Shepherd's huts near Mersea Island, Essex

Mersea Island is a popular summertime camping destination with its pleasant beaches and famous painted beach huts. Its natural beauty and slow pace, governed by tides, promises campers a relaxing getaway complemented by seabirds and sailboats year-round. During winter, campers enjoy cod fishing excursions on popular boat charters. During any season, travel to East and West Mersea Island for access to West Mersea Beach glampsites, historic vineyards, and salt marshes. Then take the caravan to coastal campsites near Cudmore Grove Country Park and explore its grassy meadows and wildlife. Or spend the night at a campsite for caravans and tents inside Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to spend time by River Stour.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Mersea Island is a popular summertime camping destination with its pleasant beaches and famous painted beach huts. Its natural beauty and slow pace, governed by tides, promises campers a relaxing getaway complemented by seabirds and sailboats year-round. During winter, campers enjoy cod fishing excursions on popular boat charters. During any season, travel to East and West Mersea Island for access to West Mersea Beach glampsites, historic vineyards, and salt marshes. Then take the caravan to coastal campsites near Cudmore Grove Country Park and explore its grassy meadows and wildlife. Or spend the night at a campsite for caravans and tents inside Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to spend time by River Stour.

99% (103)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%

(122)

132km from Mersea Island · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.

2. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

89%

(14)

122km from Mersea Island · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Sheringham, England

🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping units (Shepherd's Huts/Bell Tents) utilize gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shared shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation The campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches (tents, campervans, caravans) and in most glamping units. The open meadows and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for safe paddling. Some pitches even allow dogs to be off-lead. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away (or a longer walk). It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay (vast sandy beaches). Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.

3. Barn Owl Camping

97%

(18)

45km from Mersea Island · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Suffolk, England

Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk

4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

147km from Mersea Island · 2 units · Glamping · England

Our shepherd huts are designed with indulgent luxury in mind, you will sleep well, in a king size bed with high thread count cotton sheets covering goose down filled pillows and duvet. “Freddie" hut will enhance your connection with the great outdoors with a gorgeous skylight above your bed. By day a cascade of natural light, by evening framing a view of the stars. For those wintery nights snuggle in and de-stress in front of the wood burning stove with a brew or glass of Prosecco on us. When you choose to rise listen to your Roberts radio in your fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances, enjoying breakfast on us with fresh milk, orange juice, cereals & a small loaf of local sourdough, fresh jams and of course a coffee made from your Nespresso. Located down an old Roman road in an ancient village you will have far reaching views of the Oxfordshire countryside, a few minutes stroll away a fantastic community owned pub awaits, local pint or well earned GnT? Let us host you here at Restandretreats for that romantic break or just to escape, unwind and clear your mind. Our location has the best of both worlds, your shepherd hut is located in an ancient Roman village in the Oxfordshire countryside, yet just 5 miles from the centre of Oxford with all its history and university colleges. If you choose you can compliment your stay with an indulgent shopping trip to Bicester Village premium outlet (11m) or Blenheim Palace (8m) with all its history and events on offer. Jeremy Clarksons Diddly squat farm (21m) and his new public house have also become popular with our guests. If walking or running is more your focus then why not explore the beautiful RSPB Otmoor bird reserve, a haven for wildlife with many visitor trials to enjoy, it’s merely a short walk away. Whatever your visit has in store our cosy pub, The Abingdon Arms, is waiting only 100metres walk away, offering fine ales and fine dining or perhaps just a take away pizza. We do welcome our furry 🐕 friends, but NOT in our “Freddy” hut, please check out our other listing for our dog friendly “Edie” shepherd hut listed on Airbnb. We can offer single nights Sunday through Thursday in the quieter months - please message us here or reach out to us at RestandRetreats and we will always see what we can do

5. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

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(104)

54km from Mersea Island · 41 units · Tents, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

6. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

96km from Mersea Island · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

7. Bircham Windmill

97%

(135)

121km from Mersea Island · 18 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Norfolk, England

Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery

8. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

108km from Mersea Island · 17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

9. Featherbed

100%

(3)

143km from Mersea Island · 4 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Adults-only glamping with private facilities on a Northamptonshire farm

10. Hickling Campsite

99%

(118)

114km from Mersea Island · 31 units · Tents, Glamping · Norfolk, East Anglia

Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach

11. Hale Farm

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(152)

111km from Mersea Island · 38 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches

12. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

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(8)

102km from Mersea Island · 4 units · Glamping · Uckfield, England

Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.

13. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%

(29)

128km from Mersea Island · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · King's Lynn, England

🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.

