Rebel Farmer - Exclusive-use hire

Get down to earth and away from it all with a stay at the Rebel Farmer Tipi, which stands proudly on a small permaculture farm in a beautiful part of Kent. Located in the rural village of Brook, this majestic 21-foot tent forms the basis of an exclusive-hire glamping site – though it’s not quite on its own. Next to it is its canvas little brother; The Rebel Farmer Bell Tent. Hire the tipi for your family and you have the option to rent the bell tent for your friends. But other than that, you won’t have to share this special spot with anybody – except the birds, the bees, and the Rebel Farmer himself.

That farmer is Ed. He moved here with his family to start growing food sustainably and ethically, using no-dig permaculture principles. You’ll see, and perhaps sample, the evidence of that during your stay on this tiny but productive farm. While two of its three acres are given over to growing micro-greens, salad leaves, and heritage tomatoes, the final acre has been shared. It’s in this green and leafy meadow that you’ll find the tipi and the tent. Both are kitted out for a family of up to five; with a proper double bed for parents and trundle beds for kids. It’s a magical setting which gets more enchanting as evening falls thanks to fire and fairylights.

The tents are off grid, relying on solar energy for those twinkly lights, but there’s power in a polytunnel where you can get undercover if it rains. A table with benches and blankets provides a place to eat and play games. A rustic kitchen counter houses more home comforts than you might imagine (fridge, toaster, kettle and a microwave). Outside, there’s a compost loo and shower.

Beyond this rebellious little farm, the Kent Downs beckon. A walk up to see the far-reaching views from the nearby Devil’s Kneading Trough is almost obligatory and a wander down to the buzzy neighbouring village of Wye seems a good idea. But if that’s not enough adventure for your visit, you’re only 20 minutes’ drive from Canterbury and the coast.