Strawberry Lane Tree Tents, West Sussex

I first came across Tree Tents back in 2019 when we stayed in one of their incredible spherical pods at the Secret Campsite near Lewes. I was blown away by the genius of their design, innovation and dedication to sustainability. Tree Tents proudly craft their structures to complement their surroundings, using locally sourced materials and existing in harmony with neighbouring wildlife.

‘People are really looking for experiences where nature is at the fore; where the accommodation fits with its surroundings and reminisces with old ways of living outdoors.’ Jason Thawley.

The Sussex based business, founded by Jason Thawley, now boasts an international portfolio with Tree Tents expanding into the US due to their popularity. Despite their global success, their roots are still very much here in Sussex. They recently opened their first official Tree Tents site at Little Thakeham Farm, at a location set in stunning woodland in West Sussex.

I was thrilled to be invited to visit as one of their first guests earlier this spring. Blessed with a very cold, but gloriously clear weekend I packed my woolly hat and thermal layers and headed to the woods to explore!

Strawberry Lane Tree Tents

Strawberry Lane is hidden down a winding track, totally off grid ensuring that you slow down and disconnect during your time here. My friend, Kat and I loaded our rations (pizza toppings, cocktail ingredients and breakfast pastries!) into our trolley and headed across the fields to find camp. Through a gate and over a couple of streams we came to an opening in the trees, surrounded by wildflowers we found our home for the night – Strawberry Lane Tree Tent.

The Site

At the heart of the site is the Tree Tent itself, with a set of wooden stairs taking you to a cosy double bedroom complete with wood burner to see you through the night and views across the neighbouring forest. There’s much more here than just a place to sleep though.. a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with pizza oven; a wood fuelled hot tank for wild bathing and a gorgeous shower and bathroom in a fuselage style wash house mean that despite being in the middle of the woods your every need is catered for.

The Kitchen

We spent the evening making delicious Margarita sours whilst prepping our pizzas huddled around the wood fuelled oven. The outdoor kitchen had everything we needed including gas hob, utensils and seasoning – there’s even a popcorn maker and toastie tool if you fancy (we used the toastie tool to heat our home made sausage rolls, so good!).

As the evening rolled on the stars became brighter. There’s minimal light pollution in this area and the night skies were breath-taking. After spending several hours watching the constellations whilst putting the world to rights it was time to hunker down in the Tree Tent.

Sleeping

Inside the Tree Tent there’s a spacious double bed complete with its own bedding. The temperature fell below zero on the night we stayed, we thought we may need extra blankets but we were super snug. There’s a small wood burner to keep the pod warm and a shelf with a light and USB charger. The elevated position of the tent gives a different perspective to sleeping on the ground. As you lie in bed you can hear the sounds of the woodland on the other side of the canvas as you gently rock as the branches sway. We fell asleep listening to the leaves blowing in the wind, woke in the night to hear an owl and were roused in the morning to the sound of a deer raiding the camp kitchen looking for leftovers!

Our alarm clock was indeed a very inquisitive and friendly young buck. I’ve never met such a fearless and confident wild deer. Watching him explore our camp whilst allowing us to get right next to him was really special, it really did feel like a fairy-tale.

Wash Room

Coffee on the boil, it was time to freshen up for the day ahead. One of the luxuries of this site is that it comes with its very own wash room, a very stylish wash room at that! We were able to enjoy a warm shower and ‘proper’ toilet before packing up. Sadly, we failed miserably at getting the hot tank warm enough for a dunk (air temp was just too cold) so the hot shower was the perfect alternative.  

I absolutely loved our night in the woods with Tree Tents. Strawberry Lane offers the perfect balance of allowing guests to feel close to nature whilst keeping some necessary creature comforts. Sleeping in a Tree Tent is a totally unique experience that you have to try to fully appreciate. I felt a bit like I was staying in the Merry Men camp from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (remember that!?) I was Maid Marion, of course.. which just highlights how much of an escape from reality this magical place really is. Tree Tents at Strawberry Lane is now open for guests and taking bookings. Please check their website for full details.