Looking for a winter getaway that blends nature, comfort, and a touch of rustic luxury? Hidden deep in the woods of East Sussex, a forest retreat on Great Park Farm offers a wood-fired sauna and a snug cabin stay for a perfect cold-weather escape. The Guardian
Sauna, Stream & Forest Calm
At the heart of the retreat is the forest sauna — the Drying Shed Sauna. Inspired by traditional Japanese design and built from local sustainable wood, it sits beside a quiet stream in a tranquil forest clearing. The Guardian+1
Here, you alternate between intense heat (the sauna reaches ~85 °C, sometimes up to 100 °C) and icy-cold showers or a cold-water tub plunge — a Nordic-style ritual that’s both invigorating and oddly calming. The Guardian+1
Cabin Comfort in the Woods
Just minutes from the sauna lies the cosy retreat: Hill Cabin — a former farm building transformed into a warm, tastefully furnished cabin with Scandinavian-style interior, wood floors, a log burner, soft rugs, cushions, and candles. The Guardian
The cabin includes a patio, wood-fired hot tub, fire-pit and outdoor seating — perfect for soaking in the forest views with sheep and horses grazing nearby, or enjoying a peaceful soak after a sauna session. The Guardian+1
The Full Retreat Experience
Great Park Farm isn’t just a cabin + sauna — there’s also a farm shop, café and plant nursery on-site. Guests can stock up on local produce, baked goods, or cosy homeware. It’s a place designed for winding down, reconnecting with nature, and embracing slow living. The Guardian+1
And the best part? Despite storms and chilly weather outside, inside this forest hideaway the warmth and calm make you forget the cold. It’s the kind of getaway where harsh winds, rain or snow don’t matter — the sauna, hot tub, and quiet forest set the mood. The Guardian+1