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Swallowtail Hill Glamping

South East England East Sussex Rye

From £105 a night
Cabins, Huts & Cottage

Glamping at Swallowtail Farm is as it good as it gets.

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'Idyllic' doesn't do this East Sussex hideaway justice. Nestled within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Swallowtail Hill is a landscape like no other with six special places to stay. The farm’s forty acres of wildflower meadow and woodland are run purely for conservation and offer guests a complete getaway from the pace of modern life. In a world increasingly full of ‘content’, Swallowtail Hill is about finding contentment and connection – the things that really matter. Their portfolio of places includes a completely off-grid cottage for those looking for absolute peace, a matching pair of cabins perfect for families wanting space, a woodland retreat, and two new luxury spaces complete with wood-fired hot tubs.

The whimsical Meadow keeper’s Cottage is straight out of the Brothers Grimm and masterfully crafted using locally sourced timber. Once featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Meadow Keeper’s Cottage is a ‘gingerbread cottage’ of so many children’s story books, it can sleep a family of four and sits in perfect pond-side seclusion between two wildflower meadows.

There are two cosy timber cabins – Wood and Penfold - each perfect for up to four people, complete with wood-burning stove, kitchenette and firepit for some bonfire grilling under the stars. The cabins are a wonderful choice for two families holidaying together. Woodcutter’s Cottage is a woodland retreat that can sleep a family of four. It lies tucked away in a dell at the end of The Dean Wood, an eight-acre chestnut and oak coppiced woodland surrounded by hornbeam, holly, hazel, oak and chestnut hedge lines.

If you prefer your glamping as luxurious as it can get, then The Long View is a gorgeous timber hut on wheels that enjoys seclusion at the end of the Eight Acre Meadow. Perfect for couples or young families it has wonderful views and a wood fired hot tub. Or there’s the Roundhouse a luxurious romantic woodland retreat for two, complete with its own hot tub.

A truly special time is assured, and it's a great place for a celebration – indeed you can have your wedding/hen/any-excuse-for-a-countryside-celebration here, or to just explore the local area: you're just six miles from Rye and easily placed to access the South Coast's many other delights, Ticks all boxes really, doesn't it?

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Facilities

Sustainability is a central tenet of the Swallowtail ethos, our conservation work on the farm has been going for nearly 30 years. Nature walks and bushcraft sessions are available subject to weather and availability and there’s a forest school style Wild Woodland Club for kids through which we encourage eco-education. We promote our #KidsOffGrid movement to encourage visiting children to enjoy their time outdoors away from tv and screen-time, reconnecting with nature and just playing!

Suitable For

Perfect for couples and families, Swallowtail Hill is also the ideal venue to host small groups for special celebrations, we’re happy to help you create a ‘landmarkation’ stay to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, hen weekend or even your wedding. A small number of additional tents are permitted to be pitched if all six accommodation spaces are hire exclusively. Nominal pitch fees apply. Pets are not permitted.

Nearby

Just five miles north lies the historic medieval port town of Rye. Its quaint cobbled streets are aligned with many famous buildings including Ypres Tower (01797 226728) and Lamb House, one-time home of author Henry James. If you've not had your fill of picture-postcard castles, Sissinghurst (01580 710700) and Bodiam are both but a short drive away. Further afield, be sure to visit charming Winchelsea, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (01797 227784) and the sweeping beach at Camber Sands. Further along the coast lies Hastings Old Town – home of the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe. The iconic black net huts make for a great holiday snap. On a beautiful summer's day, there are fewer settings lovelier than the gorgeous gardens of Great Dixter (01797 252878) – former home to one of the country's finest gardeners, Christopher Lloyd.

Food & Drink

Swallowtail Hill has its own Glampsite Chef available to provide a range of catering options, from campfire suppers, picnics and teas through to special meals and group catering. They also have a range of BBQ boxes and breakfast hampers available and a small tuck shop on site. The nearest pub in Beckley is the popular village boozer The Rose & Crown (01797 252161). For a wealth of charming drink and dinner options head to Rye; The Globe Inn Marsh (01797 225220) and The Ship Inn (01797 229 256) are two favourites, or for a special meal try The Tuscan (01797 223 269). For some of the south coast's legendary seafood, The Beach Bistro at The Gallivant Hotel (01797 225 057) takes some topping, not least for the views of Camber Sands' iconic dunes.

