Deep in the quantum fields of East Sussex, a stunning hedonistic retreat awaits you. Think Animal Farm camping with a glass of LA Fitness to wash it down with. We’re not talking about membership fees and old, wrinkly, naked people in the showers, but instead the sense of holistic self appreciation - a total pampering for the body, mind and soul with the help of nature, plus the alluring and evidently well-designed pre-erected bell tents (and day care).
Yes it’s all done for you here, so those who like a good, solitary three hours of foraging, followed by another two hours of tinned cooking and a post meal hike will probably feel a little overindulged at a place like Wattle Hill. Ingeniously, its concept was created using the ancient old dilemma: kids want to go camping, play in the mud and beat you with sticks but you just want to relax without being the quintessential killjoy. And thus Wattle Hill Oast was born.
A cluster of six, spacious seven metre bell tents sit a few feet apart from each other in one of the tranquil fields. While the cosy set-up might not be to everyone's taste, the close proximity of each tent is a boon for groups. Inside, you'll find a comfy double bed, plus a configuration of foldable camping beds.
There’s no red carpet as such, but the welcome hamper placed in your ’country suite’ is a fine touch touch indeed – especially after a long drive. Deducting the time spent fussing over tent pegs, leaves you more time to put towards exploring what’s on offer, including the PYO veggie patch, piggery and hen house. Even the onsite pond looks like one of Monet’s masterpieces. Deciding on trivial things such as supper is a breeze, as there’s plenty of locally grown meat to purchase. In fact, lobbing meat on the barbie is all the physical exertion you will need to subject yourself to, should you decide.
But if all that relaxing and ’we’ll take care of that for you’ attitude spurs you to embrace the outdoorsy beast within, then there’s plenty of hiking and biking opportunities at nearby Bedgebury. Or you could grab the kids and do an onsite nature trail through the onsite woodlands. Whatever you end up doing here, at least you know there’s a pool and sauna waiting for you back at camp – a perfect reason to push yourself even further, no?
If you manage to break up with the consuming personality of the site, you'll notice the coast is a mere 20 mins drive (Camber Sands being your closest sandy beach). Bodiam castle is only a 5 min drive away and well worth a quick visit. The nearby fishing port of Hastings offers plenty of fun for the family: Blue Reef Aquarium, Smugglers Cave and an impressive journey through the cliffs and glenns of Hastings with the East Hill Lift in the Old Town. And if you're close to the water, you might as well get wet with Bewl water a temptingly close 15 mins away, offering a host of water festivities including fly fishing and key watersports. If you're planning on briging a bike, pop into nearby Bedgebury for off road biking for all the family.
See our website for lots of fun things to see and do locally.
We advise you to make full use of the onsite PYO veg and meat on sale, however, there's nothing wrong with grabbing an afternoon drink at the Cross Inn in Staplecross – a classic old drinkers pub (somewhat a rarity these days) full of lots of local characters. To treat someone special (or yourself), check out the Curlew restaurant in Bodiam – a Michelin star gastro delight and a personal favorite of the WHO camp owners.
The Cross Inn Staplecross, The castle Bodiam, The White Dog Ewhurst Green... to name but a few.