Our private meadow offers easy access to the stunning South Downs, the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty and some of the best cultural and family activities Sussex has to offer.
The Vacationist is based near Halland, not far from Uckfield and Lewes
Our private site in East Sussex is sandwiched between 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 and has good access 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; 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.
You’re in the country. First thought: food and drink!
For those that want a lovely British pub, you will be pleased to hear that you are spoilt for choice.
The closest pub, The Blacksmiths Arms, is approximately one mile away and can be reached by foot so is best if you want to avoid a drive and work in a walk too. Originally built in 1807 as two Blacksmith’s Cottages, the building was later converted into a Public House. It has a great menu full of pub favourites, with daily specials.
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, Formally the old School House over 250 years ago the 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 Skoolie Stays bus is fully-equipped for happy cooks to create their own culinary delights. East Hoathley Village Stores has a good selection of produce or, if you prefer mainstream, then Uckfield is just a short drive away.is best
In partnership with fantastic artisan craft-gin distillers DedBest, 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, and 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!
The great outdoors is a happy place for adventurous kiddos and 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….
Little ones will love 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 or Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum.
At little further afield you can also visit Drusillas Zoo.
For older kids, there is also the opportunity to visit Brighton or Lewes (15-30 minutes by car).
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.
Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp
