Yaffle at Wilderness Wood
East Sussex, United Kingdom
Wilderness Wood
- Our low price promise from £167 €190 p/n
-
Treehouse
Sleeps 2 /
Extra space for 2 children
- 2 x King-sized beds (one in bedroom and one on the mezzanine)
Suitable for children aged 4 and over
Not suitable for pets
Overview
Come and stay in Wilderness Wood – a working community of artists, gardeners, wood-workers, builders and designers who collaborate with local families, schools and groups – and are now Community Champions here at Canopy & Stars. Their work includes experiences, events and apprenticeships, in particular for families who seek an alternative to the traditional schooling system. The tree cabins were built with timber from Wilderness Wood and crafted by a team of talented designer-builders. The craftmanship surrounds you as you wander through your handmade tree cabin, admiring its simplicity and beauty. And, whatever the weather, step out onto your under-cover balcony to marvel at the beauty of the natural world that the space is built into – woodland, hills and South Downs beyond.
Spend your days exploring the woodland and its seasonal flora and fauna. You can walk five minutes to the old-fashioned local drinking hole in the village – or drive ten minutes for delicious pub food in the Blackboys Inn, Hurstwood, or Middle House. All visitors to Yaffle are offered the opportunity to get involved with the work of looking after the woodland – either by joining one of the working parties (on Wednesday and Saturday mornings) or there is a list of suggestions of other ways you can help out in your own time. Then when the day’s exploration, or creative endeavours are over, retire back to the comfort of your tree cabin where you can cook up a delicious meal on the wood burning stove or hang out by the firepit below until sundown – and head to bed in the stunning loft.
"Handcrafted is such an overused term these days, but you can see and feel it here in the beauty and softness of the cabin’s wooden surfaces, joinery and rounded, individually carved beams." As recommended by The Guardian in April 2023 - Read more here.
Read more
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 2 PM
- Check out: 10 AM
- Please note that the second bed is on the mezzanine, which is an open space to the living area
- Owners strongly advise checking in before nightfall where possible, or please bring a torch if arriving after dark
- Level access from central car park along a woodland trail (not lit), marked by letters of the alphabet. The tree cabins are at Signpost D
- Approx. 250m from car park
- Wheelbarrow available for luggage
- 300m away from other buildings onsite, close to Dumbledore
- Unlimited firewood provided for indoor stove. BBQ wood for outdoor fire is available to purchase for £5 a crate
- Phone signal depending on provider
- Plug sockets (USB)
- Wifi available if necessary in The Barn
- Calm Labrador dog that lives in the host's onsite house
- The owners think the space works at its best for two adults, or two adults and their children, as the layout is open plan
- There is sleeping space for a 3rd child aged 6 or under on mezzanine floor if guests bring their own mattress/bedding at no extra charge. Please call 0117 204 7830 to book.
Sleeping arrangements
- 2 x King-sized beds (one in bedroom and one on the mezzanine)
Extra space available
Space for 1 baby no charge. - please bring own cot. Not ideal for toddlers as there are lots of stairs and a woodburning stove.
Space for 2 children no charge. - sleeping in king size bed on the mezzanine
Cooking
- Esse wood burning stove as primary cooking provision, with a large hot plate and a single oven
- Induction hob
- A range of sizes of pots and pans and a kettle, all compatible for use either on the wood burning stove or on the induction hob
- Each treehouse has its own fridge with integrated freezer compartment
- BBQ with grill and tongs
Washing
- Bathroom with flushing toilet, shower, sink, and "wet-room" floor. Separately accessible from both bedrooms
- In addition, there is a separate Bathhouse for campers, located near the main camping field, with two showers and two compost toilets
- Eco-friendly shampoo and soap provided
- The hot water is generated by a back boiler in the wood burning stove. There is also an immersion coil in the tank, for hot water provision during summer months (when guests might prefer not to light the stove)
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Towels and bed linen provided (100% cotton)
- Woodburner
- Electric lighting
Entertainment
- Enjoy walks into the surrounding woodland and nearby villages
- Cards and board games
- Small selection of books in the tree cabin and a wider selection to borrow from in the barn
- Radio
- Wifi available in The Barn if needed
- Home Team onsite to assist with your visit and answer any questions
Read more
Travel & Parking
- There is a car park with space to manoeuvre
- The space is a couple of minutes walk from the carpark along a woodland trail. There are cat's eyes lights on the path until you get close to the cabin which has a movement sensor light
- The path to the space is well maintained and has a slight incline
- There are steps going up to Yaffle
Space & Access
- There are steps going up to the space
- The doorways are 76cm
- The bedroom, bathroom and living area are on one level. There is a second bedroom and reading room up stairs
Mobility Aid
- There is a wet room with a shower and toilet
- The mirror in the bathroom is full length
- There is no TV, but there is a radio
- Shower chair is provided
- Assistance dogs are welcome
- Colin's Cars is a local taxi company that provide wheelchair accessible transport. Please contact the host for more details
We have gathered information from the owner about this space to help you decide if it is the right place for you. We would always encourage you to contact us before booking to discuss your accessibility needs. We’re dedicated to helping everyone access our spaces and enjoy the outdoors. Visit our Disability Inclusive page for more information on our journey.
