Swallowtail Hill

Make the perfect picture-postcard lifestyle a reality in an East Sussex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, built for conservation, luxury, education and fun.

Swallowtail Hill isn't your common-or-garden glamping site.  Here in 40 stunning acres of wildflower meadow and woodland set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you'll find uniquely quirky living accommodation along with absolutely everything you need for a relaxing, eco-friendly break that's totally out of the ordinary.

Friendly and family-run, whether you're looking for an off-grid glamping experience without compromising on indulgence, a conservation masterclass in a lush outdoor setting, or you're looking to celebrate one of life's milestones in style, Swallowtail Hill offers the perfect setting, allowing you to truly connect with nature - and each-other - as you relax to soothing birdsong and leave the cares of everyday living far behind you for a while.

The accommodation at Swallowtail Hill is uniquely designed, with more than a touch of delightful eccentricity you'll find hard to keep quiet about!  Units vary, sleeping up to four people in a single space that features one double bed plus extra bed options.

Choose from two cosy wooden cabins, known as Wood and Penfold, both perfectly positioned for privacy at the bottom of a hillside field, next to a pond frequented by a family of moorhens...your nearest friendly neighbours!

Inside, you'll find the handmade décor adds to the feeling of countryside glamour, with the double bed lovingly crafted from local wood, not to mention a bespoke coffee table and apple crates as bedside tables.

With a woodburning stove inside to keep you toasty whatever the weather, there's also a kitchen area with a gas hob and grill...perfect for late night snacks.  The cabins share a well-equipped, covered kitchen and dining area  for those who prefer a home-cooked meal. The outdoor wood-fired shower and compost toilets are just 20 metres away.

For accommodation that's truly unique, the Meadow Keeper's cottage is a genuine one-off, hand-built by local craftsmen using locally-sourced timber.  Oh - and it's also on wheels!

A beautiful fairytale cottage that really has to be seen to be appreciated, you'll find it cosily nestled between two wildflower meadows, with perfect privacy near a pond that's perfect for birdwatching...and where you'll also find your very own rowboat if you're feeling brave ...

Step inside and marvel at the handcrafted construction, with a double bed and two singles that cleverly double as benches.  There's a gas hob and sink for basic food preparation, and an all-important log burner for a warmly romantic feel all year round.

The stable door leads you to your very own al-fresco dining area and firepit, ideal for campfire songs as the sun goes down.

For a cottage that's straight out of ‘Little Red Riding Hood' (but with no big bad wolves to worry about!) and perfect for wildlife-watching, why not try the Woodcutter's cottage?  Similar to the Meadow Keeper's cottage and with the same facilities, it's also set on wheels, and found at the end of an eight-acre woodland full of chestnut, oak, holly and hazel.

Both cottages include an authentic log-fired shower and private compost toilet.

Finally, newly added for 2019 are The Roundhouse,  and The Long View. The latter can sleep a family of four, and features a king-size bed with views that extend out the countryside, so you can watch sunrise from the comfort of your bed, and bi-fold doors allow the outside to flood into the space. Outside, a Kadai firebowl allows for al fresco cooking and you can even pre-book a wood-fired hot tub for a total indulgent treat... sounds delightful to us!

You'll enjoy plenty of thoughtful facilities and fun that will make you forget you ever used electricity - with wind-up radios, books and games to keep you occupied and top-of-the-range campfire cooking equipment, and with a welcome pack of groceries, breakfast boxes and barbecue food available, self-catering can be as luxurious as you decide to make it!  Though if you don't feel like cooking at all, why not place a delicious order with the glampsite chef  or arrange an indulgent afternoon tea?

During the day, why not take a stroll around the farm - perhaps you'll make some new friends in the wildlife-steeped meadows, lanes, ponds and glades?  For a special treat, come and help feed the farm animals on occasion.  

Further afield, the site is just six miles from the historic town of Rye, and ten from the Camber seaside, with plenty to do and see.

You'll find Swallowtail Hill is also perfect for large family get-togethers and celebrations, with children's bushcraft birthday parties a huge hit!  You'll also discover the Forest School, a hands-on woodland learning environment for visiting school children and special interest groups...ensuring vital conservational knowledge can be cultivated and shared.

So for a truly unique break that genuinely has it all...and a lot more besides, come and experience the friendly and unique eccentricity of Swallowtail Hill for yourself!

Please note this is off-grid and there is no electricity, minimum stay varies from 2 nights in term time to 3 nights during school holidays, weddings/hen weekends and bushcraft parties possible by prior arrangement. No pets. Prices start from £97 per night in a cabin and £107 per night in a cottage-on-wheels during low season.