The Great Escape – A real characterful, quirky getaway
Imagine mornings that start like this — the Dorset hills waking up around you, your dog already exploring the secure field, and the kettle on in your own quirky, original shepherd's hut. Miles of quiet downland waiting just beyond your door.
Peep through the pergola and you'll spot Woody. This cosy shepherd's hut is perfect for two, with space to pitch a tent if you're bringing company, or we can make up a little bed on the floor for your toddler.
There's only one Woody — and when you're here, it's all yours. No shared facilities, no other guests, just you, the countryside, and the animals next door.
If you're ready to properly disconnect, this is it. Inside you'll find a comfy bed, a Caledonian Dumpy wood burner, books, board games, and binoculars for stargazing. Step outside onto your upcycled veranda with sweeping countryside views and sink into your own private hot tub under the stars. When hunger strikes, fire up the quirky converted grain silo BBQ hut or gather around the fire pit as the evening settles in.
No agenda. No notifications. Just a good book, a card game, or a fiercely competitive round of giant Jenga on the veranda. Pull on your boots and head straight out onto the beautiful downland from your door — and when you get back, the croquet mallets are waiting.
Just over the fence you'll find Lily, Shorty, and a flock of free-roaming chickens going about their day. Expect a few fresh eggs left in the kitchen, along with some little treats to make yourself at home.
“Your own hidden corner of Dorset. Just you, the dog, and the sound of the countryside. Step back in time without leaving comfort behind — a charming shepherd’s hut steeped in vintage character, nestled at the foot of rolling hills.”
Essentials
Sleeps 2. This is your space alone — no other guests, no shared facilities, just you two and the countryside.
Private bathroom with compost loo and shower just 30 metres away
Private outdoor kitchen stocked with essentials and treats
Firewood,BBQs, fire pits, and a pizza oven available for your use
Dog secure field to run free ! £25 per dog per stay
Want to bring company? Add Tipi to your booking
Private hot tub
You can't miss our vibrant orange hot tub, set within a handcrafted timber surround offering privacy and shelter — the perfect spot to unwind in any weather.
Heating Options
For your first use, we'll have the tub heated and ready via our propane boiler — this is complimentary and takes just under 2 hours. Simply let us know your arrival time and we'll make sure it's toasty when you get here, or enjoy heating it in your own time!
For your second use, you have two options: use the traditional external wood burner (which takes 2 to several hours depending on the weather, and creates a wonderfully authentic experience), or drain and refill the tub using the propane boiler again for £20.
The Setting
Now under cover with two open sides, you can enjoy stunning views up to Fontmell Down while you soak. If it rains, only your legs might get wet, and on clear nights you're perfectly placed for stargazing.
Silo the BBQ/fire hut
Once a humble grain silo at Gourd’s Farm just down the lane, Silas has been lovingly transformed into a unique, all-weather BBQ and fire pit hut — now proudly settled here at The Old Forge.
With an integrated fire pit and plenty of cosy seating, Silas offers a one-of-a-kind space to gather, cook, and unwind. Whether you’re grilling dinner or simply toasting marshmallows, he’s got you covered — literally!
Fitted with four removable shutters, Silas adapts to all seasons and weather, offering shelter when you need it and open-air vibes when you don’t.
Hunker down, light the fire, and enjoy the warmth — whatever the weather.
Your Own Private Camp — Tentipi Included This Summer
From April to September, Woody comes with something extra. Pitched in the corner of the field, your very own Tentipi is included as part of your stay — a beautiful canvas retreat with a wood-burning stove, a king size bed with an organic lambswool mattress, games and books, and the Dorset countryside just beyond the opening.
Use it however you like. A chill-out lounge for lazy afternoons. A reading room. Somewhere to sit with a glass of something cold while the hot tub heats up. It's yours, and yours alone.
Bringing friends or family? The Tentipi sleeps two, making it the perfect excuse to share the experience. Add two extra guests for just £50 per night and the whole site is yours between you — hut, tipi, hot tub, fire pits and all.
Extras
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![Local organic breakfast home cooked]()
Breakfast Hamper
Breakfast in bed? Yes please! Start your day the indulgent way with a hamper delivered straight to your door — no need to leave the comfort of your bed.
Each hamper includes:
🥐 Freshly baked croissants
🍯 Homemade marmalade, Very Berry & strawberry jam
🍎 Freshly pressed apple juice
☕ A thermos of tea or coffee of your choiceThe perfect slow start to your day in the countryside.
£8 per person
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![Glamping with pizza oven]()
🍕 Pizza Kit
Everything you need for a perfect pizza night — just roll, top, and bake!
Includes:
🍕 2 sourdough dough balls (100% natural & vegan)
🍅 Homemade pasta sauce
🧀 Mozzarella
🌿 Fresh basilOptional toppings available on request.
Fancy DIY?
Dough balls: £5 each – available in the freezerPlease note: Dough needs 24 hrs to prove from frozen. Let us know when you’d like your pizzas ready!
£15 per kit
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![Secluded glamping retreat Dorset]()
Old Forge Morning Pair for One
Cook-It-Yourself Breakfast Pack.
cook your own hearty breakfast on the BBQ or in your kitchen. Two rashers of smoked backed bacon and one local butchers sausage – a hearty Old Forge favourite. This will be ready in the fridge for you for your arrival.
£6 per pack
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![Peaceful glamping in coutryside]()
The Old Forge BBQ for Two
Cook-It-Yourself BBQ Pack
Includes four sausages and two 4oz burgers from our local butchers. Perfect for a relaxed evening in the silo or under the stars. This will be ready in the fridge for you for your arrival.
£10 per pack
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![Pitch a tent glamping family friendly]()
Bring company
From April to September, our Tentipi is pitched in the corner of the field and available for up to two additional guests — the perfect excuse to share the experience. Just bring your own bedding and towels.
The whole site is yours between you — hut, tipi, hot tub, fire pits and all.
King size bed
On raised decking
£50 a night
What our guest have to say
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"What a fantastic place to stay with everything you need for a cozy getaway. Sophie the host was very helpful and such a nice person that was great at communication and extremely helpful with everything we asked. A lovely rural area with beautiful walking routes, capped off at the end of the day in front of the bbq/fire before soaking in the spacious hot tub. The site had all we could ask for to accommodate our stay. Our first time glamping and it didn’t disappoint. 5 stars all round"
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"We had the most relaxing and cosy stay in Woody at the Old Forge. The perfect retreat away from London, with a great kitchen to cook some delicious dinners, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and cooking. We loved walking in the surrounding areas of the Downs, and playing scrabble by the wood burning stove"
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"First time we have ever stayed in a shepherds hut. Couldn't think there can be one in the UK that can beat this. The warm welcome was much appreciated, the attention to detail was first class, comfortable bed and so on gives 10/10 from us."
Accessibility
Woody is set within a rural field setting with uneven ground, gravel and grass paths, so may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility. The shepherd’s hut is accessed via steps and the bathroom facilities are separate from the hut.
We are a family-run, dog-friendly site and welcome guests from all backgrounds. We’re always happy to answer any questions before booking to help guests decide whether the accommodation is suitable for their needs.
