Back to nature: The best luxury treehouse stays to book in the UK
From staying in design-led cabins next to a 40ft Cornish waterfall to spacious treehouses nestled in the New Forest, here’s how you can walk on the wild side during your next holiday
While dealing with the capital’s ever-present buzz and busyness is part and parcel of being a Londoner, we’d be the first to admit that a rejuvenating break in the country is healthy for the heart and soul. Good job, then, that many of the UK’s five-star hotels and trusted hosts have created their very own unique escapes, often suspended above the English countryside. Here are the most luxurious treehouse stays to book in the UK now, all ready to welcome you come rain or shine.
Chewton Glen, Hampshire
In the heart of the fabled New Forest, and just minutes from the coast, Chewton Glen is a five-star hotel, as part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, in harmony with nature. Offering luxury accommodation within its 18th century country house hotel, those wishing to walk on the wild side should instead opt for the Hampshire resort’s 14 treehouse suites. Designed to allow guests to literally sleep in the trees, the suites are suspended 35 feet above ground, and all feature floor-to-ceiling windows for that all-important panoramic view. Suites can sleep from two to 12 people, with the Grande Dame of the collection being The Yews, which features large marble bathrooms, elongated balconies with hot tubs and a large open-plan living area with a log burner – perfect for family get-togethers.
Every need is catered for, from a curated dining experience with foraged jams and honey from the hotel grounds served in a picnic basket to spa treatments on the balcony and a children’s nook filled with storybooks. For those wishing to venture outside of the treehouse, just a stone’s throw away you’ll find Chewton Glen’s award-winning spa, restaurants, grounds and much more.
From £995 per night, visit chewtonglen.com
Little Oak Treehouse, West Sussex
Go gloriously off-grid at the Little Oak Treehouse in West Sussex, where you can trade your laptop for green woodland with Unique Hideaways. Downstairs, you will find the open-air living space decorated in calming neutral tones; on cooler days, pull across the transparent canopy to stay cosy. The one-of-a-kind kitchen wraps around a tree trunk at the centre of the treehouse, while the wood-fired pizza oven is the perfect way for you to get creative for those balmy, summer evening dinners. Climb the stairs to find the bedroom, while the compost toilet and hot shower are just a few footsteps away from the treehouse (don’t say we didn’t warn you…).
West Sussex offers plenty of attractions for those looking to get back to nature too, such as the abundance of walking and cycling routes along the famous South Downs Way, the Literacy Trail, Leith Hill, Chanctonbury Ring, Pitch Hill and Crissbury Ring. Take a trip to Parham House, St Mary’s House or Petworth House to explore beautiful gardens or learn about the history behind Bramble, Arundel Castle, and Amberley Museum. Fancy a tipple or two? Head to Bolney Wine Estate for a vineyard tour followed by a wine-tasting experience in the countryside, before booking a table at one of the cosy pubs, cafes or even the Michelin-starred restaurant nearby.
From £175 per night, visit uniquehideaways.co.uk
Kudhva, Cornwall
Situated on the rugged coastline in north Cornwall, a stone’s throw from Tintagel, Kudhva’s treehouse cabins are design-led, crafted specifically to give guests a different perspective on the surrounding landscape. Each of Kudhva’s tipis (or TPs, as they’re called) are nestled into the hillside, suspended above ground and facing the Atlantic Ocean, so guests can expect some of the best views the south west has to offer. Inside each TP, you’ll find a comfortable two-person mezzanine bunk; larger groups, meanwhile, should book the Danish Cabin, a 1:3 replica of Kudhva’s iconic Engine House that sits by a waterfall in the woodland, with views toward the old slate quarry beyond. It features two beds downstairs (sofas by day) and a four-bunk cabin space upstairs, and is also fully off-grid.
Foodies can cook in the fully-equipped shared kitchen, stocked via a small shop selling locally-sourced food. Book a breakfast hamper for your stay and even cook over the firepit, or perhaps coordinate your trip with one of Kudhva’s regular guest chef events, whether that's a big breakfast pop-up or sumptuous long-table feasts. Within one mile of the site, you’ll also find The Port William, The Rocket Store, and Temple pubs, as well asthe acclaimed Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. Trebarwith Strand, which has almost a kilometre of sandy beach at low tide, is within walking distance, but for those looking for a slightly warmer dip, enjoy Kudhva’s wood-fired hot tub.
From £137 per night, visit kudhva.com
Stargazers Retreat, Isle of Wight
Nestled at the most southerly tip of the Isle of Wight, with panoramic views of Reeth Bay and beyond, the Stargazers Retreat is a truly elevated glamping experience that can be exclusively booked via Unique Hideaways. The traditional wooden yurt-turned-treehouse spans two floors, featuring king-size beds for adults, three beds for little ones, quirky shower rooms and an intimate kitchen. Outside, the expansive deck makes for an idyllic spot for sun-soaked breakfasts, while the two adjoining alfresco bathtubs make for a romantic experience under the stars. You can even charter constellations from the traditional Toono window.
Venture beyond the Stargazers Retreat to find a combination of beautiful beaches, miles of coastal walks, and the rolling countryside on your doorstep. Things to do on the southerly edge of the island range from traditional pub jaunts to the village of Niton and hiring e-bikes to explore the many picturesque cycling routes nearby. Also, discover St Catherine's Lighthouse and wander down to Castle Haven beach – a hidden gem.
From £172 per night, visit uniquehideaways.com
Wildhive Callow Hall, Peak District
Found at the ‘gateway to the Peak District’, Wildhive Callow Hall’s two treehouses have been designed to provide a luxurious alternative to the 15 sumptuous bedrooms in the hotel’s main house. Sleeping up to five guests, the two spacious treehouses – featuring interiors by London-based studio Isabella Worsley – comprise two double bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms, an open-plan living room, well-equipped kitchenette and private wraparound deck with a roll top copper bath – perfect for moonlit evenings spent gazing at the stars through the woodland canopy.
The luxurious treehouses provide the perfect base for guests to get back to nature thanks to the biking and e-bike trails on their doorstep. Also enjoy well-planned day trips to historic sites like Chatsworth House and early-morning treks along the local trails, or relax in the hotel’s Coach House Wellness Centre, which houses an interactive gym, a studio and a sauna. When it comes to food, seasonal menus created by executive chef David Bukowicki celebrate all things British, and are served in the Garden Room, which offers panoramic views over the landscape and towards the burbling Bentley Brook.
From £600 per night, visit wildhive.uk
