Blackberry Wood

🍂 A Wonderful Week of Halloween and a Magical Christmas Ahead at Blackberry Wood Events

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:23:41 GMT

�� A Spooktacular Halloween in the Woods

This October, Blackberry Wood Events transformed into a true Halloween haven , hidden deep within our enchanting forest. The air was filled with the scent of bonfires and fallen leaves as guests wandered through pathways lined with glowing pumpkins and rustic autumn décor. Twinkling fairy lights hung from the branches, casting a soft glow over the woods and creating a spellbinding atmosphere that captured the very heart of Halloween.

Our Halloween Woodland Trail was the highlight of the week — a magical journey through the forest where every corner held a new surprise. Visitors discovered bubbling potion tables filled with mysterious bottles and colourful brews, a skeletons’ dinner party mid-feast beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, and a vast spider’s web stretched across the path that brave souls had to crawl beneath.

Among the trees, pumpkin-headed scarecrows stood proudly on guard, their carved faces flickering in the lantern light. One of the most memorable sights was the misty bridge , shrouded in fog that swirled and danced as guests crossed — a hauntingly beautiful moment that had both children and adults in awe.

Families and friends joined us throughout the week to carve pumpkins, follow the spooky trail, and gather around the firepits for stories and laughter under the stars. Children carried their glowing creations home, while parents and friends sipped hot chocolate and mulled cider, soaking in the cozy forest atmosphere.

It truly was a wonderful week filled with community spirit, creativity, and joy. We want to thank everyone who joined us for bringing your Halloween magic — your costumes, smiles, and laughter filled the woods with warmth, wonder, and just the right amount of spookiness.

We're in the News!

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:27:13 GMT

We're in the News!

We are absolutely over the moon to find out we are in the news!

" A woodland home to a 1960s helicopter and twisted Disney-style treehouses has been named the best family staycation, according to Time Out"

A huge thank you to everyone who comes to Blackberry Wood, and makes it as wonderful as it is.

You can read the article here - Amazing hidden gem fairytale woods named best place for a UK family staycation - Mirror Online

Bon Vivant Food Truck Dates at Blackberry Wood

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:29:00 GMT

Bon Vivant Food Van Dates at Blackberry Wood!

We have wonderful news!

The wonderful guys from Bon Vivant will be here pretty much EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT FROM 6PM, from this Saturday (30th March) up until the end of September!

Saturdays they will not be here:

18th May

1st June (will be here Friday 31st May instead)

29th June (will be here on Friday 28th June instead)

6th July

Menu in the photos....it's SO yummy!

The Nutmeg Tree in Ditchling

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:17:44 GMT

It's like stepping back in time...in a good way!

If you're a fan of the old world, The Nutmeg Tree in Ditchling is a slice of the old world. A Victorian tea room, full of character and charm, is just up the road from The Bull and The Green Welly.

Serving homemade cakes, scones, breakfast and lunch, they offer a wide menu, including their infamous cream tea.

If you like to enjoy the old world and spoil yourself with yummy food, a visit to the Nutmeg Tree is a must.

Booking ahead advisable.

No car park available.

Website - https://www.thenutmegtree.co.uk/

The Green Welly in Ditchling

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:13:35 GMT

The Green Welly in Ditchling

The Green Welly in Ditchling is a gorgeous little cafe, just on the corner opposite The Bull.

The ladies who run it are wonderful and friendly. They serve homemade cakes, scones, breakfast and lunch.

If you like to read a book and hide away for a couple of hours, The Green Welly is a must visit.

No car park available.

Website - https://www.thegreenwellycafe.co.uk/

Bella & Megs in Hassocks

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:07:36 GMT

If you love a scone, you'll love Bella & Megs!

Bella and Megs is a gorgeous little cafe in Hassocks on the main high street.

Serving homemade cakes, scones, breakfast and lunch, they have a delicious menu. The cafe has a wonderful and inviting vibe.

Booking ahead advisable.

No car park available.