Open

Wood and Penfold Cabins, and Meadow Keeper’s Cottage open April-October

Woodcutter’s Cottage, The Long View and The Roundhouse open all year.

Pricing

A two night booking minimum applies. Cabins from £210 for a two night break, Cottages-on-Wheels from £230 for a two night break. Long View and Roundhouse from £290 for a two night break.

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The Owner Says

Our landscape is truly unique and the tranquillity of a break here is something guests comment on time and time again.

Three of our spaces are completely off grid – Wood and Penfold Cabins and Meadow Keeper’s Cottage. They each sleep up to four and have a small indoor kitchen with gas hob and a wood burning stove for chilly evenings. The cabins each have an outdoor gas fired shower, Meadow Keeper’s has an outdoor wood fired shower. Each has an outdoor compost loo. Accommodation is lit using rechargeable lanterns, supplied daily.

Woodcutter’s Cottage can sleep a family of four. It has a kitchenette with hot and cold running water, gas hob and wood burning stove. There’s electric light, a small fridge and charging points. Just next door is your very own washhouse – a small cabin with gas fired shower, basin and modern compost loo.

Long View is the ultimate in glamping luxury. One end of this beautiful wood cabin is fully glazed and opens out onto a wildflower meadow. The handmade kingsize bed faces the window so guests can wake up with the sun or watch the stars at bedtime. The well-equipped kitchen and dining space has a microwave, gas hob, fridge and wood burner, and the cosy seating area can convert to bunk beds for small children if required. There’s an ensuite loo and shower room. Outside is a private dining deck and wood fired hot tub.

The Roundhouse is equally luxurious and designed with couples in mind. It has a kingsize bed facing a huge picture window framing the changing view of the woodland outside. It has a well equipped kitchen and the dining space has a microwave, gas hob, fridge and wood burner. The loo and shower is ensuite. Outside is a private dining deck and hot tub.

All of our accommodation spaces have firepits and we provide all the equipment you need for campfire cooking and BBQ’ing.

Location

Contact Website 01797 260 890 Swallowtail Hill Glamping, Swallowtail Hill Farm, Hobbs Lane, Beckley, East Sussex TN31 6TT

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Getting There

Take the A21 to Hastings and keep going until the Flimwell crossroads/traffic lights. Turn left – marked for Rye/Camber/Hawkhurst (A268) - and keep on this road for around 10 miles, to Newenden, where you take the turning to Rye; after 3 miles there’s a sign on the left saying Beckley. Slow down, take the next left onto Hobbs Lane (if you reach the mini roundabout you’ve gone too far!) and Swallowtail Hill is on the left. Trains from central London run from St Pancras to Ashford International Railway Station, from where there is one train an hour to Rye. The site is six miles from Rye, and you can take a taxi from outside the station – around £15 one way. Alternatively get a bus from Rye in the direction of Northiam and alight at Beckley Four Oaks; Swallowtail Hill is then a half mile walk along Hobbs Lane.

Trains from central London run from St Pancras to Ashford International Railway Station. From here, there is one train an hour to Rye Railway Station. The site is six miles from Rye. You can get a taxi (01797 224016) from the rank outside the station – the journey will cost around £15 one way. Alternatively you can get a bus from Rye in the direction of Northiam and alight at Beckley Four Oaks. Swallowtail Hill is then a half mile walk along Hobbs Lane and you’ll find it on the left hand side.

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Reviews

Let us know what you think of your stay.

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Rated ★★★★★ over 24 reviews

★★★★★

Fab weekend away!

We visited with our toddler and our friends were staying in another hut on the site and it was perfect! It was fun and sociable as well as being toddler heaven. We’d definitely come back! Sarah was fantastic and even though the site was without water, Sarah couldn’t have done more to make our stay comfortable. Thanks again for having us!

