nemo – Design your dream trip

Need help?

Show all photos

Elmley Nature Reserve

Go off-grid at Elmley Nature Reserve, a 3,300-acre conservation-led escape under an hour from London, with stylish shepherd’s huts, cosy cabins and secluded bell tents looking out on a vast, wildlife-packed landscape. The homely hut interiors feature cast-iron radiators, wood-burning stoves and ash-branch beds topped with Romney Marsh wool throws – but don’t forget to venture outdoors. The Kingshill Farmhouse has individually styled rooms and charmingly rustic living spaces. Trails lead from your door out across the wetlands, where barn owls glide over the reeds at dusk and flocks of birds swarm in the gigantic skies. It’s time to ditch digital and re-wild.

You’ll find the reserve on the south coast of the Isle of Sheppey, where the Thames Estuary opens out into the North Sea.

Room Types

Traditional Shepherd’s Huts

There are two of these 10sq m huts, each featuring a double bed, ensuite shower room and a wood-burning stove (there’s no mains electricity). Little Owl comes with access to an bird-watching spot looking towards the oak trees where Elmley’s barn owls nest – what’s more, there’s a pair of vintage binoculars and a Swarovski telescope waiting for you inside. Samphire has sweeping views across the marsh, Swale Estuary and the mainland in the distance. In winter, wildfowl take shelter on the Swale, and you’ll be in with a chance of spying short-eared owls swooping over the ponds. Request your preferred hut – Little Owl or Samphire – when booking.

from £238

Cabins

Each of these cabins has floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the reserve. Designed with rustic upcycled furnishings, restored wood beams and lightly-hued panelling, the cabin has a king-size bed, small living area (with a sofa bed for two children under 10), a wood-burning fireplace and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Outside, there's a freestanding roll-top bath tub, an alfresco dining space and a firepit. There are sweeping views of the reserve from the bedroom, so you won’t miss the TV, but you will also have a Roberts radio, tea- and coffee-making kit, hot-water bottles and Verden bath products. Please note, the indoor fireplace cannot be used if under-10s are staying on the sofa bed.

from £414

Large Shepherd’s Huts

Each of these 16sq m huts has floor-to-ceiling windows at one end to make the most of the views. Clad in timber and finished with soft wool throws, they have a cosy and nostalgic feel. Each has a king-size bed, a kitchenette, an ensuite shower room stocked with Verden bath products, and an outdoor fire pit. Ferryman’s takes its name from the ferryman’s hut which stood on the same spot, looking out over the water. Saltbox faces the marshes, where you’ll often see flocks of birds rooting around for food. The Damson is surrounded by fruit trees in the old orchard, and has excellent views of the sun rising over the marsh. Ferryman’s and Saltbox also have outdoor showers; the Damson has an outdoor bath tub. Request your preferred hut – Ferryman's, Saltbox or Damson – when booking.

from £388

Elmley Cottage

This cottage sleeps up to 10 adults, with four bedrooms (with a combination of king-size and single beds) and a ground-floor sitting room with a pull-out double bed. There’s a huge living room and a large kitchen with a gas oven; there’s a barbecue outside, too. There are nature trails on your doorstep, views are of the countryside and sea, and your nearest neighbours are free-range chickens, and ducks paddling in the ponds. In the three bathrooms, you’ll find three showers and one bath tub, all stocked with Verden bath products.

from £854

Vanellus

This 112sq ft charcoal-painted shepherd’s hut has a floor-to-ceiling window by the king-size bed, looking out over the wilderness. There’s a small shower room indoors and a cast-iron fire pit outside.

from £348

Kingshill Farmhouse

This 17th-century farmhouse is great for groups, with six bedrooms accommodating up to 14 people in a combination of single and super-king-size beds spread across two floors. It’s rustic-luxe in style and has a large kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, drawing room and library, along with a fire-pit-toting landscaped garden opening into the nature reserve. There are four ensuite bathrooms, all with showers and some with free-standing bath tubs. You’ll also find a TV, free WiFi, games, books, tea and coffee, and Verden bath products. Book the house as a serviced stay and you'll get all breakfasts included and a host to look after you, who can arrange drinks, lunch and dinner (for an extra charge), plus you'll get daily housekeeping and a wildlife tour.

from £1392

Location

Kingshill Farm, Sheerness, Kent ME12 3RW, United Kingdom

CHECK-IN

CHECK-OUT

*We’ll search for the best rates, so you don’t have to.

Handpicked by experts.
Each hotel and experience is carefully selected by our Travel Experts and vetted by our trusted partners around the world.

Designed by you.
Our platform gives you control. Design and book your dream trips, with no hidden costs.

Everyone is a VIP.
We offer personalised advice and concierge services from the moment you land on the website, right up until you return home.

We give back with every trip.
1% of every trip is donated to Hello World, our incredible charity partner.

Suggested Itineraries

Design your dream itinerary and get expert advice.

The Nemo Promise

We are on a mission to simplify bespoke travel planning. This starts by handpicking boutique hotels that have wonderful design, character and ethical practices at their core. Each and every traveller is important, that’s why we have a dedicated team ready to help 24/7. If you want anything extra arranged, from a hire car on arrival to a bespoke experience away from the crowds, all you need to do is ask. For every hotel booked, we will plant a tree in your name and 1% of our revenues are donated to our inspiring charity partner, Hello World..

Covid Policy

As a highly personalised and service-driven company, we are keen to support all of our clients in helping you to make the best possible decision and to be able to travel with confidence in this ever-changing climate. We’ll work with you to ensure that you are fully comfortable with every element of your trip from the moment you visit our website, right up until you get back home. Your health and safety is of the upmost importance, and we ensure all of our hotels are vetted under the latest regulations and are under constant review.

Cancellation Policy

We charge a non-refundable deposit and you can change your travel dates for free up to one week before your trip, which is when your balance is due. Our post-booking services are industry leading and your deposit is to ensure we can offer you the support you deserve, every step of the way. Expect 24/7 access to our team of Travel Experts, a slick concierge app, and VIP treatment on arrival.

East Africa

Indian Subcontinent

Latin America

North Africa & Middle East

Oceania

South-East Asia

Southern Africa

Need help?