Getting there
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HJ
What3words: ///bravery.gravel.shipyards
By Car
Find your way to the village of Hadlow Down on the A272 and look for the big wooden sign with metal lettering. Please note, if you use sat-nav it might send you to the village hall.
By Public Transport
The closest train station is Buxted. This is 10 minutes’ drive to Wilderness Wood. Or you can walk across the fields which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Contact the owners for more information.
Owners strongly advise checking in before nightfall where possible, alternatively please bring a torch if arriving after dark.
Read more
Food & Drink
At Wilderness Wood
Cooking basics are provided including olive oil, local apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, starter amount of coffee and breakfast tea bags
There is a onsite shop at The Hatch with local treats available to purchase:
The coffee is provided by a local roastery called Lindfield Coffee - who source the beans ethically. Wilderness Wood then grind the beans by hand onsite
Apple juice is from Oast Farm - a nearby orchard and farm shop - which guests can visit and buy supplies
Chocolate by Rowdy and Fancy - a local small chocolate enterprise
Herbal teas made by the resident herbalist - Katy of Wise Herbs
Cakes and biscuits made by local and excellent bakery - Flint Owl - plus guest chefs on site
Apple cider vinegar by Bignose and Beardy - local cider makers - a great community enterprise
Occasionally available: seasonal cordials, local kombucha, local ice-cream, wines from the local vineyard Beacon Down, cider from Bignose and Beardy, beers by the closest brewery Only With Love and wood- fired pizzas from the cookhouse in the woods
Local Shops
Oast Farmshop, 3 miles
Buxted Village Shop, 2 miles away (basic supplies only, guests can walk here)
Local supermarkets deliver to this site
Local supermarkets located in Crowborough, Uckfield and Heathfield
Pubs & Restaurants
The Hurstwood, High Hurstwood - family-run gastro-pub, outstanding cuisine. 10 minute drive or you can walk there from the cabins on footpaths through fields and woodland.
Blackboys Inn, Blackboys - reasonably priced food in a charming countryside pub with inglenook fireplaces. Walkable down a quiet country lane in about 45 minutes
Middle house, Mayfield - good pub food in a lively little town, about a 10 minute drive
The Griffin Inn in Fletching - locally well-known gastro-pub with outstanding cuisine, 20min drive
Read more
Activities
At Wilderness Wood
There is a mile long trail around the edge of the wood with a wonderful swing - popular with all ages
A varied programme of activities, courses and working parties throughout the year including: green woodworking, arts and crafts, foraging walks, tree and flower and fungi ID walks, woodland stewardship, carpentry and building working parties, dancing and music and forest school activities, Qi Gong, meditation, and seasonal parties.
The Barn - Communal space where there are books, games, maps, wifi and friendly home-team to talk to
Things To Do
Local towns to visit include: Lewes (25 minute drive), Tunbridge Wells (25 minute drive), and Brighton with its famous beach and pier (50 minute drive - or short drive and bus ride from Uckfield)
Barcombe Mills - River with boats to hire and local pub The Anchor Inn
Wakehurst - Royal Botanical Gardens Kew has an extraordinary living collection of exotic trees and woodland plants spans over 500 acres at Wakehurst
Charleston -Charleston is a gem of an arts-and-crafts house and garden in the heart of the South Downs National Park in East Sussex, UK
Glyndebourne – world-famous opera house in the countryside! Dress up and take a picnic
Outdoors & Active
Walks - There is an amazing network of public footpaths connecting us to all the local villages, which are generally very quiet. You can drive to the South Downs (20 mins) and walk along that wonderful route with views to the sea. You could also drive to Ashdown Forest (20 mins) and visit the home of Winnie the Pooh.