Jul 4, 2023 by Rowan

★★★★★

Fabulous, comfortable, off-grid cabins

We really loved our stay at Swallowtail Hill. We rented both Wood and Penfold Cabin - one for our family of four, including our 3 and 5-year-old, and the other for two grandparents - both young and old had a great time. The cabins and camp kitchen are really well equipped, with everything you'd need for a comfortable / off-grid stay. We packed some camping stuff we just didn't need because practically everything is provided. The fire pits, with bbq gear, are excellent. And everything is so thoughtfully done - we especially appreciated the efforts to keep everything sustainable and environmentally considerate. The showers were a little fiddly - hard to get a comfortable temperature. But if you're looking for luxury showers this probably isn't for you; being off-grid is kind of the point and part of the appeal, so this really is a very minor gripe. For us, the whole thing was the perfect balance between comfort and off-grid. Wood and Penfold are fairly close together, so it worked having both, but expect to be near others if you only book one of them. Otherwise, the pair of cabins were in a beautiful setting, and completely secluded. The deck chairs were heaven. We will definitely be back soon!

Jun 27, 2023 by Sam

★★★★★

A perfect mini break with plenty to do nearby

A very friendly welcome from Sarah and Carly, and a lovely location away from the sounds and smells of modern life. Wood Cabin was perfect and very clean. All the basics provided to get you up and running. Fire pit also great for chilly evenings outside.

Jun 24, 2023 by Andrew

★★★★★

Woodland Fairytale Weekend

When Carly dropped us at Woodcutters Cottage after we parked our car at their farm, we thought we had arrived at a woodland fairytale cottage. A charming little cottage in the middle of a leafy wood, a child’s dream! We loved marking pizza dough which we cooked on the fire. The hot tub heated by the outdoors wood stove was an incredible experience! Carly was helpful kind and responsive. A great joy of a weekend!

Jun 21, 2023 by Agueda

★★★★★

Celebration Weekend Away

What a truly fabulous place. The organisation was second to none. The location was magical despite the weather. Cosy and warm, spotlessly clean, great hot tub. We ordered various food items in advance which were really tasty, great value with generous portions. Our host was friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed our time to disconnect. Thank you Swallowtail!

Jun 18, 2023 by Joy

★★★★★

Great stay at Swallowtail Hill Farm

What a wonderful place. Very pretty, quiet & serene. 5 of us (2 adults & 3 young kids) had the two cabins (Penfold & Wood) for two nights. It was a very comfortable stay, the cabins are compact but well appointed, warm enough even in cold weather due to the nice little log burners, and the outside space is great for kids to play and enjoy the outdoors safely. It’s off grid, so no electricity (rechargeable lanterns provided daily), and it was nice to live a simpler life for a couple of days. There are gas-powered hot showers (each cabin has its own shower and composting toilet), and it’s possible to get a decent mobile data signal if you really need it. The outdoor kitchen was well equipped for cooking over the fire pits and there’s a nice covered seating area for meals. Big cool boxes to keep all your food fresh, with ice packs provided each day. There’s an honesty shop, selling plenty of useful stuff you might need, and they can provide all your meals if needed. We ordered quite a lot of food and it was all delicious. The kids were living their best life. Mine normally complain about walking more than a few steps, but they walked for hours around the grounds of the farm, exploring everything. They loved the outdoor theatre, where they gave impromptu performances on the stage. My four-year-old asked can we come here one day every week please.

Jun 16, 2023 by Markos

★★★★★

Best Getaway EVER!!!

Amazing, beautiful escape. Stunning area. Lovely walks. Lovely hosts. Pure tranquillity. The hot tub is amazing. You have to work to the heat but when it's warm it's soo hot and lovely. Perfect in the colder seasons. Lovely things to do in and around the area. I just wish I could live here. Pure bliss!!!

Jun 15, 2023 by Samara

★★★★★

Swallowtail is just WONDERFUL, utter BLISS!

