Wild escapes: socially distanced UK holidays to book now
From shepherd's huts and gypsy caravans to treehouses and glamping, here's where to holiday the socially distanced way this summer
Wild escapes: socially distanced UK holidays to book now
As the 'new normal' continues to change it can be hard to know what to expect from summer 2020. Certainly far-flung adventures remain out of reach and plans of any kind feel tentative in the face of shifting government guidelines. But that doesn't mean you have to abandon hopes of a holiday altogether. From secluded shepherd's huts to luxurious treehouses, there are plenty of places you can explore.
Culture Whisper rounds up the best socially distanced nature retreats in the UK, all of which are now opening for booking and can be cancelled or changed free of charge if needed.
A woodland yurt near Bath
Bramblewood Yurt is tucked away deep in an ancient forest just a 15-minute drive from Bath. You can enjoy complete privacy on the outdoor deck as you barbecue, read in the rocking chair or have an outdoor bath under the stars. Hand-built using upcycled materials, the yurt itself has a cosy bed, a woodburning stove, a bathroom and a kitchen with a larder stocked with local seasonal delicacies (think wild garlic butter and sloe gin). The surrounding valley is ripe for foraging and there's a pick-your-own strawberry field at the next-door farm.
Booking now open from July
Yurt for two adults for two nights, from £300
Sleep in the treetops in Norfolk
This fairytale treehouse combines natural charms with country-house hotel luxury. Inspired by African safaris, the wooden hut is built in a small copse on a country estate near Norfolk's Burnham Market. It is equipped with all the mod cons for cooking and washing, with a kingsize four-poster bed and deliciously deep copper bathtub for added romance, plus bunkbeds for those bringing children. Enjoy sunset drinks and view of the surrounding woodland from the verandah, and spend your days visiting the gardens of Sandringham and Houghton Hall, or spotting seals on the beach.
Booking now open from July
Treehouse for two, from £225 per night: one king-size four poster, two standard-size single bunks
Shepherd's huts in the Southwest
A hot tub, sauna and unspoilt views over the water and organic farmland help you escape daily life at these luxury shepherd's huts on the border of Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Made from local timber, powered by solar energy and supplied with filtered natural spring water, the huts take you back to nature. But the spacious interiors, decorated in vintage styles, have all the comforts of a hotel room, with a bathroom, kitchen and double bed, plus Wifi, a TV and a DVD player for rainy days.
Now taking bookings from 4 July
Shepherd's hut for two for two nights, from £250
Glamping in Gloucestershire
Banish notions of sweaty pop-up tents and stale cider and embrace the more glamorous side of camping. Bluebell, Daisy, Clover and Foxglove are four spacious bell tents in a wildflower meadow in a glorious corner of the Cotswolds. You can hire the whole meadow for a group gathering (up to 16 people) with sufficient social distance.
Futon beds, cushions and fairylights make for cosy nights, while the private washing facilities and kitchenette ensure you're only a short walk away from creature comforts. The campsite includes a covered dining area, an indoor and outdoor barbecue space and a fire pit, giving you plenty of DIY dinner options. Or you can chose to have food cooked by a local chef and delivered to your private dining table outside the tent. Spend your days exploring the surrounding streams, glades and woodland, then enjoy starry evenings in the wood-fired hot tub.
Booking now open from July
Camp for 16, from £383 per night: four Lotus Belle tents, each for four people
Luxury canal-boat cruises
Cruise the Kennet and Avon canal, taking in picturesque vistas of the Pewsey Valley from the comfort of a luxury narrowboat. Moonraker's fleet of 10ft widebeam canalboats are fitted with kingsize beds, jacuzzi bathtubs, log burners, coffee machines and the finest linens. From a romantic couple's trip to a family adventure, there's a different boat to suit different types of holiday. Offering space, comfort and the ability to navigate the water at a leisurely pace.
Booking now open from July
Boat for four people for four nights, from £1,471
Gypsy caravans in Somerset
Step back in time to stay in a lovingly restored wagon in a cider orchard in Somerset. Chose from the rustic option and cook over an open fire outside the traditional bow-top wagon, or use the fridge and electric hob in the vintage caravan in the same meadow, where you will also find a hot shower and private bathroom. And make sure you order the breakfast basket, which includes sausages, eggs, bacon, homemade bread, jam and marmalade.
Now taking bookings from 4 July
Wagon for two adults, from £168 for two nights
Treehouse studio suite at Chewton Glen
It's all about thoughtful luxury at Hampshire's five-star country-house hotel Chewton Glen. And the Treehouse Suites take this luxury to new heights, quite literally. Suspended 35 feet up in the canopy, they boast panoramic forest views, a private outdoor hot tub, sunbeds on the terrace and a sumptuous double bed. There's a coffee machine and dishwasher in the kitchen and an elegant marble bathroom with a giant freestanding bath and views over the forest. And if nature gets boring, you can watch Sky TV from the walk-in shower. Breakfast hampers are delivered daily and there's an indulgent all-day room service menu.
