Shepherd's Huts in High Weald AONB

Covering almost 1500 square kilometres of bucolic countryside across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey, the High Weald (England’s fourth largest AONB) is dotted with elegant manors, ancient castles, and National Trust gardens. It’s also packed with adventure, from lake swimming and kayaking to refreshing walks across wide-open heaths or through dense, ancient forests. May to October are the best months for outdoor wandering, whether you’re heading for a coastal campsite, a glamping tent on a family-friendly farm, or a secluded treehouse escape for switching right off.

99% (329)

Top-rated campgrounds

Covering almost 1500 square kilometres of bucolic countryside across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey, the High Weald (England’s fourth largest AONB) is dotted with elegant manors, ancient castles, and National Trust gardens. It’s also packed with adventure, from lake swimming and kayaking to refreshing walks across wide-open heaths or through dense, ancient forests. May to October are the best months for outdoor wandering, whether you’re heading for a coastal campsite, a glamping tent on a family-friendly farm, or a secluded treehouse escape for switching right off.

99% (329)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%

(122)

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. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%

(65)

17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

3. The Big Green Shepherds Hut

100%

(3)

1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

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

4. The Nest - Luxury Shepherds Hut

1 unit · Glamping · England

The Nest is a Shepherds Hut situated in the East Sussex Countryside in 300 acres of fields and woodland at Netherfield Place, a working farm with campsite in a tiny village just 20 minutes from the South East coast. The Nest has a King size bed with medium firmness memory foam mattress, shower room with modern compositing toilet and well equipt kitchen with gas hob and sink. The bathroom has a shower, sink and modern composting toilet. There is a woodburner inside to keep you cosy in colder months and decked area to the front for outside dining and relaxing. The Shepherds hut is situated in a field away from the main camp site about a mile from the farm house and farm buildings, enabling you to completely disconnect. Unless you decide to venture out in to the nearby market town of Battle or visit the many local beauty spots or attractions. We use eco friendly products in both the bathroom and kitchen and provide everything you need for a luxurious getaway. A basket of logs can be purchased for £7.50 and a welcome hamper is £30 and includes local produce. Please note this is a farm stay and accessible via a bumpy farm track. There is no wifi available. Optional extras are available at your request for celebrations or to help make your stay more relaxing such as getting some food in for you or booking private Yoga class on the deck. There is a leave no trace policy so all rubbish including recycling needs to be taken with you on your departure.

5. Hale Farm

100%

(152)

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

6. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%

(104)

41 units · Tents, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

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

7. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

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(20)

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.

8. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

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(8)

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.

9. Foot of the Downs

100%

(24)

3 units · Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton

10. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

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(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

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

11. Quaint Farm in a National Park

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(26)

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.

12. Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

13. Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service

14. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent

Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury

15. Pepperscombe Cottages & Glamping

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Steyning, England

Welcome to Pepperscombe Farm. We offer cosy accommodation & glamping on a farm on the outskirts of picturesque Steyning town. There's direct access from the farm to the South Downs National Park with local footpaths and trails for mountain biking. Easy walking distance to local shops, pubs and restaurants and a 20 minute drive to the local beaches. We look forward to welcoming you to this magical space and retreat.

16. Greenhill Glamping

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(31)

2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs

Camper favorites in and near High Weald AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Surrey, South East England

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

Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

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.

Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

Ham Hideaway

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service

Canterbury Lodges and Glamping

100%

(2)

2 units · Glamping · Canterbury, Kent

Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury

Pepperscombe Cottages & Glamping

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Steyning, England

Welcome to Pepperscombe Farm. We offer cosy accommodation & glamping on a farm on the outskirts of picturesque Steyning town. There's direct access from the farm to the South Downs National Park with local footpaths and trails for mountain biking. Easy walking distance to local shops, pubs and restaurants and a 20 minute drive to the local beaches. We look forward to welcoming you to this magical space and retreat.

Greenhill Glamping

100%

(31)

2 units · Glamping · Folkestone, Kent, South East England

Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs

Stories from the community

C

Claire

October 2025

With kids

1 night at Canterbury Lodges and Glamping

My son and I had an amazing time at Angela's Shepherds hut. It was so cosy and a lovely adventure for us. Having the hot tub made it even better. There was a heater, thank goodness 😁 and all the amenities we needed. Angela was so welcoming too. We will be going 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.

E

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

L

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 :)

B

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.

B

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!

