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Damsel Shepherds Hut, Badwell Ash

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
2
1
1

Damsel Shepherds Hut offers romantic countryside glamping in rural Suffolk. This cosy retreat sleeps 2 guests and sits on a working farm near Bury St Edmunds. The shepherd's hut features a private wood-fired hot tub perfect for stargazing after dark.

The surrounding area showcases classic East Anglian countryside. Rolling fields stretch in every direction. You'll wake to farm sounds and genuine rural peace.

The accommodation includes 1 bedroom with a double bed and 1 bathroom. Inside you'll find a compact kitchen area and wood burner for cooler evenings. The outdoor deck with seating provides space to relax.

About Damsel Shepherds Hut

Damsel Shepherds Hut offers romantic countryside glamping in rural Suffolk. This cosy retreat sleeps 2 guests and sits on a working farm near Bury St Edmunds. The shepherd's hut features a private wood-fired hot tub perfect for stargazing after dark.

The surrounding area showcases classic East Anglian countryside. Rolling fields stretch in every direction. You'll wake to farm sounds and genuine rural peace.

The accommodation includes 1 bedroom with a double bed and 1 bathroom. Inside you'll find a compact kitchen area and wood burner for cooler evenings. The outdoor deck with seating provides space to relax. A fire pit lets you cook outdoors and enjoy evening flames.

Bury St Edmunds sits 8 miles away (15 minutes) with shops and historic sites. Thetford Forest (12 miles, 20 minutes) offers walking trails and cycling routes. West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village (6 miles, 12 minutes) brings history alive. Ickworth House (10 miles, 18 minutes) features parkland and gardens.

This shepherd's hut suits couples wanting proper countryside escape. Book Damsel Shepherds Hut for authentic farm glamping with modern comforts.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Glamping With Hot Tubs You May Like

Local Insights: Damsel Shepherds Hut

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Badwell Ash, Suffolk

Weather & Local Conditions

13°C

Overcast

Updated: 22 Aug 2026, 2:53am

🌡️
12.70°C
Temperature
💨
13 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
93%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
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Rainy Day Tip: A cosy glamping stay comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Damsel Shepherds Hut sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Property

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
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Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

48m

(157 feet above sea level)

Damsel Shepherds Hut sits in a peaceful Suffolk setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a glamping escape.

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48m
Elevation
📍
Badwell Ash
Nearest Village
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Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
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Driving Note: The roads to Badwell Ash are typical Suffolk lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 52.2806612° N | Longitude: 0.912035° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Badwell Ash (Saturday, 22 August 2026):

4:49am

Sunrise

6:08pm

Golden Hour

7:08pm

Sunset

🌅
4:49am
Sunrise
🌇
7:08pm
Sunset
📸
6:08pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:08pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Badwell Ash, you have approximately 14.32 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the property.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Damsel Shepherds Hut.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Suffolk. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 22 Aug 2026 | Location: 52.2806612, 0.9120350

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Damsel Shepherds Hut

Wood-Fired Hot Tub

The private wood-fired hot tub provides a romantic setting for evening soaks under the stars with countryside views all around.

Peaceful Farm Setting

Set on a working farm, guests enjoy genuine rural tranquillity with authentic farm sounds and wide open Suffolk countryside views.

Cosy Wood Burner

The wood burner creates a warm atmosphere on cooler evenings, making the compact space feel incredibly snug and inviting.

Outdoor Fire Pit

The fire pit lets you cook outdoors and enjoy flames under the stars, adding to the authentic glamping experience.

Romantic Retreat

Perfectly sized for two, this shepherd's hut offers couples a private escape with no distractions from daily life.

Rural Location

The countryside location provides peace and quiet whilst remaining within easy reach of Suffolk's market towns and attractions.

Getting To Damsel Shepherds Hut

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Damsel Shepherds Hut by car, take the A134 towards Bury St Edmunds and follow signs to Ixworth. The shepherd's hut is located on a farm near Ixworth and has parking space for one vehicle on site.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Bury St Edmunds, approximately 8 miles away. From there, you'll need to arrange a taxi for the final journey to your rural retreat.

On-site parking for one vehicle
Bury St Edmunds station (8 miles)
Accessible from the A134

Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff to see & do on your glamping break!

