Six cabins with a pub round the corner

The Bridge Inn is an easy 20-minute ramble from Kingfisher Cabin on Ritty Farm. A historic riverside inn named as one of the best pubs in Britain by the Telegraph, it’s worth the walk for the delicious menu made up of locally sourced seasonal produce. Like the cabin, it’s perched on the edge of Black Mountains, near The Cat’s Back, an awesome ridge walk.  

There’s canoeing and paddle boarding on the River Wye, bikes for hire in Hay and Kingfisher Cabin even has its own rowing boat to explore the rippling brook that lies outside the front door. Sit on the veranda in total seclusion and keep your eyes and ears tuned in to the sights and sounds of the local wildlife – there’s a good chance of spotting otters, owls, goldfinches and, of course, kingfishers.

Despite the hidden valley feel, Buzzard’s Reach has seriously good pub access. You’re just a 7-minute stroll to The Butchers Arms, where the cask ales flow and the pies are legendary.  

They take their beer seriously here, serving up everything from classic bitters and new-world pales to gluten-free brews and farmhouse ciders straight from the South West. The menu switches up with the seasons twice yearly to reflect ‘Light Nights’ and ‘Dark Nights’, so expect lighter bites for summer sessions and hearty classics for cosy winter evenings. Once you’ve had your fill, amble home, slide into the Japanese plunge bath and let the steam soothe away any evidence of that extra pint.

Ten minutes meander from Bramley Lodge, The Kings Head (also known as The Low House) is renowned for having a tap room instead of a bar. Once you’ve had your beer – served straight from the barrel – in this gorgeous 16th century thatched pub, have a wander around the ancient Suffolk village of Laxfield.  

Look out for a second, more modern pub, The Royal Oak, by the church with an outside terrace. Back at your lakeside lodge there’s plenty of space for four people to unwind in decadent comfort. Blyth Rise Stays has the atmosphere of a friendly village with shared saunas and an honesty shop, but each cabin is private and self-contained, perfect for lazing by the water with a book in hand. The owners have nurtured the land into a thriving habitat, so listen out for barn owls and try to catch sight of the resident otter.

Mealtimes are a breeze at Fifinella Retreat in Herefordshire. If you don’t fancy throwing together a feast in the kitchen or firing up the combined BBQ/pizza oven, take the strenuous one-minute walk to the Fountain Inn in Orcop instead. Not your typical village pub, it offers authentic Thai cuisine to eat in or take away.  

The owners of Fifinella Retreat, a chic Scandi cabin in the woods, also provide a welcome hamper packed with essentials and seasonal goodies. The glass front of the cabin gives breathtaking views over rolling hills and valleys to the Black Mountains beyond. Laze away the days swaying in the hammock, reading by the wood burner or head out on walks and cycle rides straight from the front door.

You’re a ten-minute walk from a classic pub roast at Halvana Forest Shed in Cornwall. The King’s Head in Launceston doesn’t scrimp on portion sizes, so make sure you turn up hungry. If you want to venture further afield, try Jamaica Inn, an 18th century inn from Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel, which has a smuggling museum, bar, restaurant and garden.  

Halvana Forest Shed feels like a frontier lodge with its rich natural wood tones melting into the wilderness around it. Downstairs the rustic cabin is spacious and open plan but if you climb the ladder you’ll find a snug, low-ceilinged lounging area, perfect for board games on a rainy day. After a day of exploring Bodmin Moor – and one more pint in the King’s Head – light the firebowl and watch a blanket of stars appear above you.

After a day spent hiking in the North York Moors National Park, you might not have the energy for cooking. Not a problem when The Golden Lion in Osmotherley is a mere ten-minute mooch from your cabin and offers an extensive menu including veggie, vegan and gluten-free options.  

At Lark, the standout highlight of this slick, stylish retreat, is the outdoor bathing deck with twin brass tubs set undercover, but still with tantalising views of the trees and stars. It’s part of A Place In The Pines where you’ll have free reign of the woodlands to build dens and climb trees. For a novel way of getting around, there are two e-Bikes for hire, with up to 3-4 hours of battery life at a time, to explore the forest tracks and amazing scenery on the doorstep.