Great British Boltholes: 9 Unique Places To Stay In The UK

It’s not a stretch to say that the traditional summer holiday may have changed forever. Or at least for the foreseeable future. So, with talks of mandatory quarantine and “air bridges” dominating the news currently, we’ve decided to look a little closer to home for our travel plans this year.

Staycations are likely to be the order of the day for the remainder of 2020 and perhaps as far as summer 2021. So, if you’re looking to recharge your batteries and get away from it all, even if only for a long weekend, consider one of these unique luxury UK properties below. Situated in scenic countryside, there’s an array of modern, perfectly-placed, Wi-Fi-free huts and cabins out there that make for the perfect escape from the madness.

The Round House, Cornwall

Situated on an organic farm near to Penzance, The Round House is a unique, authentically-constructed Celtic Roundhouse kitted out with modern comforts and surrounded by dramatic countryside. A king-sized four poster bed awaits guests, with goose-down duvets and an organic hand-sprung mattress. Wooded glades in the vicinity provide endless walking potential and an unspoilt canvas of stars provides the night’s entertainment. Take ample charcoal for the Weber barbecue and relax with a glass of something special.

From £180 per night; canopyandstars.co.uk

Faraway Treehouse, Cumbria

Who wouldn’t want to stay in a treehouse if they had the chance? Especially one worthy of an episode of Grand Designs. The Faraway Treehouse in Cumbria is a truly magical escape, placing you up in the canopy with a vista to die for. Both bed and bath are blessed by remarkable views of surrounding forest and if for some reason you’re tempted to leave, pubs and restaurants are a welcome march away, rewarding mileage with delicious food and drink. If it were us though, we’d just sit in the bath, mesmerised by that view – beer and book at the ready.

From £165 per night; canopyandstars.co.uk

The Woodsman’s Treehouse, Dorset

This one actually did appear on Grand Designs and it’s not difficult to see why it was nominated for House of the Year. It’s one thing having a spiral staircase, top deck sauna, open-air hot tub, outdoor shower and hammock, but it’s another to bring all of these things together in such a beautiful, architecturally-stunning package. Located in private woodlands, the treehouse caters to your every want and need (and then some). If you don’t fancy cooking in the stunning kitchen or on the barbecue, some of Britain’s finest eateries are a short trip away including The River Cottage Canteen & Deli and Hix Oyster & Fish House. If you do fancy whipping up a storm, the local produce is second to none and will take your go-to dishes to the next level.

From £455 per night; mallinson.co.uk

Buck’s Coppice, Dorset

Another stylish retreat in Dorset – this time a minimalist, Scandinavian-style cabin overlooking a private lake. If kicking back is your thing, pull up a seat on the deck and lounge till your heart’s content, taking the time to look up from your book to spot the odd deer or otter. Brisk walks are also rewarded here. Forty per cent of the county is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, whilst 25 miles of the Jurassic Coast (National Heritage Site) awaits. Of course you are allowed to swim in the private lake, it would be rude not to.

From £145 per night; canopyandstars.co.uk

Black Shed, Isle of Skye

One of the more remote hideaways on our rundown, Black Shed should be top of your list. Available for weekly lets all year round, no matter what time of year you visit you’ll be treated to stunning scenery and a spot next to the roaring fire. Overlooking Loch Dunvegan and four miles from local amenities, it’s the perfect base for exploring the island. There’s even Apple TV too, but that’s cheating.

From £159 per night; blackshed.co.uk

Hazel Cabin, Herefordshire

Impressive design meets luxury glamping in this stunning wooden cabin. Boasting underfloor heating, LED mood-lighting, inside woodburner and an outside fire pit, floor-to-ceiling windows provide yet another stylish and invigorating touch. Perfect for romantic retreats, the cabin is a sanctuary of relaxation with nearby meadows and forest adding to a calming atmosphere. Set up the fire pit, crack open a bottle of fizz and stargaze until your heart’s content. With the world’s largest second-hand bookshop in nearby Hay-on-Wye, there’s no better place to grab an old classic.

From £165 per night; canopyandstars.co.uk

Dragon Cruck, Powys

As much of a piece of art as a forest retreat, Dragon Cruck is an ode to craftsmanship of the highest order. Made with locally-sourced timber, a local tree surgeon and his team have meticulously crafted every inch of this structure, which sits proudly among wooded surroundings. What results is a uniquely airy and open space, with open plan living connecting a fire pit, kitchen and king-sized bed. Soak up the atmosphere as solar lights and lanterns fill the forest clearing with a gentle glow. Stargazers are in for a treat, too.

From £105 per night; sunnylea.co.uk

The Raft at Chigborough, Essex

If you thought treehouses were as inventive as it gets, think again. The Raft at Chigborough is a Huckleberry Finn-esque retreat sitting atop a quiet lake in Essex. This two-floored floating cabin (tethered to the lake floor) is accessible by a chain ferry system and also comes with a personal rowing boat. A private, wood-fired hot tub on the nearby shore is available for use day and night, and in-keeping with the raft’s eco-credentials, biodegradable soap products are provided. With a kitted out gas kitchen and vintage telescope, The Raft makes for an ideal chance to hide away.

From £195 per night; coolstays.com

Caban Cadno, Powys

To be pencilled under “digital detox”, Caban Cadno is a quaint and cosy cabin sat among rolling Welsh hills, overlooking picturesque greenery and thriving wildlife. Modest but beautifully finished, with a gas burner for cooking, outside wood burner and solar-powered lighting, the cabin provides an idyllic affordable escape with nearby trails offering some of the best in the country for mountain biking. Meanwhile the coastline is a short distance away and well-suited to a host of water sports and outdoor activities.

From £90 per night; canopyandstars.co.uk