Treehouses with cool hidden features that big kids will love

It’s always playtime at Silva Treehouse when you’ve got a tunnel slide that zips down from the wooden deck to a games area underneath. There’s a door you could use instead, but where’s the fun in that? Once you’ve dusted yourself off from your speedy descent, play a lively game of ping pong or mix a drink at the bar and loll in the hammocks. This 6-person treehouse in beautiful Eden Valley has a private hot tub with mountain views, two king-sized beds and a double, so it’s perfect for family or friends. There are miles of hiking trails through Cumbrian wilderness on the doorstep or venture further afield and take a scenic lake cruise on the Ullswater Steamers. In the evening, flop on comfy sofas in the front of the wood burner after polishing off a delicious dinner whipped up in the al-fresco pizza oven.

Tucked away under the lofty deck of The Rook’s Tower in Herefordshire is a hot tub and cinema room. Snug but spacious, this relaxing nook is protected from the elements but still lets the fresh forest air in. In contrast, the luxurious treehouse above has huge windows, flooding the space with natural light that changes depending on the time of day. The best of both worlds. The Rookery Woods are an oasis of calm with walking trails straight from the gate. You can earn your roast and glass of wine by setting out to one of the local pubs within an hour’s stroll. Then while away a drowsy afternoon soaking in the freestanding bath before snuggling up in fluffy robes in front of the wood burner.

The imposing staircase that leads up to Journeyman hints at the delights awaiting inside its spectacular round wood exterior. This is a forest getaway on a grand scale and is the largest treehouse in our collection, sleeping 8-9 guests. Even better, it’s wheelchair and limited mobility accessible. It’s so spacious there’s even an indoor swing (you’ll want one at home after trying it), big enough for two to sway on while contemplating when to have a dip in the outdoor roll top baths. Prepare for a treehouse holiday of sheer indulgence, starting your days with a rainfall shower on the deck and ending them with drinks around the fire pit or a movie night on the projector. Journeyman Treehouse is part of award-winning Brook House Woods glamping site in Herefordshire which offers activities including woodwork, cider-tasting, yoga and tennis. The order you do them in is entirely up to you.

Windows in the ceiling have been done before, but it takes some extra imagination to put one in the floor. The owners of Nyth y Barcud Treehouse have done just that so you can watch the comings and goings of the wildlife underneath without ever leaving the sofa. Genius! This cosy treehouse is nestled above a bubbling stream in unspoilt Welsh wilderness that is a mountain biker’s paradise. There are world-class bike trails and natural tracks on the doorstep and the farm has even created two cycling descents of its own. Don’t worry if you’d rather walk than pedal, there are plenty of woodland trails and coastal paths to explore where you’ll hardly see another soul all day. For such remote seclusion, there’s never a dull moment. Return to your cosy sanctuary to bask in the glow of the wood burner at the end of an endorphin-filled day.

Perched a spectacular 10 metres aloft, among the pine trees and above the snow, 7th Room has a huge, suspended outdoor net for hypnotic stargazing. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. In a playful twist, as you approach your forest sanctuary you’ll spot a life-size photo on the underside of the cabin showing the pine tops as they appeared before 7th Room landed in the trees. The treehouse is an architectural wonder, clad in charred-timber with breathtaking views over Swedish lapland and the Lule River Valley. Inside you’ll find pared-back luxury with two separate bedrooms, underfloor heating, pale Scandi wood and cosy textiles. 7th Room is part of the renowned Treehotel (great for name dropping on your return) where you can use the restaurant, bar, sauna and relaxation area. Explore the breathtaking wilds all around with forest hikes, horse riding and snow shoeing.

This fairytale house is full of surprises. With its shingle and turrets, Rufus’s Roost appears among the trees like a drawing from a children’s storybook as you approach it along a forest boardwalk. Once inside, race to find the slide that whizzes down to the hidden reading and games nook designed with big and little kids in mind. When it’s time for bed, clamber up narrow stairs to the cosy mezzanine double bed tucked up in the attic. Or if you prefer a less adventurous journey to the land of nod, there are two doubles on ground level. Laze away your days bubbling in the hot tub with breathtaking views, spotting deer and badgers down below. Once rejuvenated, set out on dramatic hikes through the North York Moors and the Dales, and explore the foodie mecca of nearby Malton.

Scandi rejuvenation awaits in an idyllic corner of Somerset as The Pomeroy Treehouse has its very own private Finnish-style sauna. Once you’ve broken a therapeutic sweat, step under the outdoor showers before melting into the roll top bath big enough for two with sweeping views of the countryside. The large deck is kitted out with more facilities than you normally find indoors, with an outdoor kitchen area, sink, BBQ, pizza oven and fridge. But we’re just getting started - this treehouse is out to impress and another surprise awaits at the top of a spiral staircase that opens out onto an enclosed roof terrace draped in willow leaves. Up here there’s seating by a gas fire pit, an outdoor tv and even a dumb waiter to bring treats up from the main deck. Treehouse stays have never felt so decadent. The Cheddar Gorge and the beautiful cathedral town of Wells are on the doorstep for a day out.