Sussex vineyard to offer temporary campsite pitches

Kinsbrook Vineyard, in Thakeham, has notified Horsham District Council of its plans to host the campsite for two days each week from April to September 2026.

The proposal covers a total of 56 days across the summer months.

Four camping pitches will be available every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Sundays on bank holiday weekends.

The site will include portable toilet and waste disposal facilities, with all equipment removed outside of the permitted days.

Concerns about the operation of the campsite have been raised by Thakeham Parish Council, which deemed it to be an escalation from the existing farm shop and café on the site, and raised concerns about a potential increase in noise and the impact on wildlife.

However, while these concerns were acknowledged, the use of the land as a campsite does not require planning approval, so the owners of the site are able to proceed with the plans.

Kinsbrook Vineyard is a family-run business operated by Joe Beckett and Rebecca Dancer, some of the country's youngest vineyard owners. 

Alongside the vineyard, which is open seven days a week, the site houses a shop and café, and offers events including wine tours and wine tasting. 

The venue is also popular for hosting weddings, and includes an on-site restaurant, with a menu focused on locally-sourced produce.