Shepherd Hut Stay at Forest Edge
Glamping Inspiration
Our weekend getaway to Stay at Forest Edge was complimentary for the purpose of this review. However, all views, opinions are newfound love of this impressive place are entirely my own.
Shepherd Hut Stay at Forest Edge
Family glamping in Stay at Forest Edge Shepherd Hut, 48 hours combining morning yoga, coffee on the veranda overlooking green spaces with the soundtrack to bird song, outdoor dining, and evening firepit sessions and a taste of forest life at Bedgebury Forest. Join me on a family countryside escape to the edge of the forest in the High Weald of Kent, at Stay at Forest Edge.
The boutique glampsite, sits pretty in the grounds of the Yeo family farm. Having followed Helen’s Instagram page since 2020, I was excited to make the leap from virtual viewing to real-life experience. And it didn’t disappoint, in fact it totally surpassed all expectations.
Stay at Forest Edge, Goudhurst
Stay at Forest Edge is tucked within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in rural Goudhurst, on the edge of the Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Its location, in the Tunbridge Wells borough of Kent, is six miles south-east of the town of Paddock Wood, 11 miles south of the major town of Maidstone, and just under 40 miles south-east of London. Goudhurst lies three miles north-east of the East Sussex border.
Its accessible location is just off the A21, the main road that takes you direct from Royal Tunbridge Wells to historic Battle and Hastings on the glistening East Sussex Coast.
It’s where travellers – families, couples and friends, come to get a taste of rural glamping life and low-impact tourism, to enjoy direct access to miles of walking and cycle trails, as well as other countryside pursuits famed in the area. I got a sense that all the local attractions are very much interlinked with each other, so a stay at forest edge is all about immersing yourself in the local community - its incredible wildlife that surrounds as well as the boutique businesses that cater to the tourists.
On arrival onto the site, we were greeted by one of our hosts, Wayne, who gave us a warm welcome and a thorough show round of the site - which included our shepherd hut accommodation, our glamping facilities for the weekend, our firepit and later on a personal introduction to the resident horses.
Thanks Wayne!
Stay at Forest Edge, Shepherd Hut
Our Shepherd Hut, named Yeoman, was an absolute gem. So cosy, comfortable and lots of little touches that made us feel at home straight away.
There was a delicious homemade cakes waiting for us, upon our arrival, alongside a bottle of local apple juice, popcorn, and family favourite, extra large marshmallows and sticks for toasting on the firepit later! The Shepherd Hut comprises the master double bed, as well as a sofa bed. This is the Ikea sofa bed I’ve actually been wanting to purchase at home so I was really thrilled to be able to give it a test run here! When it is in bed form, the bed itself is very large with 2 single and firm mattresses. The bed linen was of good quality and looked great too, in addition to the many pillows and decorative cushions, 2 single duvets and covers, alongside extra pillows for the pull-out bed in the draws below. Here we also found a small collection of soft and comfortable blankets. There is a bijou kitchen area, with 2 induction hobs, a sink, crockery, and cutlery for four. They even included tea and local hot chocolate, as well as olive oil and washing-up liquid! The terrace area adjoining the hut elongates the space and provides a bonus outdoor seating area, perfect for my morning coffee.
Stay at Forest Edge, Shepherd Hut Outdoor Areas
It’s all about the outdoors with glamping, isn’t it? Helen and Wayne have got it set with how they have landscaped the space. From where we parked our car, we walked through, what can only be described as a magical woodland wonder-path, with bluebells standing firm, even in late May. Its twists and turns led us to the private firepit and dining area and then onto a small staircase onto the raised terrace and entrance to the hut. Perfect for outdoor dining, included is a BBQ, outdoor table for food prep and serving and a large 4-seater table. Beyond the dining space is the fire pit with bench seating, which is overlooking the large pond, home to a family of ducks! The resident rescue horses were a real treat to meet, along with the rabbits, that my kids properly terrorised as they just wanted to get close to them! Our girls were so excited to be so close to animals and nature! It was lovely to have space for a bit of yoga too - the lawn outside the hut offers space for whatever you might like to do. Its fair to say, you get a real sense of being right on the edge of the forest, as the name suggests- it is quiet of ‘normal’ sounds and loud with nature, - waking up to bird song and going to sleep with owl sounds. Perfect!
