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Waydown Shepherds Huts

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· Pyecombe, West Sussex, England
2 acres hosted by Andrew M.
2 glamping pitches
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Andrew is a Star Host
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Private pitches
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Modern shepherd's huts beside the South Downs Way

Come to this part of Sussex and it only seems right to stay in a shepherd’s hut. The whole area feels slightly lost in time, from the tight country lane that takes you to the 12th-century stone church in Pyecombe, to the quaintly-named Jack and Jill Windmills that perch on a nearby hillside with far-reaching views across the South Downs. The four shepherd’s huts at Waydown Cottage are utterly at home, echoing in their wooden-clad walls and old-fashioned, iron wheels the character of these surrounding attractions. It’s a spot with real storybook charm. Captivating history (ironically enough) in Britain’s newest national park.

Set in the four-acre surroundings of a traditional Sussex cottage, Waydown is comprised of four different shepherd’s huts, each in their own space and sheltered by trees and shrubbery. Just as the surrounding attractions have seen the subtle creep of modernity – charming Pyecombe is now easily accessed by an A-road and the old windmills are accompanied by a souvenir shop – the huts, too, are a far cry from their ancient predecessors. Inside, modern extras include electricity, lighting, double beds and bunk beds, while each hut also has a wood-burning stove to keep you snug and warm. Extra communal units, built in a similar style, also accompany the various abodes. There’s a shower in a wooden cabin, a separate toilet lodge and a kitchen space with a sink, fridge, hobs and utilities. Together they kit the glampsite out with everything it needs. Oh, and there’s a friendly pair of donkeys, too. In case a little extra company is the only thing still missing.

Strike out from your shepherd’s hut and it’s a matter of metres before you link up with the South Downs Way – the best way to tour the countryside on foot. It’s just over half a mile, skirting Pyecombe Golf Course, to the Windmills. Technically (and less romantically) called Clayton Windmills, only one of the pair is still in operation today and opens to the public on most Sunday’s from May to September (2pm–5pm). In the opposite direction, meanwhile, it’s an even shorter stroll to the local pub, The Plough Inn, or an easy 15-minute drive to bustling Brighton. So, from daytrips to the seaside to local strolls on the South Downs Way, everything is covered.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
100%
24 Ratings · 27 reviews
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Kelly J.recommends
October 2, 2024
Woodkeepers Hut
Was a perfect stay for us.
We loved it here and will be back. It was so peaceful, the shepherd hut had everything we needed, loved the campfire and bbq, we came here with our 7 year old daughter and she loved feeding the animals, the horse and donkeys were very friendly. I was unsure of having a shower but honestly it was lovely and warm.
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Anna R.recommends
July 28, 2024
Woodkeepers Hut
Great weekend away
We had a wonderful weekend away at the Woodkeeper’s Hut in July 2024. Really good glamping set up with hot shower, toilet and fully equipped kitchen as well as tree swings for the kids. We also made friends with the horse and donkeys who came to visit every day. Lovely views from the hut, fire pit, bbq, power points and comfy beds! Also a really good base for some fabulous walks in the area. Oh yes- and also 15-20 mins to the seaside.
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Becs B.recommends
June 30, 2024
Woodkeepers Hut
A wonderful retreat
Our children were desperate not to leave saying that they wanted to stay at Andrew’s forever more! Andrew and Vicky were delightful, their welcome cakes were super yummy, the hut and private space was incredible, the view spectacular and the horse and donkeys became our new best friends very quickly. We’ll definitely be back. What an absolute treasure!
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Charlotte C.recommends
July 30, 2023
Shepherds Hut
We had a great stay! The guy had everything we could have needed and was cosy, warm and clean. Andrew and Vicky were so welcoming and offered advice on where to go. The site was well equipped with amazing access to the South Downs. We walked to Poynings for lunch at the Royal Oak which was excellent.
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Sarah H.recommends
January 11, 2023
Woodkeepers Hut
Cosy mini break
My husband, daughter and I had a lovely mini break at one of Andrew’s shepherd huts. Andrew was extremely helpful and informative, I felt that everything had been carefully thought about to make our stay comfortable and convenient. We had an amazing time, this is our second shepherd hut experience, both times out of high season and cannot emphasise how warm and cosy they are. Booking was easy and Andrew was very communicative from the time of booking through to our departure. Thank you Andrew.
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Rachel W.recommends
November 1, 2022
Woodkeepers Hut
Lovely huts, well equipped and cosy. A very short walk to the South Downs Way so great for walkers. Nice touches such as home made cakes in the hut! Thank you.
Location
Pyecombe, West Sussex, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Andrew M.

Joined in April 2017
From the host
Experience the nostalgia and charm of bygone days with modern comfort and luxury in our bespoke Shepherds Hut and River Keepers Hut, nestled on the South Downs Way in Pyecombe on the outskirts of Brighton. We offer direct access onto the beautiful South Downs walkways and are adjacent to the famous Jack and Jill Windmills, just a 10 minute walk away! Waydown Cottage has been our home for 25 years. Set in four unspoiled acres, we are surrounded by a beautiful wood with our only neighbours being the Jack and Jill Windmills, Pyecombe Golf Course and the Three Greys Stables. However we have the benefit of superb facilities within a few minute’s walk including Marks and Spencer’s Simply Foods at the local Garage 2 minutes’ drive or 10 minutes’ walk away. The local village pub, The Plough, offers a wonderful choice of cuisine and fine wines in their conservatory restaurant, or enjoy a beer or glass of wine with a choice of snacks in the bar. They also provide a take away service. Hassocks is our local village with all the usual range of shops and a selection of eateries and the railways station is on the main London to Brighton line, the historic Town of Lewes in 15 minute’s drive away, with cosmopolitan Brighton 15 minutes away. For those wishing to visit London, it is a 90 minute drive or 60 minute train ride.
Nearby attractions
It's super easy to join the South Downs Way – the most popular starting point for anyone exploring the area. Stretch yourself with the walk up to Ditchling Beacon (take a bike if you have the energy) – the views are well worth the effort. Or if you'd prefer to explore by horse, the 3 Greys Riding School opposite Waydown offer hacks and lessons (01273 843536) for adults and children. The nearby village itself boasts a small but beautiful museum (01273 844744), a good pub and a nice tea room (see Food & Drink). Further afield, the beautiful county town of Lewes deserves your time, with its prominent hilltop castle (01273 486290) and wonderful Georgian buildings, while the bright lights of Brighton, on the south coast, are 8 miles away. The bohemian town's famous pier (01273 609361), beach and collection of galleries, theatres and bars make it a worthwhile day trip during longer stays.
Food and drink
There are 3 good pubs within a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the glamping site. The furthest – The Ginger Fox (01273 857888) – is particularly good, with excellent gastro pub food, a large beer garden with a children's playground and dogs welcome, but for the closest option The Plough Inn (01273 842796) is still a great choice. Also the Jack & Jill Inn (01273 843595) in Clayton offers great home-cooked pub grub with dogs welcome. It can be walked in 20 minutes through woodlands or 3 minutes by car. Wayfield Park Farm Shop (07742 082051) is also just down the road, offering delicious home-cooked breakfast and lunch (available Tuesday–Sunday; dogs welcome). For everything else, pop to M&S Simply Foods at the local garage or drive into Hassocks (5-minute drive) where local shops include Sainsbury’s and Budgens, along with cafés, takeaways and more. There's also a nice little tea rooms (01273 842708) in the village of Ditchling – very walkable.
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