This Christmas, trade the chaos of the city for calm, comfort, and countryside charm. Imagine arriving at your private pod, where every detail has been designed for indulgence. from the luxury bedding to the gentle bubbles of your own hot tub beneath the winter stars. Wake to frosted fields and crisp morning air, then unwind by day with a glass of mulled wine, a good book, or a festive film from the comfort of your sumptuously cosy pod.

As evening falls, wander to a nearby country pub aglow with fairy lights, or stay tucked away and let the tranquillity of your surroundings work its magic. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or seeking a solo sanctuary, every moment promises stillness, style, and seasonal luxury.

Availability for our December stays is extremely limited, our pods are booking up fast. Don’t miss the chance to make this Christmas truly unforgettable. Secure your countryside escape today and experience festive relaxation at its finest.

Explore our pods and start planning your festive break.

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it crisp mornings, golden leaves, and the perfect excuse to slow down. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, The Partridge Retreat is made for this season of calm. Each of our luxury glamping pods features its own private hot tub, ideal for soaking under the stars with a mug of hot chocolate in hand and nothing but the sound of nature around you.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a peaceful retreat with friends, or a few quiet days to recharge, autumn is the perfect time to make the most of the slower pace of life.

Autumn Moments Made for You

There’s something magical about this time of year at The Partridge Retreat. The air feels fresher, the landscape glows with gold and amber, and everything slows just enough to savour the small things that make autumn special.

Imagine starting your day with a brisk countryside walk, spending an afternoon curled up with your favourite book, and ending the evening with a soak in the hot tub as the sun dips below the horizon. When you’re ready to head out, you’ll find traditional country pubs nearby — all dog friendly, of course, just like our pods.

You can spend your days pumpkin picking at local farms, sampling mulled wine and sweet toffee apples from nearby markets, and enjoying long countryside walks with your four-legged friends before returning to your pod to watch an unforgettable sunset from your private hot tub.

Your Autumn Retreat Awaits

Whether it’s a romantic escape or a peaceful countryside break, The Partridge Retreat is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of autumn. Bring your favourite book, your walking boots, and perhaps your dog — and let the season work its magic.

Explore our pods and start planning your next getaway together.

At The Partridge Retreat, we know that no holiday feels complete without your dog by your side. That’s why each of our luxury glamping pods welcomes up to three dogs and includes a secure, enclosed outdoor space where they can roam freely while you relax.

Step straight from your pod onto scenic walking routes through meadows, marshes, and coastal paths. Dog-friendly pubs, woodland trails, and even beaches are just a short drive away. Our £20 Pooch Pass includes food and water bowls, plus a few surprises to make tails wag.

When we say dog-friendly, we mean it - because your best friend deserves a break too

Ready to book a break your dog will love just as much as you do?

Explore our pods and start planning your next getaway together.

At The Partridge Retreat, your stay comes with more than just peaceful views and a cosy pod. You’re perfectly placed for simple, memory-making days out with the family. We’ve picked three local attractions that cover all ages and they’re just a short drive away, so you can enjoy the fun without spending half the day in the car.

Hasty's Adventure Farm
Just around the corner, Hasty’s is a countryside gem full of low-key adventure. Think soft play zones, sand pits, pedal tractors and a three-storey wooden fortress to climb and explore. Add in the goats, lambs and piglets, and it’s hard to find a child who doesn’t leave grinning.

There’s a relaxed café and plenty of picnic spots, so parents can unwind while the kids let off steam.

Curve Water Sports
Right in St Osyth village, Curve is a great pick for older kids and teens. With inflatable obstacle courses, paddleboarding and wakeboarding lessons, there’s no chance of boredom here. Trained instructors take care of the hard stuff, so all you have to do is cheer them on (or give it a go yourself).

It’s fun, challenging and just the right kind of tiring.

Colchester Zoo
If you’re after a full day trip, Colchester Zoo never disappoints. With over 150 species, including giraffes, rhinos and Komodo dragons, it’s an exciting, educational option that genuinely suits all ages. There are plenty of indoor areas too, which means you don’t need perfect weather to enjoy it.

Trails are easy to follow, food spots are dotted throughout, and the whole place feels thought out for families.

