Forest Garden Shovelstrode Ltd

East Grinstead, Wealden, England

A magical woodland eco-retreat nestled on the edge of Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie the Pooh. A place to escape, unwind, and soak up the forest atmosphere (Shinrin-yoku). Luxury glamping accommodation in beautifully appointed traditional Yurts and rustic Log Cabins within a secret ancient woodland. Ideal for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a group break. Woodland craft courses, activities, therapies & treatments are also available. We are passionate about the natural environment. The site has been designed adopting the principles of Permaculture, and we demonstrate different ways of lowering our carbon footprint and living more self sufficiently. Eco-credentials include rainwater harvesting, solar power and food supplied for the café from our forest and vegetable gardens. Visitors are encouraged to compost their own green waste on site. Guests enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking over a camp fire under the stars, seeing and hearing the abundant flora and fauna, picnicking in the woods or enjoying the many spectacular walks in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The hot power showers and proper flushing loos are located beside the café, just a short stroll from each yurt & cabin (50-150m). Further information about the site: Towels are not provided. Fireworks and chinese lanterns are not permitted on site. No WIFI is provided on site. Check the weather forecast in advance of your woodland retreat so that you can pack appropriate clothes for the weather. Remember you will be in a forest surrounded by woodland, so appropriate footwear such as boots or wellingtons. We recommend packing sun protection, insect repellent and sun/rain hats along with torches and matches and hand sanitizer. You will also need to bring all your bedding for the units. All cooking utensils are provided for you. The cabins and yurt hires are provided with essential cooking utensils, including a frying pan, saucepans, kettle, knives, forks, plates, cups etc. All the cooking utensils are steam cleaned between bookings. Each of our log cabin and yurt hires has its own barbecue and fire pit. We sell our own seasoned logs for £10 for a large bag. These can be purchased at time of booking, by email or, on site. We also sell locally produced charcoal at £7 per bag. Fire pits and barbecues must only be used in designated areas. You can bring your own logs with you to your woodland retreat, as long as they are kiln dried or well-seasoned and small in size to fit in the log burners in the cabins and yurts [up to 23cm long].

