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Glottenham - rural campfires

87%
·
· Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England
10 acres hosted by Emma S.
12 tent pitches
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Family camping and luxury glamping in the grounds of a former castle and hop farm

Sat atop a hill overlooking the High Weald beyond, Glottenham Farm is a place that’s shaped by history. The medieval castle that once stood here was removed in the 16th century, but its moat, ditches and banks still remain, while it was the Romans who planted the hornbeam woodland below. In later years, Glottenham became a thriving hop farm and popular country retreat of the Pre-Raphaelies. Christina Rossetti wrote poetically of her stay, “the greenness and flowers to refresh our London eyes, and a small population of beasts and birds around us.”

While history has sculpted the hills, it’s today’s owners – Rob and Emma – who have breathed new life into the land with diversification projects and the introduction of Glottenham Castle’s renowned campsite. The Roman wood is now the idyllic setting for luxurious yurts and giant geodesic domes, while a pair of 10-acre meadows welcome family campers every summer. Managing the land is still very much the focus – huge dams are restoring the farm’s wetland area that dates back over 600 years and charcoal creation has begun in the woods again – but, for most, the joy of Glottenham is the open space, the sense of wilderness and a magnificent setting in the heart of the High Weald.

On a practical level, the campsite, though off-grid, has everything you need. There are composting toilets, a standpipe for fresh water and wonderful gas-heated showers without roofs, so you feel like you are standing in hot monsoon rain. Campfires (in firepits) are very much encouraged – you can even buy the farm’s own wood and charcoal – and an on-site ‘forest school’ provides an introduction to foraging, wild cooking, bushcraft skills and more. For those who want to leave the tent at home, meanwhile, there’s a full spectrum of glamping options, ranging from yurts to the full-blown comfort of the furnished woodland domes.

Off site, campers are blessed with a location in the heart of 1066 country. If the loss of the original castle has left you wanting, there are plenty still standing nearby. There’s National Trust-owned Scotney Castle to the north, along with Sutton Valence and Leeds Castle beyond, while south lies Hastings itself, home to a ruined 11th century fortress and preceded on the road by the town of Battle (the beautiful abbey town where King Harold met his match). The closest of the lot is Bodiam Castle, 10 minute’s drive away. The quintessential moated keep puts on activities for kids in summer and the grounds are free to enter, though it’s worth paying fully for the tower-top views alone.

