The Knockholt Retreat
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- Peaceful bell tent glamping in the Kent countryside
- Easy access from M25 and A21; 20 minutes' drive to Chartwell estate
- Communal sauna available to guests; dogs welcome on site
Time for some peaceful rural time in the quiet Kent countryside, and a good dose of cosy comfort too? Sounds like you need a break at The Knockholt Retreat, a glamping site about five minutes’ drive from the village of Knockholt.
Easily accessed from the M25 and A21, this secluded spot makes a particularly fine escape for frazzled Londoners – you’ll even get distant views of the city from the site to remind you that, yes, you really have left it all behind for a while. You definitely don’t have to be a city dweller to appreciate the place though – just someone who likes fresh air, peace and green views, but doesn’t want to have to deal with putting a tent up.
Accommodation here is in well-equipped bell tents kitted out with a woodburning stove and rugs to keep everything cosy even on chilly days. Each off-grid tent has a comfy double bed, chairs, storage space and plenty of crockery and cutlery for serving up whatever meals you choose to cook on the barbecue or gas cooker provided. Shared bathroom facilities are just a little way from the tents, and there’s also a communal stretch tent where you can chat with your neighbours or shelter from damp days.
The lovely green views all around should give you a hint that there are some great places to get out and walk nearby – and if such outings leave you a little achy, it’s good to know you can soothe those strains in the barrel sauna back on site.
Site type
10 Open now
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.- No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
- The sauna (and/or hammam) is open between 10/04 and 10/10.
- No cars/motorbikes by the pitch/unit. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
- The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
- Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
- No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
- Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
- If reception is closed on arrival: please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.
Languages spoken
English
Open from Mon, 14 Apr to
Reviews
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Features
Portable toilet
Dogs allowed
Campfires allowed
Leisure on site
Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area Sauna TV room Take away Tennis WatersportsAmenities on site
Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wildlife havenUtilities
Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearbyType
Tiny (1-10 pitches)Location
The Knockholt Retreat
New Years Lane
Knockholt
Sevenoaks
Kent
England
TN14 7PQ
Directions Timezone
Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)
GPS
51.32244°N
0.09893°W
Route directions
If you are coming from Washneys road side of New Years Lane, the entrance will be on your left (opposite Sky Farm); if you are coming from Cacket's Lane or Shelleys Lane the site will be on your right-hand side.
Nearest transport
Coach9.4 mi Eltham Road Westhorne Avenue
9.4 mi Eltham Road Westhorne Avenue
10.3 mi Coulsdon South
Rail2.1 mi Knockholt Rail Station
2.4 mi Chelsfield Rail Station
3.5 mi Orpington Rail Station
Ferry12 mi Woolwich Arsenal Pier
12 mi Woolwich Ferry South Pier
12.1 mi Greenwich Pier
Airport2.9 mi Biggin Hill Airport
12.8 mi London City Airport
16.1 mi London Gatwick Airport
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Local attractions
Getting out for a walk might involve driving to a local favourite – perhaps Lullingstone Country Park or Otford, at the centre of several trails (both 15 minutes’ drive) – or it might just be a case of heading out onto a local footpath to one of the nearby pubs (there are a couple within walking distance).
Perhaps you like a theme for your rural rambles – in which case, maybe head to Chartwell (20 minutes) to explore the estate that Winston Churchill once called home, or learn about the life of Charles Darwin at Down House (10 minutes). The Biggin Hill Memorial Museum (15 minutes) gives guests an insight into the area’s wartime role, while both Squerryes Winery (15 minutes) and The Mount Vineyard (20 minutes) will keep you up to date with what’s going on in the Kentish wine world.
This area has several golf courses for those who’d like to take their clubs on tour; green-fingered types may prefer outings to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens or National Trust - Emmetts Garden (both 20 minutes). Willows Birds of Prey & Wildlife Trail (10 minutes) is likely to please all ages too.
Water quality at nearby bathing waters
| Name | Distance | Type | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leigh Bell Wharf | 28.2 mi | Estuary | Good | N/A | Poor | N/A |
| Southend Chalkwell | 28.8 mi | Estuary | N/A | Good | N/A | Good |
| Southend Westcliff Bay | 29.3 mi | Estuary | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sheerness | 29.7 mi | Estuary | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Data source: European Environment Agency
Must see
Down House - Home of Charles Darwin 3.9 mi
Chartwell 5.5 mi
Knole 6 mi
Ightham Mote 8.6 mi
Godstone Farm 8.9 mi
National Trust
Quebec House 4 mi
Emmetts Garden 4.7 mi
Chartwell 5.6 mi
Knole 6.3 mi
St John's Jerusalem 8.4 mi
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
Knockholt Pound - Cudham - Knockholt - Chevening - Knockholt Pound 1.2 mi
CHEVENING 2 mi
DOWN HOUSE 2 mi
COMBE BANK 2.9 mi
HOLWOOD PARK 3.2 mi
Local events
- All Points East (Friday 22 August 2025 – Friday 22 August 2025)
London, Greater London 15.8 mi
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Policies
Booking terms and conditions
Payment terms
Offers
Conditions apply - see pitch type section for details
Nearest sites
Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does The Knockholt Retreat have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is The Knockholt Retreat dog friendly? Yes View all features
- What attractions are near The Knockholt Retreat? Getting out for a walk might involve driving to a local favourite – perhaps Lullingstone Country Park or Otford, at the centre of several trails (both 15 minutes’ drive) – or it … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of The Knockholt Retreat?
Read moreOn-site accommodation Arrive: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Depart by: 12 p.m. - How much does it cost to stay at The Knockholt Retreat? From £130 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.