A single shepherd's hut ideal for couples of families of four, located near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest.

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Fernwood Glamping

UK England South East England Hampshire Ringwood

Fernwood, Ringwood, New Forest, Hampshire BH24 3JN

Website 07730 586 601 rachelhannam67@gmail.com

★★★★★ 15 reviews

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Gypsy Caravan

Gypsy caravan Sleeps 4

Info

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

The approach to Fernwood is like a steady fizzle out of the urban world. As you leave the historic market town of Ringwood, the houses gradually seem to retreat from the edge of the road, before a church and a thatched-roof cottage mark the start of the New Forest proper. From here, the road weaves into the smudged shade of the trees and the holiday begins. You feel miles away from anywhere.

It’s through a wooden gate and down at the end of a large garden that the shepherd’s hut at Fernwood is eventually found, it’s wood-lined interior rustic and warm. Inside, it sleeps up to four (though it works well as a romantic break for couples) with a double bed that folds away into a dining space and two pull out singles for children. At one end an all-important wood-burning stove provides heating throughout the year with a free supply of logs included. It’s also cleverly backed by a strip of shiny, corrugated metal, reflecting the heat and filling the place with warmth in seconds.

There’s something very apt, in this environment, about staying in a shepherd’s hut. The lightly painted structure has an agricultural feel that fits among the surroundings, where foxes and deer can be spotted. An old treehouse works nicely as a deer and bird-spotting hide and there’s a small pond that also attracts the critters – frogs and newts can be found bathing along its edges. Indeed, Fernwood itself also plays host to chickens, rabbits, cats, dogs and a pet tortoise. So though this may be a quiet hideaway from the rest of the world, you’re not entirely alone!

Also available is Fernwood's beautifully painted gypsy caravan. Snuggled into a woodland area in the garden, this cosy caravan was built on an original 1930's dray base overlooking fields where deer and rabbits are frequently seen. The cool caravan arrived here in 2016 and is ideally booked alongside the shepherd's hut for a family with older children or two couples going away together.

Finally, the the wooden summerhouse in the garden is a handy accomplice to the shepherd’s hut and gypsy caravan. The structure has electricity for charging phones, powering a small fridge and running the kettle, with free tea and coffee for you to use. And it’s a great spot for powering up in the morning before you set off on foot or by bike to explore. Head east to submerge yourself further in the trees and heathland of the New Forest or return to busy Ringwood for the Wednesday market and a visit to the local restaurants. The choice is yours.

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The Owner Says

It is through a wooden gate and down at the end of a large garden that the shepherd’s hut at Fernwood is found. Facing south and over looking the fields grazed by deer, it is hard to imagine you are only a mile away from the friendly market town of Ringwood. Inside, it sleeps up to four (though it works well as a romantic break for couples), with a comfortable double bed that can be converted into a dining space and two pull out singles for children (aged 4 -10). At one end a cosy wood-burning stove provides heating throughout the year, with a free supply of logs included. Alternatively, on a summer evening, guests may use the fire pit outside. Fairy lights and lamps are provided as there is no electricity. Guests have a choice of using our compost toilet or a more traditional one outside the garage. A shower will also be available for guests to use at the house.

For latest availability and best prices for Fernwood Glamping, please use the Date Search above.

Reviews

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★★★★☆

Grest location! So much to do!

We stayed here with our 2 year old son and had a great time. The hosts have thought of all the small touches, like making sure there was a sleeping bag, and plastic beaker for our son. The compost toilet is the best I’ve ever visited, you wouldn’t even know. There is loads to do around and Rachel has created a great book to give you lots of ideas. We visited Moors Country Park, Monkey World and the Wildlife Park which were all fantastic experiences. The gypsy caravan is deceptively roomy, and we surprised that we managed to fit in the bed but we did and managed to have that all important peaceful sleep (even a bit of a lie in).

Apr 2, 2019 by Gemma

★★★★★

Friendly, Cosy & Peaceful

We had a splendid couple of nights in the old Sheppard’s hut. Rachel & Johnathan really have thought of everything - the attention to detail is wonderful. The hut itself is really lovely - comfy bed, little side sofa, drawers etc. and a fab wood burner that really gave off a lovely heat and was super easy to get going. Welcome card and sweets on arrival, nice fresh towels, excellent shower/toilets (inc. the composting loo which was the best composting loo I've ever come across!), camping chairs, fire pit, loads of wood to take, a lovely summer house filled with everything you want (fridge, kettle, tea/coffee/biccies, guides, maps, warn ponchos etc. etc.). Good for wildlife (saw an amazing white stag!), easy to find as well. Lots of nice pubs nearby and walks in the forest. What's not to love? Hope to be back soon!

