Travel just isn’t happening at the moment for most people. Whether you’re nervous about hopping on a plane, or concerned that just as you arrive on your getaway that quarantine rules and travel corridors may change, a staycation is your best bet. And a unique UK staycation is pretty attainable, especially now that we’re entering “shoulder season,” where bookings aren’t as hard to make.
Staycations are the new vacations
Okay, first let me just begin this by saying that I don’t really like the word staycation if you’re actually traveling somewhere. If you’re going twenty minutes up the road, then by all means call it a staycation. But, if you’re getting on a train and leaving the city, it’s a vacation!
A Unique UK Staycation – or vacation
I was desperate to travel somewhere. I really wanted to get on a plane and go to another country, but sadly it just hasn’t worked out and I’m not sure I feel comfortable promoting overseas travel right now. I didn’t want to do a day trip either. But, with that being said, there are so many great places to visit in the UK.
And one of those is The Shepherd’s Hide in rural Essex. This clamping experience for two is so cozy and relaxing. Located on a farm in Colchester, you couldn’t be further from hectic city life. Kick back and relax in your refurbed shepherd’s hut — there are two to choose from.
I stayed in Wigeon which was the original hut. Now you can also stay in Teal, which is brand new.
The Experience
I spent my three days and two nights reading, sipping on tea, and enjoying the lovely views. I also hung out with a lot of chickens.
There’s a great private patio for each hut where you can kick back and relax and enjoy the outdoors and everything that comes with it. Wake to birds chirping instead of loud city noises. Cook dinner on the hot plate or in the oven. If it’s cold out, light up the wood burner to warm up. Enjoy a BBQ and sip on the delicious local apple juice that is provided to you upon check in.
There are also some paths that you can follow through the farm to Wivenhoe. I didn’t explore them as I was really just interested in not doing much of anything (there’s no cell service which is amazing). You’re also pretty close to Colchester, the oldest recorded town in the UK and Mersea Island, where you can enjoy the beach.
How To Get There
If you decide to drive to the Shepherd’s Hide there is parking provided for you. I took public transport and it was very simple.
Grab a train from London Liverpool Street to Alresford. You’ll have to switch at Colchester. The whole journey takes a little bit over an hour. Once you get to Alresford you’ll need to take the bus to the Mill. It takes about five-ten minutes and costs about 2.80 pounds.
Checking In / COVID
Check in is super easy. I got a little lost walking down from the bus stop because I turned the wrong way. I simply called the owner, Polly, and she directed me to Wigeon. We never came into contact. The key was left in the door.
I had to make my own bed and I wasn’t provided any fresh food (the website says usually you get fresh eggs). It was very clean and at check out I was asked to strip the bed and put my towels and linens into a bag.
I found this process to be fine. I didn’t encounter anyone the entire time I was there, which was what I was looking for!
How to book
I booked my trip on Canopy and Stars. It was 100 pounds per night, with a two night minimum (and totally worth it in my opinion).
Pin it For Later:
