Wild heaven
Welcome to Battle Pods & Bells. I'm Philippa, and this little patch of East Sussex is our pride and joy. We have a handful of lovingly-appointed off-grid pods and bell tents tucked alongside 460 acres of ancient woodland; perfect for cycling, riding, walking and generally doing nothing in the best possible way. Dogs are absolutely welcome.
The historic town of Battle is on your doorstep, the train station is just minutes away (only 75 minutes from London), and you're within stumbling distance of six great pubs, several takeaways who'll deliver to our door, and one award-winning microbrewery. So come and join us. Unplug, breathe, and count up all those blessings!
"Had the best night ever with the bestest of friends. A totally amazing place to get away from it all, cannot recommend Battle Pods and Bells enough"
- Rebecca
How It All Began
Battle Pods & Bells wasn't planned... it grew from a dream.
My husband and I had always hoped to bring horses home one day, and when we found just under 10 acres of run-down land on the edge of Battle Great Wood, something about it just felt right. We completed the purchase in March 2020, just three days before the first lockdown.
One evening, we walked the back field together and both said the same thing at the same time: "this would make a beautiful glamping site". With 460 acres of ancient woodland stretching out behind us, it was hard to argue. Through lockdown we cleared the land, prepared the pitches, and tracked down our pods and bell tents. By May 2020 we nervously shared our brand new website and within days we were completely inundated with people desperate for somewhere quiet and beautiful to escape to.
Now in our sixth season, we're still here, still adding new touches every year, and still genuinely delighted every time guests arrive. This place means everything to us, and I hope you love it as much as we do.
Philippa x
"It was so nice to be completely off grid and be able to immerse ourselves in nature. The outdoor but private showers were also a great feature too! We already can’t wait to return!”
- Elijah
Your choice of comfort zone
Pod or bell tent, you're in for a great night's sleep.
Every pitch has its own seating area, the beds are wonderfully comfortable, and our eco facilities (including proper hot showers) are spotlessly clean. Off-grid doesn't mean roughing it here!
I spent a long time choosing every detail before I'd let a single guest through the gate. I wanted it to feel like somewhere I'd genuinely want to stay myself, and I think we got there!
Yours to explore
Ancient woodland, dramatic coastline, a town built around a battlefield - the area around Battle has a lot going on.
Explore the trails of Battle Great Wood, walk the very field where King Harold fought and died in 1066, or wander the pretty market town that grew up around the Abbey in the centuries that followed. Fancy the seaside? Hastings is just a short train ride away, and there are quieter bays and beaches dotted along the East Sussex coast if you know where to look. Or do absolutely nothing. That's allowed too.
An early morning walk through Battle Great Wood is hard to beat, you'll almost certainly have it to yourself. And for food and a fire, the Chequers Pub in Battle is my favourite ... warm, welcoming, and thoroughly local.
"The whole off grid feel is wonderful. Quiet site, basic loos, SUPER shower and very comfy pod to sleep in. All you can hear at night are woodland creatures. Philippa, our host, couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. Lovely place”
- Simon
"Couldn’t have asked for more perfect setting, very comfy cabin with fire pit, fairy lights and a bench/table outside. 10 minute walk into Battle, 3 minute walk into the forest. Toilets and showers very clean, hosts where lovely and warm/accommodating. We bought the dog on his first holiday and he loved it too. Will be coming back. Lovely to get back to basics and be able to totally switch off.”
- Steve
Eat your heart out
There's nothing so good for the soul as food cooked over an open fire, and if you've chanced upon any of the area's many butchers, bakers, delis and farm shops, you'll be in for quite a feast. You'll get your own fire pit and logs can be delivered daily, so settle down with a beer from our friends at Battle Brewery and let the evening unwind.
Not that you have to cook of course: order on arrival, and we'll bring you a lovely breakfast in the morning. What's more, each of our six local pubs serves great food and drink and they're all within stumbling distance. Failing that, if you fancy Italian, Thai, Indian or old good old fish and chips, you can visit one of the surrounding takeaways or even have your food delivered. Easy now, anyone would think you're on holiday.
Contact Us
Whether you'd like to book, find out what's available, join our mailing list or just say hi, we'd love to hear from you.
Fill out the enquiry form & we'll come back to you as soon as possible!