Who knew that you'd find your perfect, healing, woodland retreat deep in the West Sussex woods, just an hour from the 'burbs of London? That's where natural-retreat specialists Maria and Lillo have created an off-grid glamping resort, amid the wild woods of the Chidinglye Estate — and it could hardly be a more accurate reflection of its owners' vision and backstory. They've poured their world travel, hospitality and natural therapy experience into a woodland site that's as much about inspiration and healing as it is nature-based glamping. If this sounds like a place for you and your family — and young children love it here — it's hard to think there's a better spot within easy reach of the capital.
The nuts-and-bolts glamping stuff is spot-on — rustic, off-grid, solar-powered, biodegradable, recycled, upcycled, locally sourced, organic, you name it. Accommodation is in three individually-styled bell tents (Shabby Chic, Rustic Organic and Ethnic Oriental) and a couple of gorgeously appointed, converted-truck 'cabins', all nestling in woodland glades that that couldn't be called anything else except 'enchanted'. These are gnarly, wild surroundings — of ferns, and bluebells, and soaring redwoods — the sort of places where hobbits hide and children can run free. The weather is incidental — the tree canopy shelters you from the worst downpours — and toasty wood-burners and firepits keep things cosy in any case. If all this sens-surround forest-bathing isn't enough to ease away the aches and strains of life, then there's turbo-boost healing available in the form of the 'Wild Spa' — the bookable wood-fired sauna and hot tub that's perfect after a day's activity. Add a deep-tissue forest massage and you'll float back to the tent.
Other activities are available too, all entirely in keeping with the vibe, from foraging and bat-spotting sessions to storytelling and sacred song evenings. There's a communal fire area, if you feel like meeting like-minded souls, while the Estate grounds house a really good microbrewery and cafe that's open for weekend meals and drinks. Otherwise, there's a communal, covered outdoor kitchen, equipped with all you need, or your own firepit and barbecue for campfire meals and marshmallows. Bring wellies, layers and waterproofs, dress for a festival, and you won't go far wrong.
It's wholesome, in the best possible sense — entirely sincere and underpinned by nature, just like Maria and Lillo themselves, and just like you after a few nights in the most enchanted of glades.
The site's very particular ethos means not only are they keen to keep you in the Enchanted Glade but that you're also unlikely to want to leave. As part of the eco-sustainable Chiddinglye Estate, they work with all sorts of local businesses and providers to offer a massive range of natural and creative activities — so you can sign up for anything from foraging trips and animal-tracking walks to kids' forest schools and wildlife painting. Just check the Enchanted Glades website for the latest offers and events.
If you do want to go off-site, then a couple of trips in keeping with the whole vibe might be in order. A ten-mile drive east is Ashdown Forest (information centre, 01342 823583), a delightful mix of heathland and ancient forest that's great for walks and rambles. More importantly, at least for the children, it's the home of Winnie the Pooh, so you can seek out Pooh Sticks Bridge, the 100 Acre Wood and other locations that inspired A.A. Milne. Ten miles south, the Bluebell Railway (01825 720800) offers another yesteryear blast of nostalgia – an 11-mile steam railway ride through stunning Sussex countryside. There are four stations en route, and all sorts of activities and events throughout the year — the best value is the Day Rover ticket that lets you jump on and off as you please.
