Wild Glamping at the Dernwood Farm Cabin, Sussex 

October 19, 2017

Sleeps: Up to 5

Price: From £385 / 3 nights

Location: Waldron, East Sussex

Despite being just a few miles away from our home, Dernwood Farm feels a world away from the stresses of every day life. Situated just outside the village of Waldron and hidden down a long, single track country lane Dernwood is an idyllic little corner of Sussex farming life. Run by Amanda Norman and her family the Glamping accommodation is just one element of this traditional working farm where livestock and the farm shop play an equally important role.

On arriving at the farm there is a clearly marked area for parking for guests staying on the site. There are plenty of trollies and wheelbarrows making transporting luggage to your accommodation a simple task. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping offers a range of Glamping and camping facilities, including a safari tent, bell tents and a wagon. We were thrilled to be staying in the Cabin which was originally a George Clarke project and featured on the Channel 4 show Amazing Spaces in 2014.

The Cabin is set in secluded woodland a short walk from the main farm. The location really is what makes this place incredibly special and sets the Cabin apart from similar Glamping experiences. Entering the site through the trees the Cabin sits in a large clearing surrounded by large, leafy trees and bathed in shards of sunlight. There is a great sense of seclusion and remoteness that I’m not used to feeling so close to home.

The site comprises of an outdoor cooking area with seating, a self composting drop toilet, a huge rope swing and best of all…a wood fuelled hot tub!

The Cabin is surrounded by a small decking area meaning there’s plenty of space to store muddy boots whilst also creating the ideal spot for a porch hammock and rocking chair. Inside the Cabin there is a generous living space with a small kitchen area, a family dining table and seating area for about four people. There is a separate bedroom with a double / single bunk bed accommodating 3 people. Additional sleeping is available by converting the sofa in the living area into an additional double. Decor is retro and simplistic chic with lighting provided by vintage oil lanterns and the sofa adorned in colourful throws and cushions. There is a small log burner to add the ultimate cosy factor with plenty of kindling and wood provided for the duration of your stay.

There is no electricity in the cabin but there’s a gas oven and running water so cooking remains a straight forward task. Food can be kept cool in the large cool box provided. The outdoor cooking area is ideal for evening cook outs with a grill and tripod, ideal for BBQ’s and marshmallows!

One of the highlights of our stay was bathing the wood fuelled hot tub which is set just behind the main cabin. Again kindling and wood is provided and starting the fire to warm the water is fairly straight. Once the tub has been allowed to heat for a good 2-3 hours the water becomes warm enough to soak in…there’s even a tap for adding cold water should it become too warm. Again the location makes this a truly unique experience, with pretty lanterns and ancient foliage draped over the tub. The perfect way to refresh and unwind.

The appeal of the Cabin is absolute escapism. There’s no electricity, no WiFi and there’s very poor phone reception….as a family we spent our time here just being together. The children played on the swing, in the dirt and explored the woodland. They were fascinated by the fungi, cooking over the fire and learning about simple living. I was really surprised to find that they were extremely happy without their devices and entertainment and time was easily filled. We sang to each other in the hammock and read stories. Things we don’t do enough of at home. Our time at Dernwood Farm was incredibly special and an experience I will treasure whilst embracing any further opportunities to go wild with the kids!

We received a complementary stay at the cabin in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Amanda and her family for inviting us to stay and making us feel so welcome. 

13 Comments

  • Fiona Cambouropoulos

    October 21, 2017 at 8:35 am

    This really is embracing outdoor life in it’s full. Your photos look lovely and in good weather I should imagine it makes a wonderful family holiday bringing everyone together in nature. I don’t think the loo would be for me but I love the camp fires and and feeling of being away from it all and the norms of everyday life.

    Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids

  • Elaine Livingstone

    October 21, 2017 at 9:08 am

    is it possible to overheat the water? not sure I fancy being boiled alive or am I being silly?
    I totally agree that wifi free areas are brilliant for the whole family to connect with none of this checking of social media for 2 minutes that becomes 2 hrs.
    great memories for them to look back on. #countrykids

  • Laura – Autumn’s Mummy

    October 21, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    We stayed in a yurt a couple of years ago which was amazing, but this looks more luxurious still with all the benefits of camping! The hot tub looks amazing. Speaking from experience, I’m not too keep on self-composting toilets though! #CountryKids

  • Emma Chanagasubbay

    October 22, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    This place looks absolutely amazing! We have become reall camping lovers over the part few years so I know we would adore a stay here! #countrykids

  • Keitha

    October 23, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    Wow, this looks amazing. You kind of get the best of both worlds – a solid roof over your head with running water and an off the beaten path roughing it experience. #countrykids

  • Annette, Four Acorns / Quatre graines de chêne

    October 23, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    You had me at the hot tub! What a truly wonderful place to stay in! My kids would love it, although it probably is too small for a family of six…
    #CountryKids

  • Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)

    October 24, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    That looks like an amazing place to stay. I love the look of the hot tub and the cabin looks nice and cosy too. Love the photos of the kids enjoying the evening cook-outs 🙂 #countrykids

  • Claire at Tin Box Traveller

    October 24, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    What a quirky little cabin. And a hot tub?! Bliss! We love little breaks close to home. You really can get away from it all and it doesn’t take ages to get home when the break is over #MondayEscapes

  • Helena

    October 25, 2017 at 9:58 am

    Sat here with my daughter watching your great video and she’s giving me a running commentary of what she can see. It looks like a great place to get away from the 9-5. #CountryKids

    1. admin

      October 25, 2017 at 1:36 pm

      Ahhh that’s so lovely! Thank you!

  • Karen | TwoTinyHands

    October 25, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    Oh that’s a brilliant way to get back to nature with a few surprises , hot tub is a brilliant surprise! Lots of fire building opportunities my son would love. I love the small spaces tv programme. Added bonus of getting to switch off from technology! #countrykids

  • MUDPIE Fridays

    October 26, 2017 at 6:42 am

    This looks amazing! Monkey had his first camping experience this year and he loved it. We are off again this weekend. We are also based in Sussex so this is not far from us. The hot tub sounds amazing and I think the gas will convince Hubby to join us. Question is could I exist without electricity? #countrykids

  • Mini Travellers

    October 31, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    this looks like the most wonderful place to stay, I would LOVE this. Hot tub and a warm shower sounds amazing in the woods. Thanks for linking up to Monday Escapes

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