Treat yourself to a luxury glamping break at Wild Woodland Retreat, set on a family run arable farm within the Kent Downs AONB. Featuring two beautifully handcrafted shepherd's huts, both enjoying their own unique location - from private woodland to spectacular views from the hillside. Dogs are very welcome here too.

Luxurious shepherd hut glamping with a private onsite woodland

Set in a beautiful rewilded valley, ten minutes from Park Gate Nature Reserve

Easy access to Sunny Sands beach at Folkestone and beautiful wild Warren 20 minutes away

About Wild Woodland Retreat

This idyllic and family run arable farm is home to a selection of grass camping pitches and two shepherd's huts, handcrafted by the Shepherds Hut Company, set on the edge of Elham village within the Kent Downs AONB. There are five camping pitches available, three in the woodland and two in the valley area. All are non electric and accept tents and campervans, one is exclusively for tents and another is for campervans only. Both shepherd's huts enjoy their own special location within the site. The woodland hut is nestled at the site's private ten acre woodland surrounded by lush greenery in its own sunny glade, while the valley hut benefits from panoramic views along with an abundance of flora and fauna on the doorstep. Each one features solar-powered LED lights, a fully equipped kitchenette, a toasty wood-burner and an ensuite with a compost loo and shower. There is a firepit outside each hut with a grill for cooking. The Woodland hut has space for two adults and two young children sleeping on inflatable mattresses under the raised bed. The valley hut is ideal for couples and can sleep one small child (on an inflatable mattress on the main floor area, or bring a tent to pitch outside the hut for children). Fire pits are available to hire hire and logs for the fire pit are available to purchase onsite with cash only. The site offers Yoga, Qigong and Chakradance along with Yoga with goats and a goat walking experience. The site is dog friendly and there are a number of walks nearby to stretch their paws.

Pitches are open between 14th April and 31st October. Shepherd's huts are available all year.


Facilities and amenities

There is a composting loo in the Woodland and the Valley and a set of showers shared by the pitches.

Both shepherd's huts have a compost toilet and well sized shower facilities, plus a kitchenette.

Breakfast hampers are available to order on site including local and free range sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and more (vegetarian option also available). Homemade muffins, granola and more also available.

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Adult only

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Allow commercial vans

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Allow pets

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Bike hire

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Café / restaurant

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Communal BBQ

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Disabled facilities

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Drinking water

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Electric hookups

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Entertainment

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Family friendly

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Fires allowed

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Fishing

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Games room

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Glamping

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Golf

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Horse riding

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Hot tub

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Internet access

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Kids club

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Kids playground

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Laundry

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Near beach

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Near pub

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Open year round

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Peaceful

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RV pitches

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Shop

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Showers

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Swimming pool

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Toilets

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TV room

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Vineyard

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Water hookups

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Watersports

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W.C. disposal


A note from the site themselves...

Our glamping is set in a stunning rewilded valley of 25 years. This is the place to really just come and be. The space is perfect for singles or couples to seek out a peaceful retreat but also families where children have the safety of being away from roads and being able to run freely through the woodland and valley.

When on our site you get the sense of being in the middle of nowhere but yet we are only a short walk to local pubs and tea room but also only 7 miles from Canterbury and Folkestone 10 miles. We are also in close range to a variety of beaches. We are central to Folkestone, Canterbury, Dover and Ashford to there are many places to explore.

Clavertye Woodland is 10 acres of ancient bluebell woodland. Once home to Clavertye Manor it has a beautiful peaceful energy with stunning birdsong including the Song Thrush. You can meander through the windy mown paths in our rewilded valley where you will see wild flowers and butterflies.

It truly is a special place and very dear to our hearts and we feel honored to be the custodians of this beautiful farm. We have had many returning guests over the years and hope to welcome you soon, Hannah


Map and address

Park address

Wild Woodland Retreat,

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Elham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Coordinates

51.1627, 1.0842 | TR 15 44

View on Google Maps

Wild Woodland Retreat is ideal for...

Couples

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Young children


There are 7 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Non Electric Grass Pitch (Woodland)

Max 7 people

Large sunny glade area all to yourself in ancient woodland. Close to showers and toilet. Access via well maintained byway.

