There are three ways you can stay with us:
Personal, volunteering and events.
PERSONAL STAYS
Guest rooms
You are welcome to stay in one of our guest rooms for a maximum of one week.
Your showers, toilets and kitchen facilities are shared between other guests. Parking is free and plentiful.
Check in from 4pm. Check out by 11am.
We have 5 guest rooms:
| Guest Room 1 — sleeps two | Double Bed, Toilet, Sink | £30 per night |
| Guest Room 2 — sleeps three | Double Bed, Single Bed | £30 per night |
| Guest Room 3 — sleeps one | Single Bed, Sink | £15 per night |
| Guest Room 4 — sleeps one | Single Bed, Sink | £15 per night |
| Guest Room 5 — sleeps two | Double Bed, Desk | £20 per night |
See guest room availability below, or view our full booking calendar.
COMMUNITY HOUSES
Where guest rooms are not available or you are a large party, some members of the community open up their homes to guests. Prices vary, and are at the discretion of each resident.
Book your room now
Look at the list of rooms and how many they sleep in conjunction with the booking calendar to see if we can accommodate you on the dates you would like. Then contact us making sure to let us know your party size, check-in date, number of nights and room preference.
Payments
Your full payment in advance confirms your booking.
You can pay by bank transfer, cash or cheque.
If paying by cheque, please make it payable to The Community Project Ltd. We will send you our postal address via email when we confirm your dates.
Meals
Please note that meals are not included in your stay unless you are volunteering.
Please ensure you have food with you as our nearest small village shop is a mile away and is closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
There is also a friendly pub The Roebuck Inn in the same area which serves modern British food.
A mile in the opposite direction is the Wok Inn, a pub with a Chinese restaurant (closed on Tuesdays).
VOLUNTEERING
EVENTS
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 village is about 6 miles outside of Lewes, and Laughton Lodge is just before Laughton village when approaching from Lewes.
Shawfield is our community centre where you will be staying if you have booked a guest room.
Please park in the car park on the left as you drive in from Common Lane then walk down the road (as if you didn’t stop in the carpark, don’t turn right) and you’ll see Shawfield (the big pink building) on your right, opposite a building on your left. If you get to wooden houses, you’ve gone too far.
Please note that public transport is limited in the area. Buses into Lewes run Monday – Friday 5 times a day only. You will be able to find a taxi from Lewes train station, but it’s unlikely you’ll find one at Uckfield train station.
What do I do when I arrive?
If staying in a guest room or camping, please contact us to advise what time you will be arriving. Someone will then be around to show you to your room or camping space.
If no one is available, we may let you know your room number or camping space in advance so you can make yourself at home as soon as you arrive.
Please feel free to use the small kitchen just next to the guest rooms, as well as the dining room for eating.
If staying in a house, you will make direct arrangements with the resident when you book.
What’s provided for me?
For guest rooms: Sheets, duvets, pillows, towels.
For everyone: Fully-quipped kitchen, fridge, condiments, showers/bathroom, dining area with wood burner for relaxing.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring one form of ID (passport or drivers license), your personal belongings, food and a torch. It gets very dark here and you will need light when walking around outside at night.
What safety procedures do I need to observe?
Please make yourself aware of fire exits when you arrive.
Ensure that all kitchen equipment is turned off after use.
Take full responsibility for children playing in trees, treehouses, swings etc.
We cannot be responsible for any loss, damage or injury during your stay.
In all, treat everyone and everything you find with love and respect and enjoy your stay.
What’s the environment like?
You’ll find a peaceful and rural community sharing land, buildings, time and energy, however we do not live ‘communally’.
There are 23 acres of land, 22 homes and many animals such as horses, chickens, pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. You are very welcome to enjoy the land outiside Shawfield as well as walk along our paths to catch that striking view of the South Downs.
This is our home and we are happy to share it with you during your stay. We only ask that you respect our privacy, so stay away from the garden areas directly outside our homes.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, pets are not allowed due to our own animals and cleaning issues.
What do I need to pay? How do I pay?
Please see above for rates and how to pay. Payment is required in advance to confirm your booking. In confirming your booking, you agree to all of the terms on this page.
Is this a smoke free and alcohol free space?
You can’t smoke anywhere inside Shawfield. You are welcome to smoke by the fire pit on the patio. Please dispose of cigarettes responsibly to protect our pets and children.
Our community asks that you consume alcohol in moderation and responsibly. Please dispose of all containers in the recycling bins in the car park.
Can I mix with the residents?
Expect to be self-sufficient during your stay.
We can’t always provide company or support during your stay as we all have our individual lives and do not live ‘communally’.
However, we often have a Friday evening pot luck either in the dining room or in a community house, and you are very welcome to join us.