Link to Bella and Megs Facebook page (includes opening hours, etc) - https://www.facebook.com/p/Bella-Megs-100063675545944/

The Bull in Ditchling

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:21:07 GMT

The Bull in Ditchling

If you are coming to stay at Blackberry Wood and are looking for a great pub; whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Bull in Ditchling is definitely worth a visit.

There is an open fire on all day in the main bar area, as well as a restaurant area you can enjoy. During the warmer months, they have a gorgeous beer garden you can spend time in.

The food is really good, using locally sourced ingredients and taking so much care in the food they prepare. We can highly recommend the beefburger which is so yummy, and their Sunday lunch is epic!

If you have an electric car, they also have charging points. They are also dog friendly.

The Bull is somewhere you could spend all day and if you're lucky enough to have Philo looking after you, you'll be in for a treat.

Booking ahead is advisable.

Parking available.

Vegan options available.

If you have any allergies, the team will ask you when you place your order.

Website link - https://www.thebullditchling.com/

Guinea Pig World!

Sat, 13 May 2023 16:02:29 GMT

Say Hello to Guinea Pig World!

We have a glamping unit at Blackberry Wood, that isn't for humans...it's for guinea pigs! Welcome to Guinea Pig World!

Eclipse was originally part of the Blackberry Wood Family - he is 5 years old, so Eclipse is the

Grandad of the bunch.

Blackberry, Hawthorn, Marmite and Toast were rescued, and rehomed at Blackberry Wood.

Guinea Pig World is a safe and fun environment for the guinea pigs to live in - spending time either indoors or outdoors;

it's their choice. They are the most spoiled guinea pigs!

Guinea Pig World is for our guests to enjoy, while spending time at Blackberry Wood.

Children adore guinea pigs, and for adults, some may say that guinea pigs have healing powers, which help with stress and feeling overwhelmed. So, it's a win win for the whole family.

If you are coming to stay at Blackberry Wood, you may wish to bring some vegetables or fruit to feed the guinea pigs.

The guinea pigs eat and love:

Pink watermelon

Raw peppers

Cucumber

Raw Carrots

Lettuce

Apples

You can also pick seasonal plants at Blackberry Wood that the guinea pigs love, including:

Dandelions

Daisies

Burdock

Grass

Guinea Pig World is not open to the general public - sorry.

Dolly and Elvis Seen at Blackberry Wood

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 09:21:58 GMT

The Silver Bullet is Here!

The Silver Bullet, an iconic 1986 Airstream experience is waiting for you! If you love everything about the USA, you will absolutely love the Silver Bullet! If you're working "9-5" and "nothing but a hound dog" wishing you were "born in the USA" this is your cup of tea!

The Silver Bullet can sleep 4 people, in one double bed in a separate bedroom and one sofa bed in the main living area.

Outside, there is your own private seating area, with a firepit/bbq, deck chairs and a table bench to sit & eat at.

All our units are shoe-free zones so bring along some slippers too.

Sorry, no pets!

There is a shower room with a toilet, shower and sink, as well as a good sized kitchen with a huge fridge freezer, induction hob, a kettle and a toaster.

There is an oil radiator and a fan heater in the Silver Bullet.

What is provided: Toilet roll, tea towel, washing up liquid, cloth, kettle, cutlery & utensils, plates/bowls, glasses, cups and caffetterie.

What you will need to bring with you: All of your own towels and bedding (pillows, duvets, duvet covers and fitted sheets; one double sheet and one king size sheet).

Where to park: There is an allocated car parking space, with a private path leading down to the Airstream. Look out for the sign!

If you would like to experience a slice of the U.S.A, visit The Silver Bullet page here - https://www.blackberrywood.com/the-silver-bullet

Celebrate Good Times Come On!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:48:21 GMT

Our Celebration Packages are Ready to Order!

If someone you know is coming to stay at Blackberry Wood, or you would like to surprise your family or friends on arrival at Blackberry Wood, we offer Celebration Packages.

Whether it’s for a birthday, a thank you, an anniversary, for newlyweds or a couple recently engaged, or for absolutely no reason at all, a celebration package is a lovely way to surprise friends or family.

Packages range from £10.00 to £105.00.

Add ons include beautiful, bespoke jewellery and handmade scarves & shawls, which are available for any Celebration package.