Whether you’re paddling, picnicking or animal spotting, The Partridge Retreat gives you access to the best of Essex with none of the usual hassle. There’s something nearby for every kind of family day, whether you want full-on adventure or something calm and close to nature.

Book your summer break now and start making those joyful memories or find out about more attractions local to us.

Where to start? We have been totally overwhelmed by the success of our very first year. We have welcomed newly weds, hosted a yoga retreat, taken whole site bookings for family celebrations and even seen one special couple leave freshly engaged ! Birthday and anniversary celebrations in their droves and many local people simply looking for a blissful break away from the day to day. We have loved welcoming you all so very much and seeing recommended bookings flooding in is something we are truly grateful for. 

Our fabulous team have worked so hard, learning daily and soaking up the experience as we go. We appreciate every single one of you who has chosen to stay with us and if you are reading this wondering whether to book, please do so we are able to share our little slice of paradise with you too!

Our plans for year two you may ask? Watch this space !  

With love from us all at The Partridge x

After a long cold dark winter, who doesn’t long for a glimpse of spring? The first signs of snow drops, daffodils, buds forming on trees, lambs in fields, the wanting of warm spring days.
The team at The Partridge all long to see these hints. Did you know that all the birds must find their partners by Valentine’s Day? ‘old wives' tale it may be, but a real sign of new life on it’s way very soon.
There is no better time to take flight on a charming escape than spring, enjoying the moments of magic with the change of seasons. If you are seeking a luxury retreat, uncover our selection of bespoke Glamping pods in a peaceful pocket of Essex paradise, perfect for spring stays. Exploring the fields just the other side of the fence here at The Partridge Retreat can bring you closer to nature than you expected. Grab a blanket and cosy up under one of our oak trees to watch for the barn owl sweeping above the spring grass. Who knows, you may even see the family of partridges taking their young out for an evening stroll. We have new additions joining the The Partridge Retreat family this spring, so keep an eye on our socials for their arrival. For leisurely days, and tranquil nights curled up with a glass of bubbly, there really is no better place to be. We look forward to welcoming you to the retreat this spring.

Best Wishes

Team Partridge x

Wow, wow, WOW what can we say? We have had the most amazing first six months at our beautiful glamping site here in the Essex countryside.

We opened our doors at the end of June and we have been fortunate enough to be busy ever since. We have welcomed so many wonderful guests, all of which have enjoyed our beautiful pods, the hot tubs, open space, wildlife, the sunshine, frosty mornings and starry nights.

We have shared birthdays, mini moons, anniversary’s, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve celebrations with you and it has been an absolute pleasure to do so. We have offered extra finishing touches like champagne on arrival, balloons, flowers, cake boxes and more, all of which have been welcomed by you, with fabulous feedback for which we are so grateful. Bespoke hampers, birthday cakes, bouquets and even the odd bottle of specially sourced gin! When we say nothing is too much for us, we really do mean it and what fun we have had in doing so.

Our breakfast baskets have been a huge hit, taking the stress out of you bringing your own ingredients to make breakfast.. The Big Green Eggs have been a welcome addition to our decking. Guests have enjoyed cooking on balmy summer evenings but equally, we noticed that they were used continually over Christmas and New Year, just hope you all wrapped up warm! Our BBQ boxes have proved incredibly popular also, let's be honest, who would not love to arrive at a pod to find our own farm sausages, locally sourced beef burgers and chicken kebabs? We include all the extras also, buns, sauces, salads and have been thrilled to hear how much you have enjoyed the produce along with the experience.

Take a look at our socials, where you will find content from the wonderful Nic Williams @meatsmokefire, who came and gave the team at The Partridge a fabulous demonstration on The Big Green Egg. We all enjoyed an afternoon with Nic and his lovely wife Helena, relaxing in the sun and eating delicious food.

We  have received wonderful  feedback with comments that include, “Beautiful pods”, “So relaxing”, “Couldn’t fault our stay”, “The best place I’ve ever stayed”, “Helpful and friendly staff”, “ We will be returning to stay again” “Didn’t want to leave.”  Just a handful of comments which mean the world to us as a start up. We take all your feedback on board and constantly try to improve your experience whilst staying at The Partridge Retreat.

