Alde Garden
- Premier host
- Sweffling, Suffolk
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit
- Bedroom: Varies
- Bathroom: Varies
- Minimum stay: 2-4 nights
Arriving at Alde Garden feels like stumbling across a magical secret: a wildlife-steeped mini-sanctuary strewn with winding natural pathways, hidden away in the rural heart of Suffolk.
Here, friendly owners Marie and Mark have seen to it that your every holiday comfort is covered, from the quirky array of retreats – most of which they’ve lovingly crafted themselves – to generous and quirky facilities that include a pristine toilet and shower block, an adventurous jungle shower-in-the-trees, and a pizza oven.
Not to mention their very own award-winning real ale pub: a building they restored from scratch, and which you’ll find conveniently situated right next to the garden!
So, where will you and your loved ones stay? How about the Gypsy Caravan: a romantic, over-a-century-old wagon that boasts intricate original workmanship and modern recycled materials? Privately parked next to a wooden donkey shed (which is now home to an extra living and cooking space), you’ll be surrounded by sweet-scented wildflowers and whispering trees… bliss.
Inspired by Marie and Mark’s travels to New Zealand, the Hideout is a treehouse-like wooden retreat-for-two, tucked amongst the trees and shrubs… so much so that it’s almost completely hidden from view. Gorgeous glass panels in the roof mean you can stargaze to your hearts’ content, you’ll have your very own ‘cooky nook’ for mealtimes, and there are plenty of quirky creative touches throughout.
There are two yurts to choose from: Barn Owl Yurt and Dragonfly Yurt, both hand-crafted by Marie and Mark themselves, from locally-coppiced wood. Sleeping 2-5 guests, each yurt boasts a handmade woodburner, with soft tealights and lanterns that cast a gentle glow, plus solar powered fairylights.
Badger Cottage, meanwhile, is a 200-year-old red brick stable, expertly converted into a cosy eco-hideaway for couples, families, and groups of friends. There are two galleried bedrooms to choose from, accessed via separate staircases. Filled with rustic charm and recycled materials throughout, there’s an original Victorian roll-top bath for indulgent soaks, and a soft-glowing woodburner to warm your evenings.
Keep readingAt a glance
- A small, tranquil garden campsite secluded in the heart of Suffolk, with eclectic accommodation, generous facilities… and an award-winning real ale pub!
- Each set in its own secluded clearing with private cooking facilities, accommodation includes:
- Gypsy Caravan (2 guests, extra space for 1-2 small children), a lovingly- restored vintage wagon.
- Hideout (2 guests), a wooden retreat with glass roof panels for stargazing.
- Barn Owl and Dragonfly Yurts (2-5 guests), hand-crafted Mongolian-style structures.
- Badger Cottage (4 guests), a 200-year-old stable, beautifully converted into a 2-bedroom retreat.
- There are also five small tent pitches on site.
- Facilities include a toilet and shower block, a communal barn with additional cooking facilities and a small honesty shop, a communal campfire, a pizza oven, and an ‘off-licence’ at the back of the pub!
- Say hello to the resident ducks, geese, and chickens, or borrow a vintage bike (or hire a horse and cart!) and explore the local area. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes, and the Suffolk coastline is a 20-minute drive away.
- Nearby Ufford Park offer guests discounts on day gym membership and spa treatments, and fishing at Mill House can be arranged on request.
Features
Family Friendly
Facilities
Gypsy Caravan (2 guests): 6′ x 4′ double bed, with 5′ x 3′ space underneath for 1-2 small children. Solar fairy lights and tea light lanterns, woodburner. Separate converted donkey shed with seating, washstand, cupboard space, table, 2-ring gas hob. Outdoor seating area with barbecue.
Hideout (2 guests): double folding mattress, carpeted floor, 2 beside tables, glass roof panels, solar-powered fairy lights, upcycled materials. Outside: rustic table and chairs, sheltered cooking area with single gas hob, washing-up bowl, solar fairy lights.
Barn Owl Yurt (2-4 guests) and Dragonfly Yurt (2-5 guests): handmade woodburner, double bed with single futons or chair beds, solar fairy lights, tea light lanterns, rugs, table and chairs, outdoor seating & cooking facilities.
Badger Cottage (4 guests): double and twin galleried bedrooms with private access via separate staircases, living room with standalone wood-burner, farmhouse-style kitchen and eating area, bathroom with Victorian roll-top bath, private courtyard with table and chairs.
On site: pizza oven, outdoor jungle shower, toilet and shower block, communal barn with additional cooking facilities and honesty shop, on-site pub and ‘off-licence’, fridge freezer, washing machine, herb garden, vintage bicycles for exploring.
Local Activities
Walking, cycling, nature-watching, picnic spots, nature reserve, local pubs, beaches
Accommodation Options
Barn Owl Yurt - sleeps 2-5
Dragonfly Yurt - sleeps 2-5
Gypsy Caravan - sleeps 2 (+2)
The Hideout - sleeps 2
Badger Cottage - sleeps 4
More information
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore the garden, getting to know the friendly resident ducks, geese, and chickens, and making friends with other guests.
The Shelter is a converted barn and ‘hangout space’ that allows you to do just that, with plenty of extra cooking facilities, and a small honesty shop for food and supplies (just ring the doorbell at the back of the pub to stock up on local ale, cider, and wines from Marie and Mark’s ‘off-licence’!)
Borrow a vintage bike to explore further afield, or hire a horse and cart for a trip back in time! If you’re in the mood for some pampering, nearby Ufford Park offers guests discounts on day gym membership and spa treatments.
When you return, fire up the pizza oven for an evening feast – seasoned with freshly-picked herbs from the garden – then settle around the communal campfire for a round of storytelling under the stars.
Things to note
Bedding is included for Badger Cottage only. Please bring your own bedding for all other accommodation – bedding hire is available for guests not bringing a vehicle. Organic wine, ale, cider, and lager hampers can be pre-ordered for your stay – just ask!
Where you'll be staying
Sweffling, Suffolk
What the guests of Alde Garden say
“This place is amazing. We stayed at Badger Cottage ‘out of season’ so none of the summer stuff was going on, but still had a lovely time. Lots to see and do around the area, the cottage was lovely, well equipped and spotlessly clean. Looking forward to coming to stay again – in the summer when lots of things are going on in the big garden – a Yurt seems like a really fun and romantic place to stay!”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Alde Garden. We were lucky enough to stay in the Dragonfly Yurt which is beautifully and simply designed. It was so cosy, we didn’t want to leave! We would highly recommend the garden. I loved the little hand made signs dotted around and how grown up the garden is. My only regret is we didn’t stay long enough! Thank you!”
“What a fantastic campsite. Everyone was so friendly and the garden was perfect. No need to bring everything but the kitchen sink! Spare clothes and bedding was all we needed while staying in the Hideout.”
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