Ditchling Camping

Ik was blij met: Lovely and clean site. Beautiful area with lots of walks. The actual site area was quite large so if it’s not too busy then you can get a spot away from other people. You can get some beautiful pictures of the stars at night as there’s no light pollution.

Ik was niet zo blij met: The neighbours were a little noisy during our stay but the owners handled it immediately and professionally. We did not have any service/signal whatsoever on the site but this was expected for a camping trip.

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Van de manager: Thank you - AND YES - the South Downs Way is only a 10 minute walk away, always breathtaking views over the rolling undulating hills...

Ik was blij met: Fantastic spot to enjoy a weekend camping, great sized pitches, lovely warm showers, nicely situated for a walk into Ditchling to one of the local pubs or tea rooms. Thoroughly enjoyed my relaxing weekend, thanks so much, definitely would come again

Ik was niet zo blij met: There was nothing we disliked

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Van de manager: Thats really nice of you thank you - hopefully see you again when the sun starts shining again...

Ik was blij met: Site is on the edge of a beautiful village with 2 great pubs, cafes and shop. Local museum and at the foot of the South Downs. There were decent facilities on site, large pitches and a nice vibe for all ages. Owner was present to provide fire pit and logs etc for wonderful evening fires. Weather was amazing. Shame we had to leave!

Ik was niet zo blij met: The site backs on to a road that can be busy at peak times otherwise pretty quiet.

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Van de manager: It certainly is incredibly tranquil, peaceful and the best place I know to revitalise. Everyone is very friendly in Ditchling, which makes a difference when popping-in for a quick snack, beer or Sunday Roast...

Ik was blij met: perfect location. Beautiful site

Ik was niet zo blij met: Good for families or big parties but wouldn’t recommend it solo sadly. Probably best suited to you’ve got a vehicle/ all gear need and only need land and water. Very loud with lots of kids. Says to use fire pits and wood provided but they only have 4, the site seemed full- didn’t mention this anywhere beforehand- not really something you can carry on your bike. The one thing you want when camping is a fire and food, especially after a long day, so a bit disappointing. I was bikepacking solo for charity, nobody was around the first couple of hours upon arrival to ask questions. Signal is on and off too so not the best when you have to rely on having to call management. When I came back I saw the manager and asked for a fire pit to which he replied they’re all gone- that I should’ve been by my tent when he made the rounds? The whole point in staying there was to explore the surrounding area. Ended up giving me a dirty bbq and a basket of half burned wood to make my food without seeming to care too much. Bit disappointing really. Also thought it was a tent only pitch, ended up having a big camper park up in a small gap between myself and another group, completely blocking the view of the sunset which is the main reason I booked. Ending up having to move all my stuff. Luckily I was leaving early and only had to stay a night but I wouldn’t again if it was anything like that. Such a shame because it’s the perfect location and I love cycling through the area! if only the service was a little better! Solo campers are as deserving of decent hospitality as big groups! Maybe get some extra pits/ add a more detailed arrival information or welcome info! Clarity helps a lot :)

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Van de manager: Its a shame that you didn't enjoy your experience. Most of our campers have a fantastic time. As you nicely state - perfect location and beautiful site.... and Im glad that you found the time to visit the local amenities.

Our site states to bring your own fire pit, but that wood is to be purchased form us. I saw you arrive and gave you space to settle-in. When we met I noticed that you were a little discombobulated. I did my best to offer a solution, which we provided free of charge, but with the greatest of respect it is not up to the camp site to ensure that you are able to cook your food. All of our campers bring their own cooking facilities or venture to the pub, which is only a short walk away. There are also take away facilities only a 2 minute cycle away........

I honestly recommend wild camping as I don't believe that camp sites with other people are your thing....

Ik was blij met: Area
Rabbits in the field
Even though near the road it was quiet

Ik was niet zo blij met: Toilet doors not closing
Tap water pressure needs to be lower

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Van de manager: Hi Zoi Daniilak,
It is shame that I didn't manage to meet you during your stay, although I did ask campers if they had seen you about, whilst I was on site offering fire wood and cleaning the toilets/showers etc.

Thanks for your feed back - unfortunately we can't alter the water pressure as the water is supplied by the Water Company. We could of course install a reducer, but that would then affect the pressure in the showers and change the whole experience.

Glad that you enjoyed the rabbits and the local area. You are quite right - the road isn't noisy as its a minor rd serving a few villages.