As we embark upon February, we look forward to the promise of longer, lighter days. We will be starting our own spring clean early, giving our pods a refresh and making one or two more significant changes. There are many exciting plans on the horizon for The Partridge, all encompassing our heartfelt ethos of providing you, our customer with the most wholesome and rewarding stay possible. Book your 2025 retreat now and we will ensure it is one to remember!

We look forward to welcoming you (back).

Best Wishes

Team Partridge x

I have been racking my brains as to how to express to our lovely audience how special a place The Partridge really is. Some may think me biased, but I can assure you, I have incredibly high standards and am I likely my own biggest critic. However, when it comes to The Partridge, we have something only nature can provide and I
was lucky enough to experience it for myself recently.

On an icy, cold, unforgiving January evening, Craig and I escaped to The Greedy Pheasant for an incredibly rare evening of peace. And how peaceful it was. As I unapologetically helped myself to a glass of our gorgeous Adnams Rose Prosecco, I was anxious not to waste a moment. Within seconds we were in the hot tub under what I can only describe as a blanket of stars. We live within a stones throw of The Partridge but I don’t think I have ever had so much appreciation of the nights sky. We have worried in the past about our business being seasonal but infact, it had not occurred to us that the darkness of winter makes way for the most incredible, unspoilt nights. With little to no light pollution, and the only obstruction (enhancement) to the sky being the steam from the hot tub, we truly transcended in that moment. Perhaps we just needed a break, perhaps the rose helped and perhaps, we just realised in that moment, how lucky we are to be able to share what we have created with others. I will not claim to be an expert of the skies but I challenge anyone who is unable to find joy in that moment. We can’t guarantee clear nights, but what we can guarantee is a cosy pod, a steaming hot tub and a truly special experience for anyone willing to embrace it.

Challenge accepted? Book your escape now. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Best Wishes

Team Partridge x

My partner and I had the most memorable anniversary trip at The Partridge Retreat. We stayed for two nights in their stunning Quintessential Quail pod, and it was the perfect escape.

The Quintessential Quail pod itself was beyond our expectations. It had an incredibly high-end finish, with every detail thoughtfully considered. From the sleek interiors to the locally sourced shampoo and conditioner, everything has been thought about. It truly felt like luxury in the heart of nature.

One of the highlights of our stay was the breathtaking sunset view from our pod. Each evening, we were treated to a spectacular display of colours as the sun dipped below the horizon, creating the perfect backdrop for a quiet evening with a glass of wine. It was a moment we won’t forget.

The location of the retreat is also ideal. It’s just a short drive from the beach, making it easy to enjoy a lovely stroll by the sea with our dog. Speaking of our dog, we were thrilled that the owners had even thought of our furry friend, leaving a little welcome treat for him on arrival. It made our stay feel even more special.

Of course, the hot tub was another major highlight.

One thing we wished we had known before we booked was just how locally sourced the food pack 'add on' are at The Partridge Retreat. Along with your booking, you can opt for breakfast and BBQ packs, which include fresh, locally sourced eggs, meats etc. The breakfasts are the perfect way to start your day, and the BBQ packs feature high-quality meats, some of which come from their very own working farm. The next time we stay we will be adding these on for sure!

Overall, our stay at The Partridge Retreat was nothing short of magical. From the luxurious pod and incredible sunset views to the personalised touches from the owners, everything was perfect. If you’re looking for a peaceful, high-end retreat with a personal touch, we can’t recommend it enough. We’ll definitely be back!

Firstly, I would like to share that I work for the wonderful Gibbs family, the visionaries behind The Partridge Retreat. Although I am not directly involved in the Partridge Retreat project, I have had the pleasure of watching its development from the sidelines. I was there from the initial discussions to the grand opening, witnessing its transformation every step of the way.