14. The Big Green Shepherds Hut

100%

(3)

109km from Mersea Island · 1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A cosy shepherd’s hut for two in the Surrey countryside

15. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

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(20)

82km from Mersea Island · 8 units · Tents, Glamping · Goudhurst, Kent, South East England

Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.

16. Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

48km from Mersea Island · 3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.

17. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

148km from Mersea Island · 2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way. Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.

18. Blooms Westerby Farm

95%

(11)

105km from Mersea Island · 5 units · Glamping · Outwell, England

Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens

19. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%

(8)

119km from Mersea Island · 1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel

20. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%

(35)

148km from Mersea Island · 6 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames

Camper favorites near Mersea Island

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%

(29)

128km from Mersea Island · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · King's Lynn, England

🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.

The Big Green Shepherds Hut

100%

(3)

109km from Mersea Island · 1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A cosy shepherd’s hut for two in the Surrey countryside

Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%

(20)

82km from Mersea Island · 8 units · Tents, Glamping · Goudhurst, Kent, South East England

Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.

Serenity Lakes

100%

(5)

48km from Mersea Island · 3 units · Glamping · Duxford, England

Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.

Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

148km from Mersea Island · 2 units · Glamping · Liphook, England

Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way. Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.

Blooms Westerby Farm

95%

(11)

105km from Mersea Island · 5 units · Glamping · Outwell, England

Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens

Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%

(8)

119km from Mersea Island · 1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel

Rolling Fields Glamping

100%

(35)

148km from Mersea Island · 6 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames

Stories from the community

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Ben

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Serenity Lakes

The shepherd hut was clean and very comfortable. The location was peaceful and we had some amazing sunsets and rises. The wood fired hot tub was great as was the wood fire BBQ which was super easy to use and made the food taste great. We had a fantastic 2 nights and can’t wait to go back.

d

daniel

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

A wonderful host, a stunning view, birds everywhere, my first view of a kingfisher in my 56 years of life, every comfort and a lovely lake just in front with a whole assortment of ducks. Just wonderful.

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

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Emily

September 2025

1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !! All windows had lovely views. Ivan & Sylvia S xxx

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Louise

August 2025

1 night at Bircham Windmill

Spotlessly clean, the showers and facilities were as good as at home, the extra added thoughtfulness of clean bath mats tea towels washing up liquid and lots of toilet paper and hand towel and soap. My shepherds hut was delightful, and yet again everything I needed with the welcoming cream tea, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, spotlessly clean as everywhere was. The windmill, the bakery, the café, my grandchildren loved the animals and the play area. There is absolutely not a thing I can think of that was not perfect. Oh I forgot to mention the games room. Thank you

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Lydia

August 2025

2 nights at Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

This was a wonderful place - a really idyllic setting and superb shepherd’s hut. Super cosy with its own secluded area and kitchen with everything you need. The orchard is beautiful, Natasha and Nick have done amazing job in making this a really special place. One of our favourite ever UK stays!

P

Penelope

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

My partner and I had the most amazing one night stay here (wish we had longer) at Plum Farm, surrounded by nature and wonderful peace and quiet. We had a lovely welcome from Natasha and Tim who are super attentive lovely people. We enjoyed using the firepit to cook our dinner on, we brought most of our own utensils but its all there for you to use if needed. Was great to have running water and the gas hob to use too - Love an outdoors kitchen! Also loved the home grown, hand picked flowers that were there for us too., we were also very lucky to be given a bottle of Apple juice from the apples grown on the Orchard, definitely recommend buying a bottle if there's any available. The shepherds hut was cosy and accommodating, was great to have the black out blinds which was a pleasant surprise, had a great night sleep. I would love to come back next year. Thank you both for having us :)

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Barnaby

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!

C

Cameron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!

A

Anna

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

Stunning location! The view was fantastic and there was some lovely walking routes around to local landmarks and pubs. The hut was great, plenty of storage and well equipped with everything you need.

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Barb

August 2025

2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.

L

Lore

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

Amazing shepherds hut with outstanding views of the surrounding area and lake. The hut itself was immaculately clean and has all you need within. Mark and Geraldine are really lovely! So helpful and kind. We will definitely be returning!

R

Rezaur Rahman

August 2025

4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot. The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity. One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day. Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!