Hopefully see you again next year

Ik was blij met: I did NOT like it at all

Ik was niet zo blij met: Location is very noisy, and there was NO hot water, no fire pitch available and no one to ask for anything.
I do not recommend

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Van de manager: Dear Lailaine Silva,
I am sorry that you had an 'apparent' bad experience.
It would have been easier if you had called me directly or discussed matters with other campers as we had a further 40 campers that weekend, none of which had a concern or inability to work the showers.

It is necessary to push the water tap and then wait for the hot water to ‘kick in’. Whilst the hot water should be almost instantaneous, sometimes it isn’t and it therefore requires a small amount of patience. They were working perfectly each time that they were checked.

We don’t advertise hot water for washing up and we also don’t advertise fire pits or Wifi. although there is great reception for mobile data usage. Whilst we have four fire pits and a Chiminea that we loan to customers, we advertise that customers should bring their own fire pits. If you wanted to reserve a fire pit then you should have called or emailed before-hand.

We attend the site between 5:30 and 7pm in the evenings to offer fire wood and check the toilets, showers etc. I am Not aware that you spoke to anyone about your concerns, which if done would have been resolved almost immediately.

They also left a 2/10 review which is evidently at odds with the camp site – I am NOT 100% convinced that they even attended Ditchling Camping.
Your 2/10 review refers to:
Cleanliness as 2/10, when the campsite is kept immaculately.
Location as 2/10, when the campsite is situated adjacent to Ditchling Village and the South Downs Way, whilst also being close to Hassocks station and all the amenities that both Hassocks and Ditchling provide to include two pubs and two cafes within a 1 min walk
Facilities as 2/10 – we don’t advertise any facilities other than showers, toilets and water points!!!!
Customer Service as 2/10 – we don’t provide 24/7 attendance as it’s not that kind of camp site - it is way more relaxed and a much better 'in nature' experience. We attend in the early evenings to check the toilets, showers etc and offer fire wood.
Wifi as 2/10 – we don’t advertise wifi as we don’t provide it.
Value for money as 2/10 – we normally receive 10/10 reviews so this is at odds with the majority of other campers.
Quality of accommodation as 2/10 – it's an immaculate camp site in the heart of the South Downs.

You also stated that the location is very noisy, which, I am not quite sure how this could possibly refer to our camp site as it is located next to a quiet little village in the heart of the south downs.

Quite honestly the review is a bit confusing all round and I am not sure if you actually attended our camp site.

Ik was blij met: Lovely camp site, kids enjoyed it and a pub within 2 min walk.

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Van de manager: Great - Glad that you all enjoyed your stay - we do our best to keep our campers happy

Ik was blij met: Clean loos
Easy to pitch and not full of rules
Laid back vibe- awesome

Ik was niet zo blij met: Nothing

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Van de manager: Thank you for your lovely review - it was a pleasure hosting you and glad that you found everything easy
We look forward to seeing you all again

Ik was blij met: Loved the well kept grounds, we played football and rounders day and night outside of our tent.
The top camping area has wonderful views of the South Downs.
The location is great in terms of proximity to the local pubs and shops.
Fire pits and logs available on site which was hassle free.
Our family came to meet us for a last minute stay and was able to call up and sort this very easily with the helpful owner.
The showers were brilliant! They were warm with plenty of space and a mirror outside - a cool festival feel.
You can see compostable toilets are in the process of being built which will be great.
Thank you!

Ik was niet zo blij met: For us the location to the road was a little busier than we had hoped for but we all slept fine.
The one porter loo.

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Van de manager: Thanks for the lovely comments... We do our best to keep the site looking healthy and full of nature..... Hopefully see you again soon

Ik was blij met: It's a lovely setting. I woke up on my first morning to a beautiful view of the rising sun on the Downs.
When i was there it was very quiet and there was plenty of space and all the other campers seemed very considerate.
It was very easy and very good value for money.
It's good that you can hire a firebowl and firewood.

Ik was niet zo blij met: It's a very basic site, which probably helps it not get too busy?
The portaloo was very clean but there was no hand soap in the dispenser. The portaloo was also on a slope, which left you with a rather disconcerting feeling on the loo that the whole thing was about to tip over backwards (it didn't, of course). This also meant that the blue liquid you flush with was trying to flush solids uphill against gravity, which doesn't work very well.

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Van de manager: Thank you for your very positive feedback... The view certainly is something that regularly takes my breath away.... Especially on a lovely warm summers evening around a fire pit...

I apologise about one the the portaloos... Of course it wouldn't have fallen over, but taken your comments on board and have now moved it to a more convenient location... We also have Composting toilets if you don't fancy a portaloo....