Ashdown Forest Riding Centre

Positiv: Wonderful setting on a farm right in the centre of Ashdown Forest. The cabins are down a long (muddy when we visited) track located right on a pond. Fantastic wildlife all around, amazing for bird watching. The cabins are rustic, characterful and charming, first impressions - we loved it.

Negativ: We left on the second day, the showers were not working and absolutely filthy they cant have been cleaned for weeks, old empty shower bottles left from previous guests. In the cabin again half empty bottles of wine left on the shelve and condiments including mayonnaise ! We lit the log burner, but the grate is too large and we couldent close the doors which concerned us as embers may have escaped (wooden floor) Alarmingly there was no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors! We messaged the owner, but received no response.

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Positiv: Truly magical place … wish we could have stayed longer! Definitely coming again!

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Positiv: A beautiful rural setting. Tucked behind the riding school you'll find a sweet cabin on a private plot. The cabin overlooks a large pond with a balcony at the water's edge. The plot is fairly large with plenty of space for tents and activities. It is a short walk from the allocated parking near the stables and trolleys are provided for luggage. The site manager was friendly and showed us around. He was accommodating given that we booked last minute. He was clear about the facilities, access and generously offered us to stay a bit past check-out as there wasn't a booking after us. The cabin is nice, if a little rustic. It has a solid wood burner which kept the place warm throughout. There is a stump and axe provided for chopping wood. There are also outdoor fire pits and barbeque available. There was minimal cutlery and bits and bobs of crockery and pans, enough to get our dinner sorted at least. It is furnished as you see in the pictures with a couple of chairs, a table and a folding sofa-bed. The sofa bed was a 4ft double and comfy and solid enough, if not luxurious. There is a large rug on the floor to make the place feel more cosy but it is not thoroughly clean. There is a long-drop outhouse composting loo which is adequate if breezy. There is a stop-tap in the pitch which has lovely clean water fresh from the spring. It did flow quite slowly so we left pots underneath to collect but the water was delicious!

Negativ: The facilities were very minimal. Which was pefrectly fine for us as we just wanted a shelter. However if you were expecting 'the usual' camping facilities you might be disappointed. The few small solar powered LED lights turned off as the sun went down, it doesn't seem to hold any charge so I brought a lantern for the night. There are no plugs or USB outlets so you won't find any power for your devices. As mentioned, the water was very slow, although clean but it meant washing up was a bit of a mission. Also we saw no sign of the advertised shower, although it is February and it might be re-installed by summer.

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Positiv: Cosy cabin in a nice, peaceful area. Visited for two nights in the middle of winter, and there was plenty of wood supplied to more than adequately warm the interior using the log burner in the corner of the room. The site is close to Ashdown Forest, with many good walks nearby. The host was very friendly and checked in with us to make sure we were stocked up well. Overall, a nice escape from city life in London, which is less than a two-hour drive away.

Negativ: Some of the supplied furnishings were getting a bit old or needed repair - such as the log burner which couldn't close fully (useful if you want to slow down the burn for overnight heating). Both sets of doors were tricky to close without locking, but this could be due to the extra moisture and swelling of the wood due to winter. Also, the solar lighting system lasted less than an hour after sunset, so be sure to bring lighting of your own. Finally, some blinds for the windows could help retain the heat, as it was pretty cold by sunrise.

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Positiv: An amazing off the grid experience. If you are looking for an idyllic setting surrounded by nature, animals, lakes and serenity then you have come to the right place. Just make sure you area ready to work a bit for this sustainability environment(chopping wood for indoor heating, for fire pit, BBQ and Tilly Cabin has a ceramic wood fire pizza oven which is a must for pizza enthusiasts). Solar panels will provide a couple of hours of indoor/outdoor light so you would need power banks for lighting at night and torches. Almost everything is provided apart from electricity convenience. You can fish in the ponds next to the cabins and you are completely isolated from anyone, if privacy is your concern. We will definitely return as we had an overload of peace, quiet, nature and activities. A hidden gem.

Negativ: The firewood is a bit wet. Hopefully they will stock on a lot of firewood in the shack so it has time to dry. My advice is to take the wood logs furthest from the entrance.

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Positiv: What was they're not to like when you want to get away from the city life this is the next best thing to camping we stayed for four nights the wife was a bit nervous as this form of living was new to her but she loved every single minute of it and can't wait to come back

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Positiv: What’s not to like? Beautiful cabin set in a peaceful surroundings with nothing but horses for company. The only noise is the birds singing and the horses playing. Cabin is well equipped with all you need including wood burning stove, solar lighting and rustic furniture. The cabin over looks the lake, there are various seats outside as well as 3 different types of bbqs for cooking. Composting toilet which is clean and warm showers close by. Stathis the host is always available for any questions you need answering and is always helpful and polite. There plenty of free logs to help yourself too where as other places charge you extra. Definitely recommend the local pub the crow and gate for drinks and food which we had no complaints about. All round, a great stay in a beautiful, rustic cabin. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility then there’s nowhere better. We will definitely be staying again.

Negativ: Not really a dislike, just a warning that the track leading in is quite bumpy.

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Positiv: Beautiful scenery, very private and quiet with great opportunity to contact with nature. Host very polite and helpful.

Negativ: There is nothing to dislike

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Positiv: Cabin was cute with a lovely fire, rocking chairs, and futon bed. Some cups, plates and pans available to cook with and use. Lake and varanda adorable in the sun. Stand pipe with fresh water close at hand. Shower a very short walk away. Compost loo was actually not too bad to use. Quiet and peaceful.

Negativ: Instructions for the shower a bit confusing at the shower that was working was not the same as the one on the instructions. But warm and lovely when we worked it out.

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Positiv: Kind, friendly and generous host in a beautiful, peaceful location. A wonderful experience.

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