Monday 12 September 2011

Monday Review: Fairfield Farm Campsite. East Sussex

As mentioned in my previous post on Camping in Sussex I spent nearly a fortnight camping at the Fairfields Farm campsite at Westham near Eastbourne. My mum found the campsite through google and it was chosen because of its location and facilities. We needed to be close to Herstmonceux Castle for the medieval festival and there were plenty of campsites within a 10 mile radius of the castle.

Having experienced campsites that offered family entertainment in the past and then kept us all awake with the sound from the bar we were looking for something a lot quieter. We aren't complete glampers but we like some creature comforts when camping so a decent shower block and laundry facilities were a must. Fairfields met all these criteria with a newly re-furbished wet room shower block and a single washing machine/tumble dryer. It also had no organised entertainment but did offer a nature trail and a chance to get to know the farm animals.


On arrival at the site there was a small shop/reception which was open during the day, there was also a warden on site available at any time. It was good to see that vehicle access wasn't allowed after 10 and before 7:30. The site is located between an industrial estate and the railway but these did not really act as too much of a noise disturbance during the day. There was a mix of electric hookup and basic pitches and we selected one not too far from the facilities but not too close to the industrial estate or the duck pond!

It was great that all the communal facilities were well maintained and kept clean. Outside the wet rooms a mop and a squidgee were provided so you could leave the shower nice for the next person. On the whole the majority of the other campers did help to keep the place clean. There was a mix of families with young children and older couples on the site with tents of all shapes and sizes as well as caravans and camper vans. With it being peak season there was a second field available part way along the nature trail. This seemed a lot quieter but a bit of a trek to use the loo!

We all enjoyed the fact that twice a day you could purchase either animal or bird feed to give to the animals. The amount sold was rationed each day so that the animals weren't overfed. This is definitely one of the pluses of the site if you have primary aged children. The variety of animals to stroke and feed made for an interesting early evening stroll:


The quietness of the site at night was also a definite plus as a family with young children. There was no rowdiness or loud music and people tended to retire by 10! 

For all us the sites proximity to plenty of attractions and family days out was very useful. We were within walking distance of Pevensey Castle and a short drive from Eastbourne where there are plenty of activities to suit all ages and tastes. We could see why many of the people on the site were return visitors with some coming at least once a month in the summer months. 

If you are looking for a quiet family friendly or older couple friendly campsite with all the necessary facilities then I would certainly recommend this one.

1 comment:

  1. I'm sold on camping and would love to take the children. Sadly, the OH is adamant that he will never go and would prefer to stay at home. Doesn't know what he's missing!

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