The Original Hut Company
UK England South East England East Sussex Bodiam
Just an hour's drive or train journey from London, in the East Sussex village of Bodiam, the Original Hut Company is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living. Tucked away beside a sprawling apple orchard, amid an enchanting woodland that bursts with bluebells in spring, are a collection of sturdy, bespoke shepherds huts. Taking their cue from the shepherds’ huts in days of yore, these cute, glamping abodes are built from recycled and reclaimed materials (an old caravan chassis and local wood to be precise) and, as such, are designed to have minimal environmental impact.
Despite their eco credentials, the huts don't compromise on comfort (this is luxury camping after all). The lovingly decorated huts are a comforting cocoon of cosiness thanks to the wood burning stoves, with solar energy providing the lighting. There are gas hobs for cooking and separate huts with pristine showers and eco loos. Fires (permitted in the designated firepits) are part of the fun and in the autumn, there's no sweeter smell than windfallen chestnuts roasting on the campfire.
As befitting its green philosophy, the 180-acre Quarry Farm, on which the Original Hut Company sits, along with sister campsite Bodiam Woodland Camping, is bursting with wildlife. The eight huts are divided between two ancient coppiced clearings which are shared with woodland creatures including badgers, squirrels, pheasants, mice, green woodpeckers and deer. Keep your eyes peeled for an extremely rare albino squirrel as well as a few black rabbits too. Barn owls use the bottom of the farm as a hunting ground and there's a pair of buzzards that work the top while the River Rother, which meanders through the farm, attracts egrets, herons and kingfishers.
Site owners Anna and Nick have been honing their glamping site for more than a decade now. They’ve been careful to retain the wild side of camping and glamping while developing what’s on offer to guests. The secluded accommodation areas remain pretty much unchanged but a short stroll across the farm takes you to The Hub. It’s a reception, shop, activity space and cafe-bistro rolled into one; the location for pizza nights on Fridays in summer, sundowners after days out and all manner of workshops and activities – if arranged in advance. These activities make the site as good for groups looking to glamp together as for families looking for a weekend in the wild. And while there’s lots to do on site, you don’t need to go far to find the most local of local attractions. The Kent and East Sussex Railway’s Bodiam Station is within the farm’s 180 acres, fairytale Bodiam Castle is just a short stroll from site and the Oastbrook Vineyard is within kayaking distance. What more could you ask for?
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Details
Facilities
Shepherd’s huts are grouped in two areas. For each set of four huts, there is a shared wash hut with two loos, two hot showers and a washing-up sink. The huts are off-grid and do not have mains electricity but lighting is provided by solar power and heating is provided by cast-iron wood-burning stoves. Each hut is kitted out with a fully-equipped kitchen area including gas hob and sink and each has a top-of-the-range cool box. There's a dining area which folds out to form a double bed plus two or three fold-out beds or bunks (depending on the hut). Each of the glamping areas has an outdoor communal covered cook house allowing guests to dine and hang out if it rains. Campfires are allowed and logs are for sale at The Hub, a short stroll from the huts. You can also stock up on camping supplies and local produce here and dine or drink at the fully-licensed cafe-bistro. The Hub has space for a wide range of workshops and activities ranging from yoga to foraging and there are treatment rooms for pampering too. You can also hire paddleboards and kayaks to use on the River Rother. Contact the site directly to pre-book activities.
Suitable For
Glampers only; groups, families, couples, hen and stag parties (by pre-arrangement) – yes. Campers, campervans, caravans, motorhomes, dogs – no.
