In a new series putting travel experiences to the test, our expert ventured to Sussex to review the UK's first off-grid glamping destination. Published on January 3, 2026, this honest account asks: is it worth your time and money?
A Therapeutic Escape From Modern Convenience
Journalist Kitty Chrisp admits to initial scepticism about spending a night in a canvas tent during a winter storm. The prospect of no electricity, oven, or instant hot water seemed a world away from a cosy Airbnb. However, the reality at Feather Down's Lunsford Farm site proved surprisingly therapeutic.
The very acts of cooking on a fire, lighting lanterns, and boiling water for washing up became a mindful retreat, rivalling the relaxation of a five-star spa. While the British weather was its typical self, the experience was profoundly more memorable.
Inside the Off-Grid Glamping Experience
Greeted by farmer Andrew, whose family has worked the coastal land for generations, guests are led to their wooden and canvas tent. The structure, one of four in a field, features hard floors, two bedrooms, and a cubby, sleeping up to six.
The heart of the tent is the log burner, essential for heat, cooking, and light. This centrepiece demands engagement, turning meal preparation into a focused, almost meditative activity. A slow-cooked spaghetti bolognese or onions chopped by candlelight become events, not chores.
Facilities are deliberately basic. There is no in-tent hot water, relying instead on the fire-heated hob. A flushing toilet is mercifully present. Showers are located a five-minute walk away in a heated barn, a setup far superior to a port-a-loo. A cool box with ice packs and a charming honesty shop cater to practical needs.
Exploring the Sussex Coast and Beyond
Located between Hastings and Rye, Lunsford Farm offers stunning coastal vistas. Days can be spent walking pebble beaches, exploring the chocolate-box village of Rye, or hiking in Hastings. A visit to Battle Abbey, site of the 1066 battle, proved a fascinating historical detour.
Local life is embraced at pubs like The Royal Oak in Pett, offering a warm, community atmosphere distinct from London's anonymity. Feather Down operates similar sites across the UK and Europe, with varying levels of luxury from hot tubs to private showers.
The Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
Prices start from around £400 for a six-person tent for two nights, with smaller couple's tents available from £160 for two nights.
Pros: A genuine chance to disconnect, with activities suiting both couples and families. The location offers excellent coastal exploration.
Cons: A total lack of modern convenience and luxury. This is not a five-star hotel.
Verdict: A brilliant, refreshing experience for the open-minded adventurer seeking an analogue escape. It is decidedly not for those who crave convenience.
