Blackland Farm's Basecamp
14th - 16th August 2026
Join us for a unique Outdoor Festival in West Sussex, bringing together camper van enthusiasts, campers, and lovers of life under canvas. Expect an unforgettable weekend of adventure, live music, and time well spent in the great outdoors, all set against a stunning natural backdrop right on the edge of the Ashdown Forest.
Base Camp 2026 at Blackland Farm this August
This August, Blackland Farm transforms into a laid-back camping festival designed for people who love the outdoors, good food, and unhurried fun. Set among open fields and woodland, Blackland Farms Base Camp is about switching off, pitching up, and settling into a weekend of music, adventure, and firelit evenings.
By day, festival-goers can book into a range of outdoor activities including abseiling, zip wires, archery, axe throwing, and bungee trampolines—whether they’re chasing adrenaline or trying something new for the first time. Between activities, guests can wander the site, relax with friends, and enjoy a curated selection of food trucks serving great street food all weekend.
As the sun sets, live music provides the soundtrack to long summer evenings, leading into nights spent around the enchanted woodland campfire—a glowing, atmospheric space for storytelling, acoustic sets, and slow conversations under the stars.
Blackland Farms Base Camp is not about rushing from stage to stage. It’s about space, nature, and shared moments—an easygoing festival where adventure meets calm, and memories are made at your own pace.
Available Site Activities
Abseiling £15 per person
This Abseiling experience challenges you to step over the edge and descend with confidence, guided by fully trained instructors and top-quality safety systems. It’s an unforgettable mix of adrenaline, achievement, and adventure. Participants must be 6 years old and above.
Archery£15 per person
Our Archery experience lets guests test their focus and precision as they learn to shoot like a pro in a safe, supportive environment. With expert guidance, it’s easy to get started, hugely satisfying, and perfect for friendly competition, team-building, or trying something new. Participants must be 6 years old and above.
Axe Throwing£15 per person
Axe Throwing is a high-energy, hands-on experience where guests learn to safely throw real axes at wooden targets in a fun, competitive setting. Guided by trained coaches, it’s easy to pick up, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a Saturday afternoon activity with friends. Participants must be 10 years old and above.
Bungee Trampoline£15 per person
Our bungee trampoline is specially reserved for young children, giving them the excitement of jumping and flying in a safe, age-appropriate setting. It’s big fun made just right for little jumpers. Participants must be 4 years and above.
Zip Wire£15 per person
Who doesn’t like Zip Wires?! Ours delivers a rush of pure adrenaline as you soar through the air, taking in incredible views while securely harnessed and guided by trained instructors. It’s fast, exhilarating, and an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers, groups, and anyone looking to push their limits. Participants must be 6 years old and above.
Other Activities
Campfire
Follow a light trail to find a calm campfire deep in the woods. Somewhere to unwind and take in your thoughts.
Catering
There will be a good selection of food available for all dietary needs. Watch this space for more information.
Live Music
Saturday night there will be a number of bands playing for you to let your hair down to. There will also be a open mic slot for you budding musicians so please bring your instruments.
Sunday Show n Shine
On the Sunday there will be a “Sunday Show n Shine” day so get those prized possessions of yours in tip top condition. There are no prizes, just a great opportunity to show off your lovely vans.
Traditional games
Traditional games areas will be on hand to entertain families and children.
Pricing
Nearby Attractions
Bluebell Railway
Imagine traveling through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery behind a steam engine. Bluebell Railway offer a unique experience for the whole family.
01825 720800
bluebell-railway.com
Kingscote Estate and Vineyard
Kingscote invite you down to our little valley nestled in West Sussex countryside for a 90-minute wine tour and tasting Friday – Sundays every week. We begin the tour with a glass of wine in hand and strolling to our award winning vineyards to explain a year in the life of the vine.
01342 327535
kingscoteestate.com
Weir Wood Sport and Leisure
Set amidst stunning natural surroundings, Weir Wood Sport and Leisure is the perfect destination for watersports enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape on the water. Weirwood is a 15minute drive away.
01342 621271
weirwood.co.uk
Missing Link Brewing
An established micro brewery in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Only a 10 mins drive from our site.