Accommodation types

  • Anderida Cabin — Book a stay in one of our woodland log cabin hires if you are looking to escape the liveliness of the city, and spend some time relaxing in the beautiful Sussex forests. This gothic-themed cabin was built with love and great attention to detail. The cabin is clad inside and out in western red cedar. The terracotta colour of the tin roof and slowly greying red cedar cladding allow the cabin to blend seamlessly into the ancient woodland. The perfect cabin hire for a woodland retreat in Sussex. Details: - Sleeps up to 4 - Double bed + double sofa bed - Mezzanine sleeping level - Open plan living area - Kitchen/diner - Veranda with outdoor seating - No pets Facilities: The double sleeping area is located up on the mezzanine level (n.b. max headroom 1250mm) which can be accessed via a sturdy ladder. In the open-plan living area, there is also a comfortable double sofa bed, allowing up to 4 guests to enjoy this Sussex cabin hire. The living area also includes a wood burning stove, and it is highly insulated with double glazing, allowing you to have a warm and comfortable stay with us. The cabin hire’s kitchen/diner area is fully equipped with all the necessary pots, pans, cutlery and crockery that you should need. There is also a large refectory table, beautiful antique chairs and an old church pew. The gothic theme is also reflected in the many antique carvings, tapestry and oil paintings that cover the walls. Outside there is a generous 2m veranda which offers a covered deck space with table and comfortable wooden chairs and cushions for outdoor eating. There is a heavy grill that can be placed on the fire to barbeque food and charcoal can be purchased from the Forest Garden shop. Anderida Cabin hire is located approx. 180m from the shower/WC/washing up area. The shared shower/loo and washing up facilities consist of 2 x separate showers, 2 x WC's and handbasin and 2 x outdoor double washing up sinks and are located beside the car park. Further Information: Check in: 5.00pm - 7.00pm Check out: 10.00 am. You must be minimum 25 years of age to make a booking. Guests must take away all their own rubbish when vacating the premises. We are a small rural site and offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the woodland. I ask everyone to keep noise levels down at all times. The car park is between 70 and 200m from your accommodation. Wheelbarrows are provided and should be left at the car park. We suggest that valuables are best kept with you or in a locked car. Forest Garden cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings. Fireguard for child safety can be provided on request. Please contact us. The off-grid accommodation does not provide electricity or running water. The shower/WC and washing up facilities are at the Loo Block beside the car park which is a maximum of 200m from the accommodation. Towels are not provided. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A TORCH AND MATCHES/LIGHTER!
  • Orinoco Cabin — Whether you’re on the hunt for a woodland getaway with family, friends or as a couple, come and explore the natural beauties that Sussex has to offer whilst staying in one of our comfortable log cabin hires. The Orinoco Cabin hire is situated on the edge of the woodland, with far reaching views of open pasture and forest beyond. The coppiced hazel understory beneath the trees creates a secluded corner of the ancient woodland which is teeming in wildlife and covered in woodland wildflowers. Details: - Sleeps up to 4 - Double bed + double sofa bed - Open plan living area - Kitchen/diner - Veranda with outdoor seating - Mezzanine level - No pets Facilities: The mezzanine area is reached via a sturdy ladder where there is comfortable double bed which sleeps 2 people (n.b. max headroom 1250mm). In the open plan living area, there is a comfortable double sofa bed that can sleep an additional 2 people (bed linen charges apply – see extras). Additionally, a toasty woodburner and double glazing will ensure you stay nice and warm. We also provide tea lights and lanterns to create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere if you are visiting our Sussex holiday cabin as a couple. The cabin hire also includes a kitchen/dining area with twin gas burner. The cupboards and large old pine dresser contain all the necessary pots, pans, cutlery and crockery that you should need. Outside you will find a veranda which offers a covered deck space with a large picnic table for outdoor eating. There is a heavy grill that can be placed on the fire pit to barbeque food - charcoal can be purchased from the Forest Garden shop. Orinoco is located approximately 60m from the shower/WC/washing up area. The shared shower/loo and washing up facilities consist of 2 x separate showers, 2 x WC's and handbasin and 2 x outdoor double washing up sinks and are located beside the car park. Further Information: Check in: 5.00pm - 7.00pm Check out: 10.00 am. You must be minimum 25 years of age to make a booking. Guests must take away all their own rubbish when vacating the premises. We are a small rural site and offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the woodland. I ask everyone to keep noise levels down at all times. The car park is between 70 and 200m from your accommodation. Wheelbarrows are provided and should be left at the car park. We suggest that valuables are best kept with you or in a locked car. Forest Garden cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings. Fireguard for child safety can be provided on request. Please contact us. The off-grid accommodation does not provide electricity or running water. The shower/WC and washing up facilities are at the Loo Block beside the car park which is a maximum of 200m from the accommodation. Towels are not provided. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A TORCH AND MATCHES/LIGHTER!