Please see the bottom of this page for more information about our local suppliers and photographs.

As an eco campsite, we do not offer balloons or crackers as part of our packages.

If you would like to send anything to be added, please send to:

Blackberry Wood, Reception, Streat Lane, Hassocks, Sussex, BN6 8RS

Please DO NOT send us balloons to blow up.

If you would like to order a celebration cake, please scroll down to the bottom of this page to discover Truffles Bakery.

We need at least 7 days notice for Celebration Packages.

Celebration packages can be ordered during the booking process as an extra at Blackberry Wood via our website or please email stay@blackberrywood.com.

If you are ordering via our website during a booking , please choose your Celebration Package as an 'extra'

All Celebration Packages have a reference, so please make sure you pick the correct one.

Add ons of any jewellery, scarves or shawls can be ordered as an 'extra' via our website.

Please add your message for inside the card in the notes section.

If you are ordering via email, please email us at stay@blackberrywood.com with:

The reference of the Celebration package you would like to order.

Any add ons of jewellery, scarves or shawls.

The guest name/s and date booked for who the Celebration Package is for.

Please add your message for inside the card.

Packages will be displayed in a beautiful way, inside the accommodation or for when a camper arrives at reception.

If you have any questions about our Celebration Packages that are not below, please email us at stay@blackberrywood.com:

Can I let you know what I would like written inside the hand made card?

Of course; if you are ordering via the website, add it in the notes section and if you are ordering via email, please add it into the email.

2. Can I select a different flavour of crisps in my Celebration Package?

Of course; if you are ordering via the website, add it in the notes section and if you are ordering via email, please add it into the email.

3. Are Celebration Packages available all year round?

Absolutely; we need 7 days notice.

4. What bunting will be in my Celebration Package?

We will match the bunting to the celebration; we have birthday bunting and other celebration bunting.

5. What hand made card will be in my Celebration Package?

We will match the card to the celebration; if you would like something specific and are ordering via the website, add it in the notes section and if you are ordering via email, please add it into the email.

6. If I place an order via email, how do I pay for the Celebration Package?

We will send you our bank details on our reply email, along with a reference number, so you can bank transfer us the payment.

If you're in the mood to celebrate, here's Kool & The Gang with their classic, "Celebrate Good Times Come On"; click here for happiness !

We are very proud to work alongside our local suppliers, and they are:

Ditchling Spirits - https://ditchlingspirits.com/

Silver Rocket - https://silverrocketbrewing.co.uk/

360 - https://www.360degreebrewing.com/

Bedlam Brewery - https://bedlambrewery.co.uk/

Ohla is a very dear friend of Blackberry Wood and sells beautiful, handmade scarves and shawls.

Annette is a very dear friend of Blackberry Wood and sells beautiful, bespoke jewellery.

The Soap People - https://www.thesoappeople.co.uk/

Sussex Crisps - https://www.sussexcrisps.com/

Artelium Wine - https://www.artelium.com/

Looking for a celebration cake? After Skye tried a slice of cake from a guest who ordered a cake (thanks Babs!), we're very happy to

recommend Truffles Bakery - https://www.trufflesbakery.co.uk/

Snugglebug is Our New Glamping Accommodation

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 09:27:06 GMT

You can get "as snug as a bug" in Snugglebug!

We are very excited to introduce our newest arrival into our Glamping area, Snugglebug!

Beautifully designed and all the way from Estonia, Snugglebug can sleep 4 people, in 2 double beds. Situated at the top end of the Glamping area, you have great views and a raised deck to sit on, and enjoy.

There is a separate bedroom with a double bed, and the living area converts into the second double bed.

Being perfectly insulated and fully heated, Snugglebug is toasty inside, even on a cold winters day.

The windows are a stunning feature of Snugglebug; you can sit and watch the world go by, and in the evening, you can star gaze from the comfort of your snuggly cabin. We provide some snuggly blankets, so you can get "as snug as a bug."

Outside Snugglebug, there is your own private deck, with a seating area, firepit/bbq, deck chairs and a table bench to sit & eat at.