Mar 27, 2019 by Alex & Sarah

★★★★★

Everything was top notch!!!

We spent a wonderful long weekend at Fernwood, in the gypsy caravan. Absolutely fabulous place to stay! Rachel and Jonathan have created a wonderful bubble of cosiness. The caravan is beautifully decorated, with hand paintings, rose fabric, fairy lights and amazing wood burner. All of this makes you feel super, super cosy.The bed was comfy and warm. We felt warm even during quite a cold night. We loved our welcome card, and complimentary snacks. Rachel has made an effort to get us vegan ones. The same with milk for coffee/tea: we had plant milk provided, which was super cool! The octagonal summer house is lush too. You can seat in or outside, wrapped in soft poncho if it’s chilly. A lot of magazines, games and local guides in there to keep you occupied whilst having your morning coffee. The garden, where the caravan is placed, is huge, with a lot of trees, bushes and a pond. Behind the property there is a field with deer being frequent visitors. We didn’t see any during our stay, but we saw a fox early in the morning, which was great! The place was quiet and we had a lot of privacy. The guest bathroom was superb too. So was the compost toilet in the garden. Such a great idea! You don’t have to walk too far from the caravan, which is very useful in the middle of the night ;) All the places: caravan, compost toilet, bathroom, summer house were super clean. Towels and bedding fresh and smelled nice. In general: everything was top notch! I highly recommend staying at Rachel and Jonathan’s to anyone who wants to feel welcomed and comfortable during their quiet time away. They are warm, very approachable people, who definitely know how to make their guests happy.

Sep 26, 2018 by Magda

★★★★★

Tranquility

The Shepherds hut is an oasis of calm and comfort in a beautiful setting and very convenient to get to. We were treated so well with marshmallows provided and a breakfast hamper on our first morning. Thirty minutes from Brockenhurst in the new forest and the beach you really are in a fab location. I’d recommend this place to everyone

Aug 7, 2018 by izzy

★★★★★

Lovely Weeks Break

Amazing family week at Fernwood in the Gypsy caravan. All amenities needed including lovely shower room and power. Basics such as milk and coffee provided. Rachel & Jonathan couldn't do enough for our 2 children and made their stay magical. Ideal location to explore he beautiful new forest. Will definitely be returning!

Aug 6, 2018 by Carl Bungey

★★★★★

Magical Experience

We had an amazing stay at the gipsy caravan for the last 2 nights. Our 3 year old boy Simon had so much fun crossing the small river, melting the marshmallows at the campfire, playing at the treehouse and getting to know the animals in the back garden. Rachel and Jonathan were incredibly welcoming and helpful. Denitely coming back in the future xx

May 28, 2018 by Thomas & Diana

★★★★★

Fabulous weekend in the shepherds hut

Just returned home from a fantastic weekend in the shepherds hut with my 10yr old son. Thank you to Rachel and Jonathan for creating this idyllic place and sharing it with others. And for the delicious breakfasts, with home made muffins and all. We stayed for 2 nights and woke up to snow on the second morning. The wood burner in the hut still warmed us up nicely and an unexpected bonus to be lent two sledges ! Thanks again, we’d love to come back

Mar 18, 2018 by Steve Amos

★★★★★

A great stay

My 4 year old son and I had a great time here. Rachel had provided everything we might need, and was a very thoughtful and attentive host. We loved toasting marshmallows by the camp fire and the trampoline and treehouse kept my son occupied for hours. The breakfast hamper was fantastic, with more than enough for us. Facilities such as the compost toilet and shower were immaculate. Would definitely return and would highly recommend, especially for those with children.