  • Kushti Yurt — It’s always great to spend some time away from the city in some of Britain’s most beautiful natural forests. If you’re looking for a woodland getaway in Sussex, our yurt hires are a unique way to sleep under the stars with the utmost level of comfort. The Kushti Yurt hire is inspired by traditional Mongolian 'Ger' (aka yurt) with beautiful hand painted roof poles, pillars and door. There are many colourful ethnic textiles and carpets which adorn the walls and floors which give the unique yurts its ‘good vibes’ as described by the previous owner! The many lovely comments in our guest book reflect this. We’ve had many wedding proposals and honeymooners in this very special Sussex woodland yurt hire! Details: - Sleeps 2 people - 5.9 metres in diameter - Double bed - Kitchen area with double gas ring camping stove - Indoor seating - Outdoor seating area - Open fire pit - No pets Facilities: There is also something deeply peaceful and meditative about our Kushti yurt hire. It is a magical space and occasionally you may see a deer or a rabbit enjoying the Sussex woodland. Inside there is a kitchen area with double gas ring camping stove with everything you will need to cook and prepare any food. The bed is a comfortable double futon, decorated with several colourful cushions. There is also additional seating in the form of hand carved stools, and a double futon sofa in beside the wood-burner. To the side of the yurt is a small table and chairs so that you can enjoy cosy inside eating on cold evenings. Outside the yurt hire, there is a large picnic table and log stools along with an open fire pit with grill if you wish to cook under the stars! Kiln dried logs can be purchased for the Forest Garden shop. Kushti yurt hire is approximately 70m from the shower/WC and washing-up sink. The shared shower/loo and washing up facilities consist of 2 x separate showers, 2 x WC's and handbasin and 2 x outdoor double washing up sinks and are located beside the car park. Further Information: Check in: 5.00pm - 7.00pm Check out: 10.00 am. You must be minimum 25 years of age to make a booking. Guests must take away all their own rubbish when vacating the premises. We are a small rural site and offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the woodland. I ask everyone to keep noise levels down at all times. The car park is between 70 and 200m from your accommodation. Wheelbarrows are provided and should be left at the car park. We suggest that valuables are best kept with you or in a locked car. Forest Garden cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings. Fireguard for child safety can be provided on request. Please contact us. The off-grid accommodation does not provide electricity or running water. The shower/WC and washing up facilities are at the Loo Block beside the car park which is a maximum of 200m from the accommodation. Towels are not provided. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A TORCH AND MATCHES/LIGHTER!
  • Jacaranda Cabin — If you are looking for a way to escape from city life, and spend some quality time in the forest with loved ones, our log cabin hires in Sussex are a great way to take a break from the everyday. The Jacaranda Cabin hire is perfect for woodland retreats and exploring the natural forests in Sussex. The hand-built log cabin is nestled amongst the old iron pits in the ancient woodland. This part of the woodland is carpeted in bluebells, orchids and wild garlic in the spring. Details: - Sleeps 4 people - Double bed + double sofa bed - Open plan living room - Kitchen/diner - Veranda with outdoor seating - Mezzanine - No pets allowed Facilities: Downstairs is an open plan living room area with a lovely wood burning stove. As well as an open plan living area, the cabin hire also incorporates also a kitchen/dining area with twin gas burner. The cupboards contain all the necessary pots, pans, cutlery and crockery that you should need for your stay. The log cabin hire is highly insulated and has double glazing, so you be able to enjoy a pleasurable cosy stay. There are many tea lights and lanterns provided to create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. Outside there is a wooden veranda which offers a covered deck space with an antique French table and chairs for outdoor eating. A large open outdoor fire-pit and grill are outside the log cabin. Guests may bring their own kiln dried logs for the wood-burner or they can purchase them and charcoal from the Forest Garden shop. Jacaranda cabin is conveniently located only 80 metres from the shower/WC/washing up area. The shared shower/loo and washing up facilities consist of 2 x separate showers, 2 x WC's and handbasin and 2 x outdoor double washing up sinks and are located beside the car park. Further Information: Check in: 5.00pm - 7.00pm Check out: 10.00 am. You must be minimum 25 years of age to make a booking. Guests must take away all their own rubbish when vacating the premises. We are a small rural site and offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the woodland. I ask everyone to keep noise levels down at all times. The car park is between 70 and 200m from your accommodation. Wheelbarrows are provided and should be left at the car park. We suggest that valuables are best kept with you or in a locked car. Forest Garden cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings. Fireguard for child safety can be provided on request. Please contact us. The off-grid accommodation does not provide electricity or running water. The shower/WC and washing up facilities are at the Loo Block beside the car park which is a maximum of 200m from the accommodation. Towels are not provided. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A TORCH AND MATCHES/LIGHTER!
