Tech-Detox Getaways in Kent

Numerous studies done by the American Psychological Associations suggest that the excessive use of technology can be stressful, disrupt sleep, could increase the risk of mental health issues as well as disrupting the work/life balance.

Whilst the studies are still ongoing, we believe that a healthy break from technology and our phones can help us reconnect with loved ones or even ourselves. Hence why we challenged our own tech-fan, Anca Precub, to leave her phone at home, and sent her to explore some hidden Kent gems perfect for a tech-detox.

I’d been driving for about 20 minutes down country lanes, and even if I’m a fairly new driver, I was loving the green fields and wildlife that was greeting me at every turn.

When I reached the metal gate, my heart started racing. A flock of curious sheep were already heading my way, and behind me, Shelby from OhMyGraze, was just parking with some boxes full of goodies. My breakfast and lunch was sorted and they looked incredible!

I went through the metal gates, greeting the sheep, and made my way down the path to my accommodation for the night. I’d never stayed in a place like this before so excitement levels were high.

The hut is located about 60 miles from London, in East Brabourne, and as it sits at the edge of the village, you’re pretty much surrounded by fields. You do have access to 2 pubs that serve some incredible food and local drinks within a 20 min walk.

If you need a big supermarket though, Ashford is just 10 minutes’ drive from the hut, so in case you forget any necessary items, don’t panic.

The owners of the hut have lived in the area and worked on the adjacent farm for over 30 years, and opened the hut in September 2021 with the help of local craftsmen using traditional designs and techniques, ensuring they keep the authenticity of the hut.

While the outside of the hut may have a time-honoured appearance, when I stepped inside I was surprised to be greeted by a luxurious accommodation, with a fully equipped kitchenette, a king sized bed, en-suite shower room , electric log burner and underfloor heating, which for a spring stay and an always cold person like myself was a blessing.

The grey wooden walls really compliment the blues and yellow of the sofa and pillows, and as soon as you step in you feel a sense of coziness and peace taking over.

The 2 windows are facing the trees that surround the hut, and the door is facing the field where you’ll occasionally see the sheep grazing. If you’re lucky, you might spot the pheasants that came to say hi to me a few times whilst I was enjoying a tea on the hut steps.

My hosts also left a welcome card, that was handwritten, and some eggs from their own chickens, which I must admit I was super excited to cook up that evening.

To me, it’s this sort of attention to detail that elevates any stay no matter how big or small, as it’s a clear sign you have some amazing hosts on your side.

In order to pass the day, and as I was not supposed to be using my phone and the signal wasn’t on my side either (of course I had to check), I went for a walk. The hut is inside the Kent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The welcome pack that you receive when booking the hut includes different activities for those staying there, and recommendations of both nature walks, food and shopping.

My choice out of the list was to go and visit the Hatch Deer Park, as the possibility of seeing one of the 100+ deer that live there was definitely making the photographer in me itch with excitement. Though as if they knew I was coming, they decided to hide under a tree, too far away to take a proper image. Thankfully, they didn’t made the walk any less relaxing and beautiful. Many locals seem to be visiting this place with their dogs, and I was surprised to see how well kept the place is, with signs talking about the plants and area in general as well as picturesque views.

provided by the many birds that seemed like they were surrounding the hut. I’d prefer them to an alarm clock.

The breakfast provided by OhMyGraze at the suggestion of my lovely host Kate, was exactly what I needed after what was a very good nights sleep. It was a combination of yogurts, croissants, waffles, Nutella and fruits that I devoured with my coffee even though at home I never eat in the morning. Not to mention the presentation of this graze box will make you hungry even by just looking at it.

When it was time to go I realised that I hadn’t even had my phone on charge overnight as I barely touched it and only

On returning to the hut, I snuggled in the bed with a book, and got the electric log burner going which immediately made me feel very cozy, warm and relaxed.

I usually wake up very early in the morning every time I’m in a new place, and this time was no exception. The difference being that the background music was being occasionally used it for taking images.

This will definitely be a place that I’ll have to come back to, not least because the area outside of the hut is deisgned to be enjoyed round a fire pit, and I really wish I’d had enough time to experience it as well.

Find more information about the hut on their instagram page @northdownsviewssheperdshut

Stay At Forest Edge

If there’s one thing I could never get enough of, apart my phone and laptop, is walking in the woods,. Hence why I had to visit Stay at Forest Edge for another tech-detox break.

Situated right next to Bedgebury forest, and just over 50 miles from London, this little farm accommodates a shepherd hut, and in the summer, bell tents as well, for their guests is not only truly beautiful but also taking steps in being as eco-friendly as possible.

The hut and washroom facilities are run using solar power, they use reclaimed and recycled wood as well as compostable and renewable materials where possible, and there’s even an electric vehicle charging point on site.

sure I knew that was their place.

Helen showed me around the washroom facility, which can be found right at the entrance and has an outdoor kitchenette, and then advised I follow the cobbled winding path to my left.

The path is lined with flowers, and the ducks will follow you for a bit. By the time you realise how beautiful this place is, you are welcomed by the sight of a camping area, with a firepit, barbeque and large wooden table, nestled between some tall trees, with the hut right next to it.

The hut has been built locally, and it blends perfectly within the canopy of trees. As soon as I went inside, a large bouquet of fresh flowers and a Victoria sponge cake were waiting for me on the table, alongside a tray of some more tasty snacks. With the sun shining, there was also a delightful local apple juice that I was eager to try.

As soon as you step on the property you notice the attention to detail and the love the owners have for nature, as everything on site is built not to disrupt it, but to enhance the beauty of it and protect it.

Before our host, Helen, reached my car, the 3 ducks that like to live in the pond, came to say hi, thinking probably I had some food for them, or maybe they were just making visit the Bewl Water parkland where you can do various activities from water sports to paintball and cycling.

Inside you can sleep up to 4 people, as there is a double bed and a sofa bed that will expand for the extra guests, as well as a double hob, small sink and all the necessary utensils for preparing food either indoors or on the outside barbeque.

After my walk I was eager to come back to the hut and get the fire going, as I was longing for a night spent next to it with roasting marshmallows, enjoying the nature around me.

You can drive to the nearest town in about 10-15 minutes, and after you get your supplies, make sure you get one of the blankets provided by the hut and immerse yourself in the aroma of roasted marshmallows outside.

After an amazing night’s sleep, I asked my host, yet again as she was so accommodating, to recommend a place for breakfast, as I was not feeling like washing the dishes. So, I headed to Birchwood in Wadhurst at her suggestion, which had delicious and fairly priced food, as well as friendly staff, not to mention it overlooks, yes you guessed it - a birch forest.

As I got there early, I asked my host to point me in the direction of Bedgebury Forest. Not only did she suggested some routes, Helen also came along with me for a while to make sure I didn’t get lost, before returning to the horses that she was tending to when I arrived.

If you plan to come and stay here, you are spoiled for choice in terms of the different activities you can do. Apart from woodland walks and bike rides, which are just a few meters away from the hut, you can also take a trip to Scotney Castle , which is only 20 minutes’ drive away. Or

I was genuinely sad when I had to leave Stay at Forest Edge, and even though there is signal in the area so you are not completely cut off technologically speaking, having no TV in the hut and being surrounded by so much nature and activities will make you forget about your phone. I sure did.

Find more info here: www.stayatforestedge.co.uk

The Lodge Treehouse

As a child, apart from my undying love of the outdoors, I loved climbing trees and always dreamt one day I will have my own treehouse, full of books, dolls and snacks.

As an adult I got to make that dream a reality, with a stay at The Lodge Treehouse, another hidden gem, nestled in the Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Beauty, just a 2h drive from London, in Stowting, Ashford.

Driving here I had all these thoughts about how the place will look, what will I do while there, and how crazy it will be to spend a night in an actual treehouse. Nothing prepared me, though, for the moment when I actually arrived.

The treehouse sits around 2.5 meters above ground with trees surrounding it on 3 sides. It is accessible via a narrow staircase, which made me smile because for once I didn’t overpack as the weather in Kent has been incredible for days on end.

The host, David, who lives on site just behind the treehouse, surprised me by providing some local eggs from the chicken I saw pecking just by the side of the house, as well as some meats for the morning breakfast, and a bottle of bubbly that I already had plans for.

The place comes equipped with everything you might need for an escape from the outside world. There’s a waterfall shower, a 3-way oven, a small fridge freezer a fully equipped kitchen and even a dishwasher as we all know we don’t want to be doing any washing up when on holiday. There is also a wood burner that I’m sure will provide the much-needed cozy feel to the place, although I didn’t get to use it due to the time of my visit. If you are booking for a colder time of year, there are gas radiators to keep you warm.

The house was designed in France by Nidperche, and uses natural materials and an architectural style that is aimed at blending into the environment. That should be no surprise, as I have driven on the nearby road, and never noticed it.

When you reach the top of the platform there’s an outdoor table and chairs, as well as one of the stars of this accommodation, a jacuzzi bath that overlooks the Kentish fields.

There is a king size bed with a beautiful wooden frame that complements the style of the house, and after finding out more about my host from one of the books he wrote, I now also knew that he used some of the wool from the sheep that were grazing just under the terrace as insulation for the place. If that’s not being ingenious with your resources, I don’t know what is.

As part of your stay, you can also ask David to help him with the sheep and chickens if you would like a more hands on experience. Otherwise, there are a few countryside trails you can enjoy with the North Downs Way trail close by at the top of the list

I decided to not venture too far out and instead, I made sure I got plenty of use from the outside jacuzzi and that bottle of bubbly, to quickly transform the outdoor space into a luxury spa experience, while watching the birds fly by.

In the morning, I had breakfast at the outside table, with sheep greeting me from down below and the sun just getting up above the edge of the trees.

When you visit, make sure you ask David to prepare the firepit for you as well, as I can imagine that would enhance the experience even more. And if you want that extra insight of how this place came to be, have a look at the books he wrote himself, as they will share the secrets behind this incredible treetop stay.

Find more info at: www.thelodgetreehouse.co.uk

I was very lucky with the weather and that allowed me to enjoy the outdoor bath experience. I could also have plenty of entertainment indoors as there are books and board games provided by the hosts.

Elmley Nature Reserve

We are stuck. Two cars in front of me have stopped their engine, and I can see a third one approaching from the other direction that will have to join us. We are all gathered next to a cattle grid and gate, and are watching a calf casually grazing on the side of the road, with her whole body stopping any and all traffic.

I arrived at Elmley Nature Reserve 30 minutes earlier, and have only managed to drive about halfway through the 2-mile stretch of road to my accommodation. All the other visitors are taking their time, and stopping every few meters to watch the birds, cows and hares from their car, whilst taking pictures or getting their binoculars out. I realised my adventure had started, as I had involuntarily joined a car safari hatched an impressive 37 chicks. These are now cared for, and when they mature enough they will be released into the reserve to hopefully help the population growth.

I was planning to stay in one of their Bell tents, as I thought that would be the best way to continue my tech-detox, disconnecting from my phone and any other means of technology.

The site offers four types of tents. The Meadow Bell tents provide sunrise views, and can be booked by families as well. The Sapling tents give some much-needed shade for the hot summer days, as well as sun for those wanting to catch a tan while there. The Acorn Bell tents are designed just for adults, giving a quieter break. And then there’s the Woodland tents, which is where I would be spending a relaxing night.

Little did I know that the weather had other plans for me.

Situated about 40 miles from London, on the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley is a family run farm that is not only welcoming guests in various types of accommodation, but is also focusing their efforts into benefiting the nature around them, and developing new ways of increasing the biodiversity in the area.

I was shown to my private tent area, which was adjacent to a path frequently traversed by fellow visitors equipped with cameras and binoculars. Apart from the very spacious tent, which comes with a comfortable bed, the outside area features a table and chairs, a firepit, and a hammock.

The tents share a well-equipped camp kitchen, with everything needed to cook your meals. There is a gas stove, running water, kitchen utensils and even some essentials such as condiments and tea. Also in this area you can find the showers and toilets, which were impeccably maintained, reflecting my hosts commitment to the guests.

As my tour of the accommodation was coming to an end, the clouds decided to make an appearance, and my host reassured me that arrangements have been made in the event of rain.

For now, it was time to explore the 3300 acres of wilderness. So, with camera and binoculars in hand, I set off on one of the recommended paths, guided by a knowledgeable staff member who not only suggested the best route, but also shared valuable tips for spotting wildlife.

What struck me during my stay was the passionate dedication displayed by every Elmley staff member, from Simon the lead nature guide, to the attentive waiting staff and diligent housekeepers. Their genuine enthusiasm for the reserve and environment was palpable.

Eager to learn more about Elmley’s conservation efforts, I engaged in a deeper conversation with Simon. Bizarrely, throughout the chat, birds kept coming and sitting beside us, as if they wanted to join the discussion.

Apart from the fact that this is the only family owned and managed National Nature Reserve in the UK, their continuous work to restore biodiversity in the area is something they work very hard on. They care deeply for nature, and the whole reservation is almost entirely off grid.

One significant project that they are currently focused on is the Curlew recovery project. This responds to a decline in the species numbers across the UK. As part of the project, they have obtained 40 eggs this year which have already aware of the other, but means no harm. Humans are caring of the wildlife, and in return they get rewarded with some of the most incredible aerial displays. I saw so many different species of birds in such a short amount of time that I can’t wait to go back and explore even more. the guests to come downstairs, and so I thought I was going to be on my own. Surprisingly, though, a friendly sparrow decided to keep me company. I shouldn’t really be surprised; he obviously knew how good the food was!

To further support their conservation endeavours, they have also established the “Friends of Elmley” programme, which offers members out of hours access on the first Thursday of every month, as well as volunteering opportunities, quarterly events and more.

Simon also suggested that to get the best out of my stay, I should join one of their safari or wildlife experience tours, as their knowledgeable guides will take you to the best spots for photographing wildlife. That will be something I’ll have to arrange for my next visit, however, as it was now time for dinner.

I headed to the Kingshill Barn, with its lively atmosphere. Most of the tables by the big window were occupied by groups of visitors who were staying on the reserve overnight. I soon found that their commitment to give back to nature doesn’t stop in the restaurant either, as they run on a minimum waste kitchen, and they source their food locally.

After a delicious meal, and with the rain arriving, I was invited to spend the night in The Yellow Room of the Farmhouse, which, given the wet, windy and cold conditions I happily accepted.

The Farmhouse is a 17th century Grade II listed building, that was renovated in 2019. It kept all the improvements in line with the original building, without taking away from the architectural key elements of the site.

I really didn’t want to leave. Nature and humans coexisting in a space where each is

The room had one of the most comfortable beds, and a large size bathroom with a rolltop bath that was offering views across the fields. So, that’s where I decided to spend my evening, accompanied by the sound of birds, and pouring rain.

In the morning I had breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen, and it was the most magical experience. I was the last of

And just when I thought I was ready to leave, in the car park, close to my car, a group of people with cameras were gathered. As I approached, I noticed Simon too, who explained that what we were witnessing is quite a rare sight. Four extremely rare butterflies were sunbathing. Their species was believed extinct for over 50 years, but they have slowly started making an appearance. These large tortoiseshell butterflies were even mentioned on television later that week, and it’s a clear sign that nature is thriving at Elmley.

And so, I joined the enthusiastic group of photographers, and captured one of the butterflies on camera. I left eventually, promising Simon I will return soon.

More infro at www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk

Tiny Bubble Tree Tent

Summer holidays have always been my favourite. My parents would fill up the car with a huge tent, food, tables, chairs, blankets and what seemed like half of our kitchen, and we would head to the seaside. But I must admit I haven’t slept in a tent for at least 15 years, so I am heading to my final tech-detox location, I was very excited.

A few miles away from Maidstone, I leave the main road, and am back in the countryside. Before long I reach a farmhouse where I meet my host, Liz.

Liz welcomes me, and quickly informs me that the nicelooking golf buggy with the number 6 will be mine, and my assistants’ for the weekend. She had barely finished showing it to us, than we were already on it, excited for the fun ride to our accommodation.

After crossing a large field, where we were told sheep might come and visit, we reached a gate that led to a patch of woods. The shade was exactly what we needed, as the sun had been working overtime.

Of course, the main attraction was our sleeping accommodation – a clear tent, suspended two metres off the ground.

This unique space not only comes with an immense hammock underneath, but it’s also one of the only ones of its type in the country, so you get to experience quite a unique stay.

After a short introduction on how to get in and out of the tent, we started exploring the area. Phone and WiFi signal here is completely non-existent, so you can truly disconnect from all technology.

an elevated camping experience from that which I’ve been used to. I know that if, as a child, I’d known a clear tent such as this existed, I would never have wanted to sleep indoors again!

The next day I woke up very early. Besides the fact that I’m generally a morning person, the bird song just made me want to be awake, and enjoy it properly. As the sun was slowly starting to rise behind the trees, I decided I must try the outside bath. Liz had informed me that the water would get really hot for it, so I was ready for a cozy dip while watching the nature wake up all around me.

A little later, we decided on a trip to explore the area around our accommodation. The magnificent Leeds Castle is only a few minutes away, but we decided to go for a wander in nearby Lenham. This small village has one of the best antiques shops I’ve come across locally, and a charity shop that both my assistant and I fell in love with - mainly because the ladies working there just made our day so much better.

Returning to our little woodland tent, it was time for a relaxing evening around the fire, whilst waiting for another spectacle of the night sky.

If you’re someone who thinks camping isn’t for you, just book a night here. You will definitely change your mind. I can’t wait to go back.

Find the Tiny Bubble Tent on AirBnB

There’s a plug on site for phone charging, and the only other electronic piece of equipment are the twinkly lights that light up the area at night. Apart from that, it’s just you, and Mother Nature.

A quick trip into the nearby village of Harrietsham provided us with the necessary food supplies and snacks for the evening, and we rushed to get back to our tent. The place itself offers so many activities, and it’s such a peaceful oasis that you don’t really want to be away from it for long.

At night, as we got into our suspended tent, we were lucky enough to have a clear sky, and were able to see the moon and stars through the branches of the trees. This was quite

I still had to use a camera for taking pictures, and upload them onto the magazine’s instagram (afterall, I was still working). However, I cut my phone usage by half.

And so, my month long adventure of visiting places around Kent, without Instagram likes and TikTock videos, has come to an end.

I am a lover of nature, and being outdoors and getting the chance to connect with that side of myself felt great.

I’m not going to lie, I did miss my phone at times, and wished I was able to share my experince online in an instant. But what happened instead surprised me in a pleasant way. I became more present, I enjoyed the breeze and the sun on my skin more. I became more aware of the details around me, and immersed myself deeply into this new environment.

If techonology is taking over your life, I can’t recommend a tech-detox highly enough. You don’t even have to book an expensive stay, just get outside.

The stays I picked varried in price, from around £100£250 a night. You could just have an afternoon in the great outdoors, without the phone, that will have the same effect.

You can thank me later on Instagram @globetrottermedia