At the cusp of 7 a.m., a gentle stir awakens me. No blaring alarm, no bustling street clamor, and no clattering neighbor departing for work. Instead, it’s the tender early morning rays, sifting through the foliage of the woodland embracing my cabin, gently seeping through the curtain’s edges near the foot of my bed.
It takes me a brief moment to discern that the sound responsible for rousing me is a persistent, resounding knock. To my surprise, it’s a robin, perched on the front door of the cabin, rhythmically tapping the window like a magical woodland alarm clock.
With a sense of enchantment, I rise from my slumber, akin to a Disney movie’s opening scene.
The wood-fired hot tub retains its warmth from the previous evening, so I decide to take a dip. As I settle into the tub, savoring the luxury of an al fresco bath before breakfast, a truly magical moment unfolds. A deer emerges into my view, barely ten feet away. It appears to meet my gaze briefly before gracefully strolling onward, followed by yet another and another, creating a mesmerizing scene.
A part of me can’t help but wonder if the proprietors of Swallowtail Hill orchestrated this enchanting spectacle just for my visit. However, the undeniable reality is that such wondrous occurrences are simply the natural result of embracing a leisurely pace and immersing oneself in the embrace of nature.
Nestled within a lush 50-acre private nature reserve, Swallowtail Hill offers a handful of exquisitely crafted, entirely distinctive glamping lodgings. It’s the ideal destination to partake in precisely such an immersive experience.
The Ultimate Glamping Retreat near Rye, East Sussex
Even without those enchanting wildlife encounters, Swallowtail Hill undoubtedly ranks as one of the premier destinations for glamping near Rye in East Sussex.
Six one-of-a-kind cabins are scattered throughout a rewilded farm transformed into a nature reserve. Enveloped by the breathtaking scenery of 1066 Country, this, without a doubt, stands as the epitome of a glamping retreat.
The location is absolutely idyllic. A mere 15-minute drive brings you to the charming, historic town of Rye, replete with its quaint cobbled streets and timber-clad buildings. Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find the renowned Camber Sands beaches. The area offers a plethora of activities, from exploring the enchanting ruins of Bodiam Castle to paddleboarding on the tranquil River Rother or embarking on a seal-spotting boat tour along the picturesque coast.
Alternatively, if you’re inclined to embrace relaxation, you can effortlessly spend an entire day immersing yourself in the tranquility of Swallowtail Hill’s nature reserve, allowing the serenity of your glamping cabin to envelop you.
The Underlying Philosophy: Sustainability, Nature, and the Art of Slowing Down
Sarah and Christopher, the proprietors, embarked on their conservation endeavor at Swallowtail Hill approximately 35 years ago. Presently, the farm has evolved into a 50-acre private nature reserve, enshrouding woodlands, grassy expanses, ponds, and wildflower meadows. Their stewardship focuses purely on conservation, without the cultivation of crops or rearing of livestock, rendering it a celebrated bastion of biodiversity.
Following years of nurturing this exceptional wildlife haven, the couple introduced sustainable glamping at Swallowtail Hill in 2010, well ahead of the glamping trend sweeping across the UK.
With foresight, they recognized the enchanting appeal of this place for individuals seeking a respite from urban life to bask in the embrace of nature, and their intuition proved to be spot on.
Every cabin boasts a distinctive design, crafted with a strong emphasis on sustainability, and predominantly employing locally sourced materials. The farm maintains a carbon-positive status, and the site operates predominantly off-grid, making a significant contribution to eco-conscious initiatives.
The Roundhouse cabin at Swallowtail Hill
During my stay, I had the pleasure of inhabiting the Roundhouse Cabin, one of the six distinctive cabins strategically positioned throughout the serene expanse of Swallowtail Hill.
As the name aptly suggests, the Roundhouse Cabin features a complete circular design. This unique and custom-built cabin finds its niche within a secluded clearing nestled deep within the heart of the woods. The cabin’s location ensures a profound sense of isolation from the primary pathway that winds its way through Swallowtail Hill. This design choice creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoying solitude and immersing oneself in the beauty of nature.
Indoors
The Roundhouse Cabin features a distinctive and unique design crafted exclusively for Swallowtail Hill. Its character is undeniable, evoking the ambiance of a countryside cottage blended with the charm of a treehouse, creating an enchanting, fairytale-like atmosphere that perfectly complements the magical morning serenade from the robin.
Although the cabin may appear modest in size from the exterior, it surprises with its ample interior space. Every nook and cranny is thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality. It’s equipped with ingenious under-bed storage, providing an efficient solution to stow away your luggage and maintain a clutter-free living area.