Now taking bookings from 4 July
Treehouse for two adults, from £1,150 per night
Culture Whisper rounds up the best socially distanced nature retreats in the UK, all of which are now opening for booking and can be cancelled or changed free of charge if needed.
A woodland yurt near Bath
Bramblewood Yurt is tucked away deep in an ancient forest just a 15-minute drive from Bath. You can enjoy complete privacy on the outdoor deck as you barbecue, read in the rocking chair or have an outdoor bath under the stars. Hand-built using upcycled materials, the yurt itself has a cosy bed, a woodburning stove, a bathroom and a kitchen with a larder stocked with local seasonal delicacies (think wild garlic butter and sloe gin). The surrounding valley is ripe for foraging and there's a pick-your-own strawberry field at the next-door farm.
Booking now open from July
Yurt for two adults for two nights, from £300
Sleep in the treetops in Norfolk
This fairytale treehouse combines natural charms with country-house hotel luxury. Inspired by African safaris, the wooden hut is built in a small copse on a country estate near Norfolk's Burnham Market. It is equipped with all the mod cons for cooking and washing, with a kingsize four-poster bed and deliciously deep copper bathtub for added romance, plus bunkbeds for those bringing children. Enjoy sunset drinks and view of the surrounding woodland from the verandah, and spend your days visiting the gardens of Sandringham and Houghton Hall, or spotting seals on the beach.
Booking now open from July
Treehouse for two, from £225 per night: one king-size four poster, two standard-size single bunks
Shepherd's huts in the Southwest
A hot tub, sauna and unspoilt views over the water and organic farmland help you escape daily life at these luxury shepherd's huts on the border of Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Made from local timber, powered by solar energy and supplied with filtered natural spring water, the huts take you back to nature. But the spacious interiors, decorated in vintage styles, have all the comforts of a hotel room, with a bathroom, kitchen and double bed, plus Wifi, a TV and a DVD player for rainy days.
Now taking bookings from 4 July
Shepherd's hut for two for two nights, from £250
Glamping in Gloucestershire
Banish notions of sweaty pop-up tents and stale cider and embrace the more glamorous side of camping. Bluebell, Daisy, Clover and Foxglove are four spacious bell tents in a wildflower meadow in a glorious corner of the Cotswolds. You can hire the whole meadow for a group gathering (up to 16 people) with sufficient social distance.
Futon beds, cushions and fairylights make for cosy nights, while the private washing facilities and kitchenette ensure you're only a short walk away from creature comforts. The campsite includes a covered dining area, an indoor and outdoor barbecue space and a fire pit, giving you plenty of DIY dinner options. Or you can chose to have food cooked by a local chef and delivered to your private dining table outside the tent. Spend your days exploring the surrounding streams, glades and woodland, then enjoy starry evenings in the wood-fired hot tub.
Booking now open from July
Camp for 16, from £383 per night: four Lotus Belle tents, each for four people
Luxury canal-boat cruises
Cruise the Kennet and Avon canal, taking in picturesque vistas of the Pewsey Valley from the comfort of a luxury narrowboat. Moonraker's fleet of 10ft widebeam canalboats are fitted with kingsize beds, jacuzzi bathtubs, log burners, coffee machines and the finest linens. From a romantic couple's trip to a family adventure, there's a different boat to suit different types of holiday. Offering space, comfort and the ability to navigate the water at a leisurely pace.
Booking now open from July
Boat for four people for four nights, from £1,471
Gypsy caravans in Somerset
Step back in time to stay in a lovingly restored wagon in a cider orchard in Somerset. Chose from the rustic option and cook over an open fire outside the traditional bow-top wagon, or use the fridge and electric hob in the vintage caravan in the same meadow, where you will also find a hot shower and private bathroom. And make sure you order the breakfast basket, which includes sausages, eggs, bacon, homemade bread, jam and marmalade.
Now taking bookings from 4 July
Wagon for two adults, from £168 for two nights
Treehouse studio suite at Chewton Glen
It's all about thoughtful luxury at Hampshire's five-star country-house hotel Chewton Glen. And the Treehouse Suites take this luxury to new heights, quite literally. Suspended 35 feet up in the canopy, they boast panoramic forest views, a private outdoor hot tub, sunbeds on the terrace and a sumptuous double bed. There's a coffee machine and dishwasher in the kitchen and an elegant marble bathroom with a giant freestanding bath and views over the forest. And if nature gets boring, you can watch Sky TV from the walk-in shower. Breakfast hampers are delivered daily and there's an indulgent all-day room service menu.
Now taking bookings from 4 July
Treehouse for two adults, from £1,150 per night
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