Quirky places to stay that make the most of Britain's great outdoors
Farm lodges, seaside pods, shepherds' huts and grand yurts (with roll-top baths to boot). Break the mould this summer and make the most of the great British outdoors with one of these boujee alternative stays… And not a leaky tent or sleeping bag in sight.
Hideaway Huts at The Fish Hotel
A romantic retreat in The Cotswolds
Just when you think you couldn’t drive any further into the North Cotswolds glades, the tree cover opens onto The Fish. Its secluded location sets the tone for a relaxed, outdoorsy break in a boutique hotel that feels more like a rambling country estate than anything formal or fussy. Rooms range from comfortable chambers in a converted stable block to luxe treehouses, the embodiment of every child’s Robinson Crusoe dream, and the newest additions – a group of Hideaway Huts. One of them, Titania, consists of two caravans, cleverly converted into a room with a neat lounge, woodburner, freestanding tub and inviting bed inside, and a hot tub outside – so serene a scene, it’s hard to leave.
Insider tip: If the weather turns, watch the rain on the above-bed skylight in your hut – a fire crackling in the woodburner and a cup of tea to hand.
Out and about: The Cotswolds countryside is made for rambling. Start in the hotel’s boot room, where you can kit yourself out in wellies and choose a map of a local walk. Head down Fish Hill toward Broadway; an easy half-hour stroll – at least on the way there. Feeling energetic? Opt for the 8.5-mile loop to Chipping Campden. In July and August, you can enjoy a fragrant walk through the blooms at Cotswold Lavender flower farm before heading to Snowshill, a chocolate-box village that served as a location in Bridget Jones’s Diary. If after all that exertion you feel in need of a massage, book in at Dormy House Hotel (another property on the Farncombe Estate) or drive to the Bamford Spa at Daylesford, near Kingham.
How to do it: Stays at The Fish Hotel (01385 858000, thefishhotel.co.uk) start at £185 per night.
By Emily Cronin
Ty Cwch
A family escape in Ceredigion, Wales
Plonked only 200 yards from Cwmtydu pebble beach, these former shipping containers have been creatively transformed into three family-friendly seaside pods, each sleeping four. On arrival at this secluded West Wales cove, call first dibs on which of the bunk beds has the best sea view, and start organising your stay – advance booking kayaking, paragliding and many more water-based activities is advised. Rustle up a homemade supper in the shared industrial-sized kitchen, while children can go back to basics with the complimentary board games collection, (or hook their devices to the wifi…). The smart, modern shower facilities would make any glamper envious but just don’t forget your shampoo. Why not book all three cabins for exclusive use for coastal fun with up to 12 friends or family?
Insider tip: There's a spacious laundry room to wash and dry swimming cossies.
Out and about: The seaside town of New Quay is a 4 mile walk away – its award-winning fish and chips at The Lime Crab makes trekking through the hilly terrain worth it. At the town’s Harbour Beach you may spot bottlenose dolphins, as they follow the shoals of mackerel into the bay. For a great view of these beautiful creatures, stand at the end of the quay.
How to do it: Cabins at Ty Cwch (07753 700712, tycwch.wales) sleep four people and are priced from £120 per night (two nights minimum stay from September to June; three nights in July and August)
By Emilie Hill
Malvern Hills Lodge
Stargazing solitude in Worcestershire
Set high on a hill on a working farm, with views of rolling fields, this charming little one-bedroom cabin is the perfect spot for an outdoorsy break. While the setting is rustic – you transport your luggage from the car park over a field via wheelbarrow – the lodge itself feels luxuriously comfortable, with a super-king bedroom, a well-fitted kitchen, a cosy living room with a woodburner, and a sofa bed for children or visiting friends. Outside, there’s a well-lit terrace fitted with a barbecue, a pizza oven and a wood-fired hot tub from which to stargaze with a glass of wine on a clear night. Glamping but for grown-ups.
Insider tip: Indulge in the unexpected extras: fizz in the fridge, pancake and pizza ingredients, and home-baked cakes.
Out and about: If you can tear yourself away from the hot tub, there are lots of great walks in the Malvern Hills, from an easy stroll to the Iron Age hill fort British Camp to more challenging hikes offering spectacular views. Other nearby outdoor activities include kayaking, climbing and horse riding, and the pretty towns of Ledbury and Tewkesbury are both less than a 20-minute drive away. Closer to hand, the Farmers Arms pub is a five-minute walk from the lodge, and the Swan Inn, five miles away in Hanley offers delicious food in a cosy setting.
How to do it: Cottages.com (01348 830922, cottages.com) offer stays at Malvern Hills Lodge from £239 per night, based on a 3-night self-catering stay.
