Staying in one of the best cabins in Sussex is a great way to add a unique flair to your trip away. It’s not every day that you get to sleep in a beautiful structure, and doing so is exciting and refreshing.
Cabins are cosy, quirky and private which makes them an excellent home base for any adventure, whether it’s a romantic one or a family venture.
As Sussex is located under two hours away from London, it is a great retreat for many busy city dwellers. Here you can relax and unwind, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of London life.
Home to Seven Sisters white cliffs, many sandy beaches and the South Downs National Park there is plenty to do for those who want to get in touch with nature.
But Sussex is also a fantastic place to come with the kids as you can visit the zoo, travel on a steam railway and visit one of the many castles on offer.
Or, if you’re into art and culture, be sure to check out the Glyndebourne Opera House, Hastings Contemporary Gallery and Tower Eastbourne. Whatever your cup of tea is, there’s something for everyone in Sussex.
1. Idaho Cabin
First up on our list of the best cabins in Sussex we have Idaho Cabin. Idaho Cabin is nestled into the heart of the ancient woodland that surrounds it- a retreat where you can reconnect with nature.
Just one and a half hours from London, this is the perfect escape from the day to day.
Idaho is a traditional cabin with a classic, rustic aesthetic. The wooden structure sinks into the trees behind it, enhancing the view. Inside, you’ll find a spacious area with room to spread out downstairs thanks to a mezzanine sleeping loft.
Downstairs there is a comfortable living and dining room, where you can retire once the evening chill sets in and warm yourself by the wood-burning stove.
There is also a small kitchenette, but you’ll probably spend most of your time outside cooking on the BBQ or over the fire pit.
Owners Lisa and Charles offer on-site green woodworking courses or will set up an afternoon tea for you. But, if it’s an adventure you’re after, you can go wild swimming in the river, take a boat out on the nearby reservoir or go rock climbing.
2. Willow the Wisp Cabin
Even closer to London is Willow the Wisp Cabin, just an hour away. This perfectly formed little hut is a fantastic place to unwind and relax. There’s even an outdoor wood-fired bath- heaven!
Inside the cabin is everything you need for a comfortable stay. A cosy double bed takes centre stage, but there is also room for a small kitchenette.
To the back is a separate bathroom, with flushing toilet and hot shower. You may be in the woods, but you’re certainly not camping here!
Outside is where Willow the Wisp really shines. Along with the wood-fired bathtub, you’ll find a BBQ fire pit and a wood-burner to keep you warm late into the night.
Here on your private deck, you can enjoy the stars, bright and uninterrupted by light pollution. The best candles for men are scattered throughout the cabin to make you remember that adventurous smell.
Straight out of your door you have five acres of woodland and 29 acres of farmland to explore, so you don’t have to drive anywhere if you don’t want to.
Also within walking distance is an award-winning gastro pub to enjoy. Close by Arden many walking and cycling routes, water sports on the reservoir and much more.
3. Rossetti
If you’re looking for space to sleep the whole family, then Rossetti, next on our list of the best cabins in Sussex, could be for you. This cabin sleeps up to five, with one double, two singles and a pull out single bed, providing adventure for everyone.
Named after Christina Rossetti, a 19th Century poet who once stayed in the old castle, this cabin is decked out in a Pre-Raphaelite fashion with flairs of Victorian eccentricity. The interior is quirky with strong colours, antique furniture, and a wood-burning stove that heats the room.
Outside, the cabin becomes less Victorian and more cabin-like with an outdoor kitchen and chunky wooden features. For cooking, choose between the gas stove, fire pit BBQ or wood-fired pizza oven and make your evening meal and experience in itself.
Footpaths lead straight from the cabin and take you on adventures throughout the farm, woodland area and nearby reservoir.
Or, visit Hastings and the medieval village of Robertsbridge to soak in some of the local history.
4. Little Walnut Hut
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Little Walnut Hut is a fantastic getaway location for any nature lovers. Surrounding the cabin, you’ll find an undisturbed landscape, home to many species of wildlife, from birds to the resident goats.
The main Shepherd’s Hut is a bright and airy room, with white wooden walls and plenty of natural light.
Inside you’ll find a comfy double bed, table and chairs as well as space to make a cup of tea and a slice of toast in the morning.
Cooking your main meal is an outside affair on the BBQ, or if you don’t fancy it, you can wander down to one of the local pubs.
Your hosts will also happily provide a picnic hamper for your day of adventuring. In a separate hut is the bathroom that has a claw foot bathroom for a relaxing soak.
Brighton is less than an hour away from the Little Walnut Hut, Lewes, Hastings and Eastbourne are also nearby. If you don’t fancy a drive, however, stretch your legs across the farm and Sapperton Wood and enjoy the stunning view.
5. de Glottyngham
We’re halfway through our list of the best cabins in Sussex and up next we have a Geodome, de Glottyngham. De Glottyngham is located at Glottenham Castle, the same site as Rossetti (at number three) so you could combine a couple of cabins to accommodate a larger group of people.
The interior of this geodome feels more like a traditional cabin thanks to its wooden structure, flooring, and furniture. The dark walls of the dome create a moody and modern feel, but light spills into the space through large windows.
Inside is dedicated to lounging and sleeping, featuring a double bed, cosy furnishings and a wood-burning stove. Outside, you will find the cooking area with space to eat around a sheltered table.
Whether you decide to cook on the gas stove, pizza oven or fire pit is up to you, or you could, of course, walk down to one of the restaurants in the village.
