Our cabins with the coolest, secret features

A woodland cabin straight out of a fairy tale, Hansel at Hinterlandes is nestled deep in the Cumbrian countryside surrounded by rugged mountains. And not a wicked witch in sight. After a day spent exploring the miles of trails on your doorstep, soothe your aching limbs in the wood-fired outdoor hot tub, then climb up the ladder into the cosy bedroom nook. Switch on the reading lamp, grab a book from the shelves and melt into a nest of duck feather pillows and Egyptian cotton bedding. It’s time for some winter hibernation. With a moss-covered roof that blends into the trees and an emerald green marble wet room, this is glamping in luxurious style. Gaze out of the large picture window at the wild fells and contemplate when to get the outdoor BBQ going.

Nature and nurture combine at the Hay Barn in Devon. Part glamping site, part art and wellbeing retreat, you can sample a wealth of activities on site including sound baths, massage, yoga and forest bathing. All designed to nourish the senses. Let the endorphins flow in the wood-fired sauna with beautiful views across the moors, then meander back through wildflower meadows. If you’re not quite ready to go inside, take an al-fresco snooze in the four-poster ‘Moor Bed’ crafted from a fallen tree. When darkness falls, gaze up at the starlit sky from a pair of atmospheric outdoor baths. For more strenuous adventures, head onto Dartmoor for wild swimming, hiking, biking, climbing and horse riding, but if culture is calling there’s still no need to venture far. Southcombe Gallery, at the main house, showcases the work of contemporary local artists and further afraid, the indie shops and eateries of pleasantly hippy, historic Totnes are well worth a visit.

You can achieve some serious #bathgoals at Vilberie, a cute, cosy cabin set within a beautiful arboretum in Somerset. Stroll across the deck from the main pod to discover a spectacular circular bathroom with a huge central granite tub, easily big enough for two. There’s a TV on the wall, so pour a glass of fizz and watch your favourite movie as you relax in the bubbles, or turn off the tech and stare at the sky through the glass window in the ceiling. The owners have added little indulgences like a Nespresso machine and a Weber BBQ, so you can whip up a delicious dinner in style. Head out for a walk in the Mendip Hills, visit the local goat farm or sample one of three local pubs within meandering distance of the cabin. With 3 RSPB reserves nearby, Vilberie is a great spot for bird watching too, so pack your binoculars.

One quick press of a button and the huge picture window at Hidey-Hole cabin transforms into a secret projector screen. Enjoy gorgeous views of the Sussex fields by day, and movies in bed by night, firing up the popcorn maker for the full cinematic experience. The sleek aesthetic and natural wood of the cabin lets the technicolour beauty of the surrounding countryside do the talking. Bifold doors let the outside in, while the deck has a canopy and wood burner so you can lounge around in comfort for hours looking out at Downash Wood. Stretch your legs with a walk around Bewl Water Reservoir, the largest stretch of open water in the South East, where you can paddle board, cycle and try different water sports. Or head to Bedgebury Pinetum for mountain trails and GoApe.

It’s ‘access all areas’ at Candyland Studios, a music lover’s rural retreat in Devon. Sleeping 8 people, you can jam in the woods to your heart’s content with a group of friends or family. Take it in turns to improvise on the baby grand piano and strum the ukuleles and guitars. If the creative juices are flowing, you can hire the cabin’s recording studio and sound booth by the hour. Gather everyone round the campfire in the evening for more music and merriment, or opt for a sophisticated soirée around the enormous dining room table. When it’s time to drift off, there are three bedrooms, plus a cosy kids’ bunk bed tucked away in a snug off the hallway. Owners Lydia and Alex built the cool, customised cabin themselves using recycled wood from the acres of beautiful deciduous woodland around Candyland Studios. The woods are frequented by many different species of birds making sweet music of their own.

For a cool, quirky cabin basking in Mediterranean sunshine, look no further than this very special spot in Southern Spain. Off-grid Peel Cabin comes with its own private wooden jetty and boat so you can paddle to Portugal for lunch on the other side of the river that straddles the two countries! The cosy cabin’s Moroccan style décor has an appealing rustic charm, with lanterns and an outdoor heated shower. Arriving peacefully by boat sets the tone for a cabin holiday of slow living surrounded by idyllic olive and almond groves. Hike in the hills, swim in the river and snooze in the hammock with only a few resident geckos for company. The local village of Alcoutim has its own castle, shops and market, or you can venture further afield to explore the spectacular beaches of The Algarve in Portugal or the Costa De La Luz in Spain.