Six shepherd's huts with the most unusual hot tubs

A beautifully rustic hut set in acres of breathtaking parkland, designed by Georgian landscape architect Capability Brown, Bracken Hut has more than a touch of modern luxury about it. Perhaps it’s the king-sized bed, wood burning stove, fluffy towels and special little extras like a star-gazing kit and marshmallows. Or, it might be the rocking chairs on the private deck and the wood fired bath with uninterrupted views over vast, ancient countryside. Hesleyside Hall is in the gold tier Northumberland Dark Sky Reserve and has the best view of the Milky Way in England so prepare for some magical nights under the stars. Spend your daylight hours relaxing on the estate or venture further afield to visit the Roman ruins of Hadrian’s wall, Northumberland National Park or some of the many magnificent houses and gardens in the area.

Some hot tubs blend subtly into their surroundings but others – like Mabel’s – refuse to be ignored, in this case because they’re bright orange, cocooned by a bespoke timber cover and lit by twinkling fairy lights. The two open sides of the shelter give amazing views up to Fontmell Downs to be admired from the warmth of your statement bath. The shepherd’s hut itself sleeps two in a double bed and has a gorgeous vintage charm, decorated with original signs, tins and artefacts. The latest upcycled addition to this Dorset glamping field is ‘Silas’, a one-of-kind BBQ hut with inbuilt seating, reinvented from a grain store – perfect for cosy dinners. When you’ve finished admiring the retro stylings and are ready to explore, there are stunning walks from The Old Forge through meadows and hills with views of Blackmore Vale, Sturminster Newton and beyond.

Head to a working farm in the gorgeous Vale of Belvoir where Austin the shepherd’s hut is dying to show off his roomy interior. It helps that owner Joe is 6’4” and understands the need for space. There’s easily room for two in the orange wood fired hot tub on the deck, where you can sit back and watch the sunset over the Grantham Canal. The scenic tow path leads to local pubs within easy strolling distance and there are open-water swimming holes, the Engine Yard artisan shopping village and Belvoir Castle close by. Inside the hut the design is effortlessly stylish with an en suite and fully equipped kitchen, while outside there’s a pizza oven under canopy, so you can whip up a rustic feast even if it’s pouring.

Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure with your very own tiny island in The Nancy Blackett, named after the Swallows and Amazons’ adventurer. In splendid Somerset isolation, you’ve got the place all to yourself but it’s a quick hop, skip and a jump over a bridge to civilization – aka the kitchen cabin and a hot shower. The shepherd’s hut is hidden from view, surrounded by reeds, with a log burner and private hot tub – striking the perfect balance between simple outdoor living and home comforts. If you’ve got a thirst for exploration, take the rowing boat out from the private jetty and head to the secluded island in the middle of the lake. Once you discover the inviting hammock and campfire you’ll want to stick around so pack a few beers and some sausages from the local organic shop to sizzle on the BBQ.

Staying in Little Poro is a magical experience, starting as you meander down a fairy-lit woodland walkway to arrive at the hut. The private hot tub outside is tucked away among the trees with sweeping views across the countryside, perfect for stargazing by night with a glass of fizz. The scandi inspiration continues inside with decor inspired by the owner’s travels – think sheepskin rugs from Iceland combined with rustic Devon charm. Hygge perfection. Mealtimes are a pleasure at Little Poro – the outdoor kitchen with its BBQ and pizza oven makes cooking a breeze. Or if you’d rather eat out, work up an appetite walking on the moors and rugged beaches before heading to one of the nearby country pubs on the edge of Exmoor National Park.

Perched in the corner of a field by a stream on an idyllic working farm in Yorkshire, The Woodman’s Hut earns bragging rights for its huge wraparound deck worthy of any luxury treehouse. The pièce de résistance of this tranquil outdoor space is the wood fired hot tub with views of rolling dales and grazing sheep. Inside the hut, the stargazing window above the king size bed lets the morning sun in to gently rouse you from slumber and offers up a blanket of twinkling stars as you drift off at night. The friendly owners are more than happy to give you a tour of the farm (there’s even a farm museum on site) and for more strenuous excursions, there’s the whole of the North York Moors to explore. If you’re celebrating something special, it’s only a 40 minute drive to a Michelin star restaurant at Harome.