Stay at Forest Edge, Glamping Facilities
I often remember, when I was younger, on a camping trip, having that fear as it draws round to evening time - many about being cold in bed and needing to get out to use the facilities! Lol, and this is why I am now such as avid glamping fan these days! At Stay at Forest Edge, those fears did not arise, mainly because there is a perfectly equipped bathroom facility, which comprises two toilets and a lovely and refreshing hot shower, a large space for getting ready, a heated towel rail and sink area with two large mirrors. It was hotel quality and extremely clean! to get there, you access the woodland pathway which is light at night time and also has sensor lights. We were all very comfortable in there. Outside the hut, you have your extended kitchen area, with two fridges, an outdoor and covered sink and drying area (the sink areas are predominantly for the bell tent guests) the fridges are shared between the two, however whilst we were staying there we had the place to ourselves.
Stay at Forest Edge, next to Bedgebury Forest
For us, when we travel for the weekend, the ideal scenario is that once we’ve arrived our car doesn’t get used again until we leave. Stay at Forest Edge is the perfect destination for this, because of its proximity and direct access to Forestry Commissions Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. We made it our mission to spend as much time on Saturday in Bedgebury, it’s so big with so much to do and we’d heard about the amazing play trail at Bedgebury which Olive was keen to explore. Meanwhile, we also knew The Gruffalo trail was at Bedgebury, and Winnie, our 4-year-old wanted to do that, but as it happened Gruffalo had moved on and the Zog Trail was in. So off we trotted into the forest - through the back door – so to speak! We followed the yellow trail and spent 6 hours in Bedgebury in total. The play trail is an absolute must, the cafe was comprehensive overlooking the water and pinetum so has epic views, the Zog trail was fun and very interactive. We clocked up 9km in one day, thanks to all of the above activities, which was a miracle considering the age of our children!
Things to do near Stay at Forest Edge
Bedgebury Forest and Pinetum was the main attraction for us, however, there is a lot of fun and finds to be had in the local area. Should we be lucky enough to stay again or visit the area I would head to:
Bewl Water – for family activities
The Bell Ticehurst – (our wedding venue) great spot for lunch, dinner or a drink
Birchwood - for brunch (preferably without my children!)
Cellar Head Brewing - family-friendly brewery and dining
Go Ape (At Bedgebury)- because we all like hanging out in trees
Wild Iris Spa - for some well-needed relaxation!
Scotney Castle - because we are national trust members!
For even more ideas, head over to Stay at Forest Edge recommendations
Family Glamping Dream, final thoughts
We enjoyed every aspect of our time at Stay at Forest Edge. In terms of glamping-based family accommodation, this is up there with the best we have experienced. The Shepherd Hut and grounds provide a luxurious glamping experience, whilst being totally simple at the same time. I believe a 2 night stay here offers really good value for money for any family of four looking for a shepherd hut stay and family glamping experience – incredible location, comfy beds, flexible indoor and outdoor living areas, kitchen with all the extras, the lovely welcome basket and the resident horses to name but a few. We enjoyed our stay so much that we have recommended it to friends who we know would enjoy the experience too, and are thinking of returning next Summer with friends. We will just have to agree on who gets the hut and who gets the Bell Tent!
Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the forest air, or a busy family wanting a fun-packed active break, Stay at Forest Edge is a unique and memorable stay for all ages. I, for one can not wait to get back!
We received a complimentary stay at Stay at Forest Edge in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Don’t miss your chance to stay…
Read below for your chance to win a two-night stay in Yeoman!
I am really excited to be working with Helen at Stay at Forest Edge offering you the chance to win a 2-night stay. Allowing another family, or friends, or a couple the chance to experience what we did!
The competition is LIVE between 19th -25th June and is on both Instagram and Facebook.
Good luck! (Competition link will be live from Monday 19th June!)