“What to Expect from a Bell Tent Stay (If You’ve Never Tried It)”
If the words “bell tent glamping” conjure up vague images of a fancier tent and not much else, you’re not alone — and you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Here’s exactly what a first-timer can expect when they stay in ours, tucked on the edge of Ashdown Forest.
It’s Bigger (and Comfier) Than You’d Think
Our bell tent is a proper 6-metre canvas structure — tall enough to stand up in, wide enough for a real bed, and roomy enough that it never feels like camping in the traditional, elbows-in-your-sleeping-bag sense. Inside, we’ve been furnishing it piece by piece with retro, characterful finds — rugs, side tables, lanterns — so it feels considered rather than thrown together. Less tent, more home-from-home under canvas.
Off-Grid Doesn’t Mean Roughing It
This is the bit that surprises people most. Yes, we’re fully off-grid — but that means solar power, an LPG shower with proper hot water, and a composting loo, all working quietly behind the scenes (camouflaged into the treeline so you’d barely know they’re there). You get all the comforts of home without a single cable running back to the farmhouse.
The Setting Does Most of the Work
Ashdown Forest right on your doorstep, horses close enough to hear them settling for the night, and skies dark enough for proper stargazing. Mornings start with birdsong rather than an alarm. It’s the kind of quiet that takes most guests by surprise — in a good way.
Slow Down, On Purpose
There’s no telly, no wifi pushed at you, nothing demanding your attention. Guests tend to find themselves reading, chatting by lantern light, or simply doing nothing much at all — which, these days, is rarer than it should be. Fancy it? A hack out across the Forest the next morning pairs perfectly with a slow start over coffee.
What to Bring
We’ll sort the essentials — you just need clothes for the weather, your toothbrush, and a willingness to unplug for a night or two.
We’re putting the finishing touches on the bell tent now, with bookings opening soon. Follow along on our socials or check eastviewridingcentre.uk for updates — we’ll let you know the moment it’s ready for its first guests.
