What’s Lee Wick Farm like?
This working potato farm is home to one of the premier glampsites in Essex. There are four different types of glamping accommodation available – Lushnas, Armadillas, MegaPods and CargoPods – as well as two cottages, a campsite and pitches for touring caravans. Lee Wick Farm has previously been named one of the UK’s best glamping sites by The Times newspaper.
How dog-friendly is Lee Wick Farm?
Pretty good. No provisions are provided for pets so you’ll need to bring your own beds, bowls and food but dogs are welcome to explore the site. As this is a working farm though, they must be kept on a lead at all times and should not be left alone in the accommodation. One well-behaved small to medium size dog is allowed in each glamping unit for £10 per night. If you stay in the CargoPods though, you can bring up to two.
Tell me more about Lee Wick Farm
When we visited, we stayed in a Lushna – one of the newest glamping additions to the farm. There are 12 of these wooden cabins to choose from, sleeping two to four, but ours – a Lushna Classic – was perfect for a couple. Despite all being in a row, the Lushnas are nicely spaced out and feel very private. Many of them have slightly different designs but they all come with gated garden areas, although these are not secure for dogs.
The Lushnas have a rustic, Scandi vibe and have everything you need for a comfortable short break. There’s no TV or WiFi here – but you can relax by taking in the ever-changing rural landscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors instead. You can even make the most of the views while laying in bed! Our Lushna had a small kitchen tucked away at the back and the toilet and shower cleverly concealed in a smoked glass cubicle. Outside, on the deck, there was also a fire pit, rocking sun loungers, a barbecue and wood-fired hot tub to enjoy – great, whatever time of year you visit.
We decided not to use the hot tub during our stay, but they can be hired an additional £65. Guests will also need to take their own bedding and towels, or book a bedding bundle for an extra £30. You can even go fishing at one of the farm’s two reservoirs for £10 per person. One parking space is provided per Lushna and to reach your accommodation, you have to walk down a long, zig-zagging gravel pathway. Trolleys are provided to help you move your luggage and they’re really quite handy – especially if you’ve booked a cabin towards the far end of the row!
What’s the food like at Lee Wick Farm?
All the units are self-catering so you’ll need to bring your own. Our Lushna had a small kitchen area with a toaster, kettle, fridge, microwave and two-ring induction hob, so you can cook basic meals. A barbecue is also provided – but if you plan to use it, remember to bring your own charcoal or order a pack in advance.
If you’d prefer to eat out, there are a few options in the nearby village of St Osyth. The Red Lion pub and restaurant is dog-friendly inside and out and there’s also a fish and chip shop. We also spotted Chinese and Indian takeaways too, which I’m sure would deliver to the farm. It takes around 20 minutes to walk to St Osyth, or just a couple of minutes in the car.
Are there resident dogs at Lee Wick Farm?
No, but you may well meet some others who are on their holidays. We encountered two.
Where are the best dog walks near Lee Wick Farm?
The farm is very close to Colne Point Nature Reserve, which is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. Popular with birdwatchers, it’s a lovely place to take a stroll – although dogs must be kept on a lead. They can run free on the sand and pebble spit that’s accessed through the nature reserve though. Just be sure to check the tide times before you visit as certain parts are prone to flooding.
Around the bay, at Point Clear, you can pick up the dog-friendly Brightlingsea Foot Ferry which also stops at Mersea Island. Check out my Ruff Guide to Mersea by clicking here. There are also some lovely coastal walks to be had from St Osyth through to Clacton-on-Sea. And nearby Walton-on-the-Naze has a enormous sandy beach with sections dogs can visit all year round. Check out my Essex Life article about Walton to find other dog-friendly things to see and do in the area.
What Ernie loved about Lee Wick Farm
Looking out for resident ducks Tom and Barbara, keeping a watchful eye on the other glampers, having so many great walks nearby
What I loved about Lee Wick Farm
The peace and quiet, taking in the views from the deck, the simple yet stylish vibe
How to book Lee Wick Farm
Stays in the Lushnas, which sleep up to four, start from £75 a night. Other glamping options start from £65 while camping starts from £30 and touring pitches without electric are available from £15. Two-night stays in the cottages start from £305. For more information and to see special offers, visit the Lee Wick Farm website.