West Sussex is regarded as one of the best places to walk in the UK. Boasting unrivalled views along the 100-mile South Downs Way and 65-mile Serpent Trail, it is no surprise that more people than ever are booking walking holidays in West Sussex.
Concierge Camping at Ratham Estate is the perfect place to base yourselves to enjoy a walking holiday near Chichester. After a short break enjoying our luxury safari lodges or spacious fully serviced touring pitches, we’re certain you’ll agree that Concierge camping is the best campsite in West Sussex to enjoy a walking holiday.
We are extremely fortunate to be situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park. There are hundreds of miles of walking routes, breathtaking views and hidden gems to explore. From our base near Chichester, you have easy access to South Downs Way – one of fifteen National Trails in Britain, and the vast heathlands of the Serpent Trail.
Famous writer Virginia Woolf encapsulates the beauty of the area perfectly in her diary:
“The Downs… too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness, if only they would look.”
Whilst the South Downs walks are regarded as being among the best in the UK there is also a number of great routes close to us.
You can enjoy a range of walks from Concierge Camping. You’ll find some fantastic routes directly from our campsite, and a number of fabulous West Sussex natural beauty spots a short walk or drive away. Here are some of the best walking trails near Chichester:
This 6.1km trail is situated just a 15-minute drive from Concierge Camping. The circular trail is a very popular walking route in Chichester. You can take in a range of scenery – including farmland and views along the water’s edge. The route is level – making it ideal for walkers of all abilities. However, if you plan to visit in the low season – make sure you bring your wellies.
View the Chichester Marina and Dell Quay Walk
Like all good walks, this circular route starts and ends at a country pub. This is a moderate route that features some challenging terrain and elevation, but promises the reward of fantastic views for those that embark on the 8.4km route. What’s better, is this walk is just a 10-minute drive from Concierge Camping. Either drive, walk or cycle over to the local Royal Oak, enjoy the long steady climb and descent of the route and then treat yourself to a cold drink and some homely, locally-sourced food at the pub.
View the Royal Oak, East Lavant and Saint Roches Hill Walk
Further afield…
The iconic Seven Sisters are a must-visit if you are booking a luxury glamping trip in West Sussex. Although the landmark is located at the end of South Downs National Park near Eastbourne, the spectacular white cliffs backdrop will make the journey worth your while. Pack a picnic and dine alfresco with an unbeatable view, before exploring the range of walking trails at Seven Sisters.
View three variations of the Seven Sisters Walk
Ditchling Beacon is a photographers’ dream. As the highest point in East Sussex, it offers dramatic, panoramic views of the South Downs – making the walk to the top very rewarding. We also recommend making the short walk to Jack and Jill Windmill after ascending up Ditchling Beacon, which you may even get to see in action if you visit on a windy day.
View the Ditchling Beacon Circular Walk
Concierge Camping is ideally situated to enjoy a walking holiday in West Sussex. Chichester is just a 15-minute drive away, so you can enjoy the natural beauty of our West Ashling setting, whilst being close enough to conveniently visit the historic city and surrounding harbour towns. With the South Downs National Park to one side and sandy beaches to the other, we really are perfectly situated to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Bosham Harbour. A short drive from our West Sussex campsite.
Whether you are looking for glamping in West Sussex, or you’re planning to bring your tourer, our award-winning park will be the perfect base to explore the stunning local area. We have everything you could possibly need to make your walking holiday comfortable.
We are delighted to offer all of our guests the use of our on-site amenities block. We have a washing machine and tumble dryer, indoor dish-washing area and a brilliant toilet block.
Our commitment to cleanliness was recognised when we won the ‘Loo of the Year’ award. You can expect a level of freshness and build quality more akin with a luxury hotel, rather than a campsite. Certainly, our powerful showers, complimentary toiletries and granite-topped wash areas will provide the perfect place for you to freshen up on your glamping holiday in West Sussex.
We like to think of our safari lodges as being glamping accommodation – but reinvented! Looking at your luxury glamping lodges from the outside, you’ll notice that we’ve based the aesthetic from African lodges.
Whilst capturing the style of the Savannah of the Serengeti on the outside, you’ll find a quintessentially British aesthetics on the inside. You can enjoy cooking some fantastic meals for the family on your state-of-the-art range cooker. West Ayling and West Sussex place high importance on locally-sourced food, pop into our on-site shop to get some high quality, local ingredients to cook up!
Choose our AA Campsite of the Year as a base and experience some of the best walking holidays in West Sussex.