About Your Stay

Just an hour’s drive from London and less than half an hour from Maidstone, Ashford and Canterbury, it is an easy journey to visit our nature retreats.

We’re a few minutes’ drive from the Plough pub in Stalisfield Green. Using ‘Woodsell Farm ME13 0JF’ in Google Maps or Sat Nav gives our approximate location. Or use ///hamsters.gums.inquest in What Three Words.

The entrance to the farm is signposted with ‘Woodsell’. After driving up the drive you can park in one of the allotted car parks near the farm buildings.

All the cottages are self-check in using a key safe. You will receive a pin code and a map of the site in your welcome email before your stay.

There are two parking areas for guests which are both signposted, as you approach the farm buildings. One area is directly behind the stables (includes a free to use EV charger) and the other is further along the public bridleway.

Check-in is from 3pm
Check-out is by 10am

You are most welcome to enjoy the Reserve outside of your check-in and out times.

Please enjoy complimentary tea (builders and a selection of herbal), fresh coffee beans, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper. The kitchen is fully equipped with all cooking equipment including pots and pans, coffee grinder, milk frother, casserole dish and sharp knives. The oven has an induction hob and there is a microwave, kettle, toaster and a cafetiere. Please leave everything as you would expect to find it.

There is a washing-up sink in the kitchen, with environmentally friendly washing-up liquid and sponges. There is also a dishwasher fitted in each kitchen (with dishwasher powder etc).

There is a communal ice machine and chest freezer in the laundry room. The freezer has a small amount of storage space for each cottage along with COOK ready meals, Waitrose all butter pastries, basic frozen vegetables, chips and ice lollies available to purchase.

There is a Welcome Folder, local Ordinance Survey map and Nature Trail Map in each cottage. The folder contains lots of information and details on operating all the appliances.

All bedding and towels are included; this includes some towels for use around the swimming pool. There is also a hairdryer in each cottage.

If your stay is for more than 3 nights, our housekeeping team are happy to come in and change the bedding/towels for you. Please contact a member of staff to arrange this.

There is superfast Wi-Fi in all the accommodation at Woodsell. Each cottage has individual passwords given on arrival.

There is a Smart TV in the living area, with access to iPlayer and Netflix. Please free to log in to your preferred streaming service (just don’t forget to log out when you leave!)

We use Sleepeezee Hotel Classic 1000 mattresses for your comfort. The duvets are a mix of down and feather but hyperallergenic duvets are available on request. There is a feather/down and a hypoallergenic pillow per person. The duvet covers are pure linen (Secret Linen Store) and sheets/pillow cases cotton (Rise and Fall) and linen.

The accommodation with super king-size beds (Swallow and Dunnock) can be rearranged into two single beds on request (before arrival). The other two cottages, Linnet and Wren have king-sized beds.

The heating is currently set to comfortable temperature (19-21 ֯C) plus a boost from the electric towel radiators in the shower room. If you wish this to be adjusted, please let a member of staff know.

Our heating and hot water is supplied by two efficient air souce heat pumps powered by our large photovoltaic array with battery back-up.

All taps in the accommodation and around the farm provide safe drinking water so we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle.

All of our waste water is treated in our water treatment plant which then feeds one of our large wildlife ponds. This means that we try to use natural products and no bleach at the farm.

Here’s our lovely wildlife pond

There is a washing machine available for guests use in the end bay of the garage (Laundry). This includes laundry detergent. There is also an ironing board/iron located in the laundry room.

On departure, please either leave laundry (bedding/towels) in situ or in the laundry basket.

Kitchen bins are separated into general waste and recycling (glass/hard plastic). Dust bins are situated next to the Agricultural Barn and are divided into general rubbish, recycling and glass. Spare bin bags are located under the kitchen sink.

There is a food compost bin located behind the garage.

There is a small library located in the Laundry Room. Please feel free borrow books and return at the end of your stay.

Children are very welcome at Woodsell. Woddsell is a fantastic space to explore with children. The main highlights are the Tree House on stilts (great for nature spotting across the natural wilding field), Oak Henge, the magical woodland paths with picnic tables scattered around the farm and of couse the heated swimming pool!

There are some board games provided in the two-bedroom cottages and we can also provide a high chair and/or travel cot if required. Please do ask if you would like anything before your stay.

