I had the best time camping at Finchingfield camping so if you are looking for the best campsite near London, let me tell you why you should choose this campsite.
The camping getaway near London
Now that the COVID-19 restriction has been lifted in the UK, I can’t help but itch to go for a quick weekend getaway somewhere. A holiday was long overdue.
We landed on the idea of a camping trip. Why not? An indulgence in a nice, comfortable hotel and getting pampered might just be too “ordinary” perhaps, during these unprecedented times.
We chose a campsite near London that would allow a fire pit. There’s something very romantic, and crude and vehement about a fire.
We landed on Finchingfield camping which not only had what we asked for but more. So we went ahead and booked a 4-night stay for a camping weekend which turned out to be during the hottest days in 2021.
So if you’re also looking for somewhere to go for the weekend, let me share with you the best campsite near London perfect for the summer!
Finchingfield camping
Location & Surroundings
Finchingfield camping is located in a quaint little town Finchingfield in Essex. It is equidistant between London and Cambridge.
Finchingfield is beautiful. There are obvious remnants of once a Roman town. The picturesque setting of the village green, humpbacked bridge, windmill and medieval church all in one picture is absolutely stunning. It is quintessentially English.
In the village, I highly recommend grabbing a bite at the local favourite Winners Tea Room. They serve banging breakfast and afternoon tea. Sit outside if the weather permits. Sip tea whilst enjoying the view. If you’re lucky, you might catch free entertainment – an impromptu sports car display, cyclist making their way through the village, and big bikes showcasing their machines – I did. One moment it felt like nothing was going on, another this town is happening.
Campsite facilities
The bare necessities the campsite offers just works. Everything in their premise serves a purpose. Each pitch has a private compost toilet, fire pit and grill, and shared shower facilities. There’s no electric hookup at the pitch, but there’s a shared charging point.
Did I already mention that Finchingfield camping also operates as a lavender field that welcomes day visitors to pick lavenders? So rest assured that you’re surrounded by a picture-perfect setting during your stay. They even scattered tables and chairs within the lavender where you can grab a seat and sip a glass of chilled rosé.
Why Finchingfield is the best campsite near London
One of the reasons why I think Finchingfield is a great place for open-fire cooking is that the site provides a firepit and a grill. The ritualistic regimen of starting a fire from the humble logs before any meal makes me feel as grounded as ever. Especially when it’s the last thing you’d want to do in a blazing sun. If that’s the biggest concern in life right now, I’ll take it.
The second reason is that you will be spoiled for choice for quality produce you’re able to pick up around the area. The local post office in the village would have got you covered. From fresh fruits and veg (so fresh it’s got a harvest date on them) to beautiful cuts steaks, burgers, sausages, bacon, you name it. And needless to say, they’ve also got the dried store stocked as well.
If you want to make a day out, which I recommend you do, then I shall also recommend the local butchers and farmer’s produce market you should check out. Besides the beautiful array of products, the drive alone is worth it.
Baythorne Town Hall
We drove northbound towards the Clare and stopped along the way at Baythorne End. The Baythorne Hall is dedicated to showcasing local businesses. Morgan’s Butchery was one to visit. The piece of sirloin we got was phenomenal along with the spatchcock marinated chicken which was tender, juicy and flavourful.
Next to it was Ben & Ella’s farm shop which was stocked with an enormous selection of beautiful goodness – from fresh local herbs and veg (we had THE BEST punnet of raspberries) to sauces and condiments and even cheeky snacks for the road – Torres truffle crisps they do.
To top that all off was a banging wine shop, Baythorne Wines. Wines from the highstreet supermarket are great. They’re consistent and whatnot but for a special occasion like this, we deserved a little splurge on bottles that you wouldn’t normally find on the high street.
If you’re tired from all the shopping, or just simply want to escape the heat, get yourself to Tarka’s cafe which was always buzzing with people (we went there twice).
Baythorne Town Hall will have everything you will need for your little BBQ rendezvous but if you’re up for more, then read on.
Willow Tree Farm Shop & Cafe
Just a short drive from Clare, you can pop over for a solid good meal at Willow Tree Farm Shop & Cafe. We caught them at a weird time so they were only open for refreshments and cakes, but still, that didn’t disappoint. The farm shop next to it has THE BIGGEST (I repeat THE BIGGEST) selection of sauces. We went hard on it and bought 3 different bottles of ketchup. Yeah, we did.
The camping trip round-up
We had one of the best weekend getaways in a while. The facilities were great. We were apprehensive of the compost toilet at first considering how hot it was but it didn’t bother us at all. The showers were clean. Every moment of the trip will stay with us for a long time. The view of a lavender field over sunset with a glass of chilled sparking. Grilling marshmallows over the fire. Starting a fire in the scorching hot 34-degree sun. Stuffing our faces with great food. The drive around scenic roads. All of it.
Do you have any campsite near London to share? Let me know in the comments below.
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