Sumners Ponds
1 / 10

Sumners Ponds

4.5
·1k reviews·Barns Green, United Kingdom

A serene countryside retreat in West Sussex, offering fishing, glamping, and peaceful lakeside stays across 100 acres of lakes and woodlands.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Sumners Ponds

Sumners Ponds

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene countryside retreat in West Sussex, offering fishing, glamping, and peaceful lakeside stays across 100 acres of lakes and woodlands.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"For location, peace, and quiet, views, comfort, and cleanliness, I couldn't fault it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Book Fishing Spots Early

Lakeside pitches and specific fishing spots are popular. Reserve your preferred spot in advance, especially during busy periods.

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Sumners Ponds is very dog-friendly! Many accommodations welcome pets, and there's a dedicated Dog Meadow for exclusive hire.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 1,318 reviews

Type

Campground

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Safari Tents with Lake Views

Safari Tents with Lake Views

Sumners Lake

Experience glamping in luxury safari tents offering stunning lake views and comfortable amenities.

Cozy Log Cabins

Cozy Log Cabins

Sumners Lake

Relax in well-equipped log cabins, many featuring private fishing verandas for a perfect lakeside retreat.

Fishing on Five Coarse Lakes

Fishing on Five Coarse Lakes

Various lakes on site

Enjoy world-class coarse fishing in five well-stocked lakes, a paradise for anglers of all levels.

Dog Meadow Exclusive Hire

Dog Meadow Exclusive Hire

Designated Dog Meadow

Give your furry friends a dedicated space to run and play in a private, secure dog exercise paddock.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Lakeside Escape Early

Sumners Ponds offers a variety of unique accommodations like safari tents and log cabins. These popular spots, especially those with lake views, get booked up quickly, particularly during peak seasons. Plan ahead to secure your preferred stay and avoid disappointment.

Embrace the Outdoors, Pack Accordingly

This countryside retreat is all about nature, with lakes, woodlands, and walking trails. Pack comfortable walking shoes, waterproofs, and insect repellent. Even if you're in a cozy lodge, the best experiences often involve exploring the grounds.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Warm air, peaceful lake views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Introducing Sumners Ponds Willow’s Hide Safari Tent! Willow’s Hide is glamping at it’s finest and would tempt even the most reluctant campers. Sleeping up to 4 adults and 2 children means it is perfect for couples or families that love the camping experience but can’t live without a bit of luxury. Book your getaway today! #sumnersponds #sussexcamping #campsite #sussexglamping #sussexfishing
sumnersponds
119 likes • 4.2K views

🎣 Book Fishing Spots Early

Lakeside pitches and specific fishing spots are popular. Reserve your preferred spot in advance, especially during busy periods. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Sumners Ponds is very dog-friendly! Many accommodations welcome pets, and there's a dedicated Dog Meadow for exclusive hire. Instagram+2

Sumners Ponds is always a good idea...has the best few days spent doing not much at all & loved every minute of it ❤️
sheonaharls
2 likes • 290 views
The Ferrari Tent 🏕 Four days of Fishing, Fun and Frolics 🎣 I promised I’d share all once we’re home, so, ta-da. This week, the boys and I stayed at @sumnersponds just outside Horsham (about a 25 minute drive from us) for 4 nights in their Safari Tent (or Ferrari Tent as Cas prefers!) overlooking Sumners Lake. It’s about as close to camping as I’m willing to get and it turns out my apples (with ...
theonlygirlinthehouse
533 likes • 26.6K views

☕ Cafe by the Lake

Enjoy breakfast or a meal at the onsite cafe. While the food is good, be prepared for potential queues during peak times. Reddit

🥾 Explore the Downs Link

Connect to the Downs Link for miles of scenic walking and cycling routes right from the campsite. Instagram

Introducing Sumners Ponds Grebe Lodge! This 2-bedroom log cabin on the scenic south-western edge of Sumners Lake is your ideal retreat for up to 4 guests. 🐾🐕 Bring your well-behaved pups along for just £25 per stay per dog! Enjoy the open-plan kitchen, lounge, and two cosy bedrooms. Book your getaway today! #sumnersponds #sussexcamping #campsite #sussexglamping #sussexfishing
sumnersponds
55 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Book Fishing Spots Early

Lakeside pitches and specific fishing spots are popular. Reserve your preferred spot in advance, especially during busy periods. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Sumners Ponds is very dog-friendly! Many accommodations welcome pets, and there's a dedicated Dog Meadow for exclusive hire. Instagram+2

☕ Cafe by the Lake

Enjoy breakfast or a meal at the onsite cafe. While the food is good, be prepared for potential queues during peak times. Reddit

🥾 Explore the Downs Link

Connect to the Downs Link for miles of scenic walking and cycling routes right from the campsite. Instagram

✨ Glamping Comforts

Opt for a Safari Tent or Shepherd's Hut for a luxurious camping experience with all the comforts of home. Instagram+2

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sumners Ponds is widely praised for its beautiful, tranquil setting and excellent fishing opportunities. Guests love the variety of comfortable accommodations, from glamping tents to log cabins, and the dog-friendly atmosphere. While the natural beauty and peacefulness are consistent highlights, some visitors have noted issues with service efficiency at the onsite cafe.

