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Swallowtail Hill is a farm like no other. It's our home and our passion and its landscape is unique.

Swallowtail Hill, is close to the medieval walled coastal town of Rye in East Sussex. Maps of the 17th century show Swallowtail Hill as it is now, unchanged.

Our best guess is that the reason for its name is that migrating swallows gathered at its top before departure for South Africa, and made their first landfall here too, since it is among the highest points of land in this part of south east England.

Christopher began the conservation work here twenty five years ago and over time created the farm you see today. Its 40 acres are run purely for conservation.

You’ll discover traditional wildflower meadow, ancient woodland, hedgerow old and new, ponds and reed beds all of which encourage biodiversity and create a landscape rich in colour, life and vibrancy.

Sarah created the glamping here ten years ago. We have a small and much loved family of animals; some have a role in the conservation work we do, some help us to be more self-sufficient but most are our pets and provide fun and companionship.

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Our Ethos

We are climate neutral as an operation, and we use climate neutral suppliers wherever we can. Everything we do here on the farm is about reducing our climate footprint and to encourage sustainability.

Remember When…

All of our work is really about preserving a landscape that is now rarely seen.  It's a little corner of the Sussex countryside that we want to share with guests and visitors.  We want you to enjoy its peace, its tranquillity, its beauty and take a moment in time to escape the hustle of every day life.  Once here you can relax, remember when life was less complicated and reconnect with those you love in wonderful surroundings.

What Our Guests Say

I am in love with this place! This place is perfection! Wonderful hosts too. Can't wait to come back for more adventures. A slice of heaven in the world - it will always be a special place for us both.

Sam & MJ

Perfect, idyllic, lovely and special times together.

Sheena and Lenny

The best pork pie we've ever eaten! We couldn't eat it all on our picnic (you don't underfeed do you!), so we're taking the rest home with us - delicious. Thank you.

Amanda & Michael

Wow – the Meadow Keeper’s Cottage is a work of genius. A beautiful, peaceful, setting and a most relaxing of places to stay. We loved every minute of it. Will definitely be back in the future.

Em & Dom

Brilliant weekend in Woodcutter’s Cottage. Very peaceful and left feeling purified, living in London as we do. Showered in sleet the first morning and frost the next, but the shower was toasty and invigorating.

Joe & Zoe Sharpe

The kids have loved the freedom here, the experiences, not to mention feeding the animals. Thank you for sharing this with us.

The Toppers

The most amazing weekend, so magical! Sarah & Christopher are the pefect hosts and couldn't have made our time here more special. Had our own private dinner in the Hill Top Tent watching the sun go down and my boyfriend proposed! Will never forget our stay here!

Dom & Matt

What a find! Exactly what we needed for a few days. Time together, no business, no children and time with a book. Sarah and Christopher thank you for your great hospitality. Rye – thank you for the great shops. Lunch at the George was fab. The experience has been fantastic and I’d like to think we’ll see you again one day.

Mary & Nick

We had a wonderful few days staying in the cottage, playing games and toasting marshmallows and running in the sand dune of Camber Sands - thank you.

The Whitings

Very much enjoyed our stay and also the boat trip to Bodiam; the science observatory at Herstmonceaux; and the rare breeds centre as well as fish & chips on the beach at Winchelsea. Many thanks!

Katie & Co.

Thank you for such a wonderful stay in your beautiful Meadow Keeper's Cottage. It's just the sweetest hideaway with some amazing touches. The area is stunning we visited Rye, Bodiam Castle and had a great meal at The Ferry Inn. A very special way to spend our first wedding anniversary.

Cathy & James

What a way to celebrate a 70th birthday, back to nature with most of the family. We had glorious weather too. Thank yoy for a great weekend!

Tish & John

Thank you for the beautiful setting and the most perfect wedding day. What a beautiful place to wake up as Mr & Mrs. We first fell in love with Swallowtail Hill two years ago - we'll definitely be back. Magical!

Hannah & Lee

Loved our time with you – thank you so much! Really relaxing just being here and got super lucky with the weather. Cooked an extravaganza on the campfire on two occasions, loved feeding the gorgeous animals, and waking up with the dawn to foxes, bird song, squirrels and sheep. Beautifully snug. Thank you so much.

Marie-Louise, Becca & Suko

A unique experience for a great escape away from the stresses and strains for modern city life and mod cons. Thank you!

Nadia & Claire

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