  • Idaho Cabin — If you’re looking for a relaxing woodland getaway, to spend some quality time with people you love away from busy city life, hiring one of our Sussex log cabins are the perfect way to unwind. The Idaho Cabin hire was hand built using western red cedar which still emits the beautiful and relaxing phytoncides (wood essential oils). There is much attention to detail in the construction of the cabin and the beautiful hand-built furniture inside. A beautiful way to enjoy the natural woodlands of Sussex. Details: - Sleeps up to 4 (+ 1 additional at £45pp/pn) - Double bed and double sofa bed - Mezzanine level sleeping - Open plan living area - Kitchen/diner - Veranda with outdoor seating - No pets Facilities: The double bed sleeping area is situated up on the mezzanine level, accessible via a sturdy ladder. Alternatively, there is a sofa bed that can also sleep 2 people, situated in the comfortable living area opposite a warm woodburning stove. Kindling can be collected from the woodland floor and you can either bring your own kiln dried logs or buy them from the Forest Garden shop. The kitchen diner is well equipped with all the pots, pans, cutlery and crockery you will need, alongside a large cedar table, bench and banquette (seat) which pulls out to take a double futon mattress for an additional 2 guests. Outside there is a wide veranda which offers a covered deck space with table and benches for outdoor eating. A large open outdoor fire-pit with oak benches and large log stools are outside the cabin. There is a grill that can be placed on the fire to barbeque food. Idaho Cabin hire is located approx 180m from the shower/WC/washing up area. The shared shower/loo and washing up facilities consist of 2 x separate showers, 2 x WC's and handbasin and 2 x outdoor double washing up sinks and are located beside the car park. Further Information: Check in: 5.00pm - 7.00pm Check out: 10.00 am. You must be minimum 25 years of age to make a booking. Guests must take away all their own rubbish when vacating the premises. We are a small rural site and offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the woodland. We ask everyone to keep noise levels down at all times. The car park is between 70 and 200m from your accommodation. Wheelbarrows are provided and should be left at the car park. We suggest that valuables are best kept with you or in a locked car. Forest Garden cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings. Fireguard for child safety can be provided on request. Please contact us. The off-grid accommodation does not provide electricity or running water. The shower/WC and washing up facilities are at the Loo Block beside the car park which is a maximum of 200m from the accommodation. Towels are not provided. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A TORCH AND MATCHES/LIGHTER!
  • Savannah Yurt — If you’re looking for a unique way to spend time away from the city, and breathe in some fresh country air, book a Sussex woodland getaway and hire one of our comfortable yurts to come and relax in. Savannah yurt hire was made by a highly experienced traditional yurt maker using locally sourced coppiced ash, hazel and chestnut. The feeling as you walk in to the yurt hire is one of size and openness, whilst still retaining the intimate warmth of a handmade yurt. Each of the luxury yurt hires are nestled in their own corner of secluded woodland offering guests privacy and tranquillity. Dappled light and abundance of flora and fauna help create the perfect sanctuary. Details: - 6 metre diameter - Sleeps 4 people (+1 additional at £45 per night) - 1 x Double bed, 1 x double sofa bed, 1x single sofa bed - Worktop kitchen surface - Comfortable seating - Decked outside area with picnic table Facilities: The style of Savannah yurt hire is ‘Out of Africa’ with big leopard print throws and sheepskin rugs. There is a large double futon bed under an antique tribal carved headboard. There is also a double futon sofa that can pulled into a double bed, and another single futon sofa-bed. (n.b. for the 5th person, additional person and bedding charges apply, see extras). The kitchen area comprises of a worktop surface with twin gas camping stove. All the utensils you need to cook and eat with are stowed in the large cupboard below. There is an antique Moroccan table and matching stools to eat inside the yurt, and a couple of comfortable reclining chairs and handmade stools for sitting in front of the toasty wood-burner. Outside the yurt hire is a large decked area to sit out and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your woodland getaway. There’s a big picnic table below the deck and beside the large fire-pit with grill for outdoor cooking. Guests can bring their own kiln dried wood or purchase locally produced charcoal and kiln dried logs from the Forest Garden shop. The Savannah yurt hire is located approx 150m from the shower/WC/washing up area. The shared shower/loo and washing up facilities consist of 2 x separate showers, 2 x WC's and handbasin and 2 x outdoor double washing up sinks and are located beside the car park.

Suitable for

  • Adults Only
  • People
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Retired
  • Solo

Contact: +447956815458