Beachy Head - is closest good coastal walk along the cliffs or there are various places you can swim in the sea between Hastings and Brighton
National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden - acres of landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland, particularly amazing in the autumn
Read more
Meet your hosts
Meet Emily and Dan
The couple had been searching for a woodland where they could make beautiful structures and build a community as an alternative to school for their children. After 5 years of travelling across much of Europe, they found Wilderness Wood! Dan is an architect who loves actually making what he designs, and Emily is a researcher who makes projects happen. Together Emily and Dan have three children, Frank, Nina and Xandi - and a dog called Chica. The woodland is shared with a resident home team (about 15 people) who live onsite. There is also a community of families who occasionally visit, and help look after the woods and bring to life creative projects.
Dumbledore and Yaffle are the culmination of years of dreaming, travelling, planning and hard work. The chestnut frames and big balconies are inspired by a vernacular chestnut grainstore structure called an horreo, which the family found on their travels in Asturias and Galicia in Northern Spain. All the timber for the structures is sourced from the local woodland - thinnings which are cut not just to provide valuable materials but also for the benefit of the woodland eco-system. The interiors have been lovingly created by a team of young designers/builders. The bowls, spoons, cups, tiles, coasters have all been created by members of all ages of all ages. The pottery and the wooden products in the cabins are all made onsite.
Community Champions
As well as engaging with the local community having regular local visitors and a longer term ‘home-team’ Wilderness Woods also works closely with other organisations to benefit wider communities. They continue to develop new relationships in order to work more with schools from cities to give more young people meaningful experiences of a woodland and the chance to contribute rather than just visit.
The woodland is in the High Weald AONB with gorgeous views to the South Downs (a National Park). The site has solar panels, harvest rain-water where possible, and all the heating is wood-fired. This is also a community project with 250 member families who come to help out and enjoy the woodland throughout the year. The team also work with local schools and other community groups to host other peoples' initiatives in the woodland - and take some of the craft activities out into the community.
Wildlife and the Environment
Wilderness Wood is a 60 acre woodland with a mixture of chestnut coppice, conifers and big oaks and beeches around the edges of the wood. In spring to summer there are wood anenome, bluebells and foxgloves and other spring flowers along the edges of the rides and lanes nearby the woods - you can also sometimes spot some more rare flora such as spiked rampion and orchids. In autumn through to winter there are chestnuts, acorns, holly berries and hazel catkins. In terms of fauna, you might see the following: rabbits, deer, badgers, squirrels, fox, snakes, bugs, bats, butterflies, dragonfly and newts around the wetlands area.
The woodland is in the High Weald AONB with gorgeous views to the South Downs (a National Park). The site has solar panels, harvest rain-water where possible, and all the heating is wood-fired.
Read more
-
Overview
Come and stay in Wilderness Wood – a working community of artists, gardeners, wood-workers, builders and designers who collaborate with local families, schools and groups – and are now Community Champions here at Canopy & Stars. Their work includes experiences, events and apprenticeships, in particular for families who seek an alternative to the traditional schooling system. The tree cabins were built with timber from Wilderness Wood and crafted by a team of talented designer-builders. The craftmanship surrounds you as you wander through your handmade tree cabin, admiring its simplicity and beauty. And, whatever the weather, step out onto your under-cover balcony to marvel at the beauty of the natural world that the space is built into – woodland, hills and South Downs beyond.
Spend your days exploring the woodland and its seasonal flora and fauna. You can walk five minutes to the old-fashioned local drinking hole in the village – or drive ten minutes for delicious pub food in the Blackboys Inn, Hurstwood, or Middle House. All visitors to Yaffle are offered the opportunity to get involved with the work of looking after the woodland – either by joining one of the working parties (on Wednesday and Saturday mornings) or there is a list of suggestions of other ways you can help out in your own time. Then when the day’s exploration, or creative endeavours are over, retire back to the comfort of your tree cabin where you can cook up a delicious meal on the wood burning stove or hang out by the firepit below until sundown – and head to bed in the stunning loft.
"Handcrafted is such an overused term these days, but you can see and feel it here in the beauty and softness of the cabin’s wooden surfaces, joinery and rounded, individually carved beams." As recommended by The Guardian in April 2023 - Read more here.
Read more
-
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 2 PM
- Check out: 10 AM
- Please note that the second bed is on the mezzanine, which is an open space to the living area
- Owners strongly advise checking in before nightfall where possible, or please bring a torch if arriving after dark
- Level access from central car park along a woodland trail (not lit), marked by letters of the alphabet. The tree cabins are at Signpost D
- Approx. 250m from car park
- Wheelbarrow available for luggage
- 300m away from other buildings onsite, close to Dumbledore
- Unlimited firewood provided for indoor stove. BBQ wood for outdoor fire is available to purchase for £5 a crate
- Phone signal depending on provider
- Plug sockets (USB)
- Wifi available if necessary in The Barn
- Calm Labrador dog that lives in the host's onsite house
- The owners think the space works at its best for two adults, or two adults and their children, as the layout is open plan
- There is sleeping space for a 3rd child aged 6 or under on mezzanine floor if guests bring their own mattress/bedding at no extra charge. Please call 0117 204 7830 to book.
Sleeping arrangements
- 2 x King-sized beds (one in bedroom and one on the mezzanine)
Extra space available
Space for 1 baby no charge. - please bring own cot. Not ideal for toddlers as there are lots of stairs and a woodburning stove.
Space for 2 children no charge. - sleeping in king size bed on the mezzanine
Cooking
- Esse wood burning stove as primary cooking provision, with a large hot plate and a single oven
- Induction hob
- A range of sizes of pots and pans and a kettle, all compatible for use either on the wood burning stove or on the induction hob
- Each treehouse has its own fridge with integrated freezer compartment
- BBQ with grill and tongs
Washing
- Bathroom with flushing toilet, shower, sink, and "wet-room" floor. Separately accessible from both bedrooms
- In addition, there is a separate Bathhouse for campers, located near the main camping field, with two showers and two compost toilets
- Eco-friendly shampoo and soap provided
- The hot water is generated by a back boiler in the wood burning stove. There is also an immersion coil in the tank, for hot water provision during summer months (when guests might prefer not to light the stove)
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Towels and bed linen provided (100% cotton)
- Woodburner
- Electric lighting
Entertainment
- Enjoy walks into the surrounding woodland and nearby villages
- Cards and board games
- Small selection of books in the tree cabin and a wider selection to borrow from in the barn
- Radio
- Wifi available in The Barn if needed
- Home Team onsite to assist with your visit and answer any questions
-
Accessibility
Travel & Parking
- There is a car park with space to manoeuvre
- The space is a couple of minutes walk from the carpark along a woodland trail. There are cat's eyes lights on the path until you get close to the cabin which has a movement sensor light
- The path to the space is well maintained and has a slight incline
- There are steps going up to Yaffle
Space & Access
- There are steps going up to the space
- The doorways are 76cm
- The bedroom, bathroom and living area are on one level. There is a second bedroom and reading room up stairs
Mobility Aid
- There is a wet room with a shower and toilet
- The mirror in the bathroom is full length
- There is no TV, but there is a radio
- Shower chair is provided
- Assistance dogs are welcome
- Colin's Cars is a local taxi company that provide wheelchair accessible transport. Please contact the host for more details
We have gathered information from the owner about this space to help you decide if it is the right place for you. We would always encourage you to contact us before booking to discuss your accessibility needs. We’re dedicated to helping everyone access our spaces and enjoy the outdoors. Visit our Disability Inclusive page for more information on our journey.
-
Location
Getting there
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HJ
What3words: ///bravery.gravel.shipyards
By Car
Find your way to the village of Hadlow Down on the A272 and look for the big wooden sign with metal lettering. Please note, if you use sat-nav it might send you to the village hall.
By Public Transport
The closest train station is Buxted. This is 10 minutes’ drive to Wilderness Wood. Or you can walk across the fields which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Contact the owners for more information.
Owners strongly advise checking in before nightfall where possible, alternatively please bring a torch if arriving after dark.
-
Food & Drink
At Wilderness Wood
Cooking basics are provided including olive oil, local apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, starter amount of coffee and breakfast tea bags
There is a onsite shop at The Hatch with local treats available to purchase:
The coffee is provided by a local roastery called Lindfield Coffee - who source the beans ethically. Wilderness Wood then grind the beans by hand onsite
Apple juice is from Oast Farm - a nearby orchard and farm shop - which guests can visit and buy supplies
Chocolate by Rowdy and Fancy - a local small chocolate enterprise
Herbal teas made by the resident herbalist - Katy of Wise Herbs
Cakes and biscuits made by local and excellent bakery - Flint Owl - plus guest chefs on site
Apple cider vinegar by Bignose and Beardy - local cider makers - a great community enterprise
Occasionally available: seasonal cordials, local kombucha, local ice-cream, wines from the local vineyard Beacon Down, cider from Bignose and Beardy, beers by the closest brewery Only With Love and wood- fired pizzas from the cookhouse in the woods
Local Shops
Oast Farmshop, 3 miles
Buxted Village Shop, 2 miles away (basic supplies only, guests can walk here)
Local supermarkets deliver to this site
Local supermarkets located in Crowborough, Uckfield and Heathfield
Pubs & Restaurants
The Hurstwood, High Hurstwood - family-run gastro-pub, outstanding cuisine. 10 minute drive or you can walk there from the cabins on footpaths through fields and woodland.
