Ah, how we love a treehouse. The excitement of sleeping up high, the novelty of being immersed in nature, the quirky design features to discover. But the trouble with treehouses is they’re often too small for families to stay in – especially when you’re more than four. The same goes for all those lust-worthy stargazing pods, Hygge-inspired Hobbit houses and so many of the quirkiest, coolest places to stay.
Worry not. We’ve scoured the UK to find some of the most sensational, super-cool and spacious glamping options for a wild weekend with a difference. All of these beauties sleep at least five in comfort.
The enchanted castle
Moat Island, Haveringland Hall Estate, Norfolk
This turreted castle-hut on wheels is the straight out of a fairytale. Set within the wild moat of a former medieval hall and surrounded by woodland, this magical hut has a fairy-light-studded tower where guests eat, sleep and stargaze. Down the ladder there’s a king-size bed and single futon, a kitchen, cosy woodburner and compost toilet (there’s also a heated toilet and shower block nearby).
But the icing on this fairytale cake is the sun-dappled natural swimming pond (main photo), where you sunbathe on the wooden jetty or jump in to cool off in crystal clear waters with a dip among the dragonflies.
If you want to glamp with friends or extended family, there’s also a cabin by the dell (sleeps five) and unfurnished bell tent around a big communal fire pit (complete with BBQ tripod to cook on) that you can hire to make this woodland hideaway more exclusive. Further afield, the beautiful Norfolk Broads and beaches beckon for walking, cycling or paddle-boarding.
The rustic tree lodge
Swinton Estate, Masham, Yorkshire
The kids won’t even miss their devices when they realise what’s on offer at this heavenly off-grid hideaway. Sleeping seven people, in a gorgeous set-up children will love, there are three sweet side-by-side singles, a king size double and a double. With a hot tub on the deck (and sumptuous robes provided), a hammock in the trees and access to a woodland sauna, the Tree Lodge is an authentic back-to-nature dream. You certainly won’t be short of things to do. There’s an 8km mountain bike track, nature trails, falconry, a range of woodland school activities for kids and the wonderful Yorkshire Dales to explore if you can bear to venture far.
The surfers’ paradise
The Camp at The Wave, Bristol
Photo: Tom G Photo
Dream of waking up next to the perfect swell? You’ll never find a wave as reliable as this one. Forget what the weather and the winds are doing. When you wake up at The Camp at The Wave, an inland surfing lake which generates wave after perfect wave, the weather won’t matter and your first surf of the day is only metres away.
The 25 surf-styled safari tents sleep up to eight with a double bed and two sets of adult-sized bunk beds and a sofa bed. You’ll find a kitchenette with hot water, private toilet, fridge and large balcony area, as a woodburning stove for the cooler months. Purpose-built shower facilities are a short (or skate) away and there’s loads of safe, smooth spaces to scoot or skate on, along with a play park with slides, swings, climbing frame and sandpit. Kids can explore the great outdoors with Wilderness Explorers, get creative with eco arts and crafts or get involved with Story and Activity time at the end of the day.
The stylish safari tent
The Nest, Southorpe, Lincolnshire
Tent hardly seems the best word to describe this jaw-droppingly beautiful safari-inspired space to stay. Every luxury has been thought of: a proper bath with a proper view; vast beds; plush leather sofas; solid oak dining tables; a hot tub on the deck. This is some nest.
Need to cool off after your hot tub? Take a wild swim in the private lake. Fancy a cosy evening? Snuggle up for a film and firepit evening. Rutland Water and it’s fab Aqua Park aren’t far away if you fancy extra thrills, nearby Fineshade Woods is fun for some family woodland adventure and the lovely market town of Stamford is close by. Safari tents sleep six and dogs are welcome here.
The bed in the sky
Dome Garden, Mile End, Forest of Dean
The Skydome in the depths of the Forest of Dean will have older kids fighting over who gets to sleep in the elevated flying bed. Yes, that’s right, a suspended bed hanging just below the level of the roof windows, from which you’ll find a panoramic view perfect for stargazing.
There are a selection of different domes, sleeping up to eight, equipped with comfy beds, en-suites with flusing toilets, wood-burners and even an on-site restaurant serving wood-fired food. Kids will be in their element, with zip-wires, rope bridge, treehouse and eggs to collect. Beyond the site there’s enchanting Puzzlewood, GoApe and canoeing all close by.
The family-friendly treehouse
The Roost Treehouse, Isle of Wight
A house in the trees but isn’t that high off the ground so feels safer than a true treehouse for little ones. This hand-built, larch-clad house is accessed by wooden steps and comprises two sections – a living house and a sleeping house, joined by decking. There are two bedrooms, plus a mezzanine with two extra beds and secret double sleeping space for two more (complete with spyholes!). Downstairs there’s a swing and masses of outdoor space for fun and games. Further afield there’s plenty to do outside - kayaking, cycling and surfing to name a few. Well-insulated with woodburner and warm duvets to boot, The Roost is great for year-round stays.
Main photo: Moat Island