There is a shower room with a toilet, shower and sink, as well as a small kitchen with a kettle, toaster and an all singing, dancing microwave oven. Please note there is no hob in Snugglebug due to the space restrictions.

If you would like to find out more about Snugglebug or book a stay, please visit our Snugglebug page, and we look forward to seeing you get "as snug as a bug" very soon.

Bookings for 2023

PH162389 — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:24:14 GMT

Change to our booking requirements for Glamping

In order to help us cope better with changeovers and make staffing the site easier, we are changing our booking requirement for all our glamping options to 3 nights minimum stay at weekends. Mid-week bookings stay the same with a 2-night minimum booking requirement. This will apply to bookings from January 2023.

Open for Christmas!

PH162389 — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 12:09:02 GMT

Come get away from it all this Christmas!

For the first time in many years Blackberry Wood will be open for Christmas. Do you want to get away from it all? Do you want to spend a Christmas somewhere out of the ordinary? Do your visitors need somewhere to stay? Why not book one of our quirky accommodation options such as the Holiday Bus or the Fire Engine? Or move up a notch and stay in a Treehouse for the ultimate Christmas treat. Minimum number of nights apply.

New woodland playground is here!

PH162389 — Wed, 05 May 2021 07:31:14 GMT

Even more fun in the woods

We used 3rd lockdown wisely and finished this little project just in time for our April reopening

Holiday Bus gets upgraded!

PH162389 — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 09:42:06 GMT

2nd lockdown project

We used the enforced closure of our site to spruce up our beloved Holiday Bus and give it a well-deserved new downstairs floor with underfloor heating! No more traipsing to the shower block for visits to the bathroom with the new shower room-luxury! We also removed some of the old cupboards to make space for a comfy seating area, beatifully upholstered in the original routemaster moquette. We hope you will love it!

New Red Coat for Bus

Wed, 27 May 2020 13:09:35 GMT

The Holiday Bus gets shiny

We have been making the most of a quiet, empty site and have been giving our quirky glamping options some well-deserved tlc. This week the turn came to the Bus which, thanks to the brilliant people at #southdownbodyshop, now has a shiny, new, red coat. #bling #glamping #holiday #bus #silverlining

Angus the Fire Engine has arrived!!

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Easter Fun with Second Nature!

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 11:27:18 GMT

If you are coming to stay with us over the Easter holidays, you can pre-book some fun bushcraft activities including fire lighting skills and camp fire cooking, den building, camouflage & stealth games, animal tracks & signs and nature walks with Nicky Fish at www.second-nature.co.uk

Gift vouchers for that perfect present!

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

For the latest reviews.

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Click on the Facebook link above top right to get the latest reviews and “Like” us if you want us to keep you up to date.

New lower mid-week rate for our Treehouses!

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 23:00:00 GMT

To give as many of you as possible the opportunity to stay in our Treehouses we have decided to lower the mid-week nightly rate from now until end of March to £160 (exclusions apply)

Thai food available for take-away!

Sun, 14 May 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Fancy having home-cooked Thai food delivered to your abode, be it a tree house or a tent? Wednesdays to Saturdays Tiny Thai will take your order and do just that. See their website for more info and to place an order.

www.tinythai.co.uk

FAQs

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

We have updated some of our FAQs so please have a read , especially the sections on ‘groups’, ‘check-in times’ and ‘day visitors’

Have a look at this!

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Here’s a nice blog by one of our guests

http://ellie-and-co.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/a-weekend-on-wild-side.html

Bike Hire

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT

To explore the South Downs by bike visit www.hassockscommunitycyclehire.com

Take a tour

Sun, 07 Jun 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Click on the link for a little taster of what we’re about!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRcTEbI66LY

Welcome!

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Please join us in welcoming Duncan and Wendy to the Blackberry Wood gang. They are our new warden couple who will help us run the site and they are very much looking forward to meeting you all!

