Cosy Winter Stays at Elmley

It’s a time for slow stays, crisp mornings, fireside evenings, hearty suppers and discovering a secret side to Elmley, reserved for the guests of our cosy huts, cottage and farmhouse.

Brisk, bright walks under Elmley’s huge skies are wonderful but in the winter a stroll at dusk can be even more magical. The Nature Reserve gates open from dawn to dusk, so you will have the Reserve all to yourself, save for the gathering wildife and emerging stars. As the light fades take the nature trail that heads north east past the Old School House, the trees along this tranquil path can be a secret spot to see short-eared owls. There are at least twenty of these majestic at Elmley at the moment, making spying them during your stay wonderfully likely. And watch in wonder as the marsh harriers fly over in their hundreds, heading back to their nighttime roost at the brickfields.

Feeling in need of a rest in this most busy of months? You don’t have to roam to see the spectacle of the Reserves’s inspiring wildlife. The numbers of wading birds and wildfowl build steadily over the Winter, which means they can be seen in their hundreds overhead on the marshes and on the ponds in front of huts. A captivating sight that can often be enjoyed without even stepping outside.

After an evening adventuring, a warm bath is a welcome reset. All our roll-top tubs offer inspiring views for wildlife watching or stargazing while you soak, whether they are perched under a scenic window at Kingshill Farmhouse, or outside on your private cabin deck. Each of our bathrooms feature gorgeous products by Verden, fluffy towels and robes, an enveloping spa experience, all in the cosy calm of your cabin or room.

The talented team in our farm kitchen have created a brand new seasonal supper menu, designed to create the perfect end to each day at Elmey and showcasing the very best local produce. Feast on a steaming chicken pie, served with local garlicky greens from neighbouring farms, delivered right to your door, followed by the most comforting of apple crumbles (our latest sample supper menus can be found here and the team will let you know what’s available during your visit).

Some cosy winter stays aren’t complete without a walk to the local… and while Elmley’s not been home to a public house since the Victorian era, overnight guests can head to our charming rustic barn, The Lindhay, for honesty bar drinks & snacks and board games around the woodburner. Sip on a beautiful Kentish wine, or al Old Dairy ale brewed just around the corner, while you engage in a competitive round of Bird Bingo or quietly curl up under a blanket with a book.

For the nostalgic seasonal smell and warmth of your own fire, each accommodation comes with a firepit, complete with wood and firelighters. Not forgetting those all essential marshmallows for toasting. Rediscover the simple joys of swapping fireside stories, stargaze or simply embrace the unique soundscape of winter nights on National Nature Reserve.

The best thing about winter stays at Elmley? Not having to leave bed to enjoy your breakfast (well, beyond hopping up to briefly answer the door). Guests can call in their order from our Breakfast Menu and our lovely team will deliver it directly to you, whether it’s our classic Kentish Thick Cut Bacon Sandwich or hearty Elmley Grain Porridge with Seasonal Fruit Compote and Toasted Seeds. An opportunity for a luxuriously slow start of nourishing food, snug blankets, hot water bottles and unmatched views of nature from your bed. A dream reset before the day begins in earnest and the gates to the Reserve open once again.

Can’t decide which accommodation to book for your perfect seasonal stay? Call the team on 01795 664896 or email us on stay@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk .