Woodgate Farm / Woodland & walks
Ten acres of ancient woodland, and walks from the door
Every guest has the run of our wood, a few minutes’ stroll from the lodges and the farmhouse. Beyond it, footpaths lead off across the High Weald.
Bluebells in the wood, late April.
An old wood, brought back to life
The wood is coppice: magnificent oaks standing over hornbeam and sweet chestnut, with ash and aspen among them. From late April into May the bluebells come up underneath, and the whole floor turns blue.
Hardly any work had been done in it for thirty years. With a grant from Sussex Lund, and the help of volunteers staying on the farm, we reopened the rides and coppiced in stages. The logs were stacked and the brushwood laid along the rides as shelter for birds, insects and small animals.
More light reaches the ground now, and the birds took advantage straight away. Guests often mention the dawn chorus. The felled timber is used on the farm for fencing and for fuel.
Walks from the door
To the bakery in Northiam
Our favourite. Through the wood and across the fields to the next village, where Will’s bakery and café on Main Street does coffee, fresh bread and breakfast. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way.
To the pub
The Rose & Crown is half a mile away, about ten minutes on foot. It’s a free house with two real fires, home-cooked food and a garden with a fine view.
Round the farm
Twenty-two acres to wander: along the stream, round the pond, across the meadow and into the wood. Short enough for small legs and for before breakfast.
Further afield
The country around Beckley is laced with public footpaths through more ancient coppice, orchards and sheep pasture. Ask us when you arrive and we’ll point you the right way.
Beckley lies in the High Weald National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of small fields, sunken lanes and scattered woods.
The gardens
Round the farmhouse is a cottage garden at its best in June: roses over iron arches, foxgloves and alliums in the borders, and a wooden moon gate framing the lawn beyond.
There’s a bench under the weeping willow, and seats tucked into the long grass on the far side of the gate. Help yourself.
The farm through the year
Spring
Bluebells in the wood from late April, the dawn chorus at full volume, and the garden waking up.
Summer
Long evenings on the deck, roses on the arches, goals and a trampoline on the lawn. Camber Sands is half an hour away for a day on the beach.
Autumn
The coppice turns copper and gold. The best season for the walk to the bakery and back.
Winter
Underfloor heating, the fire lit in Silver Birch, frost on the fields. If you’re here in December there’ll be a Christmas tree in your lodge.
Come and walk it yourself
Our best rate, a personal welcome and no booking fees. Tell us your dates and we’ll reply by email — or simply ring.
- Eco lodgesSleep four each. Price is per lodge, per week.
- from £600peak weeks from £900
- Lodge short breaksMonday to Friday, or Friday to Monday
- ask us
- B&B double roomPer night for two, breakfast included
- £120
- B&B single occupancyPer night, breakfast included
- £100