Glottenham - Nearly Wild Camping

Sat atop a hill overlooking the High Weald beyond, Glottenham Farm is a place that’s shaped by history. The medieval castle that once stood here was removed in the 16th century, but its moat, ditches and banks still remain, while it was the Romans who planted the hornbeam woodland below. In later years, Glottenham became a thriving hop farm and popular country retreat of the Pre-Raphaelies. Christina Rossetti wrote poetically of her stay, “the greenness and flowers to refresh our London eyes, and a small population of beasts and birds around us.”

While history has sculpted the hills, it’s today’s owners – Rob and Emma – who have breathed new life into the land with diversification projects and the introduction of Glottenham Castle’s renowned campsite. The Roman wood is now the idyllic setting for luxurious yurts and giant geodesic domes, while a pair of 10-acre meadows welcome family campers every summer. Managing the land is still very much the focus – huge dams are restoring the farm’s wetland area that dates back over 600 years and charcoal creation has begun in the woods again – but, for most, the joy of Glottenham is the open space, the sense of wilderness and a magnificent setting in the heart of the High Weald.

On a practical level, the campsite, though off-grid, has everything you need. There are composting toilets, a standpipe for fresh water and wonderful gas-heated showers without roofs, so you feel like you are standing in hot monsoon rain. Campfires (in firepits) are very much encouraged – you can even buy the farm’s own wood and charcoal – and an on-site ‘forest school’ provides an introduction to foraging, wild cooking, bushcraft skills and more. For those who want to leave the tent at home, meanwhile, there’s a full spectrum of glamping options, ranging from yurts to the full-blown comfort of the furnished woodland domes.

Off site, campers are blessed with a location in the heart of 1066 country. If the loss of the original castle has left you wanting, there are plenty still standing nearby. There’s National Trust-owned Scotney Castle to the north, along with Sutton Valence and Leeds Castle beyond, while south lies Hastings itself, home to a ruined 11th century fortress and preceded on the road by the town of Battle (the beautiful abbey town where King Harold met his match). The closest of the lot is Bodiam Castle, 10 minute’s drive away. The quintessential moated keep puts on activities for kids in summer and the grounds are free to enter, though it’s worth paying fully for the tower-top views alone.