Seclusion, jeep safaris, and virtual wine tastings? Count us in.

Lockdown got you feeling a little boxed in? Would the sound of silence be music to your ears right now? Then how about booking a secluded post-lockdown staycation at the tranquil Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts?

Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts are set on a family farm near Aldington on the Romney Marsh, a sparsely populated wetland area in Kent that’s designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but often slips under the radar. The two traditional shepherds’ huts – Rumwold and Lookerer – have been designed as romantic rural retreats that incorporate a touch of luxury and offer couples an idyllic place to relax, recharge and get back to nature amidst vast open skies and miles of countryside.

The cosy huts are the perfect romantic hideaway for couples post lockdown and come fully equipped with a double bed, kitchen including hob and outdoor fire pit, a built-in toilet and shower room and toiletries from the family’s sister business – Romney Marsh Wools. On arrival, couples can also opt to have their Hut stocked with locally sourced breakfast produce.

The Huts’ owners Kristina and Paul Boulden family have lived and farmed on the Romney Marsh since 1882 and have over 130 years’ experience of the area. The Marsh has a diversity of habitats, extensive coastline and rich history. Today the family farm across just over 3,000 acres across the Romney Marsh growing crops as well as keeping a small suckler herd of cattle and keep circa 1,000 indigenous Romney ewes, also known as ‘Kentish Sheep’ who graze on our clover rich pastures. The family are delighted to be able to share the landscape they manage within this peaceful countryside which is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and explorers of historic towns, quaint villages, ancient churches and wildlife.

For travel in April 2021, a two-night stay in the Lookerer Hut is priced from £321 for two adults sharing. For travel in May 2021, a two-night stay in the Lookerer Hut is priced from £332 for two adults sharing.
To book, visit www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk or call 01580 720 770.

Wait, there’s more:

Creative, Foodie and Active Adventures available to guests at Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

Since the launch of the Huts in 2018, the owners have worked to build relationships with a range of local business owners and artists who offer numerous creative and active/adventure/outdoor activities which guests can enjoy during their stay. Optional add-ons include:

  • Marsh Jeep Safari with Channel Bike Hire from £45pp for a half-day tour including lunch at a locals’ favourite eatery – tours take place on the Romney Marsh and around Dungeness in Kent. Note, the same supplier also offers bike hire from £20pp per day (bikes can be dropped for free to guests at RMSH and then left at an arranged meeting point to save guests having to actually return the bikes) – naturally, only a beginner level of fitness needed for any bike hire
  • Craft and felting classes with a local textile artist and designer Rachel Murrell where guests can learn the art of needle felting using pre-dyed wool from the Romney sheep on the family farm so as to make their own gifts and Christmas decorations (for 2021) – priced at £60pp for 3hrs including refreshments, cake and biscuits or £70 to include a Ploughmans lunch. Guests will also receive a Romney Marsh Wools felting kit (worth £20) to use on the day and take home to continue their new found skill. Crafting photos included within WeTransfer link below. More information here
  • Photography sessions with a local photographer and artist Casey Brett who will teach guests how to capture the spectacular views of the Romney Marsh from £25pp for a 2.5 hr lesson – all from the comfort of their Hut. Alternatively, guests can spend a day learning analogue and camera lens techniques such as cyanotypes and Lumen printing at Casey’s studio in nearby Evegate. Priced at £60pp with all equipment and lunch included. More information here
  • Art tutor classes with RMSH’s Artist in Residence Steve Thomson who has over 40 years experience to including a role as Head of Art at the prestigious English College in Prague. Priced at £30pp per hour or a cheaper rate of £25 per hour for longer periods (e.g. an afternoon session), Steve provides guests with all materials needed including painting surfaces (canvas, paper etc). He then meets guests staying at the Huts at a pre-arranged location on Romney Marsh (eg. one of the churches, seafront etc) and they undertake a painting session together with Steve giving guidance throughout supported by demonstrations of methods and techniques plus feedback. The aim is to encourage course participants to make work that they are pleased with and which enhances their holiday break and creates a memory. Classes are fun and include some context and background on the location. They are suitable for complete beginners and those with some previous experience
  • Virtual wine tours with Wine Tours of Kent are also available from £75pp (for this, wine will be delivered to your Hut from participating vineyards). In-person tours are also available (post lockdown) from £93pp

After a busy day of crafting, guests staying in the Huts can opt to dine on a pre-ordered three-course Gourmet Dinner Service from Kentish Home Feasts. Made locally by experienced caterer Sinead Bailey, meals are delivered directly to the guests’ Hut all ready to be heated up and enjoyed. Priced from £30pp. BBQ packs and picnic hampers are also available on request. Then, as the sun sets, guests can settle in for a night under the stars by the fire pit, or cosy up with the log burner on the go.
More information: https://romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk

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