Ickworth House
Distance: 10 miles
IP29 5QE
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
Distance: 6 miles
IP28 6HG
Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds
Distance: 8 miles
IP33 1LX
Thetford Forest
Distance: 12 miles
IP27 0AF
Knettishall Heath
Distance: 9 miles
IP22 2HL
Pakenham Water Mill
Distance: 4 miles
IP31 2NB
Bury St Edmunds Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
IP33 1QE
Tesco Superstore Bury St Edmunds
Distance: 8 miles
IP32 7BW
Waitrose Bury St Edmunds
Distance: 8 miles
IP33 3YN
Ixworth Village
Distance: 2 miles
IP31 2HH
Stanton Windmill
Distance: 5 miles
IP31 2DT
Euston Hall
Distance: 11 miles
IP24 2QP
Ickworth House
Distance: 10 miles
IP29 5QE
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
Distance: 6 miles
IP28 6HG
Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds
Distance: 8 miles
IP33 1LX
Thetford Forest
Distance: 12 miles
IP27 0AF
Knettishall Heath
Distance: 9 miles
IP22 2HL
Pakenham Water Mill
Distance: 4 miles
IP31 2NB
Bury St Edmunds Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
IP33 1QE
Tesco Superstore Bury St Edmunds
Distance: 8 miles
IP32 7BW
Waitrose Bury St Edmunds
Distance: 8 miles
IP33 3YN
Ixworth Village
Distance: 2 miles
IP31 2HH
Stanton Windmill
Distance: 5 miles
IP31 2DT
Euston Hall
Distance: 11 miles
IP24 2QP

Is Damsel Shepherds Hut Right For You?

Is this hot tub glamping retreat best suited to couples or families? What standout glamping features and private hot tub can you look forward to? And is it a dog-friendly getaway? Discover if this short break is the right for you.

For Families
This property is not suitable for children. Damsel Shepherds Hut sleeps 2 adults only in 1 double bedroom. The working farm setting and compact accommodation make this exclusively a couples' retreat. The wood-fired hot tub and wood burner also present safety considerations. This is designed specifically for romantic adult breaks.
Glamping Features
The wood-fired hot tub takes centre stage, heating naturally over 2-3 hours for evening soaks. A wood burner inside creates cosy warmth on cooler nights. The outdoor fire pit lets you cook under the stars and enjoy flickering flames. A deck with seating provides outdoor living space. The compact kitchen covers basic needs whilst the real focus stays outdoors. This setup delivers authentic glamping with modern bathroom facilities.
Pet Friendly
Pets are not allowed at Damsel Shepherds Hut. The working farm environment means dogs and other animals cannot be accommodated. Livestock and farm operations require this policy for safety and animal welfare. The compact shepherd's hut space would also be unsuitable for pets. Guests should leave their four-legged companions at home for this particular break.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Damsel Shepherds Hut

The Pickerel Inn Ixworth

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: IP31 2HH

The Theobalds Arms

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: IP31 2DQ

The Fox Barnham

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: IP24 2NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Damsel Shepherds Hut

Is Damsel Shepherds Hut pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. The working farm setting means animals cannot be accommodated for safety reasons.
How does the wood-fired hot tub work?
The hot tub uses a wood burner to heat the water, taking approximately 2-3 hours to reach temperature. Logs are provided for your stay.
What cooking facilities are available?
The shepherd's hut has a compact kitchen area with basic cooking equipment. There's also an outdoor fire pit for cooking and barbecuing.
How far is the nearest town?
Bury St Edmunds is 8 miles away, roughly a 15-minute drive. The town offers supermarkets, shops, restaurants and historic attractions.
What heating is provided?
A wood burner provides heating inside the shepherd's hut. Logs are supplied to keep you warm throughout your stay.
Is there mobile phone signal?
Mobile signal can be limited due to the rural location. WiFi is not available, making this ideal for a digital detox break.
What bathroom facilities are included?
The shepherd's hut has 1 bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Hot water is provided throughout your stay.
Can I visit the farm animals?
As this is a working farm, interaction with animals is not part of the experience. The focus is on peaceful countryside relaxation.

