Treat yourself to a luxury glamping break at Wild Woodland Retreat, set on a family run arable farm within the Kent Downs AONB. The site features six camping grass pitches for tents and campervans, or upgrade and stay in the handcrafted ensuite shepherd's huts, equipped with a kitchenette and enjoying incredible hillside views. Dogs are very welcome here too.

Why choose Wild Woodland Retreat

Luxurious shepherd hut glamping with a private onsite woodland

Set in a beautiful rewilded valley, ten minutes from Park Gate Nature Reserve

Easy access to Sunny Sands beach at Folkestone and beautiful wild Warren 20 minutes away

About the site

This idyllic and family run arable farm is home to a selection of grass camping pitches and a shepherd's hut, handcrafted by the Shepherds Hut Company, set on the edge of Elham village within the Kent Downs AONB. There are six camping pitches available, four in the wild valley and two in the woodland. All are non electric and accept tents and campervans, one is exclusively for tents and another is for campervans only. The Valley Shepherds Hut benefits from panoramic views, with flora and fauna on the doorstep. Inside, it features solar-powered LED lights, a fully equipped kitchenette, a toasty wood-burner and an ensuite with a compost loo and shower. The hut sleeps two adults in a double bed, but you are welcome to bring a tent for children. Outside is a fire pit with a grill for cooking. Fire pits are available to hire and logs for the fire pit are available to purchase onsite with cash only. The site offers Yoga, Qigong and Chakradance, along with Yoga with goats and a goat walking experience. The site is dog friendly and there are a number of walks nearby to stretch their paws.

Pitches are open between April and November. Shepherd's huts are available all year. Pitches from £40/night for 2 people.

"Absolute heaven, the British countryside at its best!"

Lynn D

What facilities are at Wild Woodland Retreat?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Fires allowed

Glamping

Horse riding

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

There is a composting loo in the Woodland and the Valley and a set of showers shared by the pitches.

Both shepherd's huts have a compost toilet and well sized shower facilities, plus a kitchenette.

Breakfast hampers are available to order on site including local and free range sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and more (vegetarian option also available). Homemade muffins, granola and more also available.

There are 6 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Valley Ensuite Shepherd's Hut

Max 3 people

Located atop the hillside here, the hut sleeps two adults and one child on an inflatable mattress. Solar powered (12v), it features wood-burner, ensuite, and kitchenette featuring gas hob, fridge and grill oven. Sockets for charging devices. Dog friendly.

Wild Woodland Retreat reviews

4.9 /5

24 reviews

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Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Cozy November stay

Recommends site

Owen S

Shepherd's Hut - Valley Ensuite Shepherd's HutNov 2025

A beautiful shepherd's hut, with everything you'd need for a comfortable stay, we easily could have stayed longer. The kitchen was well equipped and spacious enough to cook from scratch for two. The composting loos were very clean and didn't smell. The outside swing seat was a calming touch to have our morning cuppas. The bed was super comfortable and the hut itself is set in a very peaceful and private part of the site, there is a short walk from where we could park the car up to the hut. Hannah and Mark were incredibly welcoming, we received plenty of helpful emails prior to our arrival. They had pre-lit the log burner so the hut was warm when we got there and we requested to buy some of their eggs in advance, which they kindly placed ready inside. Great location with plenty of pubs and tearooms to choose from within an hour's walk of the site.

Wonderful campsite

Recommends site

Maaike V

Sprinter-Type Campervan - Non Electric Grass Touring Pitches (Valley)Aug 2025

We had an amazing spot at Wild Woodland Retreat, right in the heart of nature. Two nights really weren't enough. Although it took a bit of getting used to the compost toilet, it didn't take away from the overall experience at all. We spent our evenings barbecuing over our own fire and waking up to the sounds of birds. The kids especially loved the sheep and goats. This place is definitely a must-visit!

Fantastic site

Recommends site

Matthew H

VW-Type Campervan - Non Electric Grass Touring Pitches (Valley)Aug 2025

A fantastic site that more than meets your expectations. Very friendly staff and a great location that let's you explore the wonders of Kent. From.ancient woodland to beautiful beaches Kent has a lot to offer.and you can see it all staying at a beautiful campsite.

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Wild Woodland Retreat

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Site rules

Is Wild Woodland Retreat dog friendly?

Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two dogs provided they are kept on a lead whilst onsite and well-supervised - there are a range of dog walks located near the site too.

Are BBQs/campfires allowed at Wild Woodland Retreat?

The glamping accommodation here includes a fire pit with grill BBQ - logs/firewood are available to purchase from the site.

What time is check-in/out at Wild Woodland Retreat?

Check-in is available from 1pm until 10pm for camping and touring and from 3pm until 10pm for glamping. Departure is due before 11:30am for camping and 10:30am for glamping.

Can I light a fire or have a barbecue at Wild Woodland Retreat?

Open fires are only permitted in raised fire pits. Barbecues must also be raised off the ground.

Pitches

Can I bring an awning, gazebo or pup tent with me to Wild Woodland Retreat?

Guests are welcome to bring one of each when staying on the grass pitches.

A note from the site themselves...

Our glamping is set in a stunning rewilded valley of 25 years. This is the place to really just come and be. The space is perfect for singles or couples to seek out a peaceful retreat but also families where children have the safety of being away from roads and being able to run freely through the woodland and valley.

When on our site you get the sense of being in the middle of nowhere but yet we are only a short walk to local pubs and tea room but also only 7 miles from Canterbury and Folkestone 10 miles. We are also in close range to a variety of beaches. We are central to Folkestone, Canterbury, Dover and Ashford to there are many places to explore.

Clavertye Woodland is 10 acres of ancient bluebell woodland. Once home to Clavertye Manor it has a beautiful peaceful energy with stunning birdsong including the Song Thrush. You can meander through the windy mown paths in our rewilded valley where you will see wild flowers and butterflies.

It truly is a special place and very dear to our hearts and we feel honored to be the custodians of this beautiful farm. We have had many returning guests over the years and hope to welcome you soon, Hannah

Wild Woodland Retreat is ideal for...

Couples

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Young children

Things to do on site and in the Canterbury area

There are numerous walks on your doorstep, with scenic footpaths taking you through the valley and into the dense forest. Go wildlife spotting at Park Gate Nature Reserve or stroll towards the Lord Whiskey Animal Sanctuary and sit back with a cuppa in the tea room.

The site offers a goat walking experience with their herd of nine goats and two sheep. Take them for a walk through the valley and get to experience their funny characters. Upon return to their field you will have plenty of time for cuddles, grooming and feeding them some of their favorite nibbles.

Another option for goat lovers is goat Yoga which is a fun session of yoga. For those who want to wind down opt for a session of Yoga and Qigong held in beautiful scenery or during rainy days or chillier weather in a small log cabin.

Looking for a longer trek? Plan a route along the Pilgrim's Way further afield or head to Canterbury from Elham village nearby.

Pay a visit to Sandgate and bring the little ones to the adventure play area at the park lining the coast or wander along the sands at Margate in time to watch the sunset.

East Kent is also home to a variety of beaches including: