Blackberry Wood

• Sleeps: 2-4 per unit
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Blackberry Wood is just as enchanting as the name suggests. With a range of wonderfully imaginative glamping options – all set around a red telephone box and old-fashioned lamppost – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. However, you really are in the glorious South Downs, just 1.5 hours from London and 30 minutes from Brighton.

The Holiday Bus (sleeps 4)

1964…just a year after ‘Summer Holiday’ hit our screens, and the year The Holiday Bus hit London’s roads! Now in retirement, this double-decker Routemaster has been cleverly converted into unforgettable holiday accommodation with full self-contained facilities, including a shower and WC. Ideal for two couples or a family, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen and dining area downstairs. Upstairs is your top-deck lounge and sleeping area, and even a soft play area which turns into a super-king bedroom at night.

The Holicopter (sleeps 4)

Most people never get to board a helicopter, let alone holiday in one! However, this converted 1965 Wessex Search and Rescue helicopter lets you do just that. With two double beds (one of which converts to two singles), it’s perfect for thrill-seekers who like their holidays with a difference.  You’re also treated to a private outside kitchen area with a 2-ring gas cooker, fridge and toaster.

The Curvy Cabin (sleeps 4)

Wonderfully cosy and wonderfully unique – that’s just one way to sum up the Curvy Cabin. This self-contained, light and modern wood-clad cabin – with curved walls at each end – offers oodles of style but minimal environmental impact. As well as a comfy double bed and two bunks, there’s a modern kitchen and even your own shower room, decorated with fantastic woodland wallpaper. Thanks to heating throughout and a lovely wood burner, this is one cosy year-round retreat.

At a glance

• Wonderfully quirky South Downs glamping, near Ditchling, Sussex
• Choose from The London Bus, The Holicopter, The Curvy Cabin, The Gypsy Caravan, the ‘Higgledly’ and ‘Piggledy’ Treehouses, Angus the Fire Engine, and Snugglebug.
• All sleep 4 (except the Gypsy Caravan for 2) – ideal for families and couples
• Self-contained bathrooms in The London Bus, Curvy Cabin, Fire Engine, Treehouses, and Snugglebug.
• Private cooking facilities with each.
• All crockery, cutlery, pots and pans included in glamping units – just bring your own bedding (except in the treehouses where bedding and towels are provided).
• Woodland glade camping pitches also available.
• Explore South Downs and south coast; 30 mins from Brighton.

Features

• Family Friendly

More information

The Gypsy Caravan (sleeps 2)

Authentically handmade and decorated by gypsies, this perfectly preserved 1930s bow-top caravan promises an unforgettable retreat for two starry-eyed lovers. A snug double bed makes for sweet dreaming, whilst outside, a charming wooden kitchen with a heart-shaped window is ideal for cooking up rustic romance and features a 2-ring gas cooker, fridge and toaster.

‘Higgledy’ and ‘Piggledy’ – the two Treehouses (each sleep 4)

Set aloft among the trees, everyone will fall in love with the treehouses’ beautifully ramshackle designs and gorgeous quirky touches. Don’t be fooled however; each one is perfectly sturdy and self-sufficient, with luxurious wood-clad interiors.

Higgledy is easily identified for its turret, while Piggledy has a wide pitched roof and an exquisite stained-glass, heart-shaped window. Each one features two cosy double beds, a fully fitted kitchen and a beautiful shower room. Both are fully insulated, with a wood burner to keep you warm on chilly days, while in summer, the large deck with chiminea is perfect for outdoor dining long into the evening.

‘Angus’ the Fire Engine (sleeps up to 4)

Full of excitement, this quirky fire engine conversion will bring smiles to the faces of big and little kids alike! Expertly refurbished to a high standard and nestled in its own spot of woodland, Angus is fully insulated with heating, along with its own kitchen and dining area and double bunk beds adding to the sense of adventure.

Snugglebug (sleeps up to 4)

The latest retreat to be featured at Blackberry Wood, Snugglebug is an super-snuggly Estonian cabin with toasty insulation, full self-contained facilities… and huge windows, for you to gaze at the natural world going by!  You’ll be provided with plenty of soft blankets for stargazing by the firepit, and there’s a private deck for morning coffee, savoured to a gentle soundtrack of birdsong.

If you’re more of a traditionalist, Blackberry Wood also features camping pitches among a selection of private woodland glades. Unlike some sprawling campsites, there’s space for just 20 tents at most – giving you an altogether more peaceful, exclusive experience.

All guests have access to the onsite toilets and hot showers (though some retreats boast their own, of course). There’s also a handy shop for essentials, including logs and BBQ coal for your fire pit.

There’s much more to see in this stunning part of Britain, with countryside around you and the coast in easy reach – so there’s plenty of scope for enjoying the Great Outdoors. Navigate the plethora of nearby public footpaths and bridleways, a number of which lead to some excellent country pubs! Kids will love a day at Drusillas Park, while a trip on the Bluebell Railway is charming for all the family.

Things to note

You must bring your own bedding, towels and pillows (except for treehouses where bedding and towels are provided). As all accommodation is a shoe-free zone, we recommend bringing slippers. 2 night minimum stay (1 night breaks may be possible midweek in low season), no children in the Gypsy Caravan. Dogs are not permitted in any of the units, only in camping area, WiFi is available, check-in is from 3pm.  Please check site for pricing and availability.