As we are a working farm with farm machinery, please ensure children are supervised at all times when you are out and about. Do be extra careful around any water, such as the swimming pool and the ponds.

The swimming pool (May to October) and changing room is available for use by guests (from 8:00 – 19:00). There are separate pool towels available in the Laundry.

Woodsell Ltd does not accept any responsibility for accidents. Children must be supervised at all times, no diving or roughhousing, shower before entering, follow safety signs, wear appropriate swimwear, and be aware of pool depth limitations.

• Please no smoking in the cottages. Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly – there is a pot in the patio area.
• Please keep noise down after 22:00.
• Woodsell is a dark farm, and we would prefer it is windows and blinds were closed at night and external lights switched off. This makes it perfect for star gazing and night time nature spotting.
• Additional guests/visitors can only be invited with permission from a member of the Woodsell Team.

Woodsell is tucked away in the Kentish countryside and it’s probably best to bring all your provisions with you on arrival.

Faversham and Ashford are the nearest shopping hubs (approximately 20 minutes away), but the nearest village shop is The Charing Stores (TN27 0HU), which is open 8:00-20:00 most days. There’s also the Barn Shop at Charing (TN25 4BJ) which closes at 5pm.

In Faversham, there’s an Aldi (ME13 8ZB), Sainsbury’s (ME13 7UD) and Tesco (ME13 7AS). If you want something a bit more special, there is an excellent Farm shop called Macknade Food Hall (ME13 8XF). It has a wide selection of fruit/veg, a great butchers and probably the best deli counter you’ll find in Kent!

Faversham Market days are Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays, with an antiques market on the first Sunday of each month.
In Ashford there’s a Waitrose (TN23 3RT) and all the other mainstream supermarkets.

Other recommendations are the Goods Shed (ME13 8XF) in Canterbury and Perry Court Farm Shop (TN25 4ES) near Wye.

The nearest petrol stations are an Esso (A20 TN26 1AP) on the way to Ashford, a BP with mini M&S near Lenham (Ashford Rd ME17 2DB) and Shell on the A2 (ME13 8XA) in Faversham.

The nearest place to eat is The Plough Inn (ME13 0HY, 01795 890256) which is approximate 10-minute walk away. Situated in the heart of Stalisfield Green this is a picturesque pub with plenty of outside space offering a standard pub menu and ‘Specials of the day’. It’s closed on a Mon/Tues but does get busy on at the weekend so it’s sensible to book. They also do a takeaway menu on some week nights.

The Bowl Inn (TN27 0HG, 01233 712256) is a half an hour walk/5 minute drive away and has a large dining area on the back along with a pub garden. It offers more standard pub food along with a couple of specials. There is a nice walk there through Spuckles Wood and then follow the valley until you reach Bowl Rd.

The Carpenters Arms (ME13 0AZ, 01795 890234) in Eastling is another picturesque pub offering a country pub style menu.

The Sondes Tea House (ME13 9PL, 01227 752725) is a quirky little café in Selling open on weekdays for breakfast and lunch.

The Alma (ME13 0DU, 01795 533835) in Painters Forstall does decent home style pub grub. Just a 20 minute drive away is the traditional market town of Faversham (once a Cinque Port). There are lots of places to eat in and around the town, but my recommendations would be:

The Phoenix Tavern (ME13 7BH, 01795 591462) on Abbey Street does a decent roast and also has a good general menu. If you’re looking for a traditional Ale then The Furlongs Ale House (ME13 8NS) is a micro pub on Preston Street and offers traditional ales, Kentish wine and spirits.

The Bear Inn (Market Sq, ME13 7AG) is one of my favourite pubs in Faversham – traditional with quirky rooms to explore. Although no swearing otherwise you’ll get asked to leave!

The Sun Inn (West St, ME13 7JE) is also a popular choice.

Posillipo’s on the Creek (ME13 7LD, 01795 590580) is good for Italian food.

Vino’s (Court St, ME13 7AN) wine bar and shop is a friendly little place run by Fabio. If you mention you’re staying at Woodsell and you’ll get a special welcome.

Grain and Hearth (Gatefield Ln, ME13 8NX) is great for pastries and sourdough bread.

The Refinery on West Street (ME13 7JE) is also great for coffee. Oscars (top of Preston St, ME13 8PQ) is a fantastic all-
round bakery.

