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Greenhill Glamping

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· Folkestone, Kent, England
1 acre hosted by Wendy B.
1 glamping pitch
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Wendy is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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

Wendy and Neil Burrows have a passion for Greenhill Glamping that is contagious and once you arrive here it is easy to see why. In the south eastern stretches of the Kent Downs, two miles from the south coast, the countryside is full of history and on every countryside stroll you seem to stumble across some relic of the past. It’s a five-mile walk to Dover Castle, three miles to the Battle of Britain Museum and a mile to the local, 12th-century church. It seems no surprise, then, that Neil and Wendy’s glamping enterprise is about far more than just offering comfortable outdoor accommodation. Staying here is also about living amongst history. This is a restoration project and, in short, a truly one-of-a-kind glamping experience.

It started with a shepherd’s hut, discovered half sunken in Romney Marshes where it had been abandoned for over 75 years and originally built by steam engine manufacturers Marshalls of Gainsborough. Wendy and Neil bought it in 2016 and set about painstakingly restoring the shell and woodwork. At the same time, however, they breathed new life into the interior, with modern day functionality such as electricity, running water and en-suite bathroom facilities. The finish is both modern – Edison-style lightbulbs cast a warm glow above a fitted king-sized bed – yet thoughtful. The names of World War II anti-aircraft gunners who sheltered in the hut during cold nights are still etched into the walls.

Within a year of opening to glampers, the shepherd’s hut was earning rave reviews. And, thanks in part to Wendy and Neil’s impeccable hospitality, was featured in The Telegraph as one of the best new (or is that old?) places to stay in Kent. So, when another dilapidated living wagon came up for sale – previously used by group ploughman who would tow their wares from farm to farm – the couple once again set about their craft of restoration. The origins of the Ploughman’s Retreat are more mysterious – it was likely built by steam engineers Clayton & Shuttleworth – but, just as before, Neil and Wendy have strived to keep as much of the original structure in place. A wood-burning stove, en-suite shower room and modern kitchen provide the mod-cons glampers would wish for, but the sense of warmth and comfort within comes as much from the wooden finish and sense of history as it does from the king-sized bed. And don’t expect WiFi; this is still a countryside retreat.

While the two historic structures each enjoy a private location on the farm, both enjoy views of the Alkham Valley and a similar situation within walking distance of the village. There’s a decent pub, the old church and a riding stables, the latter just a few yards up the road, while numerous footpaths take you straight out into the surrounding downs. It’s a 10-minute drive to Dover Castle and the white cliffs just beyond, and 25 minutes to Canterbury. And, if all that history is just too much, it’s 10 minutes to the beach.

Ploughman's Retreat is an authentic beautifully restored cosy early 20th century living wagon nestled into the hillside with stunning views across our farm and the Kent Downs. We have sympathetically restored the wagon re-using as many of the original materials as possible whilst also bringing it up to the 21st century. This has included stylish decoration using Farrow and Ball paints, luxury additions including a home-from-home en-suite shower, heated towel rail and also a handmade luxury king size bed with goose down duvet and pillows. We want your stay to be as relaxing as possible so we have added lots of little extra touches to give a real feeling of luxury.
Activities
Hiking
Horseback riding
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Beach
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100%
26 Ratings · 38 reviews
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Georgia G.recommends
February 27, 2024
Ploughman's Retreat
Lovely little hideaway
Beautiful scenery and the shepherds hut itself was so cozy and well decorated. My only wish was that the weather was a little better so that we could have enjoyed the fire pit, as Wendy has supplied sweet outdoor touches as well.
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Daniel B.recommends
February 27, 2024
Ploughman's Retreat
A beautiful step back in time to a simpler place, with today's amenities. A cozy retreat and beautiful scenery. The host even includes some wonderful extras.
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Therese B.recommends
April 6, 2023
Shepherd's Watch
Amazing views and fantastic accommodation. A really wonderful place to stay
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Claire V.recommends
February 20, 2023
Ploughman's Retreat
Fantastic relaxed stay
Wow what a stunning, secluded place with lovely views…. The hut was beautiful and very carefully thought out with everything you need and more… We had a great time, local walks, local farm shops etc and dinner cooked on the fire pit. We will definitely be booking again .
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Oscar H.recommends
January 2, 2023
Ploughman's Retreat
Picturesque views from a secluded location in the hills. The interior has all been restored to a very high standard. Everything you could need for a peaceful stay in the country.
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Gregory F.recommends
November 13, 2022
Ploughman's Retreat
We had a great time. 2 really cosy nights. Everything was clean, really good shower, nice cake, fresh eggs, the wood burner made a huge difference - just so cosy. It was also really quiet and private and Wendy responded quickly and helpfully to my text queries. We would definitely go again. Thanks Wendy!!
Location
Folkestone, Kent, 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 Wendy B.Joined in October 2016
From the host
A beautifully restored 19th century shepherd's wagon located on the Kent Downs in the beautiful Alkham Valley, near to Dover. The perfect retreat for 2 looking for a special luxury stay. Kingsize bed overlooking stunning views and ensuite with large shower. Woodstove for those cosy evenings tucked up inside! Outside fire pit and barbeque to enjoy sunsets across the valley. Our shepherd's wagon is situated within its own private paddock with private parking.
Nearby attractions
Greenhill Glamping is in the heart of the Alkham Valley with its network of footpaths and bridleways. Horse riding at the Alkham Valley Community Project (07472910009) is a 15-minute walk away, while Port Lympne Safari Park (01303 264647) is a 10 minutes drive and also has great views across Romney Marsh. Walk the white cliffs after a visit to nearby Dover Castle (01304 211067) or explore the Folkstone seafront. This stretch of UK coast has seen more battles, skirmishes and occupations than anywhere else in the UK and has a bucket load of castles and abbeys to show for it. A day exploring the streets of Canterbury isn't a bad place to start for history – pop into the cathedral (01227 762862), nose around the castle (01227 378100) and, if the weather's good, rent a punt (07786 332666) for an hour on the water.
Food and drink
You can order generously sized breakfast hampers (£15 for 2 people) with local and homemade produce delivered to the hut in the evening. Wendy can also provide excellent packed lunches if you decide to stay local (£7.50 per person). Canterbury Farmers Market runs 6 days a week in the city centre and there's also great farm shop (01304 212040) in Farthingloe. On weekends, the Folkestone Harbour Arm opens up with pop-up restaurants and live music. It's seasonal but, when running, highly recommended.
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