6 of the best eco stays in the South East and Central England

Off grid campsites set in beautiful Sussex woodlands. Beech Estate Campsite offers camping and glamping within 600 acres of woodland, exclusively for our campers to explore. Pitches in private woodland glades for a real back to nature experience. Larger group areas are available for family get-togethers. Wild Boar Wood is a glamping only campsite with nine bell tents in a magical semi-ancient bluebell woodland. Perfect for relaxed getaways and family group stays with the steam trains of the Bluebell Railway passing by. We encourage wildlife to flourish in a family friendly environment, with campfires, and are car and dog free.

FAMILY FACILITIES Woodland exploring, den building, campfire cooking, wildlife watching, stargazing, FireTv. GREEN CREDENTIALS Off grid, bucket showers, campfire cooking, ecological landscaping for wildlife. LOCATIONS Beech Estate Campsite, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9QU; Wild Boar Wood Campsite, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 7EA. WEB pegsandpitches.co.uk TEL 01273 980218. EMAIL [email protected] SLEEPS 1 adult minimum, family groups welcome PRICES FROM Camping from £19 per adult and £9 per child. Glamping from £75 per night

Norfolk Hideaways, based in North Norfolk, is a holiday cottage agency with over 350 self-catering properties dotted along this naturally beautiful coastline. From cosy cottages crammed full of Norfolk charm to luxury retreats; close to beautiful sandy beaches, in rural hotspots or in the middle of quaint market towns, we’ve got something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for something romantic, dog friendly or somewhere for that large family get-together, our local team will help you find your perfect hideaway.

FAMILY FACILITIES Games rooms, hot tubs, swimming pools, walking trails (some properties) GREEN CREDENTIALS Solar panels, air source heat pumps, low emission (some properties). LOCATIONS Across Norfolk TEL 01328 887 658. WEB norfolkhideaways.co.uk EMAIL [email protected] SLEEPS 2-18 PRICES FROM Weekly: £246 Short Stay: £175

Set at a beautiful nature reserve in rural Suffolk, Secret Meadows takes glamping to new heights with award winning accommodation, green-themed activities and special packages. Luxury Lodge Tents, the Two Storey Safari Tent, Gypsy’s Rest and the Hobbit Box are set in individual woodland glades overlooking wildflower meadows. Organic towels, complimentary hand-made soaps, and a welcome tea tray are provided, and beds are ready-made for your arrival. An onsite pantry shop is full of locally-sourced quality produce and wildlife themed gifts. Guided by an environmental ethos and owned by a wildlife charity, profits go to nature conservation.

FAMILY FACILITIES Nature trails, wildlife hide, shop, hot tub, BBQs, fire bowls, activities. GREEN CREDENTIALS Recycling, natural/organic products, sustainably sourced wood, local produce food hampers. LOCATION Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk. WEB secretmeadows.co.uk TEL 01394382992. EMAIL [email protected] PRICES FROM Weekly: £795 Short Stay: £295 SLEEPS 4-8

Canvas and Clover is a family run glamping site set on a working farm in Worcestershire only 15 minutes from the cathedral city of Worcester. We have 10 safari tents which have a double and three single beds and come complete with thick duvets, blankets, and linen. Children get the freedom of a large field to run around, a small wood to explore, and toys and games to play with. Toast marshmallows over the campfire and tell stories under the fairy lights creating magical memories. Open May to September.

FAMILY FACILITIES Toys, games, books, covered barn, small wood with fairy trail. SLEEPS 1 - 50. GREEN CREDENTIALS Green Tourism Gold: Biomass, solar lighting, local produce, upcycling. LOCATION Worcester, England TEL 07845461329 WEB canvasandclover.co.uk EMAIL [email protected]. PRICES FROM £95 per tent per night two night minimum stay

Perfect for families with young children who enjoy quiet time amongst nature – Alde Garden offers an eclectic range of quirky accommodation in a tiny wildlife garden in the heart of Suffolk. Neighbouring village pub offers local ales & other tasty treats. Lots of lovely facilities on site – see the website for more info. Pull on your boots and explore local countryside walks, or further afield is Framlingham (4 miles) and the coast (10 miles).

“Tiny, idyllic Suffolk retreat… a lovely, tranquil spot surrounded by greenery & woodland, full of ducks and chickens… Bliss” Time Out London

GREEN CREDENTIALS Site run with the environment at heart in all aspects. LOCATION Low Road, Sweffling, Suffolk IP17 2BB. TEL 01728664178 WEB aldegarden.co.uk. EMAIL [email protected]