Deep in the High Weald of Sussex, tucked away down hedge lined bridleways lies Missing Link Glamping. Within the 360 acres of farm and woodland on the estate you’ll discover a host of eco friendly enterprises including Missing Link brewery, Ross the ecologist and his foraging tours…. and a stunning set of ten luxury glamping pods. I visited the brewery over the Easter holidays to find out what a stay at Missing Link has to offer. With the promise of beer, bao buns and beautiful countryside I was certain this was going to be fun!
Glamping Pods
At the start of 2022 Missing Link opened their own glamping facilities just behind their brewery and tap room. They offer a range of luxury accommodation catering for groups of 2 to 6 people making them perfect for couples, families or groups of friends. The pods are located in a large field surrounded by ancient woodland allowing guests to enjoy the benefit of being close to nature whilst relishing creature comforts like underfloor heating and a cold beer!
During our stay in the Easter holidays the weather wasn’t great. We arrived in light drizzle which turned into heavy rain as the evening went on. In a way, this only highlighted how cosy these pods are. We snuggled up with slippers, blankies and card games watching the rain and wildlife outside. I actually felt warmer in these pods than I ever do in our own home!
We stayed in pod 2 which sleeps up to 6 in a double bed, bunk beds and a sofa – it’s the perfect size for a family of four. The bunks are tucked away at the back allowing children to feel a sense of having their own space (as do the adults!). Logan loved snuggling into his bottom bunk with his teddies, while I could still potter about in the main living space while he slept.
The pods come with a range of facilities providing everything you might need during your stay – hot shower with heated towel rail, oven with hobs for cooking fry ups, TV with a range of digital channels…there’s even the option of ordering a luxury Sussex sourced food hamper ready for your arrival.
The Brewery
The Missing Link brewery was established in 2016 and now produces it’s own range of eight high quality craft beers, all with names related to our nearest ancestors – primates (the Missing Link!) The brewery embraces an environmentally focused ethos with a large portion of their energy coming from solar power, water heated via a wood chip boiler and waste yeast and hops being used as a natural fertiliser.
For glamping guests the brewery is a short 5 minute stroll away and open throughout weekends. In addition to their fine selection of beers they host regular pop up dining experiences including Sunday roasts and small plate menus. On the Friday night we stayed it was Bao Buns on the menu prepared by resident chef Becky, better known as the Garden Chef. We ordered a selection of hoi sin lamb and BBQ Pork belly, both of which were utterly delicious. The perfect pairing for a refreshing pint of Howler! The brewery works as a chilled communal area, perfect for popping in for a coffee, beer or ice cream throughout your stay. Staff are friendly and informative and there’s an impressive selection of games to occupy little ones should the rain set in.
Foraging Walks
Ross the Ecologist is a hugely knowledgeable conservation expert who hosts foraging and nature walks from the brewery. We were fortunate enough to join one of his Saturday morning events during our stay. He guided a group of us around the beautiful grounds of Chiddinglye picking out edible flora on the way. I was amazed at just how many plants we’re able to eat! Ross shared tips on identifying plants as well as ways to best prepare them. He also highlighted that we should never munch on a hunch – which is why it’s always best to do this type of activity with an expert like Ross. The walk lasted 2 hours in which time we strolled through farmland, meadows and ancient woodland sampling tree sap, Cuckoo flowers and sweet violet. A really informative and memorable experience.
Thoughts
Having stayed on a number of similar glamping sites, what stands out at Missing Link is the option to enjoy the local services just a stones throw away. Being able to enjoy first class food and drink or to get involved in a foraging walk without having to get in your car or even walk any distance is quite special. Missing Link lets you do as much or as little as you like. If you’re more into spending time on your own, relaxing by the camp fire then you can certainly do that – but the beauty of this place is there’s much more to get involved in than just your standard glamping trip. To top it off Becky and her team are incredibly welcoming. It makes a huge difference when you’re greeted with open arms and made to feel more like friends than guests – that’s how we felt at Missing Link.