Swallowtail was beyond expectation. Everything was PERFECT! I knew how it looked yet I didn't expect it to be so pretty, private and well-organised (it most certainly lives up to glamping, so luxurious). We stayed in Longview which offered an indoor toilet and shower facilities, for me that is a must. The bedding was of high quality like staying at a 5* hotel in the West End. Swallowtail also provides you with cereal, tea, coffee, milk and even hot chocolate which was a nice touch. The log burner was great, heated the cabin within the hour. We didn't have the best weather but that didn't alter our experience, if anything it added to the adventure. We have a 22 month-year-old and there were no complaints, he loved jumping in the muddy puddles, and seeing him being able to be so free was very satisfying. Sarah is very informative with instructions, there isn't anything that we were not made aware of and if you did need additional help she was only a text away. Swallowtail offers pure relaxation, yet, if you are anything like my partner then you also need little things to do to keep you occupied i.e. preparing the fires for cooking, indoors to keep warm or if you do decide to use the hot tub that should keep you going for a few hours. Do listen to Sarah and do not go beyond the 40-degree recommendation. The hot tub is a must! I loved the fact that it was like getting into a gaint bath and was pure water with no chlorine. Everything was great and we cannot wait to return to this hidden little gem! We didn't want to leave! Thank you to all at Swallowtail for adding to our memories. See you soon.

Jun 13, 2023 by Charlie

★★★★★

Stunning

Stunning location, accommodation, with peace and tranquility, what is not to love? If you’re thinking of booking, stop thinking and just DO IT. What is also so lovely is that you have such flexibility, being able to start your break on any day.

Jun 12, 2023 by Scoya

★★★★★

Wonderful Stay, would definitely recommend!

A lovely location and wonderful, helpful hosts. Everything was perfect. The shepherds hut was so well set up and stocked with all the general things you need (washing up liquid, crockery, loo roll etc). A stunning location looking over a beautiful meadow with all the birds for company and music.

Jun 5, 2023 by Abigail

★★★★★

Wonderful stay at Longview

I went to Swallowtail with my 3yr old daughter for a couple of nights and it was wonderful, she asked if we could live there! Sarah was really great getting us settled and throughout our stay. We were in Longview and it was so comfy, had everything you could need and more. The hot tub was wonderful and I also took a break from cooking for a couple of nights and we really enjoyed the chicken casserole and pasta bolognese. We're already planning when to go again!

Jun 3, 2023 by Penelope

★★★★★

Amazing stay!

Our stay was amazing in The roundhouse, our space was very private and the hot tub was brilliant! Never felt so relaxed! The bed was extremely comfy, might have been the best sleep we have both had in a while!

May 31, 2023 by Zach

★★★★★

Woodcutters Cottage – Magical

Recently stayed at woodcutters cottage. What a magical place. Absolutely loved it including our 3yr daughter who didn't want to leave. Loved the hot tub. Great attention to detail from arrival to departure and friendly onsite team. We also loved the honesty shop, very handy. Already thinking of dates for next visit. Highly recommended.

May 29, 2023 by Terry

★★★★★

A pure gem

The Roundhouse.....A fabulous place, our 3rd visit! First in the summer though and it's lush, green, private, has plenty of wildlife and relaxation. We love this place so much that we are going back for a 4th time. Sarah and team are friendly, and welcoming. We always pre-order food so we do not have to cook..... veggie casserole and a veggie chilli with jacket potatoes......well flavoured and very large portions! Summer may benefit from a lighter option tho... Take advantage of the hot tub! Get booking folks.....

May 28, 2023 by Mel

★★★★★

Amazing chilled Stay

We booked the 2 glamping cabins Wood & Penfold. We stayed with friends with their 2 children & we stayed with our son. The whole stay was perfect family therapy! Off-grid! Offline! Fully chilled. We spent time exploring the 40 acres of beautiful countryside. The kids spent hours creating a show to put on in the api-theatre, putting on Saturday night entertainment. Our hosts were amazing!!! Taking the children for a walk with Tilly the Dog, to meeting, greeting & making sure we had everything we needed. The drive by Buggy to & from the accommodation is pure genius & adds to all the excitement. Our Son who is nearly 9 didn't want to leave but move in. Compost toilet & outdoors shower were spot on, clean, well maintained & lovely toiletries. Outdoor kitchen was well-equipped! The cool box was perfect & really kept things chilled. Outdoor dining was perfect social space. We will be back.

May 27, 2023 by Madison

★★★★★

Beautiful and peaceful

The place is gorgeous. We stayed at Woodcutter’s cottage, small but enough for family of four (small children). Outdoor space is really nice, BBQ pit, hot tub, dining area and bathroom facilities are very clean and new. We will definitely be back while the kids are little. Location is very convenient too (very close to Rye and Camber Sands).