Blackboys Inn, Blackboys - reasonably priced food in a charming countryside pub with inglenook fireplaces. Walkable down a quiet country lane in about 45 minutes
Middle house, Mayfield - good pub food in a lively little town, about a 10 minute drive
The Griffin Inn in Fletching - locally well-known gastro-pub with outstanding cuisine, 20min drive
-
Experiences
At Wilderness Wood
There is a mile long trail around the edge of the wood with a wonderful swing - popular with all ages
A varied programme of activities, courses and working parties throughout the year including: green woodworking, arts and crafts, foraging walks, tree and flower and fungi ID walks, woodland stewardship, carpentry and building working parties, dancing and music and forest school activities, Qi Gong, meditation, and seasonal parties.
The Barn - Communal space where there are books, games, maps, wifi and friendly home-team to talk to
Things To Do
Local towns to visit include: Lewes (25 minute drive), Tunbridge Wells (25 minute drive), and Brighton with its famous beach and pier (50 minute drive - or short drive and bus ride from Uckfield)
Barcombe Mills - River with boats to hire and local pub The Anchor Inn
Wakehurst - Royal Botanical Gardens Kew has an extraordinary living collection of exotic trees and woodland plants spans over 500 acres at Wakehurst
Charleston -Charleston is a gem of an arts-and-crafts house and garden in the heart of the South Downs National Park in East Sussex, UK
Glyndebourne – world-famous opera house in the countryside! Dress up and take a picnic
Outdoors & Active
Walks - There is an amazing network of public footpaths connecting us to all the local villages, which are generally very quiet. You can drive to the South Downs (20 mins) and walk along that wonderful route with views to the sea. You could also drive to Ashdown Forest (20 mins) and visit the home of Winnie the Pooh.
Beachy Head - is closest good coastal walk along the cliffs or there are various places you can swim in the sea between Hastings and Brighton
National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden - acres of landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland, particularly amazing in the autumn
-
Your Hosts
Meet Emily and Dan
The couple had been searching for a woodland where they could make beautiful structures and build a community as an alternative to school for their children. After 5 years of travelling across much of Europe, they found Wilderness Wood! Dan is an architect who loves actually making what he designs, and Emily is a researcher who makes projects happen. Together Emily and Dan have three children, Frank, Nina and Xandi - and a dog called Chica. The woodland is shared with a resident home team (about 15 people) who live onsite. There is also a community of families who occasionally visit, and help look after the woods and bring to life creative projects.
Dumbledore and Yaffle are the culmination of years of dreaming, travelling, planning and hard work. The chestnut frames and big balconies are inspired by a vernacular chestnut grainstore structure called an horreo, which the family found on their travels in Asturias and Galicia in Northern Spain. All the timber for the structures is sourced from the local woodland - thinnings which are cut not just to provide valuable materials but also for the benefit of the woodland eco-system. The interiors have been lovingly created by a team of young designers/builders. The bowls, spoons, cups, tiles, coasters have all been created by members of all ages of all ages. The pottery and the wooden products in the cabins are all made onsite.
Community Champions
As well as engaging with the local community having regular local visitors and a longer term ‘home-team’ Wilderness Woods also works closely with other organisations to benefit wider communities. They continue to develop new relationships in order to work more with schools from cities to give more young people meaningful experiences of a woodland and the chance to contribute rather than just visit.
The woodland is in the High Weald AONB with gorgeous views to the South Downs (a National Park). The site has solar panels, harvest rain-water where possible, and all the heating is wood-fired. This is also a community project with 250 member families who come to help out and enjoy the woodland throughout the year. The team also work with local schools and other community groups to host other peoples' initiatives in the woodland - and take some of the craft activities out into the community.
Wildlife and the Environment
Wilderness Wood is a 60 acre woodland with a mixture of chestnut coppice, conifers and big oaks and beeches around the edges of the wood. In spring to summer there are wood anenome, bluebells and foxgloves and other spring flowers along the edges of the rides and lanes nearby the woods - you can also sometimes spot some more rare flora such as spiked rampion and orchids. In autumn through to winter there are chestnuts, acorns, holly berries and hazel catkins. In terms of fauna, you might see the following: rabbits, deer, badgers, squirrels, fox, snakes, bugs, bats, butterflies, dragonfly and newts around the wetlands area.