Nearby
The National Trust-run Bodiam Castle is a mere 10-15 minute stroll across three undulating fields. You can travel from the castle by boat (01797 253838) to nearby pub, The White Hart (01797 252166) in Newenden, or by a Kent and East Sussex Railway steam train to Tenterden. The Bodiam station is actually within Quarry Farm and there’s a 10% discount for midweek glampers and campers. Tenterden itself (12 miles away) has a lovely high street of independent shops and cafes and is home to both The Old Dairy Brewery and the well-known Chapel Down Vineyard, a little way out of town. Even closer to site (within walking or kayaking distance) is the Oastbrook Vineyard where tours and tastings are also available. The huge sandy beach of Camber Sands is about half an hour away (17 miles) and well worth a visit on a sunny day. Battle, with its famous abbey, battlefield and small high street of independent shops, is eight miles away. The enchanting medieval port town of Rye is 13 miles away and it’s about the same distance to seaside Hastings. There's lots of lovely walks, bike trails and Go Ape at the National Pine Arboretum at Bedgebury (nine miles from site) and the nearby Bewl Water reservoir.
Food & Drink
This part of East Sussex is renowned for food and at the heart of the English wine renaissance. You don’t have to go far to find either. On site, The Hub is a shop and a licensed cafe-bistro where you can buy and try local produce. A range of catered options are available for groups too (if booked in advance - contact the site directly). The Oastbrook Vineyard is within walking distance of site and just one of the vineyards within easy reach. Chapel Down, Sedlescombe and Oxney Organics are others. Pub-wise, The Castle Inn (01580 083330) is within walking distance, just the other side of the river, and does some great homemade pub fare. The Salehurst Halt (01580 880620) and The White Dog Inn (01580 830264) are both lovely local free houses and about an hour’s walk (or a five-minute drive) away.
Opening Times
March–December.
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
The Original Hut Company consists of two sites of 5 Shepherds huts, these have been designed and built by us on site, from largely reclaimed and recycled materials, 4 of the huts provide living accommodation and the 5th houses 2 loos and 2 showers. We believe we have created a unique and comfortable Glamping experience which is very user friendly and convenient as well as being of minimal environmental impact. It is equally usable for couples, families and groups of friends. The huts are set in a small area of woodland on our family run farm in Bodiam. The woods being big enough to explore and build camps in, yet small enough that children can explore independently . The farm land flanks the National Trust site of Bodiam castle, the River Rother Flows through the bottom of the farm providing fun and fishing! The Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway has its Bodiam Station within the farm itself. This coupled with our proximity to the historic towns of Rye, Battle , Hastings and Tenterden, the amazing sandy Beach @ Camber, unique woodland habitats at Brede High woods and Bedgebury Pinetum which also offers mountain biking and Go Ape. There are amazing foodie experiences and vineyards all within a stones throw, with a range of activities and services available form the site. Means there is something for everyone.
The Huts themselves can accommodate 4 or 5 people, they are fully insulated and fitted with wood burning stoves. The wooden construction and double glazed windows ensure the huts are really warm and cosy. The kitchens are fitted with a 4 burner gas hob for convenience, all the cooking and dining equipment is provided. We also provide cast iron cookware to enable our guests to cook over the open fires outside. Down in the woods we have a little hide with a tin roof (previously a wood store), this provides a covered eating area, it houses a 13 foot long table which has proved to be invaluable dining space for our group bookings. Providing shelter should the Great British weather let you down, there is also a larger campfire down there surrounded by logs for shared time, stories and marshmallows!!
All bed linen and fire wood is provided. The on-site cafe and shop are now open daily.
Video Tour
Accommodation
Eight shepherd’s huts spread over two sites. They also have separate woodland tent pitches at Bodiam Woodland Camping.
Shepherd's Hut
Shepherd's Hut
Location
Contact The Original Hut Company, Quarry Farm, Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5RA
Getting There
From London, head South on the A21 through a village called Hurst Green. On the south side of the village, bear left (signed to Bodiam Castle). Continue along that road to a crossroads at the end. Go straight over. As you drop down into the village, the castle is on your left. Continue over the bridge and railway crossing. The farm drive is clearly marked on the right.
Most guests drive; however the site is only a few minutes by car from the main line stations at Robertsbridge or Etchingham. Taxis are available from local firm AK Rother but pre-booking is essential (01424 401424).
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 12 reviews
Gorgeous early-autumn break. Cool fire pits!