Ditchling Museum of Arts and Craft

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Visit Ditchling’s award-winning museum with wonderful exhibitions of artists who lived and worked locally. www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

Watersports

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:00:00 GMT

Based in Worthing and great for watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. www.baker-academy.com

Ridgeview Vineyard

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:00:00 GMT

Visit our local vineyard and sample some of their award-winning sparkling wine. www.ridgeview.co.uk

Plumpton Tennis Club

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

3 tennis courts open to the public. Just go to the local shop in Plumpton (30 min walk/10 min drive) and pick up the key. £3 per adult or £8 per court per hour

For Rainy Days

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The SeaLife centre in Brighton is a good option. www.visitsealife.com/brighton/

Or go swimming at the Triangle in Burgess Hill (waterslides etc) www.freedom-leisure.co.uk

Brighton

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Brighton Pier and seafront-for that quintessential English seaside feel! New for 2011 is the Brighton Wheel-a sky voyage of Brighton and Hove www.brightonwheel.com

Drusillas

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Zoo and fun park, great for the whole family. www.drusillas.co.uk

Seven Sisters

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Hike along beautiful white cliffs with stunning views of the English Channel. www.sevensisters.org.uk

Bluebell Railway

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Travel back in time on old steam trains through beautiful Sussex countryside. www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

A new arrival on the Wild Side!

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Our new, fabulously wacky toilets have landed on the Wild Side! Designed and built by local talent Rob Demel.

The Jolly Sportsman

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Hidden Gourmet heaven, with top-dollar beer and top-dollar prices! After a 40 minute cross-country walk, with spectacular views across the downs you will be rewarded with the finest food in Sussex and weekly changing guest beers. Not for the budget-conscious. Booking essential. Now open 7 days a week.

Tel: 01273 890 400

The Green Welly

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Cafe/restaurant with high quality food and great coffee and cakes in the heart of Ditchling (45-minute walk).

Tel: 01273 841010

The White Horse

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The locals’ pub in Ditchling(45-minute walk) with good food and good beer. www.whitehorseditchling.com

Tel: 01273 842006

The Nutmeg Tree Cafe

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Ye Olde Worldy atmosphere with good value food, cosy inside and nice courtyard outside. www.ditchlingtearooms.co.uk

Tel: 01273 842 708

The Bull

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A good all-rounder in the heart of Ditchling (a 45-minute walk), great food, good atmosphere. www.thebullditchling.com

Tel: 01273 843 147

The Half Moon

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Blackberry Wood’s closest pub, a 40-minute(ish) jaunt through fields and woods to the foot of the South Downs. Good food, good beer, excellent outside play area for kids with real tractors! www.halfmoonplumpton.com

Tel: 01273 890 253

Touch Down!

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Helicopter is ready! She’s had a new coat of paint on the outside and a whole new inside. We think she looks great! We’re only waiting for the booking system to be updated and we’re off! So if you fancy the idea of spending New Year’s Eve somewhere very different, now’s your chance!

Last minute availability.

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:53:25 GMT

Be sure to follow us on Twitter or like us in Facebook to get last minute availability and occasional Blackberry Wood news.

Because many people have booked pitches up to a year in advance often at the last minute we will release cancelled pitches or pitches where there have been no shows.

Special visit

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT

We had a special visit from former Royal Navy Pilot Jerry Grayson who flew our Holicopter on 5 occasions in his career. He has now written a book about his life and as part of his book tour is trying to trace all the aircraft he once flew. He was quite surprised to find one in the woods in Sussex but had a good night’s sleep in our Holicopter! Read more here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3027594/Helicopter-hero-travelled-23-000-miles-track-chopper-flew-one-fitted-posh-campers-sleep-in.html

The South Downs

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Britain’s latest National Park (and we’re in it!) for fantastic walks and cycling with stunning scenery. Ask at reception for suggested routes or try these walks, all starting in nearby Plumpton: www.plumptonvap.co.uk

Mid-Sussex Golf Course

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Relaxed and friendly golf course set in beautiful surroundings. Restaurant great for Sunday Carvery. www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

How to book one-night gaps

Sun, 28 Apr 1017 00:01:15 GMT

If you spot a one-night availability gap in one of our glamping options, you can book this by sending us an email to stay@blackberrywood.com Unfortunately, the booking system won’t allow you to book one night so this is the only way to do it