Treehouse stays within 2 hours of Bristol

Mendip Hills to the left of you, alpacas to the right (or is it the other way round?) – you must be at Uplands Treehouse. A mere half an hour from Bristol, this tranquil haven is perched in the trees behind the owner’s house. Once inside, a ladder takes you up to a cosy, mezzanine sleep deck where a king-sized bed is tucked under the eaves. When you eventually descend from your cocoon in the morning, it’s time to grab a hot coffee and take in the views from the huge balcony. There are trails leading from the front door and a folder of recommended walks put together by helpful owner, David. Close by is the beautiful cathedral city of Wells and if you’re craving bracing sea air head to Weston-super-Mare on the coast.

A romantic bolthole for two, Harptree Treehouse is nestled among the leaves on a beautiful estate just outside Bath. You’ll tingle with excitement as you cross the woodland walkway to reach this double-domed feat of design that looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. A grown-up fairy tale in this case with a giant copper tub in the bedroom, underfloor heating, ensuite and luxurious linens. Out on the balcony, there are loungers to sink into for some relaxing forest bathing. Listen out for bird song and see if you can spot the badges, foxes and deer that roam the grounds. Take a stroll to the superb Waldegrave Arms for a slap-up meal or try an award-winning roast at The Pony & Trap.

It’s the thoughtful touches that make a glamping getaway at Oakdown Treehouse so magical. From the huge skylight above the shower and the bird feeders near the hot tub, to the fairy lit willow walkway that leads you to your nest – it’s all designed to make you feel special. You’re in for a treat when it comes to mealtimes too – as well as a spacious, covered outdoor kitchen, inside the treehouse you’ll find a full-appointed mini-kitchen built into a cupboard. Narnia, eat your heart out. Set on the borders of Wiltshire, Somerset and South Gloucestershire, the views of rolling hills are glorious with footpaths branching off in every direction. Honey-hued Bath is close by and you’ll stumble across chocolate box Cotswold villages like Castle Coombe and Lacock around every corner.

The Old Mill Treehouse is an ensuite Somerset love nest with a tree growing through the deck. There are no cooking facilities (but don’t panic, it has the essentials – a wine cooler, kettle and fridge) giving you the perfect excuse to eat out. Conveniently, The George Inn – one of the oldest pubs in the country, and with its own restaurant, is just a ten-minute stroll away. Inside, The Old Mill Treehouse is light and luxurious, with a wall-mounted TV for cosy movie nights, while outside the deck has lovely views towards the village and downlights to set a romantic mood in the evenings. There are long hikes through the surrounding countryside and a bench swing underneath the treehouse for leisurely contemplation.

Canoe down the Wye, hike Offra’s Dyke then trundle back through the orchard to your rustic treehouse and relax in front of the wood burner. Mistletoe Treehouse is as charming as its name suggests, with gorgeous countryside views that transform into a blanket of twinkling stars by night. You’re invited to wander around owner Gemma’s sculpture garden in the grounds of The Dovecote. And if that works up a thirst it’s only a two-minute woodland walk to friendly Kingstone Brewery where you can try local ales and take a tour. Iconic Tintern Abbey is just around a bend of the Wye and if you venture a little further, adrenaline junkies can try one of the longest zip wires in the country at Chepstow.

Bristol bustle feels a world away when you’re ensconced in a Somerset fairyland with a private treetop sauna. Once you’ve indulged in some Scandi-style rejuvenation, it’s time for an outdoor shower before sinking into the huge roll top bath with sweeping views over the fields. Unbelievably, the best is yet to come as a spiral staircase transports you to an enclosed roof terrace draped in willow leaves that is designed for total relaxation. Up here, there’s a gas fire pit, outdoor tv and a dumb waiter to bring treats up from the outdoor kitchen below. The Pomeroy Treehouse is as luxuriously stylish on the inside as it is on the outside with a mezzanine sleep deck and fully equipped kitchen. If you can bear to tear yourself away, the Cheddar Gorge and Wells are on the doorstep for a day out.