The Hideout

We offer a dog-friendly, rural retreat in the heart of Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is predominantly made up of heathland with many pockets of woodland. The heathland is a highly protected area due to the large number of ground nesting birds that choose to breed here. We regularly see or hear woodlark, skylark, stone chat, Dartford warbler, willow warbler, redpoll, siskin, and nightjar. In spring 2024, we have four lapwing nests in the heathland near Bushy Willows.

Waterfalls & more

Ashdown Forest has over 5000 acres of open-access land to explore.

This is the Garden of Eden Waterfall (left), about a 30-minute walk from The Hideout.

Places to go

The Hatch Inn is at the opposite end of Kidds Hill. An old, low-ceilinged, small pub. In the summer it spills out into the garden on all sides of the pub. In the winter, it is cosy and has open fires. Always book to be sure of a table. The food is good, and it is very dog-friendly.

The Gallipot in Upper Hartfield. Another old pub with very good food. Again, it's dog friendly. And lovely views from the garden if the weather is good. Book ahead to be sure of a table, especially on weekends.

The Bear Inn in Hartfield. A family friendly pub right in the village and next to the pretty church and old village cottages. The Honeypot is a coffee shop which is open from 8 - 11am for breakfast, coffees and cakes.

The Hurstwood is a pub in High Hurstwood, but it's really more like a restaurant with very good food. Book ahead for a weekend. It's dog-friendly.

Java and Jazz are for pizza, salads, coffee, and cake. Open all day from breakfast. Dog friendly.

The Seasons Cafe is our favourite cafe in the world! Vegetarian food is exciting and very popular with the locals. Open 8 am to 4 pm. Dog friendly. Book at weekends or take your chances. Service can be a little slow.

The Hopyard Drink, eat and dance the night away. Check their website for events.