The site is a back to basics rural pitch up. Little glades amongst tufts and rushes provide some semi secluded spots, there are no fixed spaces - simply arrive, choose your space, and relax. There is a stream that runs along the edge of the field, and a wetland just beyond, which is perfect for birdwatching and wandering.  It is peaceful - no amplified music allowed, no noisy parties. Its a chance to get back to nature and recharge your batteries
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Field
Wetlands
Farm
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87%
26 Ratings · 30 reviews
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Elisha S.recommends
September 5, 2023
Glottenham castle family Fields
Low impact campsite
Low impact, relaxing campsite with the pitches far and few between. The summer nights are unusually cold so take lots of layers for the evenings. The dump toilet takes a bit of getting used to and not everyone's cup of tea. Safari shower was great! Would definitely come back again.
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Gabrielle W.recommends
September 4, 2023
Glottenham castle family Fields
A beautiful field with plenty of space to pitch. Shower was warm, the fire pit rental is really convenient, and the walk to the train is easy! Emma was communicative and kind and we had a great time!
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Sylwia S.recommends
August 31, 2023
Glottenham castle family Fields
We were only for one night but the camp-site was beautiful and quiet. outdoor shower with an open roof -fantastic you can shower under the stars at night. Recommend the lovely café in Robertsbridge (a nice walk away) for nice coffee and cake.
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Ian B.recommends
August 28, 2023
Glottenham castle family Fields
We had a lovely stay at glottenham. The field is big and spacious, so you never feel cramped, and beautiful as the sun went down and we sat by the fire for the evening. (We saw a barn owl fly across the field!) Lovely area too, easy to get to battle, hastings or for a nice walk locally (we had lunch at the salehurst halt which was very nice)
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Carolina C.doesn't recommend
August 28, 2023
Glottenham castle family Fields
The field is very bumpy which it makes very difficult to find a spot to put the tent. Because the grass is so long you can’t see the holes and I tripped a few times. Even near the toilets there is a big hole that you can’t see at night. The toilets are very small and close to eachother it is quite odd experience.
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Jack V.recommends
August 28, 2023
Glottenham castle family Fields
Great stay :)
Had a great stay. Beautiful spot, loads of space between tents. Toilets were clean and had loo paper. Rented a fire pit and had a bottle of wine looking at the stars, zero light pollution.Lots to do in area, went kayaking, visited bodium castle and a vinyard tour. Will definitely book again!
Location
Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Emma S.Joined in December 2015
From the host
FOR GROUP BOOKINGS PLEASE BOOK EACH TENT/FAMILY SEPERATELY as this platform doesnt handle group requests, or contact us to discuss availability. Likewise for a single booking of over 6 people. WHEN YOU INPUT THE FIRST REQUEST YOU WILL SEE HOW MANY PITCHES ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE TOTAL PRICE ON THE MAP as this platform doesnt handle group requests Our beautiful campsite is a perfect peaceful getaway, with campfires, a babbling stream and a unique wetlands to explore. Birdspotters will be excited by the buzzards, owls and kingfishers that have been seen by previous guests. Glottenham offers eco-glamping in 4 units at the main site from Easter til October, plus 12 'pick where you pitch' camping spots in the Family Fields during August. The campingsite is a beautiful, quiet, old school 'turn up and pitch' 10 acre long field in the valley, with a wetlands full of dragonflies to explore behind, and a stream to paddle in. It is a no frills back to basics site - we have two standpipes of fresh drinking water, a HOT safari shower, and a double composting toilet. There is an onsite shop where you can buy firewood, kindling and charcoal, and you can hire a fire pit. We have a low number of pitches because we like our guests to have plenty of space to enjoy the peace of the countryside without being crowded by others. There is plenty to do in the area - from enjoying a cream tea with alpacas with our friends at Fisherwood Farm in the Village, to paddleboarding, wild swimming and kayaking at historic Bodiam Castle. The site of the Battle of Hastings is close by, and the seaside resorts of Hastings, Bexhill and Camber are a short drive away.
Nearby attractions
The historic town of Battle, site of the pivotal 1066 conflict, is just down the road. You can visit the famous Abbey and Battlefield (01424 775705) where you'll find a visitors centre featuring CGI films and interactive displays. Nearby Hastings Old Town is a charming, artsy commune – the seafront's iconic black net-huts, evidence of the largest beach-launched fleet in Europe. The black, angular lines of the adjacent Jerwood Gallery (01424 728377) of modern and contemporary art provides a pleasing contrast. The boho Norman Road in neighbouring St Leonards-on-Sea rivals Brighton for unique independent shops (particularly art and antiques). Around 20mins away, the Bedgebury Pinetum (01580 879842) has some fantastic walks and cycle routes (cycle hire available), plus a Go Ape!(0843 770 3573). Bodiam Castle (01580 830196) is the quintessential English castle. Entry to the grounds is free, but the entry fee to the castle (adults £7/children £3.50) is worth it for the views from the top of the towers. They also put on free activities for kids during the summer holidays. Bateman's (01435 882302), the home of Rudyard Kipling is also nearby, while the picturesque cobbled streets of Rye (under half an hour away) are full of medieval charm.
Food and drink
East Sussex has an embarrassment of wonderful local produce – from cider and wine, to Glottenham's own Sussex beef cattle (not to mention eggs from the free-range chickens). Unsurprisingly, there are a wealth of artisan farm shops nearby – Poppinghole Farm (01580 880503), Buster's (01580 882020) (with its own butchery), and a little further afield Catsfield's Great Park Farm (01424 772531) are among the finest. Should you find yourself unable to leave the delights ofGlottenham, Emma and Rob can supply you with a choice of tasty, locally-sourced hampers. There is a wood fired pizza oven which can be fired up if there is enough demand – nothing says luxury camping like homemade pizzas, right? Or you can arrange an afternoon learning how to build your own oven, make dough and create your own pizza! Robertsbridge is similarly sorted for fabulous pubs. The George Inn (01580 880315) is a welcoming, family-friendly inn with an inventive menu of pub grub favourites and a fine selection of Kent and Sussex wines. The Ostritch (01580 881737) with its quirky tropical garden and the Salehurst Halt (01580 880620) are also decent shouts. For something a little more exotic, The New Spice (01580 881999) Indian restaurant is also garnering rave reviews.
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