Forest Garden Shovelstrode with Woodland Courses
Woodland Accommodation at Forest Garden Shovelstrode, Sussex
Escape to the woodland at Forest Garden Shovelstrode, a peaceful nature retreat on the edge of Ashdown Forest in Sussex. Created by Charles and Lisa Hooper in 2010, Forest Garden Shovelstrode offers secluded yurt and log cabin accommodation, woodland experiences, traditional craft courses and an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Set within private woodland surrounded by the sights, sounds and scents of Sussex wildlife, our accommodation is ideal for couples, families, groups and anyone looking for a peaceful woodland getaway near Ashdown Forest.
Guests can stay in one of our four hand-crafted log cabins or two traditional woodland yurts. Each accommodation unit has its own secluded setting, with spaces positioned approximately 50–80 metres apart to provide privacy and a genuine feeling of being immersed in the woods.
Stay in a Sussex Woodland Yurt or Log Cabin
Forest Garden Shovelstrode has six individual accommodation units: four log cabins and two yurts.
Each accommodation sleeps between two and five people and provides a simple, comfortable base for enjoying the woodland. Facilities include a twin-ring gas cooker, wood-burning stove and private outdoor fire pit with grill.
Rather than a conventional hotel stay, Forest Garden Shovelstrode is designed to give guests a closer connection with nature. Spend your evenings cooking over the fire, sitting beneath the stars, listening to the woodland or exploring the surrounding countryside.
Forest Garden Log Cabins
Our four hand-crafted woodland cabins are named Jacaranda, Orinoco, Anderida and Idaho.
Each cabin measures approximately 6.4m x 3.6m and is designed as a cosy, self-contained woodland retreat.
Cabin facilities include:
A mezzanine sleeping area accessed by ladder
Double bed sleeping up to two people
Open-plan living area
Wood-burning stove
Double sofa bed for up to two additional guests
Twin-ring gas cooker
Kitchen and dining area
Pots, pans, crockery and cutlery
Veranda and covered outdoor deck
Outdoor table and benches
Large outdoor fire pit with grill
Additional bedding can be arranged in advance for an extra charge.
Woodland Yurts
Our two yurts offer a distinctive glamping experience surrounded by woodland.
Kushti Yurt
Kushti is a traditional Mongolian Ger-style yurt, measuring approximately 5.9 metres in diameter.
The yurt features hand-painted roof poles, ethnic textiles and furniture, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. A central wood-burning stove provides heat and ambience during cooler evenings.
Kushti Yurt sleeps two people on a King size bed, with an additional small sofa. The bed is supplied with a duvet and bed linen.
Savannah Yurt
Savannah Yurt is approximately six metres in diameter and has been locally made using coppiced ash, hazel and chestnut.
Its sheepskin rugs, leopard-print throws and natural materials create an individual character inspired by an Out of Africa theme. A wood-burning stove keeps the yurt warm and cosy.
The yurt has a large deck where guests can relax and enjoy the surrounding woodland. A picnic table sits below the deck beside the outdoor fire pit.
Savannah sleeps four people as standard and up to five people, with sleeping arrangements including a double futon and convertible futon seating. Additional bedding is available for an extra charge.
There is an additional charge of £45 per night for a fifth guest.
Facilities at Forest Garden Shovelstrode
Forest Garden Shovelstrode is deliberately simple, giving guests the chance to enjoy the outdoors without giving up essential comforts.
Wood-burning stoves
Every yurt and cabin has a wood-burning stove, making the accommodation warm and cosy throughout the year.
Outdoor fire pits
Each accommodation unit has its own outdoor fire pit with a grill. Guests can cook outdoors, enjoy an evening around the fire and experience the woodland after dark.
Locally produced charcoal is available from the Forest Garden Shop.
Hot showers and flushing toilets
Hot power showers and proper flushing toilets are located beside the café. They are approximately 50–150 metres from the yurts and cabins, depending on the accommodation.
Wood-fired sauna
Guests can enjoy our traditional wood-fired sauna, available at £20 per person per hour.
The sauna provides a relaxing way to unwind after a day exploring the woodland and surrounding countryside.
