gather your favourite people in nature—with ponds, saunas, and fireside evenings
Looking for somewhere a little different to spend time with friends or family?
Oakhill ponds offers exclusive hire of a peaceful 25-acre retreat on the edge of a Somerset village—perfect for gentle celebrations.
For groups that range from 12 - 22 people.
This is a self-catered stay for those who value stillness, comfort, and connection to the land. Because of deep water and trip hazards it's not the place for young children.
If you're looking for a more curated retreat or a hosted pre-wedding gathering, take a look at our gentle elemental or gentle hen & stag offerings.
a place in nature
At the heart of the site are two clear, spring-fed ponds—each around half an acre in size—set on different levels with a natural waterfall and stone steps between them. Water flows directly from the Mendip Hills, inviting daily dips, gentle swimming, or moments of stillness by the edge.
Scattered across the land are two handcrafted shepherds huts and four yurt-like lotus belle tents, each named after a nature writer whose work features the natural world.
Every space includes its own kitchen/outdoor kitchen, private shower, eco compost loo, and a large hammock The shepherds huts also offer cosy indoor seating for four and garden-style outdoor space.
At the centre of it all is a newly built covered kitchen and dining area - stretch tent style, café-style bistro seating, and a large Kamado BBQ and Kadai fire pit. This is your hub for long shared meals, coffee in the morning light, or gathering around the fire in the evening.
Other gathering spaces include:
- a large firepit with ample seating
- a large canopy (Mela tent) for light shelter and relaxed lounging
- pond-side seating- on the bank by the leisure pond, or in the woodland verge by the wildlife pond
- The Horse Lorry Reading Room (open at all times—just ask for the key), filled with books on the natural world
Included in Your Stay (main site – Sleeps 12)
- two spring-fed ponds (one for swimming, one a wildlife pond)
- two wood-fired saunas (seating up to 8)
- cold dip tank, spa tent, loungers & outdoor shower
- four Lotus Belle tents and two shepherds huts, all with:
- private showers
- compost loos
- well-equipped outdoor kitchen with woodburning stove
- hammocks & firepits
- nordic wood-fired hot tubs for both shepherds huts (Hikki Bohemen)
- covered communal kitchen & dining area
- horse lorry reading Room and Mela tent
- private woodland to explore
optional add-ons
- guided contrast therapy
- fire-cooking experiences
- yoga, pilates, or massage in nature
- paddleboard pilates or paddleboard yoga (for groups of 6+)
- guided trail runs or walks
- breakfast baskets with local, seasonal ingredients
- inflatable paddleboard docks (bookable for groups of 6–16)
- extra firewood for convenience
who it’s for
Oakhill Ponds is ideal for:
- birthday gatherings & anniversaries
- Family reunions and get-togethers
- Grown-up hen, stag, or broom groups (see Gentle Elemental)
- Friends looking for pondside mornings and fireside nights
- people who love nature—but also love a good mattress and hot shower
Please Note
Best suited to adults and older children (14+)
- babies are welcome
- children of all ages are welcome in the Walled Garden Annex, where supervision is easier
- dogs are not permitted on the main site, but are welcome in the walled garden (
- the land contains open water, uneven ground, and wildlife (including a resident deer family)
Optional: the walled garden annexe (sleeps up to 4 additional guests)
Just a short stroll from the main site and on-grid is the walled garden annexe. This beautiful garden offers extra indoor comfort and privacy for guests who may want quieter sleeping space
- large 21ft yurt with heating and lighting
- flushing toilets & hot showers
- wood-fired hot tub
- indoor space for meals or rainy afternoons
- dog-friendly (on leads when visiting the main site)
Close to our home and neighbours, so we ask that evening socialising stays on the main land
a little history
In 1767, Oakhill became known for its locally brewed stout—made with water from the Mendip springs. Before modern medicine, it was believed to have healing properties if sipped daily. These days, you can take a dip instead, and let the water, trees, and birdsong do their quiet work.
pricing & booking
main site (Up to 12 guests)
main site + walled garden (up to 16 guests)
Book Whole Site + Walled Garden
stay longer & save:
3+ nights: 5% off
5+ nights: 10% off
Available: April – September 2025
Book now before 2026 rates increase
extra activities
Let us help you shape your stay with trusted local options:
Yoga, pilates or massage sessions
Paddle board pilates (with dock pods, min. 4 people)
Fire cooking and wild feasts
Running or hiking trips in nearby woodlands
Private chefs using seasonal, local produce
There’s also a great pub just a 3-minute walk away, perfect for a final meal or a relaxed lunch out.
additional accommodation?
For groups needing extra sleeping space, Upper Beeches Apartment (a short stroll from the retreat site) offers three additional bedrooms. While the apartment is separate and not suited for whole-group gatherings, guests staying there are welcome to join their party on the land for swims, saunas, and shared experiences.
Oakhill Ponds | Oakhill, Somerset | BA3 5AS
📞 07970 541875 | ✉️ [email protected]