By Jess Doyle
The Tawny
Forest bathing in Staffordshire
When you think of treehouses, free-standing baths, 55 inch televisions, and turn-down services don’t usually spring to mind. And there’s no climbing necessary for your glorious panorama of birch trees – this beautiful cabin sits on stilts beside a drop in the woods. Outside on the private decking you can get even closer to nature as you bob around in the huge hot tub, sipping on fizz from the restocked-daily minibar. The grounds – 70 acres of what was once the Consall Hall estate - are a romantic mix of lakes, Italianate gardens, and ivy-clad follies (one of which hides a table-tennis table!). Explore on a meandering pre-breakfast walk up to the stunning modern restaurant building. Built on the site of the old house, it offers dreamy views down the valley – a perfect backdrop as you tuck in to your Staffordshire oatcakes.
Insider tip: Instead of going out for lunch, order a picnic hamper from reception and feast on hams, cheeses and more in a quiet corner of the grounds.
Out and about: For a variety of walks in the Peak District, Ilam Park is only a 30-minute drive away (passing the striking alpine cottages of Ilam village). Another five miles on is the unspoilt village of Tissington with its vintage sweet shop (selling all the old favourites) and a friendly, award-winning plant nursery specialising in perennials.
How to do it: A one-night stay at The Tawny (01538 787644, thetawny.co.uk) starts from £230 in the Wildwood Huts, £360 in the Lookout, £400 in the Boathouses, £420 in the Treehouses and £560 in a Retreat, based on two sharing and inclusive of bed and breakfast.
By Jason Morris
Grasmere Glamping
Food and nature in Grasmere, Cumbria
Wordsworth described the Lake District as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Waking up to views of the snow-capped fells and rolling fields that surround Grasmere Glamping – two wooden “Micro Lodge Pods” located on the family-run Broadrayne Farm – it’s hard to disagree. But these snug 2-person pods, in which amenities include a comfy double bed, powerful en-suite shower, and compact kitchenette, offer more than just good views. The site is the perfect base for exploring the nearby Grasmere village, as well as countless walking trails – keen fell hikers can scale Helm Crag, visible from your pod’s private terrace, and the gorgeous Ambleside trail takes you past Rydal Water.
In the evenings, we loved cosying up beside the log-burning stove with mugs of hot chocolate. But the highlight was the onsite restaurant, The Yan Bistro, where we ate breakfast and dinner (the attentive staff can also deliver food to your pod door). I’ve been daydreaming of the bistro’s hearty (and affordable) fare – delicious fish stew, shepherd’s pie made with local Herdwick lamb, indulgent sticky toffee pudding – ever since.
Insider tip: Don't miss the fresh milk and Broadrayne Farm eggs waiting in your pod upon arrival.
Out and about: The pretty Grasmere village is a 20-minute walk (or four-minute drive) from the pods. There, you can tour the recently-restored Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy (adults £12; wordsworth.org.uk), and try Sarah Nelson’s famous Grasmere Gingerbread (grasmeregingerbread.co.uk) before visiting the historic St Oswald’s Church (stoswaldsgrasmere.uk). There are plenty of great pubs and restaurants nearby, including the 16th-century Traveller’s Rest Inn (thelakedistrict.org). Broadrayne Farm offers ideal access to various local walks, from Helvellyn ridge to the Coast to Coast path.
How to do it: Grasmere Glamping (01539 435055, grasmereglamping.co.uk) offers a four-night stay in a glamping pod for two people costs from £460 on a self catering basis.
By Claudia Rowan
Alexander House
Rustic R&R in Perthshire, Scotland
The three yurts and two converted horse lorries in the grounds of Alexander House, an elegant self-catering holiday home, have dreamy views across Gleneagles and Perthshire. Our yurt was all mod cons, including a wood burner, heated towel rail, electric blanket and roll-top bath – so no chance of getting chilly under this canvas. The highlight was the wood-fired hot tub, which we arranged to have merrily bubbling away before we arrived so we could jump straight in. There's a car parking space for each yurt – getting around these parts is pretty difficult without four wheels (and leave the fancy sports car at home – it won’t get up the long, steep driveway).
Insider tip: Look out for the welcome gift of chocolates, cheese and biscuits and prosecco – much appreciated after a long journey.
Out and about: Bruar waterfall and Loch Lomond are both about an hour's drive away but worth the trip. For culture, visit The National Wallace Monument to learn about William Wallace and take in spectacular views of Stirling and the surrounding area. Try Corrieri's, an authentic Italian cafe for lunch or Mint Leaf for dinner, a Nepalese and Indian restaurant, both in Stirling.
How to do it: Alexander House (01764 910320, alexanderhousescotland.com) offers a two-night stay in a yurt from £300.
