The Old Airfield Campsite

The distinctive hum of distant propeller aircraft drifts across this remarkably flat Hampshire meadow, a gentle reminder of the wartime runways that once stretched beneath your tent pegs. Morning mist clings to the grassland, burning off to reveal big skies that seem endless above the South Downs fringe.

This is proper back-to-basics camping for those who prefer canvas under stars to creature comforts. Tent campers, caravanners and campervan tourers all find generous pitches on this sprawling former airfield, while families and couples seeking Hampshire's market towns, countryside walks and coastal access use it as an unpretentious base. The South Downs National Park lies within easy striking distance, as do the historic streets of Winchester and the New Forest's ancient woodlands.

Facilities keep things refreshingly simple—clean toilets and showers provide the essentials without fuss. Check about campfires when you arrive, as policies can vary. The vibe here is wonderfully unfussy: space to breathe, uninterrupted horizons, and the quiet satisfaction of sleeping where Spitfires once stood ready.