The woodland is in the High Weald AONB with gorgeous views to the South Downs (a National Park). The site has solar panels, harvest rain-water where possible, and all the heating is wood-fired.
-
Reviews
Our guests say...
Bethan
Our stay at Yaffle exceeded our expectations and hopes. Lots of care had been taken to provide all the comforts we needed even including a lovely vase of flowers when we arrived We experienced all variations of weather and it was perfect for all of them wether it was watching the rain and wind in the trees to watching the sunset over the hills from the veranda. Ultimate in cozy hideaway. Thankyou to our hosts cannot wait to return.
18/10/2024Paula
We had such a lovely time, getting our London children out into the countryside. They loved splitting wood, mushroom spotting, collecting sweet chestnuts and riding Gilly the pony! I was also so pleased to learn what a Dumbledore is!
11/10/2024Hannah
It was an absolutely magical stay in what felt like could have been another place and time entirely but was only 2h drive from London. Less than 20min drive for great food and yet it feels like you're completely in the middle of nowhere. The area feels enchanting and incredibly romantic (at least in autumn). Can't recommend enough.
03/09/2024Jack
We stayed for 2 nights with our 2 daughters aged 6 and 8. We loved the feeling of being in the wilderness. The cabin had just the right amount of mod cons but was also rustic and totally charming. We loved the view across the Christmas tree field and watching the deer grazing among the trees.
26/07/2024SARAH
A fabulous weekend in the woods with countless activities to get involved with. We loved it.
19/07/2024Tom
Lovely place everything you could possibly want and more definitely worth a visit
25/06/2024Alison
Magical!
14/06/2024Alicia
Yaffle is an exceptionally beautiful ‘tree’ house built amidst glorious woodland with views across countryside to the hills. It is provided with all comforts, and the four of us will happily return. Wilderness Woods is very welcoming, and testament to the vision, energy, and spirit of Emily, Dan, and the thousands of volunteers who have made this such a beautiful oasis. Hats off to all of them, and thank you.
21/05/2024Ben
Wilderness Woods is a unique and interesting location with an inspiring ethos. Yaffle cabin was so clearly made with love and care. Lots of little touches and a charming design. We enjoyed walking the woods and thanks to recommendations from Emily and loan of a map, we hiked to an amazing gastropub one day.
13/02/2024Jason
It was absolutely magic! So restful and cosy. It’s a very nurturing environment and the people at Wilderness Wood are so kind and welcoming. We have already booked another visit! It’s the kind of place you will want to keep a secret.
06/02/2024Becky
We booked this place for my 40th birthday, I looked at LOADS of places, but there was something about this one that I couldn't resist. And it didn't let us down, it was ABSOLUTELY fabulous...magic from start to finish and it was so sad to wave that gorgeous little tree house in the woods goodbye.
10/11/2023Catharine
We stayed in a beautiful wooden tree house in Wilderness Woods which was a true joy, a place where we could relax in nature, detox from life and relax. The rain poured during our stay, the Autumn nights ensured darkness at an early time and there was a slight chill in the air however throughout our stay we remained warm and cosy, toasty I would say, as we cuddled up in the cabin with the wood fire burning. What a beautiful place, in a fabulous area full of flora and fauna and delightful walks.
27/10/2023Sarah
We had a three night mid week stay in the Yaffle, the owners were extremely friendly and helpful we joined in with choir and explored the woodland, but mostly we relaxed in the peace and quiet a totally chilled experience, getting away from normal day to day. Would highly recommend
10/10/2023Tracey
We had such a wonderful stay at Wilderness Woods. Everyone was very welcoming. The treehouse is beautifully built. The swing was amazing.
29/08/2023Christina
Perfect peace & quiet. Just birdsong & the rustle of leaves. Lots of pubs nearby for dining out. Knockhatch great for kids day out. Not too far off the beaten track (M25) so easily accessible.
11/07/2023Laura
We absolutely loved our stay at Yaffle. The cabin is absolutely beautiful - lovingly crafted, very well thought through, and with a lovely vibe thanks to all the wood and being perched in the trees with beautiful views out over the woods and countryside beyond. The woods themselves are gorgeous: diverse, lush, full of nature, and with lots of thought given to different eco systems to support wildlife. Very peaceful and a great place to reconnect with nature. And the community is also very special and inspiring, with the feeling of a genuinely caring and supporting group of people who have come together around a very special place. There was loads going on all weekend, and a nice buzz around the place. The highlight for us was the volunteering element - we got involved in chopping logs, which was fun, and then in helping to build a bridge, which was a brilliant experience - especially for our kids, who got to use a whole range of tools doing some pretty serious work that they dont get much chance to do in normal life. They loved it, and went back for more in the afternoon.
