When can I check in and check out of Hawthorne Trench Campsite?

RV, travel trailer and tent sites Arrive: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Depart by: noon Read more

How much does it cost to stay at Hawthorne Trench Campsite?

From $26.53 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.

Hawthorne Trench Campsite

View prices & book Last booked 6 days ago 9.7 75 reviews

No problem here with too-near neighbours.

Pick-your-own pitches at a spacious farm site half a mile from Elham
Canterbury, Hythe beach and two animal parks within a half-hour drive
Simple facilities; tours available of World War I trenches on site

When it comes to rural bases in south-east England, Hawthorne Trench Campsite is a prime pick. Plenty of space and Kent Down views pair up nicely with a handy location half a mile from the village of Elham, where there's a café, playground, village store and a total of three pubs. This is a peaceful site where you can pick your own pitch from the heaps of space around the 20-acre grass field, and with simple facilities stretching just to toilets, showers and a washing-up area. Families and groups of friends are welcome, but dogs aren’t allowed because of the resident sheep and horses. You may well be able to spot wild bats, badgers and owls popping by as well… Intrigued by the site name? That's a reference to the 250-metre World War I trench system, with a British section and a German section separated by a no man’s land in between. Guests can book tours on arrival to take a closer look at this little patch of history. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about in the countryside here, as public footpaths run right from the site out to local woods and forest. After some quiet time, it's also easy to get out to various day trips and attractions like Leeds Castle, Howletts Wild Animal Park and Canterbury. Some of these are accessible by buses that stop in the village centre.

Campground type

Opens June 27

Please note

Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Jun 27 to Sun, Sep 14 2025

Campsite types & availability

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

4 people maximum No dogs allowed

Ground type: Grass and earth

Site size: unlimited

4 people maximum No dogs allowed

One Tent allowed per site

Additional units require additional sites - quick book via 'Make another booking like this' after making your booking.

Site size

unlimited

Ground type

Grass and earth

0 rooms

Suitable for

Tent, (Trailer tent not allowed)

Features

Bring a gazebo 1 included, 2 max.
Bring a shelter tent 2 included, 2 max.
Car 1 included, 1 max.

Other restrictions

No dogs allowed
Awnings not allowed

Extras

Bring a gazebo (1 max) £5 (£5) per night

You will be able to choose extras on the booking page.

Arrival days

From £20 (£20) 1 night, 2 adults

View prices & book

Reviews

would recommend this campground to a friend

would stay here again

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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

One of my favourite campsites

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	No rating

David L. Sep 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Space of the campsite. Distance between pitches. Facilities like kettle etc. Location. Quietness. Friendly owner. Fire pits and option to buy wood. Very Fair price

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely views from site. The pitches were nicely spread out. The owner…

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	No rating

Anonymous Sep 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Lovely views from site. The pitches were nicely spread out. The owner was very attentive and helpful whilst setting up then leaves you to get on with it. Toilets and shower were good, not just portaloos but fully plumbed toilets! Really basic place but had everything you need, plus the little shed has a fridge and kettle to help yourself to coffee.

Disliked: Nothing, really

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely place to stay

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	No rating

Joanne B. Sep 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Site is clean and quiet. The owner is helpful and friendly. It's close to Dover, we were there to visit the castle and the beach so it worked perfectly. It was great to have somewhere to charge my phone too

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Thomas A. Sep 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Had a fantastic 6 days of piece and quiet with my partner, Richard the owner was kind and accommodating,small shed with all you need, kettle,power and fridge,
Toilets and shower serviced throughout the day,
We will be back either this year or next.....thank you for a fantastic time Thomas and Linda

Recommend to friends Visit again

Peaceful out of the way, fresh tap water, toilets.…

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	No rating
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	No rating
Cleanliness	No rating
Wifi	No rating

Anonymous Aug 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Peaceful out of the way, fresh tap water, toilets.

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

The campsite is set in a beautiful and peaceful valley, well away…

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Anonymous Sep 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: The campsite is set in a beautiful and peaceful valley, well away from busy roads.

The owner is very friendly and helpful in ensuring that you have everything you need.

The facilities are clean and well maintained.

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

I liked the kettle and the fridge most and there being tea…

Overall	8/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	8
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	4
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	8

tanya J. Aug 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: I liked the kettle and the fridge most and there being tea bags, coffee, milk, somewhere to charge your phone, plentiful supply of toilet paper and blue roll for spillages.
We also did the trench tour which was fascinating.
It was lovely and quiet with no children running around making a noise. The sites were really spaced out too, excellent value for money.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent value for money. Lovely spacious pitches to take your pick from…

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	8
Cleanliness	8
Wifi	2

Anonymous Aug 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Excellent value for money. Lovely spacious pitches to take your pick from with beautiful views. Host very friendly and helpful

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful campsite with lots of space.

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Femke A. Aug 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: We had a lovely time at this spacious, beautiful campsite. Thank you, Richard. We'll be back next year.

