One of two yurts tucked away in the woods just an hour and a half from London...

The two yurts at Adhurst, in the ancient woodland of South Downs National Park just an hour and a half from London, are perfect places for getting back to nature. The whole estate is an ecological treasure trove which Guy and Alison Lubbock strive to preserve despite the slowly encroaching sound of the road. They are passionate about sustainable living and invite you to set the fire, tramp through the woods and immerse yourself in a slower, more basic, way of life. The site is complete off-grid living (yes there’s a compost loo but don’t be scared!) and the yurts, made from local wood, have been decked out with solar fairy lights, wood-burners, storm kettles and wind-up radios. In keeping with the sustainable theme, the food is all from nearby too – honey from the estate's hives, plenty of fresh veg and mutton are all available in season. There are marshmallows on hand for toasting on the communal bonfire as well, although their provenance is unknown. The two yurts, near one another but out of sight, share a camp kitchen, a basic shower and the compost loo. Outside each there are deckchairs and log seats and, inside, a double bed and two camp beds which can be brought out for kids (you’ll need to bring bedding). Wood-burners keep the yurts warm and can be used to make tea, but there is also a storm kettle which can be lit with nothing more than twigs, leaves and a match. One you've had a cup of storm kettle tea, you'll be ready to explore the woods (look out for the zip wire), try a bit of horseriding, head over to watch the polo, or set off on the South Downs Way, which reaches for forty miles in one direction and sixty miles in the other, with beautiful scenery all the way. For larger groups, ask about The Flophouse, a bell tent that can be moved on site for a extra guests.

• Esentials
• Getting there
• Eating & Drinking
• Things to do
• Booking terms
• Meet your hosts

The essentials

The important stuff

• There is no cash point on site, so bring some if you wish to buy extra firewood and meals
• Please park by the tennis court workshops and we will walk you to the site, although it is possible to drive your belongings to the site upon arrival.
• You can sometimes, if you listen, hear the sound of vehicles, depending which way the wind is blowing.
• Also, the Waterloo Portsmouth train goes through our land! It whistles and takes a brief course down by the river. The yurts are not by the river. But if you are by the river the sight of the train is always exciting as it rumbles its way up the track. We usually wave.
• Please keep an eye on children at all times - tree climbing, fires and zip wires need adult supervision!
• The mobile reception in Adhurst Wood is best with Vodafone.
• Please bring refuse bags (although we will dispose of your recyclables and glass)

Sleeping arrangements

16' diameter yurt. Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children: 1 double bed and 2 optional camp beds.

Kids & Pets

Kids of all ages are welcome at Adhurst yurts but anyone sleeping on the camp beds will need to bring sleeping bags. Pets will be considered on a case by case basis.

Cooking

• Converted oil-drum BBQ in the kitchen prep area, sustainable charcoal provided
• 2 burner camp stove - shared between both yurts
• Wood burner in the yurts which you can use to boil an egg/make tea etc. Limited kindling and firewood will be provided, more on request
• Storm kettle
• Provision of all charcoal and firewood is sufficient for the first part of your stay, more is available and may be charged for
• Please bring: your favourite cooking knives, swiss army knife etc; your favourite sauces, spice and condiments, inc. salt and pepper; garlic press, vegetable peeler, salad spinner, whisk, toast griddle, matches/lighter; mortar and pestle, lemon squeezer
• Please bring refuse bags (although we will dispose of your recyclables and glass)

Washing

• Kitchen washing up tubs provided
• Solar shower shared by both Adhurst yurts.
• The privy is a compost loo, also shared by both yurts and lit up with solar fairy lights, so you can find it at night

Heating, lighting & bedding

• All bedding is included, but sleeping bags will need to be brought for anyone using the camp beds
• Please bring additional torches and lanterns and fire lighters if you need them

Entertainment

• Cards
• The tennis court. Play whenever you want, just bring your own gear

Getting there

Adhurst Wood, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5AD

By train

The nearest train station is Petersfield - from Waterloo station in London or from Portsmouth. Collections from the station can be arranged.

