Five cabins that you can reach by train for a more sustainable holiday

Buzz off to a three-story beehive for two in beautiful Devon woodland. With a honeycomb feature wall, this cosy den gives off a honeyed glow thanks to its rich dark wood interior, thick furs and sultry lighting. You can walk to Dartmoor from your front door by following an old tramway through the meadows, and the local town of Oakhampton is a stone’s throw away. Oakhampton is a paradise for leisurely pottering with farmers markets, a cinema, an art gallery, auction rooms and more than its fair share of indie shops and restaurants. Humble Bee is just below Okehampton Station, which can be reached in 40 minutes from Exeter St David’s. From the station it’s a mere 5 minute bumble to the cabin but with some of the best homemade cooking in the area (full English breakfasts and Devon cream teas), you might choose to linger for a while in the gorgeous revamped station cafe.

On the fringe of the Northumberland Coast AONB, Bilton Barns Farm has huge, soul-nourishing views over Alnmouth to the sea beyond. Once you’re tucked up in Bilton Bothy, it’s easy to find excuses to stay put. The hot tub on the deck will be freshly filled for your arrival, ready for soaking up glorious morning sunrises and star gazing under dark skies at night. BBQ al-fresco, roast marshmallows over the fire pit then cosy up inside on the sofa in front of the wood burner. When you’re ready to venture out, set off from the farm on foot to explore the gorgeous scenery. There are numerous walking trails including one that takes you down to the Northumberland coast path. The vast expanses of dunes at Alnmouth beach are just two miles away. The cabin is less than 1 mile from Alnmouth train station on the east coast main trainline.

Just 90 minutes from Bristol but a world away from urban bustle, a stay at Walden Lodge is the chance to unwind and embrace the simple life for a few blissful days. Lounge on the porch and gaze out to sea, cuddle up by the fire pit or relax in the minimalist yet cosy interior, decorated in natural materials and local craftwork. While away your days exploring the stunning South Wales countryside, much of which can be explored without needing a car. The George V Gate, just across the road, is an access point to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a dramatic coastal path stretching fourteen miles from Aberthaw to Newton. The nearest train station is in Llantwit Major, a 5-minute drive away. Alternatively, Bridgend train station is a 30-minute drive. From either, you can take a taxi or a bus to Walden Lodge.

Handmade by the owners, The Damson is a labour of love, boasting a spacious veranda and set in a private corner of an apple orchard. With two pairs of bunk beds as well as a separate double, it’s the perfect cabin to stay in with kids, especially with Go Ape nearby for adrenaline-fuelled family fun. On the borders of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire and close to the Welsh Marches, you’re in prime walking country with access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK. The nearby town of Tenbury Wells is a hive of activity playing host to events all year round. You can admire flower-adorned buildings at Tenbury In Bloom in the summer, enjoy dancing and juicing at Applefest in October and pucker up for the Mistletoe Festival in December. Arrive by train into Worcester Foregate Street station, then it’s a 40-minute bus journey followed by a 10-minute walk up the lane to the cabin.

Just 15 minutes’ walk from craggy cliffs and the wide-open bay of Manorbier Beach, The Sea Shed is waiting! It sits at the bottom of the owner’s large garden overlooking the woodland – it’s a private space, and though the garden will at times be shared, it’s likely everyone will be off enjoying the beach!   

Waking up in this spot means sunlight pouring through large windows, incredible birdsong from the dawn chorus, and cracking open those French doors for the fresh sea air that wafts through the treeline. From there, it’s a tricky decision between the outdoor shower – for a revitalising start to the day, or the beautiful roll-top bath indoors – for a very relaxing start! All you need is a quick jaunt up the road to the farm shop for supplies before coming back to sit out on the deck and enjoy an ice-cold glass of something.