Great Danegate Farm and the Local Area – Camping in East Sussex Countryside (near Tunbridge Wells)

Great Danegate Farm, Eridge, East Sussex TN3 9HU is situated in the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) , five miles south of Tunbridge Wells. The farm is run by the family and produces beef and to a lesser extent; lamb, pork and eggs.  The fields are small and typically bounded by thick hedges and small areas of woodland full of wildlife, flowers and beautiful trees.

We will put signs on the tarmac lane to Great Danegate showing the position of the campsite each weekend which is situated in a quiet field a short distance from the farm.

Great Danegate Farm adjoins Eridge Park, a large deer park, a number of footpaths run through the park where one can find several lakes and a Victorian tower, considered in the National Trust book on follies to be one of the finest in the country, Saxonbury Tower.  It is here you will also find The Deer Park Cafe, easy walking distance from the campsite which is perfect for a brunch or light lunch.

At the end of the lane, at the junction of Danegate with the A267, is Nap Wood, a “tranquil woodland oasis” (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks).  Most years see a particularly fine display of bluebells during the Spring.

In the small village of Eridge, just off the A26  there is a mainline station to London, as well as The Huntsman pub which is our favourite hostelry and the Nevill Crest and Gun, a historic coaching inn named after The Marquesses of Abergavenny, whose family name is Nevill and lives at Eridge Park.

The road through Eridge takes you north to Royal Tunbridge Wells, however should you turn right along Bunny Lane you will find the excellent Fuller’s Farm Shop, perfect for BBQ supplies and where you may be fortunate enough to purchase Great Danegate beef, and on to Frant where we can highly recommend the George Inn as well as the Abergavenny Arms.

If you head south along the A267 you will come to the village of Mark Cross, which has a good pub (a sensible selection of good beers and wines and a wide-ranging menu) together with what must be the finest garden centre in the county.  Worth a visit if only to view the extraordinary range of up-market garden furniture and to stop off at their equally excellent café. A quarter of a mile south of the village is a very good farm shop, Renhurst Farm.  Richard and Annabel know how to make a tasty sausage or burger, and are a must visit during your stay. In the past they have been shortlisted for Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards.

To the west of Mark Cross is the village of Rotherfield with two good pubs and a village shop open all hours.