It has been a joy to see this idea blossom into reality. The journey has not been without its challenges—finding the right materials, navigating continuous rain delays, and the clever manoeuvring required to move the pods from their building site to the retreat location. There were moments of getting stuck in the mud, which necessitated levelling and seeding the entire site. The relentless research to ensure the best experience for guests, the interior decor that filled their home for months—all of this was done while Craig and Wallis ran their own businesses, cared for their magical one-year-old, and managed Wallis’s pregnancy. Their dedication and passion for creating a luxury experience at The Partridge Retreat have been truly inspirational.

Visiting The Partridge Retreat now, you would never believe the challenges they overcame to create this luxurious haven. From the moment you pass through the electronic gates into a spacious car park, you can tell that every detail has been meticulously planned. To ensure a peaceful, relaxing, and safe stay, cars are not allowed to park next to the pods. Instead, trolleys are provided to transport your luggage from the car to your pod.

The pods are thoughtfully positioned to provide private spaces where guests do not feel overlooked or intrusive. The focus has been on offering a much-needed luxury countryside break, not on maximizing profit by cramming in as many pods as possible. This dedication to providing a serene and luxurious escape from the demands of busy lives is evident in every aspect of the retreat.

Our Stay

How fortunate we were when Craig and Wallis offered us the opportunity to stay and test things out before their official opening. We mixed it up a bit: my husband and I enjoyed the first night on our own, a rare treat for some adult relaxation time. The following day, we picked up our three children to share the retreat with us.

David and I arrived a little late in the evening after dining at a local bistro just five minutes’ drive from the pods. Despite the late hour, check-in was simple. We called the gate to gain access, and our pod was well-lit, making it easy to find our way. We collected our key and settled into our pod without disturbing anyone else. We then enjoyed a relaxing soak in the hot tub, perfectly heated, while taking in the misty fields. The night was peaceful, and we woke early the next morning. It’s funny how, even without the children, parents still wake up early! Nevertheless, it was a lovely morning. We opened the double doors at the front of the pod and enjoyed the morning sun while I read my book in peace—a true luxury in my world. Breakfast on the decking in the sun was the perfect start to the day before we headed off to pick up the kids.

When booking a pod retreat for a family, space is often a concern. I can honestly say these pods are spacious enough. Our children loved their room, with our youngest claiming the top bunk, our middle son turning the bottom bunk into a den, and our eldest taking the single bed. Happy kids mean happy parents! I was impressed with the headroom on the top bunk, which is uncommon in pod accommodations.

To the right of our pod was ample space for the children to play without disturbing other guests. This consideration for family enjoyment without impacting other guests is a testament to Craig and Wallis’s thoughtful planning. My in-laws joined us for the evening, and we enjoyed outdoor games, a walk around the private farmland surrounding the pods which was a delightful surprise then a lovely dinner and glass of wine. We spent time bird watching, spotting red kites and sparrow hawks. Although we didn’t see many birds that evening, the next morning, we were treated to the sight of two red kites circling overhead, much to the children’s delight. Our last evening was spent in the hot tub, spotting animal shapes in the clouds and stargazing.

In Summary

Our stay at The Partridge Retreat was truly lovely. Even though it’s not far from our home, we will undoubtedly stay again. If you’re looking for a luxury glamping experience in the peaceful Essex countryside to escape the craziness of daily life, The Partridge Retreat is perfect. For those who need to balance relaxation with work, this retreat is ideal. As a busy working mum who home educates and is building a new business, I found the excellent internet a perfect balance for work and relaxation.

Living locally, I know there are endless activities within a short travel time. Whether it’s dining out, family days at Clacton Pier, Walton on the Naze for sharks teeth hunting, Hasty’s Farm, Wyvernwood, or enjoying cycling and walks, there’s something for everyone. A bit further afield, you have Colchester Zoo, Colchester Castle, and many more attractions. For quieter pursuits, there are stunning walks, Beth Chatto Gardens, local theatre’s, and brilliant massage therapist for an added treat. You can even explore Mersea Island and Brightlingsea by foot ferry or enjoy paddle boarding at Dedham Vale.

In summary, if you seek a retreat that offers home comforts with added luxuries, peaceful and relaxing surroundings, and proximity to wonderful attractions, you can’t go wrong with The Partridge Retreat. It truly is a luxury countryside retreat. My family and I look forward to our next stay.

Enjoy your visit!
Much love,
Kelly