Jun 4, 2017 by sophster1979

★★★★★

A Special Place

I spent two nights in the shepherd's hut at Fernwood, with my three children. It's a really quirky place to stay but also very comfortable; Rachel has thought of everything you might need, so straight away you feel pampered and like you are on holiday. This is far more luxurious than camping and the hut very cosy and warm. The garden is beautiful; the children spent so much time on the big trampoline and playing in the deer hide. They couldn't believe the breakfast hampers; a huge breakfast, presented with loads of thought. Although you are essentially sharing a really big garden with the family, they all were very welcoming and the hut felt very private. We'd love to go back but next time hire the gypsy caravan too!

Apr 6, 2017 by Amy

★★★★★

perfect retreat at fernwood

We wanted to add our amazed thanks for the magic Rachel and Jonathan pull off at Fernwood - off grid but with all mod cons, authentic, but cosy and completely comfortable, right in the heart of the forest but everything spotlessly clean. It is a stunning find! Even when it rained it was magnificent: we lit the wood burner, made a pot of tea, and read books. The attention to detail in the Shepherd's hut was so appreciated. Thank you both!! We also both love Kiera the collie cross, hiding under large plants in the garden from rain-fear. Would whole heartedly recommend. x

Sep 21, 2016 by Lucy

★★★★★

lovely holiday at Fernwood

Just a short review as we want to say a massive thank you for a lovely holiday to Fernwood, Rachel and Jonathan were brilliant they were very welcoming and helpful. We had the beautiful gypsy caravan for 3 nights, it was so peaceful and quiet. We had some lovely bike rides through the new forest with the help of Jonathan’s navigation and some brilliant days out at peppa pig world (25 mins drive) and moors valley (30 mins bike ride). Also the breakfast hamper were scrumptious  Ollie, Fern & Indiana

Aug 25, 2016 by Oliver Dodd

★★★★★

Magical stay in a Gypsy Caravan

What a great find! Rachel and Johnathon are incredible hosts for this idyllic glamping experience. We are a family of four- 2 girls under the age of 5 and we stayed in their Gypsy caravan for 2 nights. Rachel and Johnathon thought of all the small details to make our first glamping experience a great one! Such as marshmallows to toast on a fire come the evening, snuggly rugs,a gorgeous tea set for a morning cup of tea and fairylights to light up the inside of the caravan after dark. We even saw deer from the forest grazing in the field behind. As novice campers we were a little nervous of the compost toilet but they kept it really well- no smell and a nice clean environment. They were ideally located right in the New Forest so we went for a wonderful walk and saw the wild horses and cattle roaming. We also went off to the beach for the day which was a short car journey away. We would truly recommend for a wonderful stay.

Aug 21, 2016 by Ruth Rosewell

★★★★★

Perfect!

We had a perfect time in the very cozy hut! Rachel & Jonathan are great hosts and they provides us with all the info we needed. Our two boys loved the spacious garden, the lovely dog, jonathan's beautiful lizards (!) and the trampoline was a big and sensational surprise! Highly recommended!