Beetje teleurstellend
fantastic
We stayed as a large family group and hired all of the riverside huts. It was lovely to have that section of the site to ourselves. The site is beautifully located, with views of Bodiam Castle and our group loved jumping in the river on a couple of very hot days! The site was loved by grandparents and kids alike - we were really sad to leave after a wonderful long weekend.
The huts are really well-designed and it is easy to change them over between the night and day functions. They are also thoughtfully equipped - we particularly liked the equipment for cooking over the fire and managed to produce quite an ambitious menu.
The bathroom hut is well set-up with great showers and plentiful hot water. Yes, there aren't flushing loos, but they are fine - clean and not too smelly even on a very hot weekend.
I would highly recommend this site to anyone - we definitely hope to return again.
so relaxing
Wonderful escape from London
I've just returned from a second trip, chosen both times because of the easy access from London - set off after work on Friday and by 8pm you're sipping a glass of wine while the campfire gets going. The huts contain everything you need, including some fantastic cast iron cookware for campfire cooking. We stayed both times in the Orchard huts which are enclosed in a beautiful piece of woodland, and next time (there will be a next time) I'd love to try the huts in the poplar grove down by the river. Anna, who runs the huts, is incredibly efficient and welcoming.
During our stay we walked up to the Curlew for an anniversary lunch (had to get a cab back!), and also caught the steam train up to Tenterden to visit the Chapel Down vineyard.
The only negative, for a non-driver, is that there are no shops within walking distance, so you have to come armed with plenty of provisions to see you through. However, the pub at Bodiam does good food and even sold us a pint of milk, so you're far from stranded.
Wonderful
Just back from a fabulous weekend camping near Bodiam East Sussex with the Original Hut Company. This was our annual trip with friends, there were 8 families and 37 of us. We booked the group camping field, it was brilliant, no need for anyone to arrive early and stake out the site, just us and the field. We had our own toilet/showers and a covered area with a picnic table. Anna and Nick the owners were charming and Anna's friend Emma catered for all 37 of us on the Saturday night which was a massive treat.
Beautiful, rural campsite
Spent a lovely weekend camping at Original Huts. Stayed in the overflow camping section which was quiet and peaceful, with excellent facilities. Only a short (and very scenic) walk to Bodiam Castle and the excellent Castle Inn which is incredibly convenient. Will recommend to everyone I know with a tent.
First hut holiday, will not be our last!
My family and I stayed in one of the huts down by the river. It was a lovely rural setting for walks and playing and the hut was great. It was bigger than we imagined and delightfully furnished inside. The toilet/shower hut was close and perfectly glamped up. Having a pub within walking distance serving nice food and a castle to visit added to the appeal of the location. The children enjoyed eating food cooked over a wood fire pit. It was a memorable experience.
Exceeded my expectations
Just got back from a wonderful stay. Lovely clean huts with complimentary olive oil, salt flakes, pepper grinder, fresh coffee, tea, sugar. Ice box complete with ice (inside a water bottle this threw me at first). Very well stocked with kitchen equipment and and a 3 gas hobs. Amazing spot surrounding by bluebells. There were 4 huts in total where we were with a 20minute walk to the nearest pub and the castle both were fab. We had our own fire pit and family sized picnic table and there were several picnic tables under cover a bit further down with another fire pit next to it. Surprisingly good and hot shower. They are connects to the mains here too so no need to bring water with you and they have many battery powered lights in the huts and in the toilets and shower hut. Very comfy beds and feather pillows! We travelled with 2 kids (3 and 5) and they had a wonderful time. Beautiful spot, connecting with nature with home comforts. Fab! Will be back.
Wonderful Stay
We stayed at the Original Hut company over this past bank holiday weekend and had a great time! Anna and Nick were attentive and very helpful. The huts are comfortable and cute. Our daughter had a great time playing with some of the other kids staying in huts nearby. We took the train from London and didn't drive at all over the weekend but were able to get out and have lots of fun. The orchard is beautiful and we took some nice walks along the river and visited Bodiam castle. The shower is fantastic as well. We would definitely go back.
Woodlands, orchards, and the cosiest little cabin!
Can’t believe this place is just an hour away from London!
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
