SkyLark under the darkening skies of Northumberland National Park / Image: hesleysidehuts.co.uk
These huts got you feeling warm and tingly? Yeah, well there’s more stuff like this kicking about – and you can find it all in our list of the 10 cosiest places in Britain to warm up this winter.
Speaking of the chilly season, here’s our guide to a perfect winter break in Edinburgh.
Hesleyside is home to three handcrafted shepherd’s huts, each with sweeping views over the surrounding parkland. One of them, dubbed Heather, featured in George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces show on Channel 4, and comes complete with wood-fired outdoor bath, king-size bed and power shower, as well as marshmallows, a telescope and a stargazing kit to make the most of Northumberland National Park’s International Dark Sky Park status. Another, Bramble, is technically a more spacious roulotte (French for a fancy caravan), boasting a four-poster bed looking out onto a covered veranda.
The Estate Office, Hesleyside, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2LA
hesleysidehuts.co.uk
Fly to Newcastle
Complimentary cake and bubbles awaits at this East Yorkshire farm, which has a flock of three cosy shepherd’s huts, all with handcrafted kitchens. Two of the huts have separate shower and toilet cabins, and one boasts its own en-suite. All have their own hot-tub from which to stargaze or sunbathe, as well as a fire pit and BBQ. The rustic communal ‘Lambing Shed’ offers long farmhouse tables where guests can meet, dine and relax around the log burner.
Grindale Road, Burton Fleming, YO25 3HR
westhalegateglamping.co.uk
Handmade from a single ash tree felled many years ago, this beautiful shepherd’s hut sits in an orchard on a working farm in the Worcestershire village of Abberton. It has sweeping views over Bredon Hill from its south-facing deck, and even has an en-suite shower and toilet, as well as kitchen and woodburner. Guests can feed the hens, collect eggs, and take the sheepdog on walks, as well as tuck into local produce, including beef from the farm’s Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Abberton, Worcestershire, WR10 2NR
abbertonshepherdshut.co.uk
Perched high up on the Mendip Hills with views across to Glastonbury Tor, these two shepherd’s huts – fondly named Len and Ted – are handcrafted to make best use of space without compromising on comforts, from an en-suite shower and flushing toilet to central heating, WiFi, TV and even mood lighting. Guests at Ted can even charge their electric vehicle thanks to a three-pin socket next to the hut.
Thrupe Marsh Farm, Maesbury, near Wells, Somerset, BA5 3HB
torviewshepherdshuts.co.uk
Situated on a working farm within the South Downs National Park, between Lewes and Brighton, this truly vintage shepherd’s hut is over 100 years old and master of all it surveys from its beautifully elevated position. It has been restored to accommodate two people in style, complete with double bed, fold-out table, wood-burning stove and luxe Farrow & Ball hues (though you’ll have to schlep to the main campsite for bathroom facilities). Cooking takes place over the fire pit in the hut’s own private alfresco area.
Brighton Road, Lewes, BN7 3JW
housedean.co.uk
Set in front of the Merry Harriers Inn and beside a pond with views over the Surrey Hills, these five shepherd’s huts don’t scrimp on luxury, with downy double beds, underfloor heating, a walk-in rain shower, log burners and Netflix-enabled smart TVs, not to mention board games and a complimentary bottle of local wine on arrival. Outside, llamas wander in the paddocks and guests can choose to join them for a stroll, including a luxury picnic trek.
Hambledon Road, Hambledon, Surrey, GU8 4DR
merryharriers.com
Tucked away at the end of the garden within the grounds of this Dorset outpost of the boutique Pig hotel chain, two charming shepherd’s huts have breathtaking sea views across Studland Bay. Each room is comprised of two separate huts: one for the bedroom (with a cosy double bed and log burner), the other forming the bathroom, compete with a deeply indulgent free-standing bath. Guests can venture into The Pig proper for drinks in the bar or a meal in the excellent garden-to-table restaurant.
Manor Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AU
thepighotel.com/on-the-beach/dorset-hotel/
Opened in summer 2021, genial celeb chef Rick Stein’s newest venture is these five shepherd’s huts, designed by his stonemason/artist son, Ed, and dropped into the grounds of The Cornish Arms, Stein’s excellent St Merryn pub. With secluded outdoor areas, Scandi-style interiors, wet rooms and kitchenettes (including a Nespresso machine and some truly excellent biscuits, as you might expect), they’re tiny home-from-homes, a stone’s throw from Cornwall’s beautiful north coast. Breakfast (think homemade granola, local bacon, Origin coffee et al) and dinner (the lamb curry is legendary) is served at the pub, where guests get priority booking.
Churchtown, St Merryn, Padstow, PL28 8ND
rickstein.com/accommodation/shepherds-huts/
Imagine a wooded glade, on a farm, behind a languid estuary… that’s The Shepherd’s Hide. This fairytale setting is home to two huts on the Essex coast, one of which enjoys views over the farm’s vineyard, the other looking over a shining mill pond. Peace is the watchword here, with no TV or Internet access. Instead, visitors can switch off and enjoy a king-size bed, log burner and fully equipped kitchen, plus a complimentary welcome basket bursting with local produce, from jams and juice to eggs and tea.
The Granary, Mill Farm, Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8JJ
theshepherdshide.co.uk/the-huts/