Cabins for solo travellers

Perched in Northumberland wilderness, The Black Hut invites you to switch off from reality completely. It’s not hard to achieve as you sink into the warmth of the freestanding tub at the side of the cabin, to watch curlews and red kites soar in the distance. The huge views towards Hadrian’s Wall and the North Pennines AONB all add to the awe-inducing impression that you’re a small speck in a vast landscape. To feel even tinier, linger on the deck until nightfall and gaze at the stars overhead from the cosy comfort of a rocking chair by the wood burner. While The Black Hut is totally private, the owners’ farm is close by if you need anything and Wark Village Farm Store down the road is the place to load up on deli treats for an indulgent evening in.

As you recline in the wood-fired tub under an old oak tree, you’ll relish the sight of your cosy cabin as much as the surrounding Lakeland peaks. The Stag is tucked away in its own field at Birkett Mire, a working farm with three glamping spaces created by owner Luke who is an oracle of local knowledge. You’ll find endless walking trails from the front door as well as easy access to more challenging hikes up Blencathra, Skiddaw and Helvellyn. Alternate invigorating climbs with gentle strolls down the old railway line to Keswick or the nearby village of Threlkeld where the welcoming glow of The Horse and Farrier will tempt you in for a pint. For a solo date night, owner Luke recommends a drive to Grasmere to eat at The Jumble Room.

A cosy Cumbrian hideout deep in the woods, The Huette at Hinterlandes is completely private but with the reassurance that there are a few other glamping spaces dotted among the trees. Not that you’d ever know when you’re reclining in the wood-fired hot tub or reading in the little cushion-strewn window nook. Go for spectacular walks in the hills or paddle board at Derwent Water before scurrying back to The Huette as the light fades to fire up the pizza oven. Once your appetite is sated, cuddle up under a blanket on the deck and stargaze under inky black skies. A long, restorative sleep awaits with no morning alarm to disturb your slumber.

Otherworldly Hazel Igluhut manages to appear hobbit-like on the outside but step inside and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the bright, light-filled space. The cabin is completely self-contained with a fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathroom and comfy chairs for reading so if you plan to do very little, you’ve come to the right place. Venture outside and you’ll find a quiet, friendly, adults-only site with a communal sauna, outdoor yoga classes and an onsite honesty shop. The surrounding Suffolk countryside has plenty to offer including wild coastal walks, RSPB Minsmere, paddleboarding on the River Alde and the ancient burial site of Sutton Hoo.

You might return home from a weekend at The Barrel Top in Devon with a new hobby. Owner Penny runs a glass studio on site and is happy to offer day courses for guests or, if you prefer to get your hands dirty, you can say hello to the sheep, alpacas, cows and chickens on the working farm and lend a hand at lambing and harvest time. The cabin is a cosy, homely space with a wood burner, squashy sofa and big armchair for leisurely hours spent reading and napping before heading for a long soak in the outdoor tub. There’s rugged hiking on Dartmoor close by, beaches to explore at Mothecombe and Bantham and the independent shops of historic Modbury are just a mile away.

Like all the best places, The Duck Hut in Shropshire has a story to tell. Originally a fishing and shooting hut in the 1940s, owner Frankie has brought it lovingly back to life through a careful restoration that echoes the original style with a few modern additions. The large deck is the place to unwind and drink in sweeping views of the Shropshire Hills with the only other souls in sight a few wandering sheep. If you want a break from cooking — as well as other humans — there are plenty of hikes that reward you with a gastro pub or local inn at the end. For more choice, the culinary hot spot of Ludlow is a 45 minute drive away.

Embrace the simple life at The Bivvy, a secluded prism-shaped cabin only a field away from Ludlow on foot. The space is charmingly back-to-basics with repurposed shelving made from an old ladder and a wall that incorporates a beehive frame. The peaceful Shropshire setting is a balm for frazzled nerves, as is the array of nature walks on the doorstep and the gentle background murmur of farm activity. There’s a hot shower and compost loo outside and plenty to entertain yourself with inside including a guitar that you can play like no-one’s listening. When you’re ready to explore, hit the hiking trails of Mortimer’s Forest, cycle along the Bringewood bike trails or drift down the Wye in a kayak.