1 / 22

Battle Pods & Bells

100%
·
· Battle, England
7 acres hosted by Philippa L.
10 glamping pitches
Avatar
Philippa is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Off grid bell tents and pods in a woodland just outside Battle

Battle Pods and Bells sits on the leafy edge of the East Sussex town of Battle offering a kind of back-to-basics glamping. The area is known as 1066 country as it was here that the Battle of Hastings took place in… well—1066, of course. Today it’s an altogether more peaceful place of little independent shops and eateries, where an English Heritage card comes in handy if you want to see the sights. All this, and the fact that it’s just seven miles from the beach at Hastings and about 90 minutes outside London, make it a great place for a weekend away. 

There are six bell tents, each sleeping four, and four pods, each sleeping two. But what do we mean by back-to-basics glamping? Is that really possible? Well, on the one hand, visitors here are glamping as there’s no need to set up a tent—or even to bring your own bedding. But on the other hand, there aren't many mod cons and there’s little to distract you from the natural surroundings. That means the whole woodland meadow is off grid and the facilities are simple: a couple of compost loos, a couple of shower cubicles, and little else besides. This place offers a simple way of life. Campfires are allowed (in hired off-ground fire pits) and you can order in logs. What’s not provided is cooking kit. As a result, if you want more than a jacket spud from the fire, make sure to bring your own gear.

The alternative to campfire cooking, of course, is to head out for a meal and, here, that’s not hard to do. Host, Philippa, counts six pubs within walking distance, though in the evening we’d suggest jumping in the car. The battlefield and abbey commemorating 1066 are the must-see sight in the area but there are lesser shouted-about pleasures too. The glamping site neighbours the 450-acre Battle Great Woods which is perfect for woodland walks, there’s a little museum in town, and it’s a short drive to plenty of other Sussex sights; not least of which is the South Coast, a 20-minute drive away.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Swimming
Natural features
Forest
Field
100%
11 Ratings · 8 reviews
Avatar
Petra C.recommends
August 28, 2024
Beech
Beautiful place, no noise in the evening, clean facilities and very friendly people.
Avatar
Graham H.recommends
June 23, 2024
Beech
We had a great couple of nights clamping in a 5m bell tent. Coffee and breakfast delivered to the door was an extra treat. Lovely hosts and a site that wasn’t crowded with plots, all topped off by a fantastic location.
Avatar
Jessica S.recommends
June 17, 2024
Elm
Lovely campsite, friendly people, clean toilets. Enjoyed sitting around the fire pit in the evening while the kids played.
Avatar
Laura O.recommends
August 30, 2023
Beech
A great experience had by all. The boys loved seeing the horses in the morning, clean, tidy and Philippa was extremely helpful and friendly!!
Avatar
Teresa H.recommends
August 19, 2023
Elm
Very dog friendly site
It was a lovely peaceful camp with everything we needed. The woods backing directly onto the campsite was really good for our dogs.
Avatar
Zoe W.recommends
July 29, 2023
Elm
Great setting and lovely welcoming bell tent ! Close to some lovely pubs for meals.
Location
Battle, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Philippa L.

Joined in November 2022
From the host
Welcome to Battle Pods & Bells: a collection of beautifully-appointed off-grid camping pods and bell tents in the heart of 1066 country. Wake up to 460-acres of woodland cycling, riding and walking (dogs welcome), and the historic town of Battle on your doorstep. The train station is just minutes away from us and only 75 minutes from London and you'll be within walking distance of 6 pubs serving great food, several takeaways (who can deliver) and one, award-winning microbrewery. So join us, unplug and count up all those blessings. Whether you choose a pod or a bell tent, you're in for a great night's sleep and a blissful day's relaxation. Each pitch has its own seating area, and all of our beds are wonderfully comfortable. And though we're off-grid and electricity-free, you'll enjoy spotlessly clean and stylish facilities, including eco loos and hot showers. Steeped in history, bathed in beautiful countryside and a stone's throw from dramatic coastlines and seaside towns, the area yields an embarrassment of riches. Join the walkers, cyclists and horse riders on the network of trails through the vast conifers of the adjoining Battle Great Wood, disappear into history as you wander through Battle Abbey, the field where King Harold fought and died and the pretty market town that grew up around it. Jump on the train to Hastings for a traditional seaside day out or seek out one of the more secluded bays and beaches that line the East Sussex coast. Or stay and chill amongst the trees, stoke the fire, relax and recharge.
Nearby attractions

Battle Pods and Bells is just a mile from Battle Abbey and Battlefield. You can wander the abbey ruins, take a walk around the battlefield and learn more about the events of 1066 in the visitor centre and gatehouse. There’s a cafe and excellent play area too. Battle also has a small museum of local history and plenty of shops to browse. Further afield, Hastings offers a shingle beach, art galleries and traditional seaside attractions as well as a lovely old town and modern shops in its town centre. It’s a 20-minute drive away (seven miles). It’s a little further; either side of Hastings to quieter beaches at Cooden and Pett Level if you just want to head for a dip in the sea.

Food and drink

There are plenty of pubs within walking distance of Battle Bells and Pods – depending on your walking ability, of course. The closest is The Chequers, Battle’s oldest inn but not necessarily its best. There’s also The Abbey Hotel, The Bull Inn, The Kings Head and The Railway, all within the town – and there are plenty in the surrounding countryside too. There are also restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and takeaways all vying for your business in Battle as well as the recommended Battle Brewery Bottle Shop and Tap Room if you’re looking for a local tipple. The High Street’s independent farm shops and a couple of supermarkets will supply everything you need if you want to cook on site.

Things to do nearby
More camping spots nearby
Campers also viewed...

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp. Camp your way by discovering and reserving unique tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping getaways. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.