On arrival, cross the courtyard to Kingshill Barn, where our team will be waiting to welcome you. You will be given a map and directions to your accommodation.
If you are arriving past 7pm, our team may not be on site to greet you. Instead, we will issue you a Self Check-in email with details on how to find your accommodation. Your key will be left in your hut along with fresh milk for tea and coffee. Use the 'What 3 words' below to find your hut:
Main Car Park-///firmer.nanny.warrior
Vanellus-///market.affirming.sage
Our team will be available onsite from 8am-7pm should you have any questions or want to come and say hello.
Vanellus has wonderful sweeping views facing East over the Reserve and the Swale. Its also best positioned for Barn Owl watching; keep an eye on the old Oak trees at dawn and dusk and you may just spot them hunting! Please refrain from walking towards the water in front of the hut, to avoid disturbing wildlife.
All taps on-site provide potable drinking water, including those in your hut. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle.
In your hut you'll find breakfast tea and freshly ground coffee. Please ask for fresh milk (dairy or oat) at check-in.
Outside the hut there is an outdoor kitchen, complete with a gas stove for boiling the traditional hob kettle and cooking simple meals. The firepit also has a grill atop and tools for outdoor cooking. All crockery, cutlery and glassware is provided. You will find utensils stored underneath the counter.
Of course, if you'd prefer to fully switch off you can leave the cooking to us! Explore our Food and Drink options here.
A washing-up bowl, environmentally friendly washing-up liquid, and sponges are all provided. We kindly ask that you take care of your washing up during your stay.
Outside there is a fire pit for evenings spent star-gazing and toasting marshmallows. Complimentary marshmallows can be found in your hut, and firewood, matches and firelighters can be found beneath the stove. If you need a firewood top up, you can purchase more from Reception for £15.
The ensuite hot shower and loo are inside the hut, and make the most of the view with Vanellus’ outdoor bath. Towels and robes are provided. We also provide gorgeous natural products by VERDEN, in full size bottles for you to use and enjoy throughout your stay.
All of our huts and cabins are designed with year round use in mind. The hut has a 75mm insulated cavity throughout, and Earthwool insulation. This is a breathable carbon-neutral material made from 80% recycled bottles. With heating, Romney Marsh Wool blankets and hot water bottles, we’re sure you will be warm and cosy, even on the chilliest of nights.
Please remove muddy boots before entering. Boot brushes are on the steps, and they will stay dry under shelter outside of the hut. There are hooks to dry out wet clothes. If you get soaked in a rain shower please do let us know and we can dry wet clothes!
Vanellus can sleep a young child (if sharing the bed with an adult) or baby. Please do let our team know if a travel cot is needed. Please do note it is a small space designed to a traditional shepherd's hut model so the cot will need to be put away in the daytime.
Vanellus is rather bijou, there is space under the bed for bags and hooks around the hut. Our team will happily look after larger bags for you.
A unique aspect of Elmley is that we are off grid, so generate our own electricity. Vanellus does have plug sockets, but please be mindful of excessive use. We do not recommend any high voltage items such as hair styling tools for prolonged periods of time.
4G can be picked up across the reserve, but we do recommend you switch off and soak up the nature around you.
If you need wi-fi it can be accessed from the Linhay. Please speak to the team to gain access.