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Meet The Animals

Meet The Animals

Description

Join a guided walk through the farm buildings and stables for an engaging introduction to the history of Oaksbrook Retreat and the story of how it was created. Along the way, you’ll meet the animals up close and learn more about their personalities, daily care, and routines. Discover the Arabians and what makes each horse unique, get to know the pet sheep, and hear about the breed as well as the many uses of wool. You’ll also learn how Oaksbrook Little Scarlet came into the world and the meaning behind her name, and meet rescued ewe Zeena, the warrior queen, whose escape from the dinner table gives her story a special twist. Don’t miss spotted miniature pony Dotty, either.

The experience also includes a look at the native trees in the WW1 memorial wood, planted in 2017, plus insight into the wildlife that lives here and the conservation work taking place to support habitats, flora and fauna, insects, and bird life.

Accommodation Options

Ryeland Hut

Ryeland Hut

Private Room

Set in a peaceful private meadow surrounded by trees, this charming hut offers a quiet escape designed for rest and reconnection. Guests can enjoy a comfortable, spotless stay in a beautifully maintained natural setting, where the atmosphere feels instantly calming from the moment you arrive.

The surrounding meadow and the property’s own arboretum create a lovely backdrop for slow mornings, unhurried walks, and time spent simply breathing in the fresh air. It is an ideal place to step away from everyday noise and enjoy a truly relaxing weekend in nature.

Thoughtfully kept and inviting, the hut combines comfort with a sense of seclusion, making it well suited for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in a scenic environment. Every detail supports a restorative stay, with the beauty of the landscape adding to the overall sense of ease and wellbeing.

2 Max occupants · 1 Total Units
Swimming Pool
On request
Ryeland Shepherd Hut

Ryeland Shepherd Hut

Private Room

Set across 20 acres of peaceful rural farmland, this off-grid eco hut offers a distinctive glamping escape surrounded by open countryside. Clad in oak and thoughtfully designed for comfort, it combines the charm of simple outdoor living with a generous selection of home comforts, including a cosy wood-burning stove, a practical kitchen setup, an en-suite hot shower and even a private TV, while remaining fully self-contained.

Tucked into a secluded meadow of lush grassland and wildflowers, with mown pathways and native trees nearby, the setting invites guests to slow down and enjoy the calm of nature. A lightly used footpath runs close by, offering easy access to Tiptree or Messing village, where a pub serves good food. Natural screening and planting around the hut create a strong sense of privacy, making it a restful place to unwind.

There are only two structures on site, positioned well apart, which also makes the location suitable for friends travelling together while still enjoying their own space and private facilities. Parking is available in a secure gated farmyard, with a short walk of approximately 500 metres to the accommodation and glamping area; carts are provided if needed. Luggage drop-off is possible for guests with walking difficulties.

Accommodation Details

  • Sleeps 2 in a double bed
  • Bathroom facilities include a hot shower and a waterless separating toilet
  • Outdoor cooking only, with a BBQ and stove
  • No internet access
  • Heating and lighting are provided by solar lamps outside, battery lamps inside, and 230v solar power
  • Hot shower is on-demand with an LPG gas boiler
  • Grounds include 3/4 acre of private grass and deck
  • Path surface is part gravel and part mown grass

Check-in is from 17:30 and check-out is by 09:30. This property is adult only and does not allow pets.

2 Max occupants · 1 Total Units
Private BathroomKitchen AccessFree ParkingPet FriendlyFireplaceBalcony
£115.00per person
Shepherds Belle and Croft Hut

Shepherds Belle and Croft Hut

Private Room

The Shepherds Belle and Croft Hut offers a semi off-grid glamping escape just one hour from London, set within 20 acres of peaceful rural farmland. This unique stay combines a beautiful Lotus Belle tent with your own Croft hut, creating a private and memorable countryside retreat powered entirely by solar energy.

Inside the Shepherds Belle tent, a striking black metal double bed is dressed with colourful bedding, while solar lighting adds to the warm, cosy feel. The interior blends ethnic bohemian style with solid wood furniture and vibrant soft furnishings. With front and back door flaps, insect-netted windows, and a silky roof curtain that can be lowered to reveal a clear ceiling, you can lie back in bed and enjoy the night sky and stars above. At 5m wide, the tent is spacious and offers excellent headroom thanks to its distinctive shape and high walls.

Guests also have exclusive use of their own small green Croft beside the tent. The Croft hut serves as a utility and washing space, with a 3-day cool box, a large corner shower, a waterless toilet, and a generous ceramic hand basin on a painted oak sideboard. An additional hot and cold tap outside the back of the hut makes washing up after a BBQ easy and convenient.

Cooking facilities include:

  • a 2-ring gas hob
  • gas oven and grill
  • log-burning stove with hot plate for one-pot meals
  • BBQ outside
  • Silver Fire Rocket stove with skillet attachment and large cooking pot
  • Mini BBQ with cookware and kitchenware
  • All crockery provided

The site is dog friendly and welcomes one small well-behaved dog, or two or larger breeds at the owner’s discretion. Additional features include a fully fenced garden and secure gated farmyard parking. The property is also well placed for visits to Bourne Mill National Trust and Colchester Zoo.

2 Max occupants · 1 Total Units
Private BathroomKitchen AccessFree ParkingPet FriendlyFireplaceBalcony
£110.00per person
The Herdsman Glamping

The Herdsman Glamping

Private Room

Set in a beautiful farm setting, this glamping stay offers a peaceful escape with easy access to Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and London. Guests are welcomed with genuine warmth by the owners, creating an immediate sense of comfort and ease. A generous welcome basket adds a thoughtful touch, while the accommodation itself is praised for being exceptionally comfortable, well equipped, and ideal for unwinding after a busy week.

Visitors can enjoy strolling around the farm, taking in the scenery and meeting the beautiful animals, including the much-loved dogs. The bed is especially noted for its comfort, and everything needed for a relaxing stay is provided. With its stunning surroundings and attentive hospitality, this is a wonderful place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy a restorative countryside break.

2 Max occupants · 1 Total Units
Private BathroomAir ConditioningKitchen AccessFree ParkingPet FriendlyBalconySea ViewSwimming Pool
On request

Teachers

J

Jane

Place

Oaksbrook Retreat
Oaksbrook Retreat

Brook Farm, Kelvedon Rd, Messing, Colchester CO5 9TA, UK

Messing

4.9(9 reviews on Google)

Place map

Categories

Workshops2,436Retreats6,370Health and wellness545Educational workshop2,436Retreat in nature1,604Events in Messing6Events in United Kingdom590Events in England492Workshops in United Kingdom178Workshops in Messing4Workshops in England145Retreats in United Kingdom428Retreats in Messing5Retreats in England343Health and wellness in United Kingdom34Health and wellness in Messing3Health and wellness in England32Educational workshop in United Kingdom178Educational workshop in Messing4Educational workshop in England145Retreat in nature in United Kingdom124Retreat in nature in Messing4Retreat in nature in England93

Contact Information

Price

£10.00