Please note we have only one Facebook group with all the latest news and chat. Click below or from the menu bar at the top of this page.
Facebook Group
You can either browse for a particular subject or use CTRL F to find a keyword within this page. If you see something like proofs.supposes.defensive this is a what3words address that will take you to within a few metres of the place. You can download this free app for Android or Apple phones.
Q. Can I get gas for camping stoves nearby
A. There are several bottle gas suppliers in Tenterden, Ashford, and further afield in Canterbury. Edward Doe and Sons are just just outside Ashford. Tenterden Garden Centre sells bottled gas too.
Q. What sort of things should I bring camping?
A. Sue has produced a list of things that she brings which may help you decide. Sue’s list The Retreat Animal Sanctuary is more wild camping with basic facilities, so no Electric Hook Up available. We are looking into freezer block freezing.
Q. Prices 2026
A. £10 per adult per night, £5 per child 4-15yrs per night. We ask for a £2 donation from day visitors to help cover camp costs.
Q. Can I bring a dog/dogs?
A. Yes, However we are unable to accept dogs on the banned breed list. Please bring compostable poo bags, and as this is vegan camp, please feed your dogs on vegan/plant based food. All dogs must be on a leash at all times, and if they are on a tie out lead, it must not be more than 3 metres long. Please check with other campers before bringing them to a group meet, some of our people have a fear of dogs.
Q. How do I get there?
W3W proofs.supposes.defensive takes you to the entrance to our field.
By Car
The Retreat is just off the A28 Tenterden to Ashford Road. Either Google Maps The Retreat Animal Rescue Centre. Also works in Waze, or use What Three Words for best accuracy of the entrance to our field.
Car sharing
If you have either some space in your car, or would like a lift, please email us with the following details and we will try and match you up.
Name, nearest city and Postcode, when you are leaving, when you are returning, how many seats offered/wanted, phone number. Those requesting a lift will normally share the travel costs unless otherwise arranged. Email to vegancampuk@gmail.com with “Car Sharing Lifts” in the title.
By train and Bus
Technically there is a bus stop nearby, but getting to the Retreat by public transport is not simple. If you are taking the train, then either a taxi from the nearest station, (Ashford) or arrange to be collected by a volunteer from camp. Please try to arrange this by emailing us, or sending a message through FB before the event.
Q. Are camper vans, caravans, tent top vans allowed at this site?
A. Yes, and are restricted to below 3.5tons for this site. If you have a motorhome, it can be a squeeze getting into the field, so you many need to park in the carpark next door,
We are restricted on how many heavier vehicles we are allowed, please make us aware when booking if you are bringing a camper van
Q. What events do you have? are you like Vegan Camp Out?
A. We are a very different event to Vegan Camp Out in that we are meeting for a holiday rather than for campaigning, education, trying the latest vegan products etc.
Whilst we will have a “Program of Events”, this is very much a low key affair, trips for swimming, carboot sales, local tourist attractions etc. If you know of any local events, places of interest etc, then please do send a message to vegancampuk@gmail.com with “Events” in the title.
Q. What facilities are available at this years site?
A.The retreat has a cafe, open Thursday to Sunday lunchtimes, we hope to organise a camp meal one evening if we have enough takers. There’s a charity/thrift shop, a gift shop, a craft shop and the wonderful Jenning’s Plantry who opened up for us last year outside of opening days. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Children are encouraged to play in the central part of the field, which will be left clear for them.
Q. Local places to stay for those who do not wish to camp.
A. There is a lodge on site available for hire, please contact the Retreat direct. There are a number of AirBnBs around, as well as hotels for every budget.
Q. Do I have to come for the full 9 nights?
A. Only if you have been naughty and the courts have ordered you to attend! Otherwise you can be a day visitor, stay for a single night, stay for the whole 9 nights or anywhere in-between.
Q. Are there toilets/showers, places to wash up?
A. Yes, compost toilets, hot showers and undercover hot and cold washing up area. . Please bring eco friendly vegan self care products and toiletries.
Q. Do you insist on eco cleaning products like washing up liquid, soap, shampoo etc?
A. Yes, the Retreat is a vegan and eco friendly site
Q. How self sufficient would I need to be? Do I have to bring everything I might need, like food etc, or is there somewhere to buy essentials and/or get food?
A. There is a Jennings Plantry at The Retreat site sellinga fabulous range of vegan foods and household stuff. Also dog foods. Tenterden has Waitrose, Budgens, and a Tesco superstore, Ashford has Tesco’s Extra,, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Budgens, Co-op and local supermarkets. . If you are without transport, someone going shopping will, if asked nicely, pick up supplies for you, or possibly offer you a lift.
Q. What are the rules around noise?
A. There is to be no loud noise after 10pm that may disturb others on any part of the site. No noise after 11pm, and be aware of the animals, we don’t want to scare them. There will be animals in adjoining fields
Q. What about alcohol?
A. Vegan alcohol is allowed at camp, getting legless and singing Bohemian Rhapsody at 3am is however, not (even in the shower).
Q. Do you have to get involved in all activities?
A. Yes, every single one, even where there are 2 things happening simultaneously (you must clone yourself). Seriously though, nothing is compulsory at Vegan Camp except being Vegan and having a good time, whether that is joining in on trips, or communal meals, doing park runs, or just lying in your tent reading a book, it’s just nice to be around other people who actually care about people, animals and the environment.
Q. Can I hire a tent (or other camping equipment) or will I need to bring my own?
A. Currently we don’t have any camping equipment for hire so you will need to bring your own. It is something we could look at in the future, however in recent years there has been little interest in this. It also means someone has to store this equipment and bring it to camp each year.
Q. Can I bring my family if they aren’t vegan?
A. All are welcome as long as they are at least vegan on site for the duration of the camp and only bring vegan foods and beverages on to site. This is partly due to this being “Vegan Camp” at a Vegan Animal Rescue, but also due to allergy issues that some people may suffer from.
Q. Are camp fires allowed?
A. This year, we are permitted to have a communal fire for all to join should they wish, not individual camp fires. BBQs are permitted as long as they are raised off the ground.
Q. Entertainment
A. Vegan camp is what everyone there makes it. In previous years there has been a talent show, jewellery making and a visiting basket weaver who held classes. Once a member organised a boot camp on a few mornings! If you have a passion you’d love to share- for example: a craft activity or a yoga class, then please speak to an organiser in advance of camp and let’s see what we can do to make it happen. You would need to be qualified/provide materials etc. We are not a commercial set up. Any payment would need to be open and optional. The lovely Sue Waller does an events list before camp, which will give a good indication of what’s on around The Retreat nearer the time.
Q. How do I pay?
A. Information about payment is in the information at the top of the page with the booking form. Please note that the May mini camp 2026 is the last camp where we will accept cheques as payment. In future, money must be either sent electronically by BACS or PayPal, or monies deposited into our bank account at any branch of the Post Office or Co-op bank.
Q. Please email us with any other questions you would like answered to vegancampuk@gmail.com with FAQ in the title.