07/07/2023tom
Wilderness Wood is honestly the most magical place filled with a beautiful and caring community. We had the most wonderful weekend as a family staying in the woods looking up at the stars, toasting marshmallows, exploring the woods looking for wildlife and discovering secret dens. Many local pubs serving great food nearby and of course Ashdown Forest the inspiration for the home of Winne the Poo in 100 Acres Wood.
23/06/2023Alicia
Easy to find, easy to park, welcomed by onsite staff and shown to the cabin - which was a delight! Comfy beds and toasty warm with the stove going, providing loads of hot water for the wet room style shower. Restful, pretty views and with plenty of storage for a compact space. All mod cons - cutlery, cooking equipment, crockery, glasses etc. We enjoyed playing games in the evening and enjoyed spending time on site during the day. A special place!
05/05/2023Katie
We were blown away by the cabin and thoroughly enjoyed meeting many members of the community. They were all welcoming and accommodating. We really enjoyed working in the woods and chopping logs to help out.
18/04/2023Sarah
We had the most incredible stay at Yaffle treehouse. It was stunning and in a gorgeous setting with amazing hosts. Totally recommend to anyone.
14/04/2023Lucy
What a treat to leave the car at home and take the train on a little adventure to this woodland hub - a community of like-minded folk, a stones throw from London. The chalk board next to the cafe spoke of a host of fun activities from green woodworking to meditation and forest school. A short walk from the hub of the village hidden in the trees, we found the two beautiful crafted treehouses - welcomed in by a warm fire and dappled sunlight through the trees, the cabins were full of creative touches and cosy corners - I wished I was staying the night! With a little spare time I walked the woodland trail, had a go on the 'big-kids' swing and browsed the woodland floor fungi. What a perfect wild retreat - I can't wait to go back.
11/11/2022Tessa, Canopy & Stars
Reviews
A magical stay in an excellently-built cabin in Wilderness Woods. It was the perfect way to see in the new year; playing cards and drinking wine by the wood-burner stove, and starting every day with a cup of tea out on the balcony overlooking the Christmas tree farm. We felt very welcomed by Emily and had a great time exploring the woods and nearby walks. We plan to stay again!
31/12/2024Bethan
Our stay at Yaffle exceeded our expectations and hopes. Lots of care had been taken to provide all the comforts we needed even including a lovely vase of flowers when we arrived We experienced all variations of weather and it was perfect for all of them wether it was watching the rain and wind in the trees to watching the sunset over the hills from the veranda. Ultimate in cozy hideaway. Thankyou to our hosts cannot wait to return.
18/10/2024Paula
We had such a lovely time, getting our London children out into the countryside. They loved splitting wood, mushroom spotting, collecting sweet chestnuts and riding Gilly the pony! I was also so pleased to learn what a Dumbledore is!
11/10/2024Hannah
It was an absolutely magical stay in what felt like could have been another place and time entirely but was only 2h drive from London. Less than 20min drive for great food and yet it feels like you're completely in the middle of nowhere. The area feels enchanting and incredibly romantic (at least in autumn). Can't recommend enough.
03/09/2024Jack
We stayed for 2 nights with our 2 daughters aged 6 and 8. We loved the feeling of being in the wilderness. The cabin had just the right amount of mod cons but was also rustic and totally charming. We loved the view across the Christmas tree field and watching the deer grazing among the trees.
26/07/2024SARAH
A fabulous weekend in the woods with countless activities to get involved with. We loved it.
19/07/2024Tom
Lovely place everything you could possibly want and more definitely worth a visit
25/06/2024Alison
Magical!
14/06/2024Alicia
Yaffle is an exceptionally beautiful ‘tree’ house built amidst glorious woodland with views across countryside to the hills. It is provided with all comforts, and the four of us will happily return. Wilderness Woods is very welcoming, and testament to the vision, energy, and spirit of Emily, Dan, and the thousands of volunteers who have made this such a beautiful oasis. Hats off to all of them, and thank you.
21/05/2024Ben
Wilderness Woods is a unique and interesting location with an inspiring ethos. Yaffle cabin was so clearly made with love and care. Lots of little touches and a charming design. We enjoyed walking the woods and thanks to recommendations from Emily and loan of a map, we hiked to an amazing gastropub one day.