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Lucy

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

We only stayed at Plum Camping for 1 night, but it was such a wonderful place that it felt like we were there a week! Natasha & Nick were fabulous people who made us feel at home the minute we got there. Nothing was too much bother, and we loved being in our shepherds hut amongst the fruit trees and carefully considered garden. It was peaceful and private whilst feeling like there is a small community of people doing a good thing down there. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who feels like they need a break from the rat race for a night or two. Our shepherds hut was perfectly cosy & in proportion with a super comfy double bed & futon with windows opening on all side so you can wake up in nature. There was a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with your own washing facilities and stove but we ended up walking to the pub for dinner as we didn’t have the energy for that! Natasha helped us out when we got lost on a walk and provided maps & WhatsApp directions which were helpful to city folk like us! We left with a bag full of plums and a happy heart!

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Fiona

July 2025

3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park

A superb find! We were totally delighted with every aspect of our stay at Matt and Mandy's exquisitely located shepherd's hut. A warm welcome and practically instantaneous communication made things feel really relaxed and easy. Peace and quiet and abundant wildlife, this place is somewhere that will hold some lovely memories. Thank you 😊

A

Alexandra

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

Carp's hut is absolutely stunning , located in a beautiful and hidden area, offering you the privacy you need to disconnect from the city and connect to the nature. We loved watching the birds , and feeding the ducks and geese . The stunning fishing lake has been a plus and we have enjoyed every moment on the balcony. The host have offered us a welcome pack and have made us feel very welcomed. Thank you Mark and Geraldine for having us , will definitely return at some point.

Ellis

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We had an amazing stay at the Dandelion! Amazing quiet field with beautiful sounds of nature, great facilities, plenty to do. Alexandra’s Fleets paddock is brilliant and would highly recommend. The outdoor hot showers, clean toilets, taps made it such an easy stay. Thank you!!!

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Lee

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Blooms Westerby Farm

Our stay at Bumble Shepherds hut was an absolute amazing experience. This place is very quiet at night and has a stunning view across the fields. The bed was really comfy and hot tub under the stars completed a romantic and relaxing stay. Will definitely be back!

D

Danilo

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Such a great place, Matt is really friendly too. Highly recommended

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Helena

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bircham Windmill

A spotless shepherds hut, welcoming with some delicious treats. A lovely place to stay with great views after climbing the windmill, freshly baked bread on the premises and friendly staff. Clean showers and bathrooms. Farm animals such as chickens, donkey and a horse in the field and the owl calling at night.

A

Alexandra

May 2025

2 nights at Serenity Lakes

Loved our little glamping adventure to Serenity Lakes! The huts have everything you need, from cutlery to microwave and towels and even UNO playing cards. Everything is really well signposted aned explained in the welcome brochure in the hut. Absolute highlights wad obviously the wood-fired hot tub 💞 but also the beautiful sunsets on the lake!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Shepherd's huts near Mersea Island guide

Where to go

West Mersea Beach

The colourful beach huts of West Mersea Beach brim with holiday allure. Rent a beach hut for a bit of shade and a relaxing place to rest during a day on the beach. Many come with amenities like gas stoves, kettles, cups, and plates. Then, go swimming in the North Sea during the warm seasons, or set sail along the waters. Beach lovers can go shelling and then visit cafes and pubs in the area for a local treat. To spend the night along the water, look for Mersea Island campsites that host campervans, motorhomes, and tents. Electricity is available as well as children’s play areas and creeks for crabbing.

Cudmore Grove Country Park

Travel to the other side of the island to see Cudmore Grove Country Park—a nature reserve, a Special Site of Scientific Interest, a Ramsar site, and a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area that encompasses 102 acres. It sits where the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries meet. Campers with kids or dogs can explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, and grassy meadows, while birdwatching, hiking, fossil hunting, beachcombing, or picnicking throughout the park. To spend a couple of days nearby, set up at coastal campsites that accommodate double axle caravans and motorhomes as well as tents. Cottage rentals and static caravan hires are also available.

Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Celebrated for its biodiversity and efforts in conservation, Dedham Vale AONB is an Essex-Suffolk border attraction with ancient fens, woodlands, and meadows. For a day away from the beach, spend time on a boat trip down River Stour, which is a Dedham Vale focal point. The river and famed attractions like Flatford Mill have attracted painters for decades, including John Constable. Take a couple of days touring the AONB from adult-only glamping pods near Colchester, Britain’s oldest town, that are pet-friendly with ensuite showers and private firepits. Or take the family to a caravan and camping park with electric hookups that’s open from March to October.

When to go

During the warm season, the weather near Mersea Island is ideal for beach days and sailing excursions. July is the warmest month with highs around 21°C. November through March marks the cold season on Mersea Island where temperatures dip down to 3°C at night. Many Mersea Island rentals close down for winter. However, campers can still find rental cottages available year-round.