An unspoilt campsite in the heart of Sussex

One of the first questions that we are often asked is "which is the way to the pub?" - and why not. A quiet drink in the garden at The Sloop is one of the joys of staying at Kitts Camp.

It is hotly contested whether it is a seven or eight minute amble, but what is without doubt is that it takes longer to get back! And it gets right spooky in those woods when the wolves start howling.

The Sloop is a traditional Country pub with a lovely garden, so an ideal place for all the family to relax. The best news is that The Sloop became a Free House over the winter and promises to champion local ales and microbrewers. Harvey's is now available! The food is delicious and reasonably priced, it has not become too "Gastro". Many a happy afternoon and evening has been whiled away enjoying their hospitality and it is certainly a place to visit for a relaxing drink, a very reasonable meal and , as the Irish say, a good craic! It is of course full to the gunnels with Kitts campers.

The Kings Head at Chailey crossroads is around a 20 minute walk south and has the great benefit of appealing to all footie fans because it is the closest pub available that has SKY TV.

To the North, but in an easy and beautiful 30 min walk is Horsted Keynes and the newly re-built Crown. (No sign yet, but dominates the middle of village). This was destroyed by fire some years ago, but the inside has been completely refurbished. Sunday lunch looked great when we went there in the winter. Definitely worth the walk.

In the same village is The Green Man, which again looks like a nice pub. Locals definitely include it on their inter village pub crawls anyway. I haven't eaten there but we would be interested to hear any reports.

To the west, you may have driven past The Farmers (just off the main road in Scaynes Hill) on the way to Kitts, but its only a 15 minute walk. It serves Harvey's which is a definite plus but it is a cavernous building and is about to change hands again!

May's Tea Room, North Chailey on A272. Breakfast, light lunches and delicious cream teas...yummy. Hospitable, old world Sussex! It's also a 20 min walk away, close to the Murco garage and Kings Head and definitely worth a visit .

Unfortunately, not all the pubs are within walking distance, but if you are looking for a really top-notch meal (at top-notch prices) in a pub which is very popular with the locals, then The Griffin at Fletching (3 miles or so) is for you. (turn left out of drive, left again, left at T junction and right to Fletching). We usually eat from the bar menu rather than in the restaurant, but if you've got as many children as me, you would know why! It's quite enlightening seeing how the great and the good of Sussex spend their leisure time and is certainly one of the top pubs in sussex!

The Coach and Horses at Danehill (actually about 1 miles to the East - turn right down the hill just after the church) is another great pub. Good food, good garden, good beer. Can't say any fairer than that really.

Next page, I knew there would be one! To be continued later!

The Sloop
8 minute walk
Last Food orders 9'O'clock

The Kings Head
Chailey
last orders 9.30pm

The Crown
The Green Man
Horsted Keynes

The Griffin, Fletching
12 minute drive TN22 3SS
01825 722810
Food served to 9'Oclock

The Coach & Horses
12 minute drive RH177JF
01825 740369
last orders 9pm
Just a great pub