Getting back to nature is packed with benefits, so I was immensely excited to be invited to spend a night in the beauty of rural Sussex testing out the comfy bed in The Enchanted Glade´s Gypsy Wagon and pampering ourselves in their tempting wild spa. In the review you´ll find out all you need to know if you´re considering a stay at The Enchanted Glade.
The glampsite is hosting a fantastic opening weekend on 26th April 2024 where they´ll be starting the season off with a bang, and it´s one you won´t want to miss. There´ll be an enticing Beltane Banquet on the Saturday, a Spa Day Retreat for women on the Sunday and so much more! It´s also one of few times in the year when individual families and couples can stay rather than groups, so that´s worth knowing. You can book here.
The owners of this family run small business were really responsive in the run up to our stay and made us feel really at home, so it was easy to get our pre-arrival questions answered. There are 4 converted trucks and 4 furnished bell tents to suit glampers, all set in 10 acres of attractive woodland (Ashdown Forest) with a stream and wild spa too.
This glampsite kindly hosted us without charge, however all opinions are my own.
Is The Enchanted Glade suitable for groups?
Yes, groups are welcome! You can hire the whole site and sleep up to 30 people, so it´s perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion. There´s an indoor space perfect for groups which offers comfy chairs and a small library, plus access to the WiFi.
What´s inside?
We stayed in the well presented Gypsy Wagon which was recommended by Maria, one of the owners, and sleeps upto four with a double bed and two single bunk beds. It´s similar to a glamping pod and has wheels at its base.
The interior is comfy and cosy, having been lovingly hand crafted. Inside you´re kept toasty by a woodburner, and there are lots of handy additions such a fridge, USB charging ports and running water for washing up (a tap outside provides drinking water) plus a gas stove with a kettle for your morning cuppa. It´s a quick walk across the site to the shared facilities which include flushing toilets, a hot indoor shower and both hot and cold outdoor showers.
It has lots of windows, including skylights for stargazing, and has a lock on the front door for your peace of mind.
What facilities are on offer?
We have only a few previous glamping pod experiences to go on, but we were impressed with how much there was on offer at this site and how welcoming the atmosphere is.
There´s a communal fire area with shelter from the elements where we were able to toast up some marshmallows (you can purchased logs from the site and there are twinkling fairy lights to help you find your way). Our glamping also had a BBQ and access to a couple of rustic communal kitchen areas. You also won´t go short of outdoor eating space and seating and there´s even a back to basics play area for kids which includes a trampoline, mud kitchen and slide. It´s nice to know that whether you get the fabled English sunshine or its rain, you´ve got options.
Of course I can´t talk about facilities without covering the site´s wild spa which we were really excited to try out. You´re spoilt for choice in this area with a hot tub (unfortunately we couldn´t test this out but it looks to be great fun), large fire pit, changing area, deck seating, comfy hammock and sauna with an ice cold shower so you can test out both temperatures.
A glade just beyond this offers a very relaxing opportunity for forest bathing, along with a den marked ´hakuna matata´, tree stump seating and spaces dedicated for massage and yoga during the season. I sat an soaked up the sounds of the woodland for a while and it was really restorative
A charming path takes you away from the spa towards a stream where trout live and past an carpet of bluebells and wild garlic. All this is also exclusive to guests of the site and it´s a lovely change of pace from your pamper session.
Things to do nearby
There´s a good selection of activities on site, but you can also find these in the area:
- the nostalgic steam trains on the Bluebell Railway
- fancy shopping at Royal Tunbridge Wells (the Pantiles)
- several reservoirs and National Trust properties
- family time playing Pooh Sticks in famous Ashdown Forest
- the quintessential good local pub (there are lots but it is well worth booking ahead on busy days) many of which have a gastropub menu and takeaway options
- quaint village walks or a browse around East Grinstead´s high street which is about 10-15 mins away in the car
Final thoughts on The Enchanted Glade Glamping
My partner and I had a great time and would recommend you check out this eco friendly site, particularly if you´re interested in switching off and reconnecting with nature (without needing to give up all your creature comforts!).
The glampsite stands out from the crowd with the range of options in the wild spa and for the chance to celebrate Wheel of the Year events (modern pagan festivals), join a retreat or gather with likeminded women in a women´s circle and it would make a brilliant group getaway in Sussex.
Good to know:
- Check in is 2pm and check out by noon
- Dogs apart from guide dogs cannot stay (regretfully)
- Bedding is provided in the glamping options
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