Disliked: Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Sehr schöner ruhiger Campingplatz

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Katharina H. Aug 2024

Primitive grass and earth tent campsite

Liked: Wunderschön gelegener, ruhiger Campingplatz umgeben von Weidefläche. Sehr freundliche unkomplizierte Besitzer. Einfache aber gut funktionierender Toiletten- und Waschbereich. Kinder können wunderbar rumtoben.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

No dogs allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed No dogs allowed No pets allowed

Themes

Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transportation nearby

Type

Farm Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Cycling nearby Golf nearby Restaurant nearby

Location

Hawthorne Trench Campsite

Roundhill Farm

Cullens Hill

Elham

Kent

England

CT4 6UJ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

51.15251°N
1.09954°W

Route directions

The satnav will bring you to within half a mile of Kennel Cottages. Carry on for another half a mile until you reach the sign for Roundhill Farm/Hawthorne Trench. Alternatively, the Google Maps location will bring you to the door. What3words: buzzing.camps.reactions.

Nearest transport

Bus

5.3 mi Swan Lane

5.4 mi Holiday Extras

Rail

4.5 mi Sandling Rail Station

4.8 mi Westenhanger Rail Station

5.3 mi Folkestone West Rail Station

Ferry

3.9 mi Folkestone Eurotunnel Terminal

9.7 mi Dover Western Docks Ferry Terminal

10.1 mi Dover Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal

Airport

15.5 mi Lydd London Ashford Airport

17.5 mi Kent International 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

You're never too far from sand or shingle days here: Hythe beach (20 minutes' drive) and Folkestone's harbour (20 minutes) are popular spots for pottering about by the coast, plus there's easy access to Dover (25 minutes) with its cross-channel ferries and impressive castle. If you're interested in some of modern history that took place around the area's well-known White Cliffs, the Battle of Britain Museum (10 minutes) is also worth a stop. Animal action is available here too, with family-friendly attractions like Howletts Wild Animal Park (20 minutes) and Port Lympne Safari Park (20 minutes) for younger ones who are keen on exotic creatures. The excellent Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway (35 minutes) is another kid-pleasing option that you might want to keep up your sleeve to ensure extra-good behaviour. If grand architecture's your thing, then Canterbury (25 minutes) is pretty sure to satisfy – the gorgeous cathedral is the focal point of the town, but there's also a museum showcasing its Roman heritage and all medieval jollity of the Canterbury Tales exhibit.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name	Distance	Type	2020	2019	2018	2017
Sandgate	5.7 mi	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Hythe	6.1 mi	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Folkestone	6.3 mi	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Dymchurch	9.9 mi	Sea	N/A	Good	Good	Good
St Mary'S Bay (Kent)	11 mi	Sea	Good	N/A	Good	Good

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway 5.7 mi

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park 6.7 mi

Howletts Wild Animal Park 8.2 mi

St Augustine's Abbey 8.7 mi

Canterbury Tales 8.7 mi

National Trust

The White Cliffs of Dover 10.5 mi

South Foreland Lighthouse 11.8 mi

Smallhythe Place 19.1 mi

Lamb House 21.2 mi

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 23 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Cheriton Hill 3.9 mi

BROOME PARK 4.2 mi

SANDLING PARK 5 mi

Hythe - Lympne - Royal Military Canal - Hythe 5.7 mi

HATCH PARK 6.9 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

Changes to your holiday

Changes cannot be made once you have booked.

Admission

Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Arrivals and departures

Late arrivals must notify the park as soon as possible. Your booking will be held for 24 hours. After this period the management reserves the right to relet your unit.
No refunds/discounts for inclement weather, late arrivals or early departures.
Please pick any available site on arrival.
There is no reception at this park. Please check-in at the car park instead.

General

Bookings are nominative and non-transferable.
Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
In the event of a complaint, please speak to reception immediately. Complaints which are not brought to the management's attention during your stay cannot be dealt with once you have left the site.
Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
Public areas are non-smoking.
Quiet hours must be respected between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m..
Radio, music and TV players must be kept at a low volume. Car doors and trunks must be closed quietly.
Refunds within the indicated cancelation period are only possible if the park is able to relet your unit/site.
The management reserves the right to deny access or terminate the stay of those guests whose behavior is deemed unsuitable. No refunds will be offered.
The park is not liable for any refund in the event of force majeure.

Occupancy

No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.

Safety

Barbecues are permitted but must be raised off the ground and attended by an adult at all times.
Firearms are not permitted.
Open fires are prohibited.

Vehicles

Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
No vehicle movement between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m..

Visitors

Visitors are not permitted on site.

Payment terms

Offers

Conditions apply - see campsite type section for details

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Frequently asked questions

Does Hawthorne Trench Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
Is Hawthorne Trench Campsite dog friendly? No View all features
What attractions are near Hawthorne Trench Campsite? You're never too far from sand or shingle days here: Hythe beach (20 minutes' drive) and Folkestone's harbour (20 minutes) are popular spots for pottering about by the coast, plus there's easy … Read more
When can I check in and check out of Hawthorne Trench Campsite?

RV, travel trailer and tent sites

Arrive: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Depart by: noon

Read more
How much does it cost to stay at Hawthorne Trench Campsite? From $26.53 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.