Sleeping Well at Spring Hill Farm – Camping and Shepherd’s Hut Tips

Simple, practical tips to help you sleep soundly outdoors, whether camping under canvas or staying in a cosy shepherd’s hut.

Whether you’re staying in a tent or one of our shepherd’s huts, sleeping close to nature is part of the experience. It can feel a little different from home—but with a few simple tips, most guests settle in quickly and sleep brilliantly. Read our top tips…

For Camping Guests

When you’re camping, a good night’s sleep really comes down to what you bring.

Your bed matters most. A good quality sleeping mat or airbed makes a huge difference—the ground holds cold, even in summer. But remember there’s no electricity in the camping paddock, so if you’re bringing an airbed, you’ll need a way to pump it up from your car so be sure to bring an adapter!
Keep warm through the night. Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, often more than you expect. Bring a sleeping bag suited to the season, along with an extra layer or two just in case. Warm socks or even a hat can make all the difference on cooler nights.
Expect the sounds of nature. Wind, rain, and wildlife—from owls to early birds (and the occasional muntjac)—are all part of the experience. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs can really help.
Light comes early. Tents don’t block much daylight. An eye mask can help if you prefer a lie-in—or embrace it, as early mornings in the countryside can feel especially peaceful and magical.
Bring a touch of home. A real pillow from home can make things feel instantly more comfortable.
Wind down properly. Camping is at its best when you slow things down. Try to avoid too much caffeine or alcohol late in the evening, and take time to relax—by the fire, with a book, or simply enjoying the quiet.
Be ready for late-night trips. Keep a torch or headlamp within easy reach. It’s also worth having footwear that’s easy to slip on and keeps your feet dry—even without rain, the grass can be very dewy, and nobody wants to get back into bed with wet socks.
Switch off (if you can). One of the joys of being here is the chance to disconnect. Try putting your phone away a little earlier and just wind down with the evening. There’s no electricity in the field (though there is a socket inside the toilet block entrance if needed), and while there is some signal, it’s not strong and there’s no WiFi—consider it the perfect excuse to switch off.

For Shepherd’s Hut Guests

You’ve got a few more comforts—but you’re still very much surrounded by nature.

Stay cosy. Make the most of the blankets, duvets, and heating provided. The huts hold warmth well once they’re nice and cosy.
Peaceful, not silent. You may still hear the wind, rain, or birdsong—but that’s part of the charm. You get to enjoy the sounds of nature while staying warm and snug inside.
Wake gently with the light. With blinds and curtains, you can keep the early light out—but you might prefer to leave them open and wake naturally. Early mornings here can be incredibly calm and beautiful.
Slow the evening down. Shepherd’s huts are perfect for switching off—soft lighting, a good book, and an early night often lead to a really restful sleep.And if you have a hot tub, a warm soak under the stars is just about the perfect way to end the day.
Let in a little fresh air. Even on cooler nights, a bit of ventilation can really improve sleep, so you might like to crack open a window if it’s not too chilly (please be sure to turn the heater off first though!).