A few days spent slowing down, switching off and reconnecting with the simple pleasures of life in the East Sussex countryside
Words & photography by Pete Rudd
Reading time 5 minutes
Unplugged Mabel Cabin offers the chance to step away from everyday distractions, lock your phone away and reconnect with the world around you.
Switching off isn’t one of my strongest points. Between photography, emails, social media and the constant temptation to check my phone, I’ve become pretty accustomed to being connected at all times.
So when I got the opportunity to work with the team at Unplugged in the summer of 2024, I decided to embrace the idea properly and spend a few days doing something that has become surprisingly difficult: nothing.
For me, it wasn’t just about staying somewhere beautiful. I wanted to see what would happen when I stopped checking my phone, stopped answering emails and gave myself permission to slow down.
Tucked away in the East Sussex countryside, the cabin became the perfect place to do exactly that.
Here’s what my Unplugged cabin stay was really like.
This stay was created in collaboration with Unplugged. As always, the opinions and experience shared here are my own.
Why I Needed to Unplug
Most of us take time away from work and everyday life with the intention of switching off. But how often do we actually do it?
Even when we’re supposedly relaxing, it’s easy to reach for our phones, check an email, scroll through Instagram or fill every quiet moment with some kind of stimulation.
I remember a time before smartphones and the internet were such a constant part of everyday life. There was more space to be bored, to sit quietly and simply pay attention to what was happening around you.
The digital era has changed our lives in countless positive ways, but I think there’s also something to be said for occasionally stepping away from it all.
That was the appeal of Unplugged. Rather than trying to convince myself to use my phone less, I could put it away and give myself the opportunity to properly switch off.
Arriving at the Unplugged Mabel Cabin
Finding the cabin felt like an adventure in itself.
After leaving my car at the end of the track, I followed a series of arrows through the woodland, gradually leaving the outside world behind. Eventually, tucked away among the trees, I found the cabin.
It took me straight back to childhood, following a trail through the woods to see what was waiting at the other end.
And there it was. A charming wooden cabin surrounded by trees and countryside, completely removed from the noise and distractions of everyday life.
There was something wonderfully simple about the whole experience. No busy reception, no crowds and no feeling that I needed to be anywhere else. Just a little cabin waiting to be explored.
Inside the Unplugged Mabel Cabin
Walking through the door, the first thing I noticed was what wasn’t there.
No television, no screens and none of the usual clutter of cables and plug sockets that have become such a familiar part of our homes. Instead, there were books, board games and a radio.
The interior felt perfectly suited to its surroundings. Unfinished wooden walls, a simple wooden kitchen and a log-burning fire created a warm, cosy space that felt more like a hideaway than a traditional hotel room.
It was simple, but that was exactly the point. Everything you needed was there, without the unnecessary distractions.
And then there was the phone lockbox.
I tucked my phone away, closed the door and said goodbye to it — for now.
Life Without My Phone
At first, the thought of being without my phone felt a little strange.
So much of my working life revolves around being connected. As a photographer, I’m constantly dealing with emails, enquiries, editing, social media and keeping up with clients. Even when I’m not working, there’s always something to check.
But once my phone was locked away, I realised how often I would normally reach for it without even thinking.
There was no temptation to check notifications or see what was happening online. No emails waiting for a reply and no pressure to document every moment for social media.
Instead, I could just enjoy being where I was.
It’s funny how quickly we become accustomed to filling every spare moment with something. Sitting quietly with a coffee, watching the trees move in the breeze or simply looking out across the countryside suddenly felt like an activity in itself.
And it felt good.
Exploring the East Sussex Countryside
Beyond the cabin and the surrounding woodland, a rolling landscape of green fields and trees stretched out in front of me.
I made myself a coffee and sat outside. I wasn’t alone for long, though. The sheep roaming the grounds came over to investigate, their mild curiosity quickly turning to complete disinterest as they carried on foraging.
It was one of those simple moments that probably wouldn’t have registered in the same way if I’d been distracted by my phone.
Over the coming days, I planned to take my camera on country walks, visit one of the many local pubs for dinner and, above all else, slow down and make the most of being tucked away from the outside world.
Having my camera with me gave me a reason to explore without any real agenda, stop whenever something caught my eye and simply enjoy photographing the countryside. If you’re interested in the gear I use, you can also take a look at my travel photography kit.
What It Was Like to Truly Switch Off
As the days passed, I found myself wanting to spend more and more time outside.
I would amble along the countryside paths, take in the surroundings and enjoy the simple pleasure of having nowhere in particular to be.
I wasn’t tied to a schedule or expected to answer endless messages and emails. There was no constant stream of notifications pulling my attention elsewhere.
I felt free.
It made me realise how much of our everyday lives are shaped by the expectation that we should always be available. Even when we’re not working, it’s easy to feel as though we should be doing something productive.
But at the cabin, I didn’t feel that pressure.
I could read a book, sit by the fire, make a coffee or head outside for a walk. There was no need to fill every hour, and no guilt about doing very little.
The experience reminded me that slowing down doesn’t have to mean travelling halfway around the world or planning an elaborate escape. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of surroundings and the willingness to put your phone away.
Unplugged Mabel Cabin Review: Is It Worth Staying?
I think Unplugged is best suited to people who genuinely want to step away from the noise of everyday life.
The Mabel cabin gives you enough comfort to feel at home, while removing many of the distractions that normally make it difficult to properly switch off. For me, the biggest benefit wasn’t simply the cabin itself, but having the opportunity to slow down, spend more time outside and experience a few days without constantly reaching for my phone.
- A genuine digital detox
- A peaceful countryside escape
- Time away from phones and screens
- A cosy base for walking and photography
- A chance to slow down and reconnect with nature
If you’re interested in experiencing the Mabel cabin for yourself, you can find more information about the cabin, what’s included and current availability on the official Unplugged Mabel page.
Work With Pete
I work with hotels, boutique properties, travel brands and outdoor lifestyle companies to create photography and video that captures more than just a place — it captures the experience of being there.
From interiors and details to landscapes, people and the moments that bring a property to life, I create visual content that feels authentic, considered and built to connect with an audience.
If you’re looking for photography or video for your hotel, accommodation or travel brand, I’d love to hear about your next project.