Gilda Bakery has a market stall on Saturdays.

The café in Creek Creative (ME13 7BE) is excellent and you can look at the art in the Gallery whilst eating.

The Ashford area has a bit less to offer but Stubbs (TN25 4DU) is supposed to be good for seafood and steak, The Everest Inn (TN23 1PJ) is for an Indian/Nepalese and Amici (TN24 8JR) for Italian.

If you’re looking for something special, then The Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms (CT2 0DB) on the banks of the River Stour is excellent! Also, I highly recommend The Dove at Dargate (ME13 9HB, 01227 751085), Angela’s (CT9 1EX, 01843 319398), Dory’s (CT9 1DS, 01843 520391) and Pomus (CT9 1JG, 01843 546 150) in Margate and Kebbell’s (CT10 1QS, 01843 319002) in Broadstairs.

There is an Ordinance Survey map of the area for Public Rights of Way in each of the cottages.

Recommended Walks:

1. Nature Trail around Woodsell (see separate leaflet)
2. Local Circular walk (see the Plough’s Three Circular Walks)
3. Valley Walk to the Bowl Inn. From Woodsell’s entrance, cross Hillside Road and follow the footpath over into Spuckles Wood. You can then walk through the valley until you reach Bowl Road. Take a right and The Bowl Inn is 5 minutes up the road.
4. The North Down’s Way is part of the 150-mile Pilgrim’s Way that stretches across Hampshire, Surrey and Kent. Some copies of the Trail map are available in the mini Library (situated in the Laundry Room).
5. King’s Wood (TN25 4AP) – there are several circular walks in this 1,500-acre forest in Challock. It’s an approximately 15-minute drive away.
6. Faversham to Whitstable. From the Town Centre head towards Standard Quay, the boat yard and continue along the footpath along the edge of the creek to Nagden and then head straight across the marshes to the sea wall. Approx. 1 hour 40, there and back. If you’re feeling more energetic you can keep going along the coast all the way to Whitstable and then get the train back. Approx 2-3 hours.
7. Another Faversham option is to cross the Creek Bridge and follow the Creek all the way to the Shipwrights Arms. If you walk along the Creek then it takes approximately an hour each way but there are a few more direct routes. The pub is very cosy with open fires and a grumpy landlord but is well worth a visit.
8. The walk along Oare Creek to Harty Ferry is also fantastic. Great for bird watching. Search for A Walk on the Wild Side on the Visit Swale website for more details.

Bicycles can be stored securely in the far end bay of the garage. Please let a staff member know and a key will be provided for your stay.
See Kamoot’s guide to The best road cycling routes around Stalisfield for a selection of options. There’s a few steep hills nearby so choose carefully!

There are also ‘The best road cycling routes around Faversham’. You can also cycle along the Saxon Shore Way from Faversham to Whitstable and avoid some of the roads.

The Crab and Winkle Way is 7.6-mile cycle ride between Canterbury and the harbour in Whitstable. See the www.sustrans.org.uk website for more information.

There’s so much to explore in this wonderful area of outstanding natural beauty: winding woodland paths, crossing chalk grasslands, gorgeous gardens, spectacular views, and historic houses and castles. What’s more, you’re only a short drive from Canterbury’s ancient landmarks, Whitstable’s famous oysters, Faversham’s boutique shops, Folkestone’s quaint cobbled streets and fascinating creative quarter and Thanet’s stunning beaches.

Belmont House and Gardens this 18th century house and 3,000 acres of grounds is only a 10-minute drive away. There is also a nice little tea room.

Doddington Place Gardens is also just a 10-minute journey and has some lovely landscaped gardens in the vicinity of a stunning Victorian mansion. There’s a notable woodland garden which is spectacular in May and June. It’s open from 11am-5pm every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter Day until the end of September. You can book tickets online.

Mount Ephraim (ME13 9TX) is a country house and gardens situated just outside Faversham near the village of Herne Hill.

Leeds Castle is approximately 20 minutes’ drive away. There is also Dover, Deal and Walmer Castles on the south coast.

Joes Bows this local activity area offers several archery experiences suitable for children and families. It’s just a 5-minute drive away towards Faversham (ME13 0RS) and you can book on their website.