13/02/2024Jason
It was absolutely magic! So restful and cosy. It’s a very nurturing environment and the people at Wilderness Wood are so kind and welcoming. We have already booked another visit! It’s the kind of place you will want to keep a secret.
06/02/2024Becky
We booked this place for my 40th birthday, I looked at LOADS of places, but there was something about this one that I couldn't resist. And it didn't let us down, it was ABSOLUTELY fabulous...magic from start to finish and it was so sad to wave that gorgeous little tree house in the woods goodbye.
10/11/2023Catharine
We stayed in a beautiful wooden tree house in Wilderness Woods which was a true joy, a place where we could relax in nature, detox from life and relax. The rain poured during our stay, the Autumn nights ensured darkness at an early time and there was a slight chill in the air however throughout our stay we remained warm and cosy, toasty I would say, as we cuddled up in the cabin with the wood fire burning. What a beautiful place, in a fabulous area full of flora and fauna and delightful walks.
27/10/2023Sarah
We had a three night mid week stay in the Yaffle, the owners were extremely friendly and helpful we joined in with choir and explored the woodland, but mostly we relaxed in the peace and quiet a totally chilled experience, getting away from normal day to day. Would highly recommend
10/10/2023Tracey
We had such a wonderful stay at Wilderness Woods. Everyone was very welcoming. The treehouse is beautifully built. The swing was amazing.
29/08/2023Christina
Perfect peace & quiet. Just birdsong & the rustle of leaves. Lots of pubs nearby for dining out. Knockhatch great for kids day out. Not too far off the beaten track (M25) so easily accessible.
11/07/2023Laura
We absolutely loved our stay at Yaffle. The cabin is absolutely beautiful - lovingly crafted, very well thought through, and with a lovely vibe thanks to all the wood and being perched in the trees with beautiful views out over the woods and countryside beyond. The woods themselves are gorgeous: diverse, lush, full of nature, and with lots of thought given to different eco systems to support wildlife. Very peaceful and a great place to reconnect with nature. And the community is also very special and inspiring, with the feeling of a genuinely caring and supporting group of people who have come together around a very special place. There was loads going on all weekend, and a nice buzz around the place. The highlight for us was the volunteering element - we got involved in chopping logs, which was fun, and then in helping to build a bridge, which was a brilliant experience - especially for our kids, who got to use a whole range of tools doing some pretty serious work that they dont get much chance to do in normal life. They loved it, and went back for more in the afternoon.
07/07/2023tom
Wilderness Wood is honestly the most magical place filled with a beautiful and caring community. We had the most wonderful weekend as a family staying in the woods looking up at the stars, toasting marshmallows, exploring the woods looking for wildlife and discovering secret dens. Many local pubs serving great food nearby and of course Ashdown Forest the inspiration for the home of Winne the Poo in 100 Acres Wood.
23/06/2023Alicia
Easy to find, easy to park, welcomed by onsite staff and shown to the cabin - which was a delight! Comfy beds and toasty warm with the stove going, providing loads of hot water for the wet room style shower. Restful, pretty views and with plenty of storage for a compact space. All mod cons - cutlery, cooking equipment, crockery, glasses etc. We enjoyed playing games in the evening and enjoyed spending time on site during the day. A special place!
05/05/2023Katie
We were blown away by the cabin and thoroughly enjoyed meeting many members of the community. They were all welcoming and accommodating. We really enjoyed working in the woods and chopping logs to help out.
18/04/2023Sarah
We had the most incredible stay at Yaffle treehouse. It was stunning and in a gorgeous setting with amazing hosts. Totally recommend to anyone.
14/04/2023Lucy
What a treat to leave the car at home and take the train on a little adventure to this woodland hub - a community of like-minded folk, a stones throw from London. The chalk board next to the cafe spoke of a host of fun activities from green woodworking to meditation and forest school. A short walk from the hub of the village hidden in the trees, we found the two beautiful crafted treehouses - welcomed in by a warm fire and dappled sunlight through the trees, the cabins were full of creative touches and cosy corners - I wished I was staying the night! With a little spare time I walked the woodland trail, had a go on the 'big-kids' swing and browsed the woodland floor fungi. What a perfect wild retreat - I can't wait to go back.
11/11/2022Tessa, Canopy & Stars
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A magical stay in an excellently-built cabin in Wilderness Woods. It was the perfect way to see in the new year; playing cards and drinking wine by the wood-burner stove, and starting every day with a cup of tea out on the balcony overlooking the Christmas tree farm. We felt very welcomed by Emily and had a great time exploring the woods and nearby walks. We plan to stay again!
31/12/2024