Off-grid cabins in the Kent Downs, near Canterbury

BOOK YOUR ESCAPE

two off-grid cabins in Kent AONB where the footpaths into the woodlands and quiet lanes start at the door

walks from the door

Charlton Park is the long one for the views, around thirteen kilometres with the Tadpole Tea Room or the Black Robin to stop at halfway. The Duck Inn circular is the short easy loop that earns you a pint. The Wye Crown loop gives you panoramic views before the chalk crown, with a pub in Wye village to recharge before you turn back.


pubs, food and a proper bakery

The Mermaid Inn at Bishopsbourne is a lane's walk away for proper pub food. The Black Robin in Kingston does sourdough pizza and classic ales in a pub that's been there since 1740. Breakfast and the most delicious pastries at Gilda Bakery on the way back in.


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lucy faces south across open fields with wide views that make you stop and stand there. Named for the one who found the wardrobe first, she suits the curious and the restless: people who want to walk from the door and not come back until their legs have earned dinner. The footpaths start immediately. Dogs go mad here in the best possible way.


best for: Dogs, Solo travellers, Anyone who loves countryside walks

BOOK LUCY

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susan is tucked into the valley, where the sun perfectly sets and valley views you don't get tired of. Named for the sister who paid attention, who noticed the beauty in things. Susan is for couples, for slow dinners, for sitting outside with a glass of something and watching the sky do what it does out here when there are no streetlights to compete with. The sunsets here are amazing.


best for: couples, anniversaries, anyone who loves sunsets and outdoor fires

BOOK SUSAN

book your Canterbury escape

From £135 per night. Two-night minimum. Book direct and save.

FAQs

All the questions you may have before your off-grid experience in Kent AONB with us! The first book, Lion, Witch & The Wardrobe was written in 1949 by C. S Lewis! But that is not what you are after is it...

  • How do I get to the cabins by car?

    Pett Bottom is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from London, just 8 miles southwest of Canterbury. 


    We'll email you all the information including the what3words location for the parking spot nearest the cabin once you've booked.

  • How do I get to the cabins by train?

    Take a train from London Victoria to Canterbury (1 hours 30 minutes) which is 8 miles, 20 min taxi away


    Take a train from St Pancreas to Ashford Internation (34 mins) which is 15 miles, 30 mins taxi away

  • Is the Canterbury off-grid cabin dog-friendly?

    Yes - all Escape Off The Grid cabins are dog-friendly. The Pett Bottom location has large fields and direct access to footpaths through the Kent Downs.


    We have a cocker spaniel who considers herself the official greeter. The fields and local footpaths are ideal for dogs - open, quiet, and mostly well away from livestock.

  • How many people can sleep in the cabins?

    Perfect for couples break or two friends with a double bed.

  • Is there wi-fi?

    No wi-fi, the cabins run on solar. You'll get phone signal, though the strength varies by network. Plan ahead and we leave OS maps in the cabin.

  • What time is check-in and check-out?

    Check-out is at 11am. Check-in is at 3 pm.

  • What do I need to bring?

    Food and wood is the main thing - there's a local farm shop nearby and Canterbury has great delis and a weekend market. 


    We provide coffee, basic cooking ingredients, and eco products for the bathroom. Bring waterproofs and proper shoes if you're planning to walk (you should be).

  • How solar-powered does "off-grid" actually mean?

    The cabins run on solar power -  hot water, lighting, charging points for phones. 


    Power is a genuine resource here, not an unlimited tap. We ask guests to use electricity and water thoughtfully. Most guests tell us this is one of their favourite things about the stay. 

  • What is there to do around the cabin?

    Before every stay we provide all guests with our curated recommendations for what to do and where to go around the cabin. 


    The Duck Inn - half a mile on foot across the fields. Amazing food, drinks and vibes.


    Simpsons' Wine Estate - a short drive towards Barham, one of the finest English wine estates in the South East. Tours and tastings available, and the wines have won at Decanter. Bring a bottle back for the cabin's outdoor table.


    Tadpole Tearooms, Bishopsbourne - a proper tearoom in a proper Kent village, reachable on foot as a natural turning point on a half-day walk. The kind of place that still does proper scones.


    Gilda Bakery - the most delicious bakery with freshly made breads and pastries. 


    The North Downs Way - the 153-mile national trail passes close by. You don't have to walk the whole thing - just pick a small section and enjoy.


    Canterbury - 8 miles away, 20 minutes by taxi. A medieval city with one of England's greatest cathedrals, a good independent food scene and enough to fill a half-day without feeling like you've broken your escape.


    Wye and Devil's Kneading Trough - drive 20 minutes west to the village of Wye, then walk up onto the chalk escarpment to a dramatic dry valley with views to Romney Marsh and, on clear days, France. One of Kent's best short walks. Orchids everywhere in May.

  • Whats included in the cabin?

    The cabin comes stocked with what you actually need and nothing you don't. A double bed with comfy bedding, a wood-burning stove, an outdoor fire pit with grill, a gas hob, stovetop espresso maker and cafetiere, eco-friendly soaps and bathroom products, and a hot solar-powered shower. 


    We provide coffee, salt, pepper, olive oil. 


    You bring the food, the wine, logs to keep cosy and whoever you most want to spend time with.

  • How far is the Canterbury cabin from London?

    The Canterbury escape at Pett Bottom is approximately 90 minutes from London by car or train. By train, take London Victoria to Canterbury (90 minutes) then a 20-minute taxi, or St Pancras to Ashford International (34 minutes) with a 30-minute taxi.

  • What is the Escape Off The Grid Canterbury cabin like?

    The Canterbury escape consists of two off-grid cabins — Susan and Lucy — set in separate ten-acre fields near the village of Pett Bottom in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 8 miles southwest of Canterbury. The cabins are solar-powered, wood-fired, and have no Wi-Fi. Each has a double bed, hot shower, gas hob, outdoor fire pit, and views across open Kent countryside.