Bodiam Glamping Coach

• Sleeps: 5
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

A British Railways Mark 1 coach that dates back to the 1960s, Bodiam Glamping Coach has been lovingly restored as a soothing ‘time-capsule’ retreat with plenty of luxurious holiday facilities.

You’ll also be surrounded by the abundant charms of the Rother Valley, situated near the Kent Border and part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Overlooking the 14th century Bodiam Castle, as well as whispering vineyards and the former Guinness hop gardens, there’s plenty to see without moving a muscle!

There’s a TV and Wi-Fi handy for when the sun has finally set, in the cosy lounge where you’ll also find a comfy bed-settee. The carriage sleeps up to five lucky guests in total, in a glorious vintage-styled master bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom, and a charming twin.

And since there’s an extra bathroom with modern facilities, there’ll be no cross-legged queues to worry about.

Whip up hearty family meals in the gleaming, fully-fitted kitchen, which comes complete with an oven, an induction hob – and even a microwave. Though if the evening sun is still shining, you might prefer wandering out to the garden, where you’ll find a lovely picnic and barbecue area.

Cradle after-dinner drinks on your private south-facing decking, watching the sun sink over the valley and greeting the stars as they appear in that beautiful night sky.

What to do after that sound night’s sleep? Watch the trains chug merrily through the station on their way to Tenterden, the headquarters of the Kent and East Sussex Railway. If you feel like a day out, you could always hop on one of those trains and visit the ‘Jewel of the Weald’ yourselves!

At a glance

• A 1960s railway carriage, lovingly restored with vintage and modern elements, nestled in the Rother Valley with views of the 14th century Bodiam Castle.
• The carriage sleeps up to 5 guests in a master bedroom with en-suite facilities, a twin room, and a bed-settee in the lounge.
• Facilities include a fully-fitted kitchen and an additional modern bathroom.
• There is private south-facing decking and a garden with a picnic and barbecue area.
• Watch the trains leaving for Tenterden, or hop on one and spend a day exploring the town. Bodiam Castle and the River Rother are a short walk away, and there is a pub in easy strolling distance.
• An excellent base for local trips to the historic towns of Battle, Rye and Hastings. Also within easy reach of Camber Sands and Winchelsea Beach.

More information

The picturesque and romantic Bodiam Castle is just a few minutes’ walk away, with access offered to all of its intriguing elements, from spiral staircases to grand battlements, immersing you in medieval splendour for a while.

Otherwise, you can mess about on the shimmering River Rother, with help from the Bodiam Boating Station. Hire a boat and go your own way, or sit back and watch the world go by on a river cruise.

But if all that sounds like a little too much effort, you’ve always got the option of strolling over to the friendly Castle Inn, where you can watch nostalgic steam trains leaving the station over good food and a welcome glass of wine.

Things to note

Prices vary according to the season – please see the owner’s website for details. Due to the proximity of a working steam railway this property will only accept children over 12 years of age, on grounds of health and safety.