Popular Stays Near This Property

Damsel Shepherds Hut Reviews

Had the most relaxing, peaceful stay at badwell ash holiday lodges. Sarah and Will really have thought of everything to elevate a stay in nature. I didnt realise how secluded the shepherds hut would be, but with the same gorgeous setting of surrounding pondslake. I really want to highlight just how clean everything was. You can really tell this is looked after with a huge amount of care. Ive done a lot of glamping stays now but I do feel this far surpasses anything Id experienced to date. Would love to return in the cooler months to make use of the log burner and fire pits! Its perfect if you really want to disconnect in nature for a while, I highly recommend
Danielle
It was absolutely beautiful from the moment we checked in with a lovely welcome from the staff. The hut was clean and towels,robes and essentials were all provided. Hot tub was fab, clean and maintained daily. The honestly shop was worth a look. The pub down the road was fab for food and would highly recommend. So was the Fish & Chip shop. Our overall stay we was amazed how fab the place was, and extremely happy we picked here for our Honeymoon. Thank you x
Amazing place to stay, it really had everything you could possibly need. The area is so peaceful and quiet we assumed noone else was on site, it was only on check out day that we saw other people checking out of the other lodges. Truly serene and a perfect relaxing 3 nights we had in the damsel hut. Would highly recommend.
Sabrina
The place is absolutly magical. everything was perfact. it is even more beatiful and magical than in the pictures. Fishing around the lake, barbecue on the wood fire pit, hot tub and sauna, all surrounded by wildlife. It was a perfect couple break. Highly highly recommend. Best place i have been in the uk so far. perfect for a romantic proposal i would say!
Claire
A wonderful little place in a beautiful setting. Everything is finished to a very high standard and the accommodation includes thermostat controlled central heating and is very well insulated we stayed during a cold February. The hot tub and sauna are a fabulous addition and the hosts couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. We'll definitely be returning
We had a wonderfully relaxing stay. Will and Sarah were very friendly and helpful. The Shepherds hut was warm and cosy and had everything we needed for our stay. The hot tub and sauna were a lovely added bonus. We would definitely stay again.
Perfect getaway for a couple! The lodge is super cozy while still having a lot of features and the hot tub was perfect this winter too. The Wifi was a bit slow but in the area it's not suprising and it's perfect to tune out from screens for a few days. The owners were lovely and had great communication which made checking in super easy and stress free. Would absolutely go back again!
We had an amazing weekend, it was very relaxing and peaceful, lovely welcoming basket of goodies, beautiful hut and loved the hot tub and the sauna. Owners were ever so friendly and helpful as well. Would definitely look at going back and would highly recommend to any couple looking forward a nice weekend away together to relax and recharge
A perfect tranquil hideaway. Very clean and well equipped. Excellent local pub.
Tracey
I booked this break for my husbands birthday as he is a keen carp fisherman. I hoped it would be good but it exceeded our expectations. On arrival there was a welcome basket and a birthday banner and a bar of chocolate for my hubby a great touch. The shepherds hut is so well equipped with everything you need but outside your door is nature. The place is peaceful and tranquil and very well maintained. The hot tub was a lovely touch and there is a sauna in the garden area. The bed is high up but it was very comfortable and the pillows were the best. The hosts are so lovely. Everything ran smoothly and Sarah was very informative on arrival. The honesty shop is well equipped. My husband caught some carp in our own personal swim. The place is not overcrowded. Very well spaced out. Will definitely return.
Fantastic location and the shepherds hut was beautifully equipped. Loved everything about it and would definitely come again
We had an absolute gorgeous weekend in the damsel shepherd's hut for a long weekend, the hut was gorgeous, so clean and fresh with plenty of amenities! The site it absolute beautiful and soo peaceful. Would definitely stay again and would recommend to anyone looking to book it's so worth every penny
Absolutely beautiful
What a wonderful break we had here. Absolutely everything was provided and the owners had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to ensure the entire hut had all the required facilities. I would absolutely recommend this place for a stay in a sublime location.
We have stayed in many uk lodges & cottages but this was our 1st shepherd hut & ... We have stayed in many uk lodges & cottages but this was our 1st shepherd hut & we were amazed at how unique it was,everything from a really comfy bed to hot shower & all kitchen essentials are perfectly formed in this lovely accommodation, the location is so peaceful & the lake & views with daily visits from the ducks was lovely, if you are a couple who just like total relaxation in beautiful surroundings then don't hesitate to book we will definitely come back hopefully sooner than later
Really nice and relaxing stay. Staff were very helpful when we turned up.
