in the evening and roasted marshmallows.
The washing up area is new and clean. The toilets are basic with hand gel and paper towels. Showers are by car park, if you dont mind the walk its great.
I enjoyed the walk from car park but when pushing the trollies with so much stuff in and the heat upto 35 degress it was exhausting. But if you dont mind that, its a gorgeous place to chill out and camp.
The washing up area is new and clean. The toilets are basic with hand gel and paper towels. Showers are by car park, if you dont mind the walk its great.
I enjoyed the walk from car park but when pushing the trollies with so much stuff in and the heat upto 35 degress it was exhausting. But if you dont mind that, its a gorgeous place to chill out and camp.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just back from 2 nights wild camping with wifey. Had it not been for the selfish ‘father and son’ group who partied until 3am, I would have rated this 5.
It’s a lovely site with pretty woodlands and a superb light-free night sky. The little shop sold some amazing beef / lamb steaks. The staff were brilliant and the CV19 precautions are good.
The cited problem spoiled ours and many others’ evenings. However, the management team listened and took immediate action by evicting them from the site. Such a shame that there are a few selfish, ignorant folk around; who have little control of themselves or their children.
Might I suggest a modest deposit from campers to help avoid these situations and prompt all people to be compliant and respectful.
Thanks for the nice things and we’ll see you again soon, Jonathan.
It’s a lovely site with pretty woodlands and a superb light-free night sky. The little shop sold some amazing beef / lamb steaks. The staff were brilliant and the CV19 precautions are good.
The cited problem spoiled ours and many others’ evenings. However, the management team listened and took immediate action by evicting them from the site. Such a shame that there are a few selfish, ignorant folk around; who have little control of themselves or their children.
Might I suggest a modest deposit from campers to help avoid these situations and prompt all people to be compliant and respectful.
Thanks for the nice things and we’ll see you again soon, Jonathan.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just come back from a fabulous long weekend at DERNWOOD. Adult children had booked the Wagon and Shepherd's Hut and we the old folk had booked camping. I mentioned this at reception and was offered to upgrade to the Cabin as there had been a cancellation. This was just perfect for us as we were all near each other yet had privacy and the youngest aged 7 could safely visit each of us on her own. There was plenty of space for all 8 of us to eat together, which was brilliant. The fire pits are great as are the hot tubs. The weather forecast for our weekend was diabolical so we were happy we were not under canvas. As it turned out there was a bit of heavy rain but only at night and one afternoon. The Cabin is well equipped and really comfortable. The hot tub under the stars is a real treat as well as the hammock on the balcony. All the staff are lovely and friendly and the meat is delicious. The surrounding woodland is dense and beautiful. We all hope to return next year. Fingers crossed and a huge thanks to Everyone on the farm.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a wonderful stay we had for 4 nights in the Wagon! We were excited before we came for something different and it did not disappoint.
To have our own hot tub as part of the deal was exceptional and I can't think why we waited until the fourth night to actually fire it up.
The wonderful women running this place are excellent in looking after you, providing suggestions for local things to do and generally helping to make it a special stay.
I would thoroughly recommend starting your stay with a trip to their farm shop and buying their delicious meat to barbecue on your site. (The pork tenderloin steak was a revelation!)
Additionally, their bacon rolls are a great way to start the day (possibly with a milkshake or hot chocolate and cream, if you've decided to just let it all hang out 😁)
An afternoon spent reading in the hammock or looking out at the woods from the seclusion of the hot tub or simply gazing at the wonder of the beautifully painted wagon (see photos!) is a welcome escape from it all.
We are already planning when to come again!
To have our own hot tub as part of the deal was exceptional and I can't think why we waited until the fourth night to actually fire it up.
The wonderful women running this place are excellent in looking after you, providing suggestions for local things to do and generally helping to make it a special stay.
I would thoroughly recommend starting your stay with a trip to their farm shop and buying their delicious meat to barbecue on your site. (The pork tenderloin steak was a revelation!)
Additionally, their bacon rolls are a great way to start the day (possibly with a milkshake or hot chocolate and cream, if you've decided to just let it all hang out 😁)
An afternoon spent reading in the hammock or looking out at the woods from the seclusion of the hot tub or simply gazing at the wonder of the beautifully painted wagon (see photos!) is a welcome escape from it all.
