Glamping? In winter? Don’t delay yet. An enjoyable summer vacation often involves sitting in meandering traffic on the way to a packed campsite; the feeling of disappointment, especially if the weather isn’t good when you get there.
But if you’re ready to put aside hope of a sunny staycation, a getaway in the colder months can offer something completely different: the peace and quiet of winter mornings, landscapes glistening with frost or shrouded in mist, cozy evenings all around you. own fire pit.
Plus, this is well outside of peak season, which means you’ll likely find a fancy cabin or luxury yurt for much less than you would in July or August. Here’s our pick of the best hiding places.
Starry stays in Carmarthenshire
Long winter nights are perfect for stargazing. And Hafan and Derwen (two cabins on a small off-grid, remote, conservation-focused Welsh farm) are just dots in the Tywi Valley, as there is very little light pollution. There’s plenty of wildlife, too: Look and listen for deer, owls and red kites.
The cabins come with wood burners (and a free wood supply), kitchenettes, and entertainment like guitars, books, and games in case of inclement weather. Outside there’s a sheltered porch, fire pit and composting toilet, as well as views of the Brecon Beacons’ vaunted dark skies.
Cabins (sleeps four) cost from £150 for two nights.
Rural retreats in Kent
Cuddle up on Kent Downs in a former shepherd’s hut at Greenhill Glamping, home to two beautifully restored 19th-century cottages on a family farm in the Alkham Valley. You will definitely not feel the cold in this villa, insulated with sheep wool, complete with wood stove, electric heaters and king-size beds with goose down duvets.
Also, great walks can be done on the doorstep to increase blood flow; You can visit Alkham’s 200-year-old pub or take a 15-minute drive to Dover’s White Cliffs for a walk to blow away the cobwebs.
Shepherd’s huts (for two) start from £155 per night.
Crowd-free camping on the Isle of Skye
It can be a bit stuffy on Skye in winter, but the trade-off is empty roads, guaranteed natural drama and – who knows – maybe the Northern Lights. Plus, the elegant wooden partitions of the Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse in Uig on the northern Trotternish peninsula stay cozy all year round.
Small but perfectly constructed, these rooms have decent beds, kitchenettes, heating and en suite showers, as well as beautiful views across the wide bay. Walk to nearby Fairy Glen, then grab a drink from the Isle of Skye Brewing Company just down the road.
Pods (sleeping two to four) start from £95 per night.
A new Herefordshire hideaway
White House Hideaway is perfect for winter. Off-grid, warm and completely private with solar power and a wood burner. The simple wooden interior includes a compact kitchen and bathroom, while the double bed sits next to a wall-size window so you can fall asleep and wake up with views of the Wye Valley.
Alternatively, get outdoors: SUP on site, hit the trails, hit the pub (the excellent Crown Inn at Woolhope is three miles away) or soak in the stars in an open-air bath.
Cabin (double occupancy) costs from £258 for two nights.
Powys’ best castle
Oaken Fort really adds glamor to glamping; It’s no surprise that this fairy-tale, wood-clad castle is one of Canopy & Stars’ most-liked Instagram posts. Situated on the Anglo-Welsh border, the unique cabin overlooks rolling hills and forest with a wilderness location but five-star style.
From the eco-wood beams to the high-spec kitchen, every fit-out is impeccable. And whatever the weather, you can enjoy the view: inside, from the copper bath, looking through the large windows, or outside, from the electric jacuzzi on the deck.
Cabin (sleeps four) from £245 per night.
Hygge havens in Northumberland
The trees at Tughall offer a dash of Scandi cool in the Northumbrian wilderness. There are three contemporary cabins here, each hidden from the others. Ash is embraced by ancient trees; Hawthorn sits next to the murmuring Tughall burns overlooking the Cheviot Hills; Willow has her own private open space by the creek.
They are all extremely well insulated; heaters and heaters are hidden under large window seats. Stargaze from the covered deck, huddle around the fire pit or head to the cafes and beach at Beadnell Bay, just a 30-minute walk away.
Cabins (double occupancy) cost from £310 for two nights.
Interesting cottages in Worcestershire
You won’t find a more beautiful place on a crisp winter’s day than the Cotswolds. The utter Englishness of these rolling hills is magical under the glow of frost, just as snowdrops begin to appear in the local woodlands.
Bluebell, near the village of Broadway, is an interesting base for exploring the north of the region; It’s made from two shipping containers, one creatively converted into an en-suite bedroom and the other into a cozy lounge kitchen. They are connected by an open but covered deck, so you can enjoy the idyllic views no matter what the weather.
Cabins (sleeping two-three people) start from £95 per night.
A ski reserve in the Cairngorms
Choose a pisteside pod for a relaxed British ski break. Glenshee Glamping’s off-grid shepherd’s huts, pens, spacious cabin and converted railroad car are located near the Glenshee Snowsports Center.
You can spend a day on Scotland’s longest and most extensive ski slopes and return to the area to regroup at your heated retreat; most have wood stoves and all have beautiful views. There are also hot tubs that can be booked to soothe ski-injured limbs.
Pods and cottages (sleeping two to five) from £95 per night.
Fabulous tents in Devon
If you want to kip comfortably under the canvas this winter, choose HARTA. Unique tents in this secluded spot on the edge of Exmoor offer the romance of camping without the hassle. It consists of two interconnecting, double-walled types, each complete with king-size beds, shag rugs, wood-burning stoves and underfloor heating.
If you prefer something more invigorating, there is also an en suite bathroom (with a clawfoot bath) and a private outdoor shower. Prepare a feast in your al fresco kitchen or order a home-cooked curry dish delivered to your tent door.
Tipi (for two) from £140 per night.
A quiet haven in Shropshire
The right execution of simplified luxury; That’s what Rest + Wild is all about. The four Shropshire cabins are stylishly constructed using recycled natural materials and beautifully designed with brown leather, moody dark paint and copper detailing. But they are also nestled deep in nature; There is no wi-fi and no road noise (don’t worry, there is heating).
In fact, you’ll need to park about 250 meters away and drive across fields to get there. Prize? Privacy, tranquility, birdsong, secluded outdoor tubs, romantic nights around the fire and stunning views of the Clee Hills.
Cabins (double occupancy) cost from £550.00 for three nights.