Aug 19, 2016 by marjolijnvanbeeck

★★★★★

Pure Magic

Rachel, Jonathan and their three children live in a fairy tale location, and we were lucky enough to stay with them in the end of June. We are a family of four adults and we traveled from California to the UK for a three week holiday. The magic began when we made our first stop after the airport at Stonehenge. The ancient stones were a convenient diversion on our way to the New Forest. Our first night would be spent at the lovely village of Ringwood. Our beds were split between a Rustic Shepherd’s Hut and a Gypsy Caravan in the back garden of this gorgeous property located in the village of Ringwood. We couldn’t believe our luck! We soon discovered was that this was not going to be camping in some smelly old shelters, no, this was Glamping at its BEST!! We would bed down in a charmingly decorated shepherd’s hut and gypsy caravan. Our daughters decided that we should have the hut, they took the caravan. The caravan was about 20 yards from the hut, also beautifully appointed, and our lucky daughters were the inaugural guests! Rachel and Jonathan had just purchased the caravan and worked overtime to get it in shape; it was gorgeous! We were exhilarated but tired after the ten and half hour journey. The long flight from California and eight time zones that we passed through meant that we weren’t going to be awake too late and be able to take advantage of the fire pit. But before we took to our beds, we asked for food recommendations. Rachel provided us with a few local options. We chose the Alice Lisle because it was close and sounded appealing. We found it to be delightful, and we enjoyed a tasty, fresh meal, good local beer, and a gorgeous view as the pub sits at the edge of a lake. Feeling full and happy, it was time to head back to the hut and caravan and get ready for sleep. Let me tell you a bit more about the accommodation. Now this is marketed as rustic, but that should only apply to the fact that there is no electricity nor running water. Everything else that we needed was there including tea and coffee making facility; clean, fluffy robes tied with raffia; and an assortment of crocs for walking around the property so as not to get your shoes wet, or for the middle of the night run to the toilet. The hut and caravan are amply lit with fairy lights and the beds were invitingly adorned with cozy comforters and pillows. We even had teddy bears sitting on our pillows waiting for their bedtime story ;-) And as an extra courtesy there are light wands and torches available to use for reading or going to the loo. There is a clean odor-free composting toilet with a cleverly rigged sink in a structure located quite close to the hut and caravan. (There is also a shower available next to the onsite apartment, or in the house, as well.) We used the facilities and were cleaned up and ready for bed! It was the end of June and still a bit chilly in the New Forest especially for our thin California blood. But not to worry, we had a pot belly stove and wood for heating in the hut. In reality we didn’t need this once we got under the warm bedding! Oh, that bedding! We were all extremely comfortable! In fact, the bed in the hut was the most comfortable one that I had ever slept on, better than ours at home, too! The next morning we had opted to purchase breakfast from Rachel. This she served to us in a lovely basket brought to the summer house which overlooked the pond. Breakfast included pastries, cereals and yogurt with fruit from Rachel’s garden, and tea, coffee and juice. It was scrumptious! Sadly, we were only spending one night here. But before we left, we explored the garden where the breakfast fruit had clearly come from, and then I snuck a peek from the deer hide, which sits poised to observe the wildlife in the field behind and looks just like a treehouse. On our way out Rachel gave us directions to where we might be able to see some of the wild ponies. Truly a magical spot! And very welcoming hosts. We highly recommend a stay here!! PS - We found some wild ponies, and they were sweet, especially the foals!

Aug 16, 2016 by SuzanneGR

★★★★★

Lovely unique family break

We stayed in the hut (with our 2 and 4 yr old) at Fernwood as a compromise to camping in a tent given the recent weather conditions. It was a very last minute arrangement, but Rachel was very accommodating and welcomed us despite not giving her much time to prepare for our arrival. On arrival we were shown to the Shepherd's hut which is beautifully designed with a rustic earthy feel. The wood burning stove, fairy lights and little candles make for a magical feel and the little extras (tea, coffee, fruit, marshmallows etc) make it instantly homely and welcoming. You can really tell that so much thought has gone into the place, they really have thought of everything! From robes to crocs, blankets to teddy bears and high quality bedding to top it off. There wasn't a great deal of space for a family of four but it was very very comfortable.....especially the bed. The kids were also warm and cosy in their thick sleeping bags.

The compost toilet was a few steps down the garden...two toilet seats with one 'resting' and the other in operation. The children were fascinated that they didn't need flushing but instead you throw a scoop of sawdust down. All very clean and quirky, lit with fairy lights and quotes from the Dalai Lama on the wall to get you thinking about how to get the best out of life!

We lit the fire pit and sat round it for the evening which was lovely knowing that a pack of marshmallows were sitting waiting for us in the hut.

Our wonderful breakfast had been left in the summerhouse across the garden. Full of delicious goodies all beutifully presented in a wicker hamper....we sat and had our breakfast looking out to the pond and then after played a few of the games that were on the shelf in there.

The children loved running around the big garden, jumping on the trampoline and swinging on the little rope swing. When we left they asked when we could go back! Altogether a lovely place and I would recommend to anyone considering staying here.

Jul 1, 2016 by Soph

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Pitches

1 shepherd's hut and 1 gypsy caravan.

Who's In

Glamping only. The shepherd's hut and gypsy caravan sleep 2 adults and up to 2 children. Sorry, no dogs permitted.

Facilities

The shepherd's hut has a double bed (all bedding provided) that folds into bench seats and a table, with storage underneath for bedding. An extra 2 children can sleep in a pull down bed above and a pull out bench by the wood burning stove (sleeping bags and pillows provided). Towels, bathrobes, logs for the stove and a firepit outside all included. Fairy lights and lamps provide lighting, while guests will find electricity in the summer house overlooking the pond – recharge phones, use the electric kettle (tea/coffee provided) and put drinks in the mini fridge (fresh milk provided). There's a compost toilet with hand washing facilities, a mirror and its own fairy lights. For the faint hearted, there is also a toilet outside the main house too, along with shower facilities. The locally made gypsy caravan is in the wooded area at the end of the garden and has new curtains, upholstery and bedding. It has a 4-ft wide double bed with a mattress which can be reached by climbing onto the bench seats. Campfires are allowed in the firepit provided.