0333 880 6366
missinglinkbrewing.com
The fox free house
Discover a delightful blend of local and modern flavours at The Fox Free House just a 5 minute drive from us.
01342 529536
thefoxfreehouse.com
The Cat Inn
Cat Inn is a 16th century free house. Set in the picturesque village of west Hoathly just a 6 minute away.
01342 810 369
catinn.co.uk
The Old Dunnings Mill
An extended 15th Century Pub straddling one of the Wealden tributaries of the River Medway. The Old Mill is just a 10 minute drive away.
01342 821080
olddunningsmill.co.uk
Standen House National Trust
Standen is an Arts and Crafts house located to the south of East Grinstead, West Sussex, England. The house and its surrounding gardens belong to the National Trust and are open to the public. It is a Grade I listed building. It's only a 10minute drive away.
01342 323029
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden
Pooh Sticks Bridge (Ashdown Forest)
Poohsticks Bridge (or Pooh Bridge) is located in the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, England, near the village of Upper Hartfield, the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood where Winnie the Pooh adventures take place. Its roughly a 20 minute drive away.
poohcorner.co.uk/ashdown-forest
FAQs and Site Rules
What to expect at Base Camp?
Base camp is held at Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre. From Axe Throwing, Archery and Bushcraft to Abseiling and Zipwires, we have it all. There will be a traditional games area which is always a great hit with families along with a sand pit for the really young. You can book these activities on the day but we strongly recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment as there are a limited number of places available.
Where is Blackland Farm?
Blackland Farm, Grinstead Lane, Sharpethorne, West Sussex, RH19 4HP.
The Festival will be in Peewitts field. Please don’t come to the main reception. Base Camp will be clearly sign posted on the main road.
See the what3words address to help you find the specific
location:
///larger.villager.overture
https://w3w.co/larger.villager.overture
What are the access times for campers?
Friday gates will be open from midday. Please arrive before 9pm
Saturday gates will be open from 9am.
Please do not come earlier than the times above. The road leading up to our site is extremely narrow. Queuing on the road is not an option. We don’t want to upset our lovely neighbours.
You are welcome to leave the site to explore the local area, but please be back before dark so as to not interrupt other campers.
*If you have any accessibility requirements please drop us an email and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
What are the access times for day visitors?
Saturday 10am. Please leave by 10pm
What facilities can we expect at Blackland Farm?
There are multiple drinking water taps on site. In the field there are two large toilet blocks. Each block has 12 toilets and 4 showers. Each block has an accessible toilet/shower.
There is a chemical emptying points in the field. Recycling and bin points on site also.
Are there showers on site?
Yes. There are plenty of showers on site. See above FAQ.
Are there accessible toilets on site
Yes, there are accessible toilets on site. For specific accessibility needs please do get in touch.
Are there charging points on site?
No there are not charging points available on site.
Can we bring generators?
Please do not bring generators. The noise will disrupt other campers.
What food will be on site?
There will be several food trucks on site but those will be announced closer to the time. Drinks will be served at the music marquee. Feel free to bring your own drinks but please no glass!!
Are fires and BBQ’s allowed?
Definitely! It wouldn’t be camping without it! Please make sure the fires are off the floor! No disposable BBQs please! You can pre-order bags of seasoned firewood on site, or some will be available to purchase on the weekend.
Can we bring our dogs?
Absolutely! We’re a dog friendly site. However we do ask for you to keep them on a lead and clear up after them.
Can we play music?
Of course. We just ask that you be respectful to other campers and do not bring big loud independent sound systems. No noise after 10pm please due to the terms of our license.
Can we bring tents?
Yes of course you can. As we are charging per head, what you decide to bring is totally up to you. Unfortunately the only thing we can’t allow are Caravans. All makes of vans are welcome. We also have pre-pitched 5 metre bell tents to book, plus campbeds!
Is there First Aid and Security on site?
Yes, there will be adequate first aid and security cover.
Ticket Enquires
Please email us at info@blacklandfarm.org and we’ll aim to answer any question as soon as possible. Please ensure you are familiar with our Terms and Conditions upon booking.