L

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!

F

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

Anwen

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Stone Pit Meadows

We loved our stay in Southdown shepherd hut. Was extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly think of for a couple of nights. Including firewood, lighters and marshmallows! Thoroughly recommend the breakfast hamper add on - with delicious modifications as one of us is a veggie. The campsite is great - beautiful surroundings with a lovely little swimming hole (wild and a bit weedy but refreshing) You can see the other tents/ hut and kids playing etc but it didn’t feel noisy or crowded at all. The location is very peaceful and rural - a good 30+ minutes walk to the local pub, but there is off road paths to get there. And it’s close to lots of attractions by car - chapel down winery, the coast etc. There’s lots more exploring to do in this area and when we come back we’d love to stay at Stoneput meadows!

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!!!

D

Danilo

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

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

M

Melissa

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Hastingford Fishery Glamping

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mark, Geraldine's brother, who gave us directions to our hut (Perch). He followed us up, and made sure we knew where everything was in the hut, he had the fridge stocked with fresh milk, eggs, fruit juice, there was tea, coffee, sugar, even ketchup! Cooking oil... Tinfoil.... Everything we needed was there! The whole hut was beautiful clean and neat, and everything was very well thought of and planned out. The views were beautiful, no sound of passing traffic, lots of bird life, and the hut felt very private. My partner and I fished into the late evening and started early 5h30am the next morning. Mark came to our hut as agreed 10am punctually to deliver warm crispy croissants and bread rolls, with an assortment of jams and honey, we felt so spoilt! We felt the safety of knowing our hosts were nearby, with such kind hearts and warm smiles, ready to assist or help us in any way, but never on top of us. We broke a Champaign flute, and they replaced it right away. We ordered beef burger patties, sausages and bacon, a bbq charcoal pack and firewood to sit around the outside fire under the stars one night. The meat was so delicious we ordered more to take away with us. The fishing was great, we caught loads of fish. We could sit anywhere around either of the two fishing lakes. The farm is huge and we were welcome to walk the grounds and possibly see some deer. The hut was lovely and warm on arrival with the heater on. Definitely will be back.

J

Jessica

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park

Had such a lovely weekend staying at the Shepard's Hut. Everything we needed for cooking and eating at the hut, an amazing hot shower, and beautiful views from the bedroom windows. Matt and his wife were super friendly and helpful. We will definitely be coming back!!

D

Denre

March 2025

Weekend Trip to The Big Green Shepherds Hut

Very nice spot! Slept well in a very comfy bed! Would have preferred an outside toilet to be honest but we still had a great time. Thanks!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Shepherd's Huts in High Weald AONB guide

Where to go

East Sussex

The bulk of the High Weald AONB sits in East Sussex—a rolling southern landscape of mediaeval villages, chalk cliffs, mist-wrapped forests, and open heathland. Highlights include walking, cycling, and horse-riding in Ashdown Forest, known for inspiring AA Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories; dipping into lively south-coast towns such as Brighton and Eastbourne; and for climbers, tackling sandstone outcrops including Harrison’s Rocks. Pitch your tent by a gurgling river, overlooking moody woodlands, or by the sea near Camber Sands.

Kent

Southern Kent’s swathe of the AONB extends around the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. There are miles of cycling trails and a scented pinetum to explore in Bedgebury Forest; gorgeous protected woodlands to wander such as Hargate Forest and Tudeley Woods; and all kinds of water sports on Bewl Water, from kayaking to paddle-boarding to wild swimming. Camping delights include off-grid farm sites, glamping tents in flower-filled meadows, and shepherds’ huts gazing out on undulating hills.

Surrey & West Sussex

The western part of the High Weald AONB is all about restful valleys and rippling hills that give way to the peaceful West Sussex coast. Chichester, Arundel, and Hever Castle (where Anne Boleyn grew up) are regional showstoppers, and birdwatchers adore Weir Wood reservoir. Across this go-slow region you can set up camp everywhere from a safari-style tent in a lakeside field to a glamping pod on the fringes of the South Downs.

South Downs

A hop south from the High Weald lies the view-drenched South Downs National Park, a 1600-square-km southeastern wonderland stretching from Beachy Head near coast-hugging Eastbourne to Winchester in Hampshire. Some 3000 km of delightful rambling trails crisscross its chalk hills, including the long-distance South Downs Way, and adventure opportunities are endless, from mountain biking to paragliding.