By Precious Adesina
Elmley Nature Reserve
Wildlife watching in the Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Taking up a good chunk of the south coast of the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley is the UK’s only family-owned and managed national nature reserve – and a very special place it is too. This off-the-beaten-track gem balances conservation and farming, hospitality and escapism. And it’s paradise for bird-watchers (over 40 species breed and rear their young here), but non-twitchers can relax in the rustic, fairy-light-festooned barn restaurant, after a ramble around the reserve or sit with a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the marshes.
Choose between the comfort of the farmhouse – all lush velvet chaise longues, roll-top baths and Bramley products – or head out to one of the shepherd’s huts, each with its own outside space for quiet contemplation. In warmer months, bell tents and meadow tents come into their own – but if camp cooking isn’t your style, dinner boxes can be delivered to your (tent) door. Heaven!
Insider tip: Make the most of the big skies and the peace and quiet that the nature reserve affords.
Out and about: Once you arrive at Elmley, down a twisty lane off the main road where grazing cattle take priority, you won’t want to leave. But no matter, there is plenty to keep every age group occupied. From pond-dipping sessions for little ones, to dawn, dusk (and in-between) walks with the reserve’s friendly nature guide, Abbie, who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things feathered.
How to do it: Elmley Nature Reserve (01795 664896, elmleynaturereserve.co.uk) offers bell tent and shepherd's hut stays starting at £125 per night. Farmhouse stays are from £205, including a Kentinental breakfast.
By Stacey Thomson
Fat Pheasant Shepherd Huts
Off-the-grid in Banbury, Oxfordshire
These shepherd’s huts are closed between the months of October and March and you can see why. This is glamping for the wild at heart and sturdy of boot – and best experienced with your devices switched off (there’s zero wifi anyway). There is no heating except a small wood-burning fire, and the surrounding countryside is wild, remote and open to the elements.
The huts – named Dolly and Maggie and, new for 2022, Huxley – sit on a 500 acre working farm in north Oxfordshire, so there’s lots of space to run around. It’s back to basics for cooking – either over a fire pit or BBQ – but provisions are provided. The food boxes are crammed with goodies sourced from the farm; eggs from the chickens, butter churned on site, sausages and burger steaks and sloe gin with fruit from the farm’s bushes. Other plus points include king sized beds, proper bathrooms, and a surprisingly warm and cosy vibe once the wood-burner is cranked up.
Insider tip: The hot tub is quirkily plonked in the middle of the field, a little way from your hut, so you can admire the acreage in absolute solitude, as you slowly turn into a prune.
Out and about: Clearly you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to long walks across fields. Stop by at the main house to meet the resident emus; two beautiful creatures with a lot of personality. The market town of Banbury is a 15-minute drive away, Blenheim Palace 40 minutes and Oxford city centre 45 minutes. But our pick of the bunch is Broughton Castle near Banbury, a privately-owned medieval fortified manor house and occasional filmset that pops up in both Shakespeare In Love and The Madness of King George. Go for a gander around the house, gardens and tea room but check opening times first.
How to do it: Fat Pheasant Shepherd Huts (07969 951168, fatpheasanthuts.com) cost £150 per night plus £90 per night for a bell tent, with the option to add one bell tent to sleep up to six. Three night minimum stay. Book three huts and enjoy exclusive hire of the site from £450 per night, plus £90 per night per bell tent.
By Helen Gibson
Low Mill Guest House
Country escape in the Yorkshire Dales
Set in stunning Yorkshire countryside, this guesthouse is a dreamy place to come to after a day of walking. Neil and Jane have lovingly converted the 18th century corn mill themselves – and no stone has been left unturned in their quest to make guests feel relaxed and at home. Our cavernous room – one of only three– featured handmade bookshelves stuffed with family favourites, a fabulous copper bath, and, best of all, the old mill wheel. A more characterful guesthouse it’s hard to imagine, and Neil’s wonderful home cooking at breakfast sets guests up perfectly for a day of adventuring in the Dales. Or, if the weather isn’t playing ball (we went on our honeymoon in October!) you could happily simply pass the time enjoying each other’s company in the charming guest sitting room.
Insider tip: The original mill is still in working order and if you ask Neil nicely he’ll show you it running.
Out and About: There are plenty of brilliant walking and cycling trails around Bainbridge, which is situated in the heart of Wensleydale. As for places to eat, The Black Swan hotel in nearby Leyburn offers simple and delicious Yorkshire food - and a cosy candle lit dining room makes for a romantic meal. If you fancy venturing a little further afield, Barnard Castle is packed with excellent antique shops, pubs and delis – it’s a 50-minute drive away.
How to do it: Low Mill Inn (01969 650553, lowmillguesthouse.co.uk) offers double rooms from £135.
By Olivia Utley