We are already planning when to come again!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A nice camp site but unfortunately experienced such rudeness from the owner which continued during a follow on email chain. My young son accidentally let go of my dogs lead which meant my dog, a calm passive lab, walked up to the owners gate where her dog barked aggressively at it. The owner flew out of her shop and quite aggressively said “get your dog away from mine or my dog will kill it”. This was heard by a number of adults I was with and when I emailed to express my upset at her actions she responded it was laughable I would say that. There is absolutely no reason for me to have made it up. Adding to this we were paying customers in the cafe (admittedly only for drinks and a pastry) yet we were told to move out of the cafe so people who want food can get in. It was an extremely wet day and we were just an enjoying a morning drink in the dry. I wouldn’t have taken as much issue to this if the request had been made in a polite manner but once again it was said in a rather aggressive tone. When I expressed this in a email the owner replied again in a rude manner saying 2 of you took 45 minutes nursing a coffee and spoke of people in the rain that had been there for only a minute. She also referenced my young children (2 and 4) walking around in a manner that suggested they were also causing a nuisance…. Fact is there were just being a 2 and 4 year old. The campsite itself is rather expensive for what it is and then to feel you can’t even sit and enjoy a drink for as long as you may wish to in the rain is just disappointing. It upset me to received such awful customer service at the time of the stay and the follow on conversation after. Owing to that I wouldn’t recommend a stay here as the owner ruined the whole experience .
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from amanda norman, Owner at Dernwood Farm
Responded 10 Aug 2023
Oh Hollie, there you are, I've been expecting you ..... I'm just going to post my response to your email yesterday with the additional comment that as you (dear reader) will see from lots of previous reviews we constantly get thanked and praised for being wonderful hosts - so , I think your experience says far more about you than it does about us. =================================== To be honest Hollie, I wrote and rewrote my response many times, so here goes... to reference your 'not moaning but moaning ' comments, yes it's all on the website so why mention it, it's like saying you knew the site was in woodland but you hate trees. I do not agree with your version of the incidents, it was pouring with rain, yes you were paying customers, 2 of you took up 4 seats in our 10 seat inside area and nursed a coffee for at least 45 minutes whilst there were people standing in the rain wanting to order breakfast. If you're not eating at times of busy service it is standard practise to be asked to vacate your seat after a reasonable amount of time to allow others to sit and eat. Your children ran in and out of the doors, round and round getting in the way of the girls carrying plates of food and trays of dirty plates coming back in. If your son isn't able to control your dog he shouldn’t have been given responsibility for it, I certainly would not have threatened his life, that is completely laughable. I dispute the fact that I was , am or have ever been aggressive. I did not say 'could you get out now' I said' I'm afraid I'm going to have to turf you out now' I thought very carefully about what to say and how to say it. I'm not interested in getting into a debate over what happened, this is my business, I am the owner and report only to myself, my conscience is completely clear.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After being highly recommended by a friend, ourselves and dear friends decided to book adjacent Ash & Willow bell tents back in February as a 'Beacon of Light' to look forward to later in the year...we weren't disappointed! The attention to detail, the lockdown improvements (the decking platforms), amazingly equipped kitchenettes and the stunning location nestled within the beautiful Sussex countryside were all thoroughly appreciated.
Spending time off grid, listening to bird song, star gazing (whilst consuming countless s'mores) and being at one with nature was absolutely bliss...huge thanks to Amanda, Emma and the team + all the dogs for creating such a magical escape!
We can't wait to come back next year x
Spending time off grid, listening to bird song, star gazing (whilst consuming countless s'mores) and being at one with nature was absolutely bliss...huge thanks to Amanda, Emma and the team + all the dogs for creating such a magical escape!
We can't wait to come back next year x
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been going to dernwood wild camping for the last 5 years and we have always paid for parking
Hi, I have no idea. best contact the owner direct
In the bell tents there is an eco shower, the shep hut has a hot shower and cabin has cold shower, look forward to seeing you soon
"Prepare yourself for the long walk/shuttles between the car park and camping field, otherwise enjoy!"Read full review
"The Encampment is just a seven minute walk from the car-park but it's so private and peaceful. It's our favourite spot."Read full review
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandEast SussexHeathfield
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dernwood Farm
Which popular attractions are close to Dernwood Farm?
Nearby attractions include Michelham Priory House & Gardens (4.9 miles), Knockhatch Adventure Park (4.9 miles), and Escape Room Sussex (3.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Dernwood Farm?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, a convenience store, and an outdoor fireplace.
What are some restaurants close to Dernwood Farm?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Village Shop & Cafe, The Gun, and The Kings Head.
Are pets allowed at Dernwood Farm?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Dernwood Farm?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Michelham Priory House & Gardens (4.9 miles).