7 cabins to reconnect with nature

Sprawl in the king-sized bed on the top floor of The Nest and gaze out over Exmoor through the round window. The incredible scenery will soon tempt you down from the treehouse to soak in the hot tub and scamper around in the fields below. To banish any lingering stress, book on to a yoga session with Claire from Down Farm where she’ll run you through sun salutations and downward-facing dogs on top of a nearby hill with views for miles. A former physiotherapist, Claire tailors every session to your unique needs and provides mats and blankets. Once inner peace is restored you’ll be ready to explore Exmoor National Park, Wimbleball Lake and the nearby market towns of Bampton and Dulverton.

Ancient woodland, a Hikki hot tub and a colourful, cosy cabin await you at Clonnagapple in Shropshire. Set on a regenerative farm, host Johanna and her husband are passionate environmentalists and love to include guests in their work. They run wildlife experiences including a guided dawn chorus with their resident ornithologist, bird monitoring and, in summer, the chance to monitor insect activity in the wildflower meadows. After a few hours getting to know all creatures great and small on the farm you’ll be happy to relax in the loungers on the deck, listen to the birdsong and watch the sunset.

Disconnect from modern life at The Devon Den, a beautiful handcrafted retreat surrounded by trees and overlooking a meandering stream. Powered by the sun and off-grid, it’s somewhere to bring the family for some slow, phone-free time reconnecting with nature. Paddle in the water, wander along trails in the private woodland and doze in the hammocks listening to the sounds of birds. The coastal path is within easy reach and the wild moorlands of Dartmoor National Park are only eight miles away for hiking and horse riding. After a day of rosy-cheeked adventures in the fresh air, go for a relaxing soak in the hot tub or book an aromatherapy session in the wood-fired sauna.

For a big dose of perspective-giving awe, head to Fyfnone Bach in Pembrokeshire where you can sit on the deck — or in the hot tub — and stargaze under dark skies. You might even get to see one of the frequent shooting stars. If day-to-day stresses are getting you down, marvelling at the vast spectacle of the cosmos is a good reminder that you’re part of a huge, beautiful universe. One that also includes waterfalls and a plunge pool within walking distance of where you’re staying. Not to mention a beautiful 18th-century pub, The Ffynone Arms, a short stroll away through the fields.

There’s staying by the sea, and then there’s staying a five-minute walk from the sand, with glimpses of the sea through the cabin windows and a secret garden overlooking the cove below. Halzephron House is somewhere to blow away the cobwebs and breathe in deep lungfuls of fresh sea air. Gunwalloe Beach is a 5-minute stroll through the grounds, while Dollar Cove and Gunwalloe Church Cove can be reached in 25 minutes along the South West Coast Path. There’s even a rumoured smugglers’ tunnel if you’re in the mood for swashbuckling explorations. From Halzephron House you can see all the way to St Michaels’ Mount on a clear day and the Cornish hot spots of St Ives and Falmouth are within easy reach.

A whimsical Welsh wonder, The Sleepout has a private camp kitchen next to the cabin with a gas burner, handmade pizza oven, freezer box and every bit of essential cooking equipment you need. Whip up an al-fresco feast then settle down by the firepit to savour each mouthwatering bite while you gaze out over the valley. A glass of fizz, a sky full of stars and some marshmallows to toast afterwards and you’ve got all the ingredients for a magical glamping evening. The fairy lit cabin is a playful space with a cosy raised sleeping nook accessed by a chunky ladder that makes you feel like you’re floating in the hills. Spend soul nourishing days hiking in the surrounding countryside, go for cycle rides or swim in the nearby river.

A small but mighty adventure awaits you at Tiny Home Borders, an idyllic cabin surrounded by nature and wildlife without another soul in sight. With your own private loch just outside the front door, it’s a chance to try your hand (or perfect your skills) at paddleboarding without anyone around to laugh when you fall in — except your travel companion. There are tons of wild walks all around and for an extra memorable experience you can head to Rulewater Alpacas and include a new friend in your stroll. Elvis, Frankie, Nougat and Teddy are full of character and love meeting out-of-towners. After a day of outdoor adventures, the tub on the deck has your name on it for a long, warm relaxing soak under the Scottish Stars.