Atlantic Surf Pods
You have to love the Atlantic Surf Pods just for resembling somewhere that the Teletubbies might go on holiday. A little cul-de-sac of lozenge-shaped wooden cabins, populate a rolling green glade in the heart of Bude in Cornwall; just a few minutes drive to a choice of five beaches. The front of each capsule opens out onto a private decking area, where you can lay back on some overstuffed bean bags, or cook al fresco on the BBQ. The Pods are off-grid, so any lighting is solar or LED-powered, making it a low-impact, eco-friendly option.
Bensfield Treehouse, Sussex
The Bensfield is a treehouse for grown-ups in the Sussex countryside, surrounded by acres of farmland and in rope-swinging distance to a number of local country pubs. Constructed around the trunk of a mature oak, guests access the den over a rope bridge (Indiana Jones-in-the-country- style) and can bed-down in a cosy, timber-lined, roundhouse, that comes with full kitchen facilities and en suite shower room.
The Bivouac, Yorkshire
Inspired by the shepherd’s huts they stayed in during their honeymoon in New Zealand, Bivouac owners Sam and Beth Hardwick decided to build their Yorkshire equivalent in the grounds of the vast Swinton Estate. The site consists of a collection of six hand-crafted wood timber shacks, eight yurts, a converted barn, and a lovely cafe and shop. The shacks are decorated with a vintage, rustic feel, with swinging rocking chairs on the porch, paraffin lamps, vintage suitcases and a wood-burning stove. The Bivouac plays up to the hipster-glamping image, offering courses on wild-food foraging, bread-making and den-building, among the more conventional outdoor activities.
The Cwtch eco-pod, Pembrokeshire
Accessed by a private lane and set in two-acres of woodland, the two Cwtch eco-pods are as reassuringly twee and cosy as you might expect from a place named after the Welsh word for cuddle. The handcrafted timber pods are furnished with vintage touches, such as the old-fashioned radios, paraffin lamps, Welsh wool blankets and crochet throws. The Cwtch is another off-gridder, so candlelight and solar LED lamps add to the romantic atmosphere. Not forgetting the practicalities though, there’s a shared bathroom just a few steps away (artfully disguised in a fancy garden shed).
The Dome Garden, Forest of Dean
The Dome Garden is a cluster of ten geodesic forms resembling holiday homes of the future, populating a Gloucestershire forest floor. Eschewing the twee route, there’s not a bit of bunting in-sight; the domes are minimal, modern, bright and all the more refreshing for it. Owner Jonny Clothier, an ex-architect, had a vision to create his own mini-Eden project, and one of the domes is filled entirely with tropical plants. There is a communal fire-pit and big wood-burning burning stove too, where guests can take part in weekly pizza-making classes.
Ecopod Boutique Retreat, Argyll
The Ecopod Boutique Retreat somewhat resembles a plush James Bond baddie lair. The retro-futuristic geodesic dome, which overlooks Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker, is decorated with leather Eames chair, sheepskin throws, a roaring fire and cedar wood hot tub – there’s not a blow-up mattress in sight. Guests are welcomed with a luxury hamper of local produce, which includes hand-dived scallops and malt whisky. It’s not scabby, that’s for sure.
Manorafon Sea Camp, Ceredigion
The Manorafon Sea Camp consists of domes, ‘nomad’ tents and log cabins set in private spots, just 15 minutes from the coastline. Each dome is individually furnished, with custom-made furniture, cosy Welsh wool blankets, wood-burning stoves and sheepskin throws. While the domes have plenty of private space, there is a communal lodge area where breakfast can be served and guests can socialise and chill- out on sofas in front of the roaring fire. Thrills-seekers can book onto slightly more white-knuckle activities, including kayaking and coasteering, should they want to indulge in something a little less tranquil.
Lochness Glamping, Inverness
In Lochness, all is not what it seems. Peaking over the horizon, ever so slightly obscuring your view of Glen Urquhart are four strange apparitions, rising like the legendary monster out of the ground….These aptly-named Armadillas are larch-clad wooden cabins, that craftily house all your home comforts including under-floor heating. Inside the decor is clean, fresh and modern with a nod to Scandinavian summer cabins.
Mill Farm Glamping, Wiltshire
Glamping Mill Farm-style involves a nice, dry, safe, sturdy wooden lodge with the concession of a canvas roof canopy, just to appease the camping traditionalists. Inside, it’s all countryphile prettiness, with rustic knick-knacks and kids can sleep in the cosy, self-enclosed bunk barns. The lodges are located on Joe and Izzy Drake’s idyllic organic farm, where guests are encouraged to help themselves to fresh eggs from the chicken coop, stock-up on local produce at the Honesty Shop and join-in at feeding time on the farm.
Sunny Brow Farm, Lake District
Down on Sunny Brow Farm there are two yurts, both decorated in a pretty, rustic feel, with hand-crocheted blankets, paraffin lamps and log burning stoves. Outside, each yurt comes with its own BBQ and cosy fire pit, and guests may just see passing deer, as they stroll around the woodland collecting kindling. The emphasis on Sunny Brow is all about the low-impact and eco-friendly holiday; guests are encouraged to explore their environment and learn more about their natural surroundings. There is the option of signing-up for yoga sessions, and the sense of holistic wellbeing even extends to breakfast, when guests can indulge in a macrobiotic feast, made from Sunny Brow’s homegrown produce.
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