Nearby

On the edge of the New Forest National Park, Fernwood has plenty on the doorstep, including a wealth of cycling and walking trails – stay quiet to spot wild ponies and deer. If you struggle to find them on your bike though, try heading to the New Forest Safari in Burley or the deer feeding station in Bolderwood – both a short drive away. Lyndhurst (02380 282269) is seen as the central town for the New Forest, with extra tourist info if you need. Alternatively, it's a very easy drive through Ringwood to Bournemouth and the coast. Passing Go Ape! (08456 439215) en route – a good, organised family day out – or continue to the beaches and the magnificent sandbanks peninsula. A favourite recommendation from Fernwood is to visit Hengistbury Head (01202 451618), with a visitors centre and a train which can take you back at the end of the day.

Food & Drink

Order a continental breakfast hamper on arrival. It includes cereals, freshly baked bread, jam, fresh fruit, a muesli bar or muffin, milk and juice. Alternatively, there are several local cafes in the town worth exploring which can serve breakfasts or brunches. There are some great pubs in more rural locations which make a fantastic point to start or finish a walk such as The Alice Lisle (01425 474700), The Red Shoot Inn (01425 475792) or The High Corner Inn (01425 473973). Within half a mile and easy walking distance there is a Tesco local (0345 026 9408), a fish and chip shop (01425 478310), a fantastic bakery with take away pizzas twice a week (01425 480666) and The London Tavern (01425 473819) – well known for its quiz nights and live bands.

Open

All year.

Getting There

From Salisbury direction (on A338): When the A338 meets the A31 Ringwood roundabout take the first exit onto the A31 dual carriageway towards Southampton / Winchester. Ignore the first exit to Poulner and continue up Poulner Hill. At the top of the hill, take the exit off the dual carriageway to Hangersley by the In Excess Garden Centre. Continue down the hill, ignoring the first turning on your right sign posted to Hangersley Hill. Look out for "Fernwood" on the left hand side, which has a sign on the fence. It is the house after “Woodpeckers”, which has a circular reversing mirror on their brick entrance. If you get to the London Tavern at the bottom of the hill you have gone too far!

From Bournemouth direction (on A31): Go past the turn off to Ringwood (stay in right hand lanes) and continue on the flyover past the main church and the town. Ignore the first exit to Poulner and continue up Poulner Hill. At the top of the hill, take the exit off the dual carriageway to Hangersley by In Excess Garden Centre. Continue down the hill, ignoring the first turning on your right sign posted to Hangersley Hill. Look out for "Fernwood" on the left hand side, which has a sign on the fence. It is the house after “Woodpeckers”, which has a circular reversing mirror on their brick entrance. If you get to the London Tavern at the bottom of the hill you have gone too far!

From Southampton direction (on A31): After following the A31 across the forest you will pass the exit for Burley (by the Picket Post services) After 1 mile look out for the exit sign posted to Hightown and Poulner. Turn right at the mini roundabout, which takes you over the A31 towards Poulner and continue until you reach a second mini roundabout by The White Hart pub. Turn right here into Gorley Road. Take the second turning on the right which is Linford Road. You will pass the London Tavern on the right hand side. Continue up the hill, past St John The Baptist's Church. The road then forks so keep right, around an S bend. You will go past a gravel track on the right and "Fernwood" is the second five bar gate / house on the right hand side.

If the gate is shut, please do not try to push it open, but press the button on the fence (driver's side) to open the electric gate. Please park in front of the five bar gate. Please come to the front door of the house to meet us unless we have made arrangements to leave a key.

Public Transport

Ringwood has a bus station with regular coaches from London and other cities. From there it takes just over half an hour to walk, so it's best to grab a taxi, though your hosts can collect you if they're around so ring in advance. Local buses also run to and from the centre of Ringwood to Poulner (at the bottom of the nearest hill – 10 minutes walk from the site). The X3 runs from the centre of Ringwood into Bournemouth every thirty minutes.