We had the most magical 4night romantic getaway at the Damsel Shepherd's Hut, and it truly exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with a lovely selection of sweets, coffee, and snacks such a thoughtful touch that made us feel instantly at home. The hut itself was spotlessly clean, cozy, and stacked with absolutely everything you could possibly need from the fully equipped kitchen to all the little extras that made our stay so comfortable and stressfree. The charming wood burner added such a warm, relaxing vibe in the evenings. The view from the bed window overlooking the lake was absolutely serene waking up to that peaceful scene each morning was something we'll never forget. We spent our days fishing by the lakes and were thrilled with how many we caught and to top it off, we were even able to enjoy some peaceful night fishing under the stars, which was such a unique and special experience. After a day outdoors, the hot tub and sauna were the perfect way to unwind a touch of luxury in the heart of nature. Everything about this stay was perfect tranquil, romantic, and wonderfully memorable. We cant wait to return! Highly recommended for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and each other.
My partner and I stayed for a romantic Valentines weekend away and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The hut was cosy, the hot tub and sauna were lovely and we enjoyed exploring the surrounding area and Bury St Edmonds. We will definitely be back!
Damsel Shepherds Hut is fantastic the little extras like dressing gowns toiletries and the welcome pack are lovely. We just wish we had booked the week we will definitely be back. Thank you Dave and Jackie
Oliver
Amazing property, exactly as described! The hosts were amazing and extremely accommodating for us as we were not able to get there on the first day. The hosts were not available on the second day, but left clear and easy instructions for us to check in with no problems. A great place and I will be booking again in the future!
Had a lovely warm welcome and arrival. The accommodation was absolutely idilic surrounded by a lake, accommodation felt very private and had everything we needed for perfectly comfortable stay, the hot tub and the sauna was the icing on the cake and the log burner inside the Shepards was lovely and made it feel warm and cosy. The onsite shop was a lovely and sold all your most needed necessitiesWine. Local pub was only a 10 minute walk and served lovely food as well as having friendly staff. Overall would definitely recommend!
Beautiful little shepherds hut, set almost on its own island with a short landbridge, as photos show! Sarah was lovely, nothing was too much trouble, and the honesty shop was a nice touch. Comfy bed, ducks to feed & our own private hottub . . . bliss!!
Lovely place, clean and tidy but most of all, absolutely loved it here, the fishing was great and our Damsel Shepard's Hut was just perfect, the hot tub and sauna was great, just what we needed for a few days, a little break myself and my wife needed, will definitely be coming back. On arrival we was greeted by a lovely lady Sarah, who gave us all the information we needed for our stay, very friendly, I will be recommending to our friends and family to come and stay. Thank you for a lovely time.
Absolutely perfect. Wonderful surroundings. Lovely cosy and clean accommodation. Sauna and hot tub are a great addition that tops it all off. Will definitely recommend and return ourselves.
Wonderful stay highly recommend. If you are thinking of booking do not hesitate, this is one not to be missed. The hut is so cosy and dreamy. Being able to wake up and get in the hot tub felt so luxurious, a great feature of this stay given how private it felt too. Facilities are great. The host couldnt have been nicer or more welcoming. The on site mini shop was great and good value. Recommend for a solo get away or few nights as a couple. One to just sit, read a book and relax at. Lots of public footpaths nearby too for adventuring, I regularly saw a family of deer. Simply fantastic.
Bruce William
The welcome on our arrival, was the start to a perfect break. The accommodation was clean and well presented and lived up to all of our expectations prior to our visit. The friendliness that was shown to us by Sarah placed us at ease and we had no issues or problems during our stay. The shop on site does not sell perishable goods like milk, bread, butter but there is a local store a short distance that you can purchase these products. All in all a good place for a break and well worth a repeat visit in the future.
The welcome on our arrival, was the start to a perfect break. The accommodation was clean and well presented and lived up to all of our expectations prior to our visit. The friendliness that was shown to us by Sarah placed us at ease and we had no issues or problems during our stay. The shop on site does not sell perishable goods like milk, bread, butter but there is a local store a short distance that you can purchase these products. All in all a good place for a break and well worth a repeat visit in the future.
Had a amazing time , everything we needed was there , so quite and secluded, ... Had a amazing time , everything we needed was there , so quite and secluded, owners were so lovely and welcoming, definitely a little piece of paradise and highly recommend
Kirsty
Amazing time. Everything you could want for a few nights for peace and quiet!
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