Brook Rural Museum his museum exhibits the agricultural and rural history of East Kent and tell the story of farming and rural life
from the age of the horse through to the Industrial Revolution and beyond. It’s located (TN25 5PF) at the foot of the North Downs’ iconic Devil’s Kneading Trough. The exhibits are housed in a magnificent 14th-century grange barn and 19th-century oast house.

Westwell (TN27 0BW), near Charing offer various tastings and tours.

The recently opened Domaine Evremond (CT4 8DT) vinery and cellars, near Chilham specialises in high end sparkling wine. Contact 01227 696055 or bookings@domaineevremond.com

The ecofriendly Wildshark Vineyard, near Harrietsham (ME17 1QA) has several different tours on offer, some including food.

There is a wide selection of vineyards towards Sussex including Biddenden, Balfour and Chapeldown.

Brogdale is home to The National Fruit Collection and has over 4,000 varieties of fruit. You will also find a tearoom, garden centre and a selection of shops where you can taste and buy seasonal fresh fruit, jams, chutneys, local ciders, wines and gifts. They also offer daily orchard tours, please call for more information on 01795 536250.

Brogdale is situated just outside of the picturesque town of Faversham. (20 mins)

The nearest course is Faversham Golf Club is situated at Belmont Park and is only a 7-minute drive away. Boughton Golf Club is a pay and play course and is now under the ownership of the Cave Hotels.

Sheldon Spa (ME13 0LU) is an award-winning spa in Sheldwich, approximately 10 minutes away. Along with treatments it has a small indoor swimming pool and they serve food/drinks.

Eastwell Manor (TN25 4HR) is set in a 62-acre estate and is a Champneys Resort.

Faversham is the home to the Shepherd Neame Brewery (ME13 7AX), and you can sometimes smell the sweep, hoppy aroma of the beer brewing. Brewery tours are available but otherwise you can just take a tour around the town… recommended stops should include The Bear, The Anchor, The Phoenix and the Furlongs.

The Fleur De Lis Museum (ME13 8NS) contains lots on information of local history. The Maison Dieu (ME13 8NS), originally a 13th-century wayside hospital and now a museum is also worth a visit. Along with the Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park (ME13 7UD) where you can discover history of gunpowder manufacturing in a tranquil woodland setting.

Market Place, Faversham Market is on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Antiques Market (Market Square) is on the first Sunday of every month.

Faversham Lido, there’s an amazing lido at Faversham Pools. It’s currently open for swimming on Tues/Thurs evenings (booking required) but from the 1st May it’s fully open. There’s also a baby pool and water rapids outside and two decent indoor pools.

The Royal Cinema is a lovely old cinema and only a fiver to get in!

Canterbury is great for a day out to explore the medieval architecture, including the Cathedral, St Martin’s Church and St Augustine’s Abbey, maybe take a punt along the river or just wander round the shops. There’s lots of great cafes and restaurants too.

A trip to Whitstable, Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Hythe or Folkestone make a great day out. Whitstable has an oyster festival usually in late summer. Broadstairs has a Folk Festival and Dicken’s Week. Margate’s Shell Grotto and Ramsgate’s Tunnels are also worth a visit. Folkestone Harbour Arm with food village is a great place to explore.

We have our own nature trails to explore, allowing you to find out more about the wilding and regeneration projects happening at Woodsell. A map is available in your Welcome Folder and if you have any questions, please just ask a member of our team.

We have a quirky Tree House which serves as a bird hide, in which hours can be spent enjoying nature at its best. This is situated in the corner of the Centaury Field, our natural wilding area and is surrounded on three sides by Great Spelty Woods.

There’s a pair of binoculars in each of the cottages for guests to use.

There are several picnic spots around the Reserve including a magical spot in the ancient part of Great Spelty Woods and also in the middle of Woodhenge in the Centaury Field. There is a Nature Trail map in your Welcome Pack marking the best spots. Please take your rubbish back to the cottages.

Woodsell is a ‘dark farm’ with minimal external lighting so we request that you close your curtains/blinds at night. Dawn and Dusk are particularly special and also when the wildlife is most abundant.

Just a little request for Instagram users… as we are a relatively new business, we are keen to build up our Instagram following and we would really appreciate it if any posts you make you can use any of the following hashtags:

@woodsellrewildingproject #woodsellnature #woodsellaccommodation #woodsellfun #woodsellpool
#woodselltreehouse #woodsellwildlifeponds