A Place to Reconnect With Nature
Forest Garden Shovelstrode was created as a place where people can escape busy everyday lives and spend time in nature.
There is no need to fill your stay with activities. You can simply sit around the fire, listen to the birds, watch the woodland change throughout the day or enjoy a picnic beneath the trees.
The surrounding area is also ideal for walking, wildlife watching and exploring the Sussex countryside.
Forest Garden Shovelstrode sits close to Ashdown Forest, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an excellent base for guests looking for a nature break or walking holiday in Sussex.
Forest Garden and Woodland Crafts
At the heart of Forest Garden Shovelstrode is our Forest Garden, where useful and predominantly edible plants are grown across seven canopy layers.
Charles and Lisa also share traditional skills and practical approaches to living more sustainably. Woodland courses and experiences provide an opportunity to learn about self-sufficiency, traditional crafts and ways of reducing our environmental impact.
Courses include:
Green woodworking
Traditional woodland crafts
Beekeeping, available on Sundays from May onwards
Regular and bespoke woodland courses
Bespoke courses are available for groups, with a minimum group size of three people.
Forest Garden Shop and Homemade Produce
Produce from the Forest Garden is harvested and used to make a range of homemade products available through the Forest Garden Shop.
Depending on availability, products include:
Homemade jams
Jellies
Chutneys
Honey
Locally produced charcoal
These products offer guests a chance to take a small taste of the Forest Garden home with them.
Food and Additional Experiences
Guests can add a number of optional experiences and services to their stay.
Available extras include:
Extra bedding – £35 per set
Charcoal – £9
Kindling – £6
Large bag of logs – £10
Wood-fired sauna – £20 per person per hour
Dogs – £10 per dog per night
Holistic massages – available on request
Traditional tea parties – minimum eight people, £25 per person
Breakfast boxes (croissant/pain au chocolat, tea/coffee) £8 per box
Please contact us for current availability and pricing.
Woodland Breaks for Groups
Forest Garden Shovelstrode is also suitable for private groups and special occasions.
The woodland setting can be used for:
Hen parties
Team-building activities
Group woodland experiences
Wedding ceremonies
Contact us to discuss your requirements and create a bespoke group experience.
Things to Bring
To make the most of your woodland stay, we recommend bringing:
Torch
Wellies or waterproof footwear
Slippers
Firelighters
Towels
Insect repellent
Sun cream
Additional outdoor camping lights
Remember that this is a woodland environment, so suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are recommended.
Exploring Sussex and Ashdown Forest
Forest Garden Shovelstrode is ideally located for exploring the Sussex countryside, Ashdown Forest and nearby towns and villages.
Ashurst Wood
Ashurst Wood is approximately one mile away and has a convenience store, butcher and pub.
Forest Row
Forest Row is approximately two miles away, close to the edge of Ashdown Forest. The village has pubs, delicatessens, a fishmonger, organic food shops, supermarkets and cafés.
East Grinstead
East Grinstead is approximately 2.5 miles away. This historic market town is known for its historic timber-framed buildings and provides a wider choice of shops, restaurants and other amenities. The closest train station is East Grinstead with direct trains to London taking about 55 minutes from Victoria Station.
Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest is approximately four miles away and is one of the area’s most important natural attractions. Its extensive heathland and woodland provide opportunities for walking, wildlife watching and exploring the Sussex countryside.
Tunbridge Wells
Approximately 12 miles away, Tunbridge Wells is a historic spa town with independent shops, restaurants and cafés.
Lewes
Lewes is approximately 15 miles away and is well known for its historic character, independent shops and antique shops.
Brighton
Approximately 27 miles away, Brighton offers a completely different experience, with the famous North Laine and South Laine areas, independent shops, restaurants and attractions.
Accommodation Prices
Our current starting prices are:
Kushti Yurt: from £245 for two nights for two people
Savannah Yurt: from £260 for two nights for four people
Forest Garden Cabins: from £315 for two nights for four people
Additional-person supplements are £45 per person per night where applicable, including Idaho Cabin and Savannah Yurt.
Please contact Forest Garden Shovelstrode for current prices, availability and optional extras.