By car

Take the A3 from London, exit for Midhurst A272. As you leave the mortorway you will reach a roundabout where you take the first left and continue straight (PASSING along the way the turning on the right for the A272 Midhurst) and continuing a further few metres until you reach Adhurst Farm on your left. We are one hour from London. The post code is GU31 5AD.

Eating & drinking

At Adhurst

The running of the estate means that there is usually some very local mutton and venison while pheasant can also be added to the diet. Make sure you ask for the estate honey and arrange a bee-keeping weekend if you want to learn all there is about looking after a hive. Meanwhile, a walk-in hen house will soon be ready for guests to gather all your own eggs.

Pubs & restaurants

The Harrow Inn, Steep (1 mile). Highly recommended by the Lubbocks, it's also a winner of Alastair Sawday's Authentic Pubs Award and named "Unspoilt pub of the year" in the 2008 Good Pub Guide.

The Queens Head, Sheet (0.6 miles). The local! Family run pub and restaurant that does fantastic antipasto.

JSW, Petersfield (2 miles). Michelin starred chef Jake Saul Watkins serves modern British dishes in his stylish yet simple restaurant.

Things to do

At Adhurst

You're already in your own private corner of The South Downs National Park and you can join the Way that runs between Winchester and the white cliffs of Eastbourne. There's a shorter walking trail along the River Rother through the woods, a zip wire for more high-octane thrills, a tennis court available for use and various options for horse riding. Also not to be missed is Petersfield market days of Wednesday and Saturday morning.

Outdoors & active

Just a mile away along the footpaths is Durleigh Marsh Farmshop Pick-Your-Own. So many things to harvest with your own hands including blueberries, plums, flowers, herbs and of course, strawberries.

Butser Acient Farm is the world famous open air laboratory for Prehistoric and Roman agriculture and building techniques. A fascinating ancient technology 'themepark' with bookable events and courses.

Explore the spiritual site of Cittaviveka Buddhist Monastery at Chithurst.

It's free to watch the polo at Cowdray and there's also clay pigeon shooting, a restaurant and a farm shop.

Places to visit

Hollycombe is the largest traditional fairground in Britain with original steam powered 'white knuckle' rides and a small engine railway.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum is a superb collection of historic buildings and offers a chance to try Medieval village life for the day.

Take the Watercress Steam Railway for a nostalgia trip to Alresford, one of the most charming town in England with clothes and sweetie shops, and back again.

The National Trust have Uppark House, Hinton Ampner House and Petworth House nearby.

Festivals & events

Festivals

Goodwood has a wide range of festivals such as Goodwood Revival, Festival of Speed and Vintage Goodwood, but also holds music, vintage clothing, organic food, and sculpture events throughout the year.

Meet your hosts

The Lubbocks can trace their roots in Adhurst E

state back to the 1860s when John Bonham Carter bought the estate. As befits such a splendid setting it has been a venue for grand Victorian parties, shooting weekends, cricket and theatrics through the ages and is now the home of sustainable pleasure and relaxation. The estate is 500 acres of farmland, amenity woodland, river habitat, workshops, houses, cottages and a couple of wishing wells.

Environmental policy

Adhurst is part of the newly established South Down National Park but was protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beforehand. The 

amenity woodland is maintained by the on-site woodsman who has been living and working in the woods for 50 years. Thanks to his work over the years parts of the woodare verging on arboretum status with many rare specimens.

Wildlife

A land that time forgot... Fascinating mushrooms, mosses and insects that are rarities elsewhere thrive here, while deer, kingfishers, badgers and owls are all common sights. You can make a game of spotting the tiny little frogs that live here, there are that many. Keep a special look out for giant slow worms too, perfectly harmless despite their menacing name. It is also worth going on a small trek to the old sawmill to find one of the tallest examples a Sequoia (redwood tree) in the UK.