The best cabins for a wild swim then a hot tub

As stylish as Notting Hill but without the crowds (or anyone in fact), Knotting Hill Barn House is an off-grid cabin of dreams that brings Alpine design to deepest rural Leicestershire. Designed for groups of friends and family to enjoy outdoor living, the wrap-around veranda allows you to follow the sun around the cabin, admiring the changing light over the bluebell woods and wild swimming lake.  

There’s a pontoon for leaping off into the water, and canoes to borrow for a lazy paddle. The stunning rustic interior has incredible attention to detail with four cleverly designed bedrooms, a wood burner, underfloor heating, and a sound system. At night the glade is lit up by fairy lights, casting a captivating spell as you luxuriate in the hot tub.

The clue’s in the name. The Lake District is bursting at the seams with picturesque wild swimming spots dotted among the towering fells, hardy sheep and dry-stone walls. Sadly, blue/green algae is becoming an issue in the area, so you always need to check the water before you jump in.  

Hansel at Hinterlandes is five minutes from the nearest lake and 30 seconds away from its own private hot tub with views over the rolling Cumbrian hills. The cabin is of the cosy, fairytale variety with a moss-covered roof and a homely glow that draws you in. On lazy days, the wood burner, books, board games and local food hampers are all you need for a blissfully relaxing stay.

Roll out of the huge super-king-size bed, slurp a coffee and drop straight into Loch Venacher for a fresh dip that will energise you for the rest of the day. You’ll need that extra spring in your step for adventuring in the Trossachs National Park, canoeing on the water, hiking Bracklinn Falls, and pony trekking in the hills.  

Luxurious Birch Cabin has huge floor to ceiling windows, with ever changing views across the loch to the mountains beyond, but best of all, it’s got sole use of a wood-fired hot tub. Reserve it in advance when you book your stay and spend leisurely hours bobbing in the warm water, with that satisfying feeling that you’ve really earned your soak.

Elevated on a beautiful platform between three pines, the Island Cabin in Norway has breathtaking views of its very own wild swimming spot, which is the clear waters of the lake below. The lake is also your route to arrive at the cabin via kayak (there’s a floating bridge if you prefer) and a source of food for supper if you’re handy with a rod. 

 You’ll be sharing the pond with the local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for the resident family of beavers. If you’re lucky you might glimpse moose, deer and elk in the surrounding forest as you splash in the peaceful waters. Book a session in the hot tub to reinvigorate chilly limbs while you indulge in some seriously spectacular star gazing.

In a wildflower meadow on a 25-acre farm sits Cobnut Cabin, designed for slow living and simple pleasures. Wander through ancient oak woodland to hammocks and a picnic yurt, then head to the Escley Brook, where you can wild swim in cool waters and drift lazily on a small rowing boat. The waterfall pool is a dream for an invigorating dip, and when the chill sets in, your wood-fired hot tub with mountain views awaits.  

Get settled in the tub on the covered deck, watching the Black Mountains shift through shades of pink as the sun sets. No Wi-Fi, no stress – just you, the stars, and maybe a Dru yoga session or an Indian head massage for peak relaxation.

Start your day the wild way – a fresh dip in Peggy’s Pool, a secluded spot hidden deep in the valley, where crisp water jolts you awake better than any double espresso. After your swim, bundle up in a blanket, grab a flask of something hot and hike the scenic route back through forest trails, spotting deer and buzzards as you go.  

Then, it’s time to thaw out in the hot tub, sinking into the steaming water as the Pentland Hills turn gold in the fading light. Inside, The Wilderkin Cabin is a tech-free haven, with a record player, wood burner and books galore. Stoke the fire, pop a bottle and let the utter peace of the place work its magic.