As well as an award-winning tea room in the village, there is plenty to do in the local area. Get adventurous and swing in the trees at Go Ape, try water sports at Bewel Water or go horse riding in Beauport Park.
If you’re looking for something more restorative, why not stay in and enjoy a massage at the cabin?
6. Ditchling Cabin
Ditchling Cabin isn’t just a cabin; it comes with a whole private lake. This idyllic setting is the ideal place to relax by the water’s edge and feel the stillness of the countryside wash over you. This amazing cabin is one of my favourites on our list of the best cabins in Sussex.
This stunning cabin makes the most of the location with windows covering the whole front wall, so you can enjoy the view wherever you are. Downstairs is a luxurious space with sofas, a wood-burning stove and full kitchen while upstairs is the bedroom. There is also space to sleep two kids.
Head out of the front door onto the decking, which encourages you to spend as much time as possible outside.
Here you’ll find a large table for eating at or just taking in the view, an outdoor hot shower and a BBQ. Straight from the deck, you can jump into the water and enjoy swimming in nature.
Wetsuits are provided so you can spend even more time in the water. There is also a rowing boat, raft, canoe and paddleboard at Ditchling Cabin, providing you with plenty of fun on the water.
If you ever want to leave, head to nearby Brighton or go walking and cycling in the surrounding area.
7. Walk Wood Wagon
Walk Wood Wagon sits nestled in a bluebell field in a forest clearing at Sheffield Park. This gorgeous location is the backdrop to your holiday and encourages rest and relaxation.
Inside the wagon, the relaxing vibes continue with beautiful floral wallpaper and a clever layout. A cosy double bed sits at the back of the cabin with its own window looking out to the forest beyond. A seating area and pull out table provide you with some inside space should you need it.
To top the experience off, Walk Wood Wagon is home to a Swedish outdoor bath. This is the ultimate place to unwind and to enjoy the sounds of the forest. Also outside you’ll find a kitchen with gas hob, fire pit and BBQ so that you can try your hand at some off-grid cooking!
If you decide to venture out of Sheffield park, you are only a stone’s throw from the South Downs National Park.
Here you’ll find rolling hills to ramble and quaint market towns to explore. Or, head to the nearby vineyard to sample some local wines.
8. The Sussex Roundhouse
At number eight on our list of the best cabins in Sussex, we have The Sussex Roundhouse. Cast aside any images that pop into your mind when you think of roundhouses, this is a modern take, and there isn’t a mud wall in sight.
Inside the wooden structure, you’ll find a beautiful space. From the feature-piece bed, made of reclaimed timber, you can see the spectacular round ceiling or gaze out at the forest through the window at your feet.
Also inside is a kitchenette and sofa/dining space which can convert into a child’s bed if needed.
Outside the roundhouse, in the clearing, you will find your own private wood-fired hot tub to enjoy. There is also an outdoor covered seating area where you can relax in the evenings, or enjoy a meal prepared by your hosts.
At the farm, you can have a tour and meet all the animals, including donkeys, pigs, pygmy goats and sheep.
The hosts can also show you around the site on a guided nature tour so you will feel at home on your stay. If you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, book in for some yoga or a massage.
9. Tinkers Treehouse
A cabin in the trees definitely deserves a spot on our list of the best cabins in Sussex, so up next we have Tinkers Treehouse.
Kid’s playhouse this cabin isn’t, this treehouse is more like a luxury apartment, with the advantage of being up in the branches. Inside there is a beautiful open plan living space, complete with bedroom area, kitchen and living room.
The exposed wooden walls and ceiling give this treehouse a cosy feel, creating a relaxing atmosphere. A wood-burner keeps you toasty throughout the night, making this the perfect retreat year-round.
Step outside onto your balcony to enjoy the views across the woodland. The balcony is the perfect space to enjoy a glass of wine and plan your trip.
Below you’ll find a fire-bowl, where you can warm yourself in the evening and enjoy some melting marshmallows. Also downstairs you’ll find the separate bathroom hut with flushing toilet and rainfall shower.
Sussex awaits you in the surrounding area. Nearby you can explore Bewl Water, Scotney Castle, and Hastings seaside town.
10. Woodcutter’s Cottage
Last but not least on our list of the best cabins in Sussex we have the Woodcutter’s Cottage, a perfectly formed cabin in the woods.
Woodcutter’s Cottage has a quintessential cabin feel with wooden exterior walls, exposed beams and rustic furniture.
Inside, the cabin’s white walls complement the beams to create a light and airy space. Here there is room to sleep four, with the adults on the comfy double bed and kids on fold-out singles.
Inside, there is also a kitchenette for cooking quick meals. If you’d rather have a go at cooking outside, then try out the fire pit for an outdoor BBQ.
You can eat outside at the sheltered dining table, where you can play games or enjoy a glass of wine long into the night.
Look out for art courses on the farm, taught by local artist Catherine Farr if you want to try and capture the stunning scenery around you. If art isn’t your thing, don’t worry as there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. From vineyards to water sports, there is something for everyone.
Final Thoughts…
Any of these best cabins in Sussex would make the perfect destination for a mini-break away from the city. There is so much to do and see in the surrounding area that you certainly won’t be bored.
However, I think cabins are best enjoyed in the slow lane. Booking a stay in any of these idyllic places would be the perfect excuse to unwind and relax.
If cabins are your thing, but you want to explore a different area in the UK then check out our articles on the 10 Best Treehouses In Devon and the 10 Best Cabins In Somerset. For more content from the Cabinspo, give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
