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The Vacationist is based near Halland, not far from Uckfield and Lewes, an ideal location from which to visit Sussex attractions. Our private glamping site is near both the South Downs National Park and the High Weald AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty). It is in a quiet, secluded spot surrounded by lush green fields. from here you are local to some of East Sussex’s most famous cultural, heritage and family-friendly activities sites.
Extending for 87 miles from Winchester in the West to Beachy Head at it’s eastern end, the South Downs is a range of hills of outstanding natural beauty. Every year, thousands walk or bike the entire South Downs Way, following the crest of the rolling hills. Many more walk sections of this great walk at their leisure, using public transport to return them to their start point.
“The Downs… too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness, if only they would look”
– Virginia Woolf, diaries
A medieval landscape of wooded, rolling hills studded with sandstone outcrops. Expect small, irregular-shaped fields; scattered farmsteads; and ancient routeways. The 1461km2 area covers parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey at the heart of South East England.
“Where are the nearest pubs?!” When glamping, a great deal of relaxing is of course on the menu. You’re in the country. First thought: food and drink! For many, this is reason enough to visit Sussex.
For those that want a lovely British pub, you will be pleased to hear that you are spoilt for choice.
The closest pub is the Hare and Hounds in Framfield. A proper country pub with friendly faces and a good menu. This is just under 2 miles away through cross-country paths.
A little further away, in the village of East Hoathly (2.5 miles on foot, a little less in the car), you can enjoy the The Kings Head. Formerly the old School House, this Grade II listed building was converted into the central village pub. It does it well – in 2019 it won CAMRA North East Sussex, Pub of the year and in 2020 it won North East Sussex CAMRA, Cider pub of the Year. It also serves a lovely menu. Another five minute drive is our personal favourite, the Blackboys Inn. Really great food, picturesque, friendly locals and good beer and wine. All you could want from a country pub.
We also have some wonderful vineyards that are open year-round for tastings or tours. Check out our blog article for more info.
Not everyone wants to eat out, so the Vacationist Cabin is fully-equipped for happy cooks to create their own culinary delights. East Hoathly Village Stores has a good selection of produce or, if you prefer mainstream, then Uckfield is just a short drive away.
We’re not in a vineyard but we are amongst many! The cabin is a short drive from many of Sussex’s great vineyards and wineries making us a great place to stay while exploring the Sussex Wine landscape.
Sussex wines are becoming world beaters. With soil and cultures akin to Champagne in France, Sussex Sparkling and other varieties are making their mark. So why not go glamping and make the most of our location so close to so many award-winning vineyards.
How about this partnership with fantastic artisan craft-gin distillers DedBest. Very near our glamping field and based on the farm just a short walk away from the cabin, we’ve put together some taste-bud tingling Sussex Gin experiences just for our guests.
Wander over to the Old Mill Room distillery, just 5 minutes across the fields. Here you can join skilled gin-smith Damian for some guided gin-making and tasting.
Or we can bring Damien to you! With its large deck and stylish bar/diner area and kitchen, we can host the experience from the comfort of the cabin.
If you like the sound of drinking the utterly delicious Dedbest gin, but don’t want an experience, we can organise a bottle with all the extra bits and bobs you need for G&T’s on the deck. Fun times = gin times!
A leisurely walk from our lovely glamping cabin, you can visit nearby Bignose and Beardy’s Cider Farm. We can arrange a private tour and tasting for you, or perhaps you would like to be greeted on arrival by one of their Sussex food and drink hampers.
With Cider, chocolate, and cheese pairings a favourite, or come the cooler months a Sussex cider mulling kit, there are lots of reasons to indulge in this beautiful local produce.
So, go craft cider tasting and enjoy regular live events and group tastings. Or, let us line something tasty up directly with Bignose himself! Or Beardy, or both!
The great outdoors is a happy place for adventurous kiddos. We have a few books and games hidden under the diner chairs that will help you make the most of your time.
But if you want more, more, more, fear not….
You’ll be glamping near Blackberry Farm Park, just 3 miles away. This family run farm park offers a huge selection of outdoor play, farm animals and exciting rides for the whole family to enjoy.
Under 12’s (and toddlers!) will find lots to do at Knockhatch Adventure Park and all ages love Drusillas Zoo, less than 30 minutes away.
For older kids, there is also the opportunity to visit Brighton or Lewes (15-35 minutes by car).
About a 35 minute drive from the cabin, this is an easy day trip that will keep you busy the whole day, and evening if you want. Our home town! Brighton has it all.
From the UK’s busiest tourist attraction, Brighton Pier, to surprising and romantic Royal Pavilion, via one of the UK’s best independent shopping districts in North Laine, or more restaurants and bars than you can shake a stick of rock at, Brighton is a must-visit. At least once in your life!
Why not get active and visit The National Open Water Swimming Centre at Sea Lanes with it’s Olympic sized pool on the beach and a great cafe and Bison Beer roof bar (think Ibiza sunset parties in warmer months).
There’s so much to do and see in this stylish party city, that you’d better just Visit Brighton to find out more.
National Trusts’ Sheffield Park and Garden is a real highlight. An informal landscape garden, it was originally laid out in the 18th century by Capability Brown, but was further developed as a woodland garden in the early 20th century. Time it with a trip on the Bluebell railway steam train for extra fun points.
Firle Place and Charleston are also within 10 miles. Combine the two to enjoy touring a house that dates from the time of Henry VIII and then one that was home to the artistic and eclectic Bloomsbury Set. Or enjoy the opera at Glydebourne.
If you’ve got some energy to burn, keep it simple and get on your bikes and hit the South Downs or Ashdown Forest.
Or take to the air, with the local flyers. Nearby paragliding experts Fly Sussex, can take you up to catch a thermal and see this beautiful area from the skies.
Sadly the pretty little stream in the woods behind the cabin does not constitute a well stocked-fishery! However, just a 4 minute drive from your wood cabin you will find the beautiful Framfield Park Fishery and their giant catfish! Featuring three lakes offering great freshwater coarse fishing with carp, perch, tench and more (and the enormous Catfish!), this excellent Sussex fishing spot is very easily accessed if you are staying at the cabin. Yes, we’re not quite Lakeside (fishing off the deck is not possible!) but if you want Lake fishing with a great glamping option for your stay, look no further.