May 26, 2023 by Anon

★★★★★

Magical place

Our stay was absolutely PEREFCT! The location, the site, all the details incredibly well thought through, from the food you can pre-order to the fire pit, to all the beautiful details inside the cabin. A wonderful and magical place. We will be back!

May 19, 2023 by Anna

★★★★★

Another fabulous stay!

We love Swallowtail Hill. I am always torn when writing a review because secretly I want to make sure we can always rebook! Sarah, Chris, Chloe, Carly & Team are great at getting this place ready for our stay. The kids get outdoors in the meadow. We play, build draw, read. I get to decompress from work. Away from emails & mobiles. Nana gets family time with us without too much tech distraction. If you love nature, recycling/re-use, a good cook-out on campfires, log burners & a hot tub worth heating, look no further. 6 years visiting here & long may it last. Thank you team from all of us! See you again soon.

May 17, 2023 by Sarah

★★★★★

Just what I hoped for

The woodcutter's cottage was exactly as described and just what I had hoped for. Right from the start things were excellent. The booking, the website, the description and the instructions/advice and the welcome and backup were all top-notch. We loved the wee cottage, it was light and clean and so well laid out. Despite the mostly wet cold weather were happy to be snug with the very effective stove and enough room to be comfortable with our books. The transport to and from the gate to the door was such a good idea! I 100% recommend this place for a restorative getaway.

May 14, 2023 by Sylvia

★★★★★

Amazing stay in the bluebells

Yet another amazing experience at Swallowtail with the added bonus of a hot tub since our last stay 4 years ago. Woodcutters Cottage has all the charm you would expect - our children are now 15 and 13 and they still love it. Beautiful location in the woods made extra special by the bluebells in full bloom. The weather was kind to us, so we enjoyed campfires, scary stories, and cooking outside. Amazing campfire supper on the Friday was also a bonus. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.

May 14, 2023 by Rachel

★★★★★

A break away from busy life!!!

My husband and I have just returned from a four-night stay at Swallowtail Farm (The Roundhouse) it definitely exceeded all our expectations! So private and really away from everything but having everything you need! The Cabin and outside space is fantastic! Lots of extras …not really expecting…..an amazing shower! 4G and phone reception! The huge bed is so comfortable with top-quality bedding, I really did not want to get out of it! The best sleep I have had in years. The weather was a bit wet but this did not dampen our experience at all! In fact, we loved it ….listening to the pitter, patter as we drifted off. The cabin with the log burner was so cosy! The hot tub was amazing …..relaxing in the forest at night …looking at the stars and listening to the owls …really so wonderful. The farm itself is so wonderful too for lots of walks, meeting the animals on the way! Lots to explore! The farm shop has a really lovely choice of treats if one desires! We ordered the welcome hamper which I can recommend as very good quality products to get you going. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are now looking up dates for when we can return for a future break away from city life. I have been glamping before but this is far by the best I have experienced as you are given complete privacy, but at the same time, you know there is help with anything if you require it. A very special place indeed.

May 14, 2023 by Maria

★★★★★

Fully recommend

Ideal setting and accommodation set in a beautiful field in nature .. perfect way to reconnect. Absolutely perfect in every way, clean, comfortable .. beautiful setting .. privacy .. amazing food … very well run! We had the most perfect weekend and couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you so much for our lovely weekend retreat! Perfect.

May 13, 2023 by Kerry

★★★★★

Really thoughtful touches

We had such a fab 2-night break staying in the Roundhouse at Swallowtail Hill. We took our 1.5-year-old son who loved being outside and seeing all the nature. The roundhouse was very clean and had everything we needed. Tea/coffee and milk provided with some basics like washing up liquid and olive oil. Really thoughtful touches. We loved cooking outside and the hot tub was just perfect. Sarah and the team are lovely hosts! X

May 12, 2023 by Sunshine

★★★★★

Glamping at its finest: a perfect secluded retreat

Enjoyed a weekend away in the beautifully decorated, cosy and secluded Roundhouse. The perfect spot for a relaxing unwind. Woodfired hot tub was just bliss. Fully equipped small kitchen area inside and everything needed for outdoor campfire cooking. Perfectly situated for days out to nearby Rye, Hastings, Battle, etc., and lots of lovely local pubs and restaurants to choose too. Would definitely recommend a stay here.

May 5, 2023 by Lisa