Greenhill Glamping
South East England Kent Dover
- 1 Shepherds Hut, 1 Wagon
- Shepherd’s huts
Unique glamping in a beautiful location not far from Dover in the downlands of southeastern Kent.
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Deep down in the southeastern corner of the Kent Downs, just two miles from the south coast, Wendy Burrows and her husband Neil run a glamping site that is about far more than just offering comfortable outdoor accommodation. Staying here is also about participating in a restoration project – which started with a shepherd’s hut, discovered half sunken in Romney Marshes where it had been abandoned for over 75 years. Wendy and Neil bought it in 2016 and set about painstakingly restoring it, installing modern-day functionality (electricity, running water and en-suite bathroom facilities) and giving it a contemporary finish, with Edison-style lightbulbs casting a warm glow above a fitted king-sized bed – but leaving the names of the World War II anti-aircraft gunners who sheltered in the hut during cold nights etched into its walls.
The shepherd’s hut was soon earning rave reviews, so when another dilapidated ploughman's wagon came up for sale the couple once again set about the art of restoration. They have strived to keep as much of the original structure in place, adding a wood-burning stove, en-suite shower room and modern kitchen, and a king-size bed, but retaining the warm and cosy wooden interior wooden. Don't expect wifi though - this is a proper countryside retreat. (The good news is that Wendy and Neil also run the lovely Alkham Court Farmhouse B&B, which has all sorts of indispensable modern facilities.)
The two historic structures each enjoy a private location on the farm, and both enjoy views of the Alkham Valley and are both within walking distance of the village, where there’s a decent pub, the old church and a riding stables, the latter just a few yards up the road, while numerous footpaths take you straight out into the surrounding downs. It’s a 10-minute drive to Dover Castle and the white cliffs just beyond, and 25 minutes to Canterbury. And, if all that history is just too much, it’s 10 minutes to the beach.
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Details
Facilities
Each of the huts at Greenhill Glamping is completely unique but both feature a kingsize bed (all bedding provided), antique table and chairs, wood-burning stove (with ample wood stored undercover) and a large ensuite bathroom with a shower, basin, and flushing toilet, plus towels and toiletries provided. There is an electric 2 ring hob, fridge, mini butler sink, china, cutlery, pans, BBQ tools, toaster, kettle and Nespresso coffee machine. Outside table and chairs, a wood store and outdoor firepit with BBQ grill are also provided. A welcome tray awaits your arrival. The farm is part of a national environmental stewardship scheme, so expect plenty of wildlife, and it's a short walk down to the stables to see the ponies.
Suitable For
Each hut is suitable for 2 adults only. One dog is permitted in each hut at anextra charge of £20.00 per stay.Nearby
Greenhill Glamping is in the heart of the Alkham Valley with its network of footpaths and bridleways. Horse riding at the Alkham Valley Community Project (07472910009) is a 15-minute walk away, while Port Lympne Safari Park (01303 264647) is a 10 minutes drive and also has great views across Romney Marsh. Walk the white cliffs after a visit to nearby Dover Castle (01304 211067) or explore the Folkstone seafront. This stretch of UK coast has seen more battles, skirmishes and occupations than anywhere else in the UK and has a bucket load of castles and abbeys to show for it. A day exploring the streets of Canterbury isn't a bad place to start for history – pop into the cathedral (01227 762862), nose around the castle (01227 378100) and, if the weather's good, rent a punt (07786 332666) for an hour on the water.Food & Drink
You can order generously sized breakfast hampers (£15 for 2 people) with local and homemade produce delivered to the hut in the evening. Wendy can also provide excellent packed lunches if you decide to stay local (£7.50 per person). Canterbury Farmers Market runs 6 days a week in the city centre and there's also great farm shop (01304 212040) in Farthingloe. On weekends, the Folkestone Harbour Arm opens up with pop-up restaurants and live music. It's seasonal but, when running, highly recommended.Pricing
Rates from £120 per night.Why Book Direct?
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The Owner Says
Location
Getting There
From the ferry: On leaving the Port of Dover follow signs to London M20. After the last roundabout continue along the A20 (M20) towards London, then take the 2nd exit (signed Canterbury/ Folkestone to A260) and at the roundabout follow signs to Alkham. After 2 miles Meggett Lane is 2nd on the right and Alkham Court is on the right just before the top of the hill.
From the M20, follow signs towards Dover past Junction 13 where the M20 joins the A20. Drive through the tunnels and then immediate exit direction A260 Canterbury/Folkestone. Turn left at roundabout, back over the motorway, then turn left again following signs to Alkham. Proceed down the Alkham Valley road for approximately 2 miles, turn right into Meggett Lane and Alkham Court is on the right just before the top of the hill.
From the M2/A2, follow signs for Dover. When you reach a roundabout with McDonald’s on your left, take the 4th exit (Dover North/ River and Temple Ewell). At the next roundabout take 2nd exit (River, Temple Ewell) then after 100 metres turn left to Alkham. Go through the village of Alkham then turn left after the garden centre into Meggett Lane and Alkham Court is on the right before the top of the hill.Trains from London Charing Cross – Folkestone Central are every 30 minutes at peak times and, with the high speed train from St Pancras International Station to Folkestone Central, journey times are now only 55 minutes. At Folkestone Central Station there is a taxi rank just outside the main entrance or a short walk towards Kingsnorth Garden where there is also another taxi rank.
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As featured in
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Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 1 reviews
Absolutely lovely
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