Non Electric Grass Pitch (Woodland Oaks)

Max 7 people

Nestled at the end of its own track of old oaks this is a private area. There is part sun here during the day. Showers and toilet close by. For tents and campervans.

2 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches (Valley)

Max 7 people

Nestled amongst the young trees of the rewilded valley your pitch sits at the top of the hillside. There is sun here all day.

Non Electric Grass Touring Pitches (Valley)

Max 7 people

Nestled amongst the young trees of the rewilded valley your pitch sits in the dip of the valley. Suitable for campervans and motorhomes.


Wild Woodland Retreat reviews

4.85 /5

15 reviews

100%

would recommend

Overall
4.85
Location
4.87
Value for money
4.73
Service
4.93
Facilities
4.8
Cleanliness
4.93

"Absolute heaven, the British countryside at its best!"

Lynn D - Jun 2024


Beautiful and tranquil place

Anthony E

0

0

Shepherd's Hut - Woodland Shepherd's HutAug 2024

Me and my girlfriend stayed at the Woodland Hut and it was beautiful so nice inside and well looked after. The area is so quiet you can hear the trees cracking and the bird singing, what a sublime experience. And the hosts are so nice. We had to leave due early to unforeseen circumstances and Hannah and Mark was so helpful. One thing I was worried about was a composting toilet. If this is putting anyone off, don't let it, because I took the jump and its not bad at all, no smell so I thought I would add this so people would not miss out on a beautiful experience for pure peace with all of the chaos of this world shut out for a while. Except, when you see a sassy pony leading two horses up a path, which was hilarious.

Gorgeous place with an amazing host

Oliver W

0

0

VW-Type Campervan - Non Electric Grass Pitch (Woodland Oaks)Jul 2024

This is an absolutely stunning and beautiful retreat. If you like to be out in the woods, then this place is for you. It feels so natural and relaxing. The facilities are outstanding for a place so laid back. I would absolutely recommend this place and I will definitely return to it.

Hard to beat

Robert M

0

0

VW-Type Campervan - Non Electric Grass Pitch (Woodland)Jun 2024

This is one of the best places we have stayed. Loved it here. Was actually sad to leave. No electric so solar handy. Nothing negative to say.

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FAQ

Check-in is available from 1pm until 10pm for camping and touring and from 3pm until 10pm for glamping. Departure is due before 11am for camping and 10:30am for glamping.

Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two dogs provided they are kept on a lead whilst onsite and well-supervised - there are a range of dog walks located near the site too.

The glamping accommodation here includes a fire pit with grill BBQ - logs/firewood are available to purchase from the site.

Guests are welcome to bring one of each when staying on the grass pitches.

Open fires are only permitted in raised fire pits. Barbecues must also be raised off the ground.


There are numerous walks on your doorstep, with scenic footpaths taking you through the valley and into the dense forest. Go wildlife spotting at Park Gate Nature Reserve or stroll towards the Lord Whiskey Animal Sanctuary and sit back with a cuppa in the tea room.

The site offers a goat walking experience with their herd of nine goats and two sheep. Take them for a walk through the valley and get to experience their funny characters. Upon return to their field you will have plenty of time for cuddles, grooming and feeding them some of their favorite nibbles.

Another option for goat lovers is goat Yoga which is a fun session of yoga. For those who want to wind down opt for a session of Yoga and Qigong held in beautiful scenery or during rainy days or chillier weather in a small log cabin.

Looking for a longer trek? Plan a route along the Pilgrim's Way further afield or head to Canterbury from Elham village nearby.

Pay a visit to Sandgate and bring the little ones to the adventure play area at the park lining the coast or wander along the sands at Margate in time to watch the sunset.

East Kent is also home to a variety of beaches including:

  • Hythe
  • Folkestone warren
  • Folkestone Sunny Sands
  • Dymchurch
  • Broadstairs
  • Super dog friendly Dumpton Gap

Horse riding is also available at Stable Gate which is a short walk from the site

Other attractions include:

  • Wingham Wildlife Park
  • Lydden Hill Race Circuit
  • Port Lympne Safari Park
  • Howletts Wild Animal Park
The listing for Wild Woodland Retreat was last updated on November 21st, 2024 at 7:01 AM

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