Waydown Shepherds Huts - Hipcamp in West Sussex, England

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Waydown Shepherds Huts

100%

20 reviews

· Pyecombe, England

1 acre

2 units

2 Glamping

Modern shepherd's huts beside the South Downs Way

Come to this part of Sussex and it only seems right to stay in a shepherd’s hut. The whole area feels slightly lost in time, from the tight country lane that takes you to the 12th-century stone church in Pyecombe, to the quaintly-named Jack and Jill Windmills that perch on a nearby hillside with far-reaching views across the South Downs. The four shepherd’s huts at Waydown Cottage are utterly at home, echoing in their wooden-clad walls and old-fashioned, iron wheels the character of these surrounding attractions. It’s a spot with real storybook charm. Captivating history (ironically enough) in Britain’s newest national park. Set in the four-acre surroundings of a traditional Sussex cottage, Waydown is comprised of four different shepherd’s huts, each in their own space and sheltered by trees and shrubbery. Just as the surrounding attractions have seen the subtle creep of modernity – charming Pyecombe is now easily accessed by an A-road and the old windmills are accompanied by a souvenir shop – the huts, too, are a far cry from their ancient predecessors. Inside, modern extras include electricity, lighting, double beds and bunk beds, while each hut also has a wood-burning stove to keep you snug and warm. Extra communal units, built in a similar style, also accompany the various abodes. There’s a shower in a wooden cabin, a separate toilet lodge and a kitchen space with a sink, fridge, hobs and utilities. Together they kit the glampsite out with everything it needs. Oh, and there’s a friendly pair of donkeys, too. In case a little extra company is the only thing still missing. Strike out from your shepherd’s hut and it’s a matter of metres before you link up with the South Downs Way – the best way to tour the countryside on foot. It’s just over half a mile, skirting Pyecombe Golf Course, to the Windmills. Technically (and less romantically) called Clayton Windmills, only one of the pair is still in operation today and opens to the public on most Sunday’s from May to September (2pm–5pm). In the opposite direction, meanwhile, it’s an even shorter stroll to the local pub, The Plough Inn, or an easy 15-minute drive to bustling Brighton. So, from daytrips to the seaside to local strolls on the South Downs Way, everything is covered.

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Natural features

Forest

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Location

Pyecombe, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Andrew M.Joined in April 2017

100%

15 Ratings · 20 reviews

Marc G.recommends

January 16, 2022

Shepherds Hut

Me and my Fiancé Karen stayed here 15th to 17th of Jan 22… we love it here as I’m writing this whilst by the fire pit at Weydown. The huts are lovely and cozy with log burner, and the beds super comfy… A perfect kitchen hut with everything you need … clean toilet and shower … if ya like a long walk , there’s that too taking you to great views by the Jack n Jill windmill … the fire pit is provided with ash and oak logs .. also the bbq is there , except charcoal . And there is a nice area outside the hut with a wooden table and bench chairs ..Andrew is very charming man and cannot do enough for you …. We will become regulars here from now on … highly recommend to escape a hectic life ..

Emma L.recommends

July 26, 2021

Woodkeepers Hut

Our second year here and it was better! We love the location close enough to the city but far enough into the country for walks and woodland fun. We love the swings donkeys and fire making! The huts are the perfect size and have shelter if it rains Thanks Andrew - see you next year!

Sally T.recommends

July 6, 2021

Shepherds Hut

Thank you Andrew. We had a lovely few days staying in a beautiful shepherds hut Loved the place and the surrounding areas

Justin B.recommends

June 3, 2021

Woodkeepers Hut

Andrew was a great host and location provides great place for kids to chill out in woods and enjoy nearby animals and wildlife.

Elspeth D.recommends

May 24, 2021

Shepherds Hut

Waydown is a lovely spot with bluebell woods and immediate access to the the South Downs way. The Shepherd's hut was clean, well equipped and cosy. It had it's own fire pit/ BBQ/ outdoor table and chairs and there is also a very welcome shared sheltered sitting area with tables and chairs which was a real bonus as the weather was not brilliant! Thank you for a lovely break, Andrew.

Gwendolen R.recommends

April 24, 2021

Woodkeepers Hut

Lovely shepherds hut, so clean and tidy and well organised. Very convenient location, easy to get to the main roads to london and brighton. Owner was friendly and helpful. Great pub down the road.

From the host

Experience the nostalgia and charm of bygone days with modern comfort and luxury in our bespoke Shepherds Hut and River Keepers Hut, nestled on the South Downs Way in Pyecombe on the outskirts of Brighton. We offer direct access onto the beautiful South Downs walkways and are adjacent to the famous Jack and Jill Windmills, just a 10 minute walk away! Waydown Cottage has been our home for 25 years. Set in four unspoiled acres, we are surrounded by a beautiful wood with our only neighbours being the Jack and Jill Windmills, Pyecombe Golf Course and the Three Greys Stables. However we have the benefit of superb facilities within a few minute’s walk including Marks and Spencer’s Simply Foods at the local Garage 2 minutes’ drive or 10 minutes’ walk away. The local village pub, The Plough, offers a wonderful choice of cuisine and fine wines in their conservatory restaurant, or enjoy a beer or glass of wine with a choice of snacks in the bar. They also provide a take away service. Hassocks is our local village with all the usual range of shops and a selection of eateries and the railways station is on the main London to Brighton line, the historic Town of Lewes in 15 minute’s drive away, with cosmopolitan Brighton 15 minutes away. For those wishing to visit London, it is a 90 minute drive or 60 minute train ride.

Nearby attractions

It's super easy to join the South Downs Way – the most popular starting point for anyone exploring the area. Stretch yourself with the walk up to Ditchling Beacon (take a bike if you have the energy) – the views are well worth the effort. Or if you'd prefer to explore by horse, the 3 Greys Riding School opposite Waydown offer hacks and lessons (01273 843536) for adults and children. The nearby village itself boasts a small but beautiful museum (01273 844744), a good pub and a nice tea room (see Food & Drink). Further afield, the beautiful county town of Lewes deserves your time, with its prominent hilltop castle (01273 486290) and wonderful Georgian buildings, while the bright lights of Brighton, on the south coast, are 8 miles away. The bohemian town's famous pier (01273 609361), beach and collection of galleries, theatres and bars make it a worthwhile day trip during longer stays.

Food and drink

There are 3 good pubs within a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the glamping site. The furthest – The Ginger Fox (01273 857888) – is particularly good, with excellent gastro pub food, a large beer garden with a children's playground and dogs welcome, but for the closest option The Plough Inn (01273 842796) is still a great choice. Also the Jack & Jill Inn (01273 843595) in Clayton offers great home-cooked pub grub with dogs welcome. It can be walked in 20 minutes through woodlands or 3 minutes by car. Wayfield Park Farm Shop (07742 082051) is also just down the road, offering delicious home-cooked breakfast and lunch (available Tuesday–Sunday; dogs welcome). For everything else, pop to M&S Simply Foods at the local garage or drive into Hassocks (5-minute drive) where local shops include Sainsbury’s and Budgens, along with cafés, takeaways and more. There's also a nice little tea rooms (01273 842708) in the village of Ditchling – very walkable.

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