Heather on her travels

Yurts and shepherd’s huts – sleep under the stars on the South Downs

Posted: 13 Sep 2011 02:12 PM PDT

There are some parts of the UK that prove you don’t have to go halfway around the world to find the perfect holiday spot, and one of them recently became officially recognised as such. The South Downs National Park isn't short of quirky and unusual places to stay. Nestled in the peaceful counties of Hampshire and Sussex, and within easy reach of London, the South Downs became the newest of fifteen National Parks in England, Wales and Scotland when it opened in 2011, meaning it’s now a protected area of countryside for all to enjoy.

A Yurt in the woods at Adhurst in Sussex

For a region which includes the best of rural and coastal beauty, towns and villages, historical sites of interest and outdoor activities a single day is far too short, and when it comes to accommodation, this beautiful part of the world deserves no less than seriously low-impact tourism. Though that doesn’t mean it can’t be great fun, or even luxurious…

Withyfield Cottage, at Merrion Farm in Sussex

At the centre of the new National Park lies Adhurst Wood, near Petersfield, in Hampshire. Generations of intrepid young explorers have played in this ancient woodland, now home to Alison Lubbock and family, and two yurts, named after the chestnut and birch trees which surround them.

Inside the Yurt at Chestnut place in Sussex

At Chestnut Place, Alison has created the camp with sustainability in mind: there’s a green compost loo, the shower is solar powered, and so are the twinkling fairy lights. She can even bring you sustainable charcoal for the recycled oil drum barbecue. Take the kids (or a well-behaved dog) for woodland walks; discover the excellent, authentic pubs such as The Harrow Inn, a mile away; swim in the river – and try the zip wire, if you’re feeling courageous.

The Shepherds Return, a shepherd's hut on the South Downs

To the east, and still in the rural beauty of the South Downs National Park, lies The Shepherds Return, at The Hollow, in Sussex. Chintzy and charming, Lizzie’s shepherd’s hut sleeps two in cosy comfort: you burn ‘Eco logs’ wood fuel in the stove, and curl up in organic wool duvet and pillows. After a day of walking, you’ll enjoy a great night’s sleep here, and wake to a guilt-free hamper of Irish Soda bread, hot croissants, yoghurt, muesli, local preserves and organic fruit compote delivered to your doorstep. There are deer on your doorstep, too.

Inside the Shepherds Hut

Just outside the National Park, you’ll still be perfectly poised to explore all it has to offer.

Families are very welcome at Withyfield Cottage, at Merrion Farm in Sussex. Designed and built by Ben Law and his team, who featured on Channel 4′s Grand Designs with his first straw bale house, this creation has been built with equally high environmental – and aesthetic – ideals in mind. Partly constructed by local craftsmen, there’s a real sense of community behind the house, and from the wooden veranda you can sit and see the wood where the trees to clad the house were felled, and replanted.