Top 5: UK’s Best Treehouse EscapesBy Angelica Malin
If you’re wishing for more than a standard en-suite room, here are some truly unique treehouses in the UK. For visually striking structures that would make Kevin McCloud weep with joy to luxury sky high stays – here’s the UK’s finest treehouses. Time to plan your next weekend away:
1. For a Scottish Escape: Ackergill Tower
The Lowdown: Ackergill Tower is home to the largest treehouse in Europe. This secluded hideaway, perched within a spectacular sycamore tree, offers guests a breath-taking 180 degree view of the surrounding woodland, and the chance to gaze up at the stars shining through the branches. On some occasions, guests may also have the chance to watch the epic Northern lights dance in the night sky.
This idyllic retreat is just 15 miles from the breathtaking scenery of John O’Groats, known for its iconic ‘end of the road’ location on Britain’s North Eastern tip. If you’re looking for a bucket-list destination – this is the real deal. Ackergill Tower stands majestically above the rugged shoreline at Sinclair Bay – one of the most remote and romantic settings in the entire British Isles. Steeped in history, the castle is located on a 3,000 acre private estate with dramatic views over the North Sea.
Cost: £195 per night in the treehouse and from £119 in the main castle on a bed and breakfast basis.
Where: Ackergill Tower, Ackergill, Wick KW1 4RG
2. For a Luxury Stay: Chewton Glen
The Lowdown: Chewton Glen offers 12 stunning treehouse suites spread across 130 acres of woodland, gardens and parkland. These magnificent hideaways are set 35 feet above the ground and offer guests a truly unforgettable experience. The quintessentially British, privately owned luxury Country House Hotel and Spa, dating back to 1783, is located on fringe of the New Forest just two hours from London and now extends to the edge of the New Forest National Park and down to the Solent coastline.
Cost: Prices start from £850 per night.
Where: Christchurch Rd, New Milton BH25 6QS
3. For Countryside Air: Forest Holidays
The Lowdown: Forest Holidays’ luxurious cabin retreats are spread across nine idyllic locations ranging from deep forest woodlands to the edge of stunning lochs and bright forest meadows. Each treehouse cabin comes complete with cosy under-floor heating, towering windows with dramatic views and a private outdoor hot tub. Days can be whiled away bird watching, relaxing in the hot tub or exploring the surrounding area.
Cost: Prices start from £198 per night.
Where: Locations here
4. For Peace and Quiet: Hothorpe Hall
The Lowdown: Nestled amongst the woodland of the historic Hothorpe estate in Leicestershire, guests can stay in a beautiful treehouse hideaway for a truly peaceful experience. Perched on stilts and looking over the verdant forest greenery with only the birds for company, this countryside retreat is the perfect place to visit and switch off.
Cost: Prices start from £210 per night on a B&B basis.
Where: Theddingworth, Leicestershire LE17 6QX
5. For Getting Back to Nature: The Woodman’s Treehouse
The Lowdown: The Woodman’s Treehouse in Dorset provides the ultimate retreat in the woods. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and a short drive away from the stunning Jurassic Coastline, The Woodman’s Treehouse is an ideal weekend retreat . Inside, guests will find a bespoke kitchen, leather armchairs and a rotating fireplace. Outside, the treehouse features an open-air tree shower, a wood-fired pizza oven as well as a hot tub and sauna.
Cost: Prices start from £390 per night.
Where: Yonder Hill, Holditch, West Dorset, TA20 4NL
One for luck…
6. For a Modern Stay: The Sky Den
The Lowdown: The Sky Den, a visually spectacular countryside sanctuary found in the heart of the Calvert Trust, within the Kielder Water and Forest Park, is a truly remarkable structure. The treehouse has been designed to stand alongside the surrounding nature and guests can open the rooftop of the house to reveal the breathtakingly clear and bright sky above. Just a short walk from the main activity centre of Kielder Water & Forest Park, explore the neighbouring area, take part in watersports or go bird watching.
Cost: Prices start from £150 per night.
Where: Calvert Trust Kielder, Kielder Water & Forest Park, Hexham, NE48 1BS
Photo Credit: Mark Pinder/UNP