"We are staying in Iris lodge and it is absolutely amazing, clean, well equipped, warm. We are fishing to and although we haven't caught yet it really doesn't matter as the surroundings are beautiful. Had a lovely breakfast in the Cafe too."

Adam Hart

"Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite in Barns Green, West Sussex, offers a tranquil countryside retreat set within 100 acres of lakes, woodland, and pasture. Ideal for fishing enthusiasts, the site features five well-stocked coarse fishing lakes, including Sumners Lake, which is reserved for guests in accommodation and lakeside pitches. Accommodations range from lakeside log cabins with private fishing verandas to luxury shepherd’s huts and traditional camping pitches, all equipped with modern amenities. The Café by the Lake serves a variety of meals and beverages, with special evening events like wood-fired pizza nights. Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff. While some suggest improvements to facilities like restrooms, the overall experience remains positive. Sumners Ponds is a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation, outdoor activities, and quality fishing experiences."

Darrell Denner

"Lovely spot for fishing, walking, visiting cafe etc. Good location in small village but with sufficient facilities to stay for a week without needing to visit a big supermarket etc. pitches are decent size and the lakeside pitches offer ideal situation for fishing and camping, in relative privacy. Staff are friendly, helpful and responsive to questions. Only issue for me was the service at the ‘Cafe on the Lake’ . Staff were not organized, working together and long queues resulted. Also noted the apparent manager criticizing a member of front house staff open.y in front of customers, which I never like."

Louise Wakefield

What People Like

Beautiful lakeside setting
Excellent fishing
Comfortable accommodations

What People Dislike

Cafe service can be slow

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sumners Ponds is located in Barns Green, West Sussex. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those using public transport, the nearest train station is Horsham, from which you can take a taxi or local bus service to reach the campsite. Instagram

Yes, Sumners Ponds is generally well-signposted. It's situated in a rural area, so using GPS or a reliable navigation app is recommended. Instagram

Absolutely! Sumners Ponds is connected to the Downs Link, a popular route for cyclists, making it an accessible destination for those traveling by bike. Instagram

The nearest significant town is Horsham, which offers a wider range of amenities and transport links. Barns Green itself is a small village with some local facilities. Instagram

While direct public transport to the campsite is limited, you can reach Horsham by train and then arrange a taxi or local bus service. It's advisable to check local bus routes in advance. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular options like safari tents and log cabins, as they tend to sell out quickly. Instagram+2

Sumners Ponds operates as a campsite and fishery. While specific hours for the campsite and fishing lakes are generally from dawn till dusk, it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on access and facility hours. Instagram

Entry fees typically apply to fishing and camping pitches. Accommodation bookings usually include access to the grounds. It's advisable to check their pricing structure for specific activities. Reddit

Day visitors are welcome to use the Cafe by the Lake and explore some of the public footpaths. However, access to fishing lakes and specific areas may be restricted to guests or require day passes. Instagram

Information on discounts is not widely publicized. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for any seasonal offers or special rates. Instagram

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities

Sumners Ponds features five well-stocked coarse fishing lakes, offering opportunities to catch a variety of coarse fish. InstagramReddit

Anglers are typically required to have a valid Environment Agency rod license. Sumners Ponds may also have its own day ticket or permit system for fishing. Reddit

Yes, Sumners Ponds is a great family destination. There are walking trails, open spaces for play, and the general atmosphere is very welcoming for children. Reddit

Sumners Ponds is very dog-friendly! Many accommodations are pet-friendly, and there's a dedicated Dog Meadow for exclusive hire for your pets to enjoy. Instagram+2

Nearby attractions include Loxwood Canal for scenic walks and the wider West Sussex countryside for exploration. Instagram

🎫 🏡 Accommodation

Sumners Ponds offers a diverse range of accommodations, including luxury safari tents, well-equipped log cabins, shepherd's huts, and traditional camping pitches. Instagram+6

Yes, the safari tents, like Willow's Hide, are designed to sleep up to 4 adults and 2 children, making them ideal for family glamping trips. Instagram

Yes, several log cabins, such as Grebe Lodge and Moorhen Lodge, are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your well-behaved dogs for an additional fee. Instagram+1

Amenities vary by accommodation type but generally include comfortable beds, heating, and essential facilities. Safari tents often feature verandas, while lodges have open-plan living areas. Shepherd's huts include wood-burning stoves and complimentary beverages. Instagram+4

Breakfast is included with bookings for the Bathsheba B&B Shepherd's Hut, served at the Cafe by the Lake. Other accommodations may not include breakfast as standard. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a 'Cafe by the Lake' that serves a variety of meals and beverages. They also host special evening events like wood-fired pizza nights. Reddit

The cafe offers a range of options, from breakfast to meals, and beverages. They are known for their good food, though service can sometimes be slow. Reddit+1

Guests are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks, especially if camping or staying in self-catered accommodation. This is a common practice for campers. Reddit

While specific menus aren't detailed, most cafes offer some vegetarian options. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe about other dietary requirements. Reddit

The nearest town, Horsham, offers a wider selection of restaurants and pubs. For local village options, Barns Green may have a pub or small eateries. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Sumners Ponds (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide