Stay at Laughton Lodge
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We have five guest rooms and camping facilities available for visitors, whether you’re attending a workshop or retreat at Shawfield, visiting friends in the community, or volunteering with us.
Staying for an event
If you’re attending a workshop, retreat or other event at Shawfield, guest rooms can be booked as part of your event package. Your event organiser will usually arrange accommodation directly with us, or you can book separately.
We have five guest rooms in Shawfield, sleeping up to nine people. Rooms are simple and comfortable, with shared shower and kitchen facilities. For larger groups, camping is available in the meadow during the warmer months.
Your event organiser may arrange catering as part of the event. Otherwise, you’re welcome to use the shared kitchen next to the guest rooms.
| Room | Sleeps | Facilities | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room 1 | 2 | Double bed, toilet, sink | £40 |
| Room 2 | 3 | Double bed and single bed | £40 |
| Room 3 | 1 | Single bed, sink | £20 |
| Room 4 | 1 | Single bed, sink | £20 |
| Room 5 | 2 | Double bed, desk | £25 |
| Camping | Varies | Pitch your own tent in the meadow, April to September. Children free. | £11 per adult |
| Campervan | Varies | Park in the meadow, weather permitting, or near our community building | £15 |
Check in from 4pm. Check out by 11am. Free parking on site.
Standalone personal stays
Our guest rooms are also available for personal stays of up to one week, particularly if you have a connection to someone in the community. It’s a lovely way to experience life at Laughton Lodge, especially if you’re thinking about living here one day.
Some community members also open their homes to guests when rooms are in demand or for larger groups. Prices vary – contact us for details.
Volunteering
If you are joining us for one of our monthly work days, you might want to book a guest room to spend a bit more time at the Lodge. Find out more on our Volunteer page.
Availability
Check the room list above alongside our booking calendar to see whether we can accommodate you on the dates you would like. If your dates look free, or you would like us to check, get in touch and we will let you know what is available.
Please read our cancellation policy before you book.
Everything you need to know about staying here
How do I get to Laughton Lodge?
Our address is Laughton Lodge, Laughton, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6BY. Laughton is about 6 miles from Lewes. Full directions, including where to park and how to find Shawfield, are on our How to find us page.
The nearest train stations are Lewes and Uckfield. Taxis are usually available from Lewes station. Bus services from Laughton to Lewes run half hourly (hourly on Sundays).
What do I do when I arrive?
Let us know your arrival time when you book. Someone will be around to show you to your room or camping space. If nobody is available, we’ll send you room details in advance so you can make yourself at home when you get here.
If you’re staying in a community member’s home, they’ll make arrangements with you directly.
What’s provided?
Guest rooms: sheets, duvets, pillows and towels. You’ll also have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen, a dining room with wood burner, shared showers and bathrooms, and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout Shawfield.
What should I bring?
Your personal belongings, food for your stay (or check with your event organiser about catering), one form of ID, and a torch – it gets properly dark here at night.
Meals
Meals are not included in guest room stays unless you’re volunteering or your event organiser has arranged catering.
You’re welcome to use the guest kitchen. The village shop is about a mile’s walk (closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays), and The Roebuck Inn in Laughton village serves good food. The Wok Inn, a mile in the other direction, has a Chinese restaurant (closed Tuesdays).
For events, our professional kitchen is available for your caterers, or we can suggest local options.
What’s the environment like?
Laughton Lodge is a peaceful rural community of around 22 homes set in 23 acres of land, with meadows, woodland, allotments and animals including horses, chickens and various pets. Each household is independent, but we share the land and community spaces. Find out more about Laughton Lodge.
You’re very welcome to enjoy the grounds around Shawfield and walk our paths – there’s a lovely view of the South Downs. We just ask that you respect residents’ privacy and stay away from the garden areas directly outside homes.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, we’re not able to accommodate pets, because of our own animals and cleaning requirements.
What about safety?
Please make yourself aware of fire exits when you arrive and ensure all kitchen equipment is turned off after use. Children are welcome to explore the site, including treehouses and swings, but are the responsibility of their parents or guardians.
In all, treat everyone and everything you find with care and respect, and enjoy your stay.
Is this a smoke-free and alcohol-free space?
Smoking is not permitted inside Shawfield. You’re welcome to smoke by the fire pit on the patio – please dispose of cigarettes responsibly.
Alcohol is fine in moderation. Please use the recycling bins in the car park for bottles and cans.
Can I mix with the residents?
You’ll have your own space and independence during your stay. We’re a community of people with our own lives, so we can’t always provide company – but if you’re here on a Friday evening, you’re very welcome to join our weekly potluck supper.
Payment
See above for rates. We’ll send you an invoice by email with payment details after booking. By making a booking, you agree to the terms on this page.
Guest room cancellations made 7 or more days before check-in incur no fee. Within 7 days, 50% is charged. On the day, the full fee is charged. See our full cancellation policy for details.
Book your room
Let us know your party size, check-in date, number of nights and room preference, and we’ll get back to you.