The kitchenette in the Roundhouse Cabin surpasses the typical size you’d find in most glamping accommodations. It boasts multiple cupboards for storage, a convenient two-ring gas hob, a compact yet functional mini fridge, and even a microwave equipped with a grill. With the added convenience of outdoor BBQ equipment for the fire pit, you have all the tools at your disposal for preparing a wide range of meals.
The Roundhouse Cabin includes a compact ensuite bathroom that offers all the comforts of home. It features a proper flushing toilet and hot running water, ensuring a convenient and sustainable experience. The toilets are connected to a water treatment system that safely returns clean water to the land, emphasizing the eco-friendly aspect. For added convenience, consider bringing a hanging toiletries bag to optimize space in the bathroom.
A bed with a view!
The Roundhouse Cabin’s sleeping arrangement is a distinctive feature worth mentioning. While the cabin has an open room layout, excluding the ensuite bathroom, the bedroom area is thoughtfully separated by a substantial headboard constructed from reclaimed wood. Notably, some of this reclaimed wood has a fascinating backstory, having once been part of a historic pub in Dorchester, which adds a unique and personal touch to the cabin’s decor.
Positioned at the foot of the bed, a generously sized window offers a picturesque view of the enchanting woodland that surrounds the cabin. Waking up to the soft, green-tinted forest light and witnessing the graceful acrobatics of squirrels leaping from one branch to another made for a truly delightful morning experience.
With the luxurious bedding, an exceptionally comfortable king-sized bed, and the serene ambiance of the woodland, I enjoyed incredibly restful nights throughout my two-night stay at Swallowtail Hill!
Outdoors
Outdoors, you’ll find your own private woodland glade serving as your backyard. Swallowtail Hill offers everything essential for an ideal glamping experience: a sheltered wooden dining area for delightful al fresco meals, comfortable reclining chairs to relax and observe the local wildlife, and a fire pit for enjoying evening campfires.
Right from your front door, there are woodland trails that allow you to embark on a walk and discover the nearby nature reserve. Alternatively, you can simply relax with a good book and relish the tranquil sounds of the woods enveloping you.
The highlight, however, is the spacious wood-fired hot tub located at the edge of the clearing. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration in 1066 Country, or for indulging in a morning dip if the water remains warm enough!
Heating the hot tub takes a few hours, and it’s not an exact science.
I somehow managed to overheat the hot tub and had to add cold water from the hose. However, the process of building the fire and manually heating the water is all part of the “slowing down,” back-to-nature experience. It makes you feel like you’ve truly earned your relaxation time.
There was a magical quality to sitting in the hot tub at night with a glass of wine. I watched the steam rising from the water while the glow of battery-powered lanterns illuminated the surroundings. Looking up, I could see a scattering of stars through the trees overhead. There was no sound of civilization, only the gentle noises of the forest. It’s an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
The rest of the site
All of the cabins at Swallowtail Hill are strategically placed across the site, ensuring each one enjoys its own private setting. While I have a personal preference for the Roundhouse, I was also quite enamored with the Long View, with its breathtaking view of a sloping wildflower meadow from the bedroom window. The Meadow Keeper’s Cottage, with its charming Disney-cottage vibes, also caught my eye.
To reach your cabin, you won’t be driving directly to it, which enhances the sense of adventure and isolation. There’s a carpark located at the farm entrance, approximately a 10-minute walk from the cabins, depending on which one you’re staying in. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your cabin in a convenient golf cart.
The barnyard area at the entrance provides a glimpse of what to expect during your stay: a picturesque view of the countryside and several charming wooden structures. Here, you’ll find a Log Store and a Farm Shop stocked with both practical essentials and delicious local products. The best part? Both operate on an honesty system.
Additionally, you’re encouraged to wander around the entire nature reserve, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts interested in observing the woods, wildflower meadows, and ponds. Swallowtail Hill offers a complete immersion in nature, allowing you to spend your entire stay on-site.
Why Swallowtail Hill is perfect for female solo travelers
Swallowtail Hill is truly an ideal destination. With its well-spaced accommodations, you can relish complete solitude and tranquility. There are no noisy neighbors or nearby barbecues to disturb your peace – only the soothing sounds of the woodlands and the occasional visit from a curious squirrel or two.
However, since the farmhouse is nearby and the owners are just a WhatsApp message away, you won’t experience complete isolation. Being in a snug, secure cabin with a lockable front door makes solo glamping less intimidating, giving you the best of both worlds.
