Luxury glamping in the UK isn’t just for summer or couples. Unique hideaways now have 40 cosy retreats which are perfect for families who want to escape for a little this spring. We’ve handpicked eight we think you’ll find particularly irresistible.
Polly the Lorry, South Moulton, Devon
Unique hideaways are known for their skill at handpicking original hideaways. No two are the same, although you’ll always find them in similarly lovely locations. Cosy stoves and indoor heating, as well as outdoor firepits and great design, make most hideaways wonderful any time of year. And of course as anyone with kids knows, getting out into nature in the UK isn’t just a summer activity.
So if you want to introduce your kids to glorious beaches that are a little quieter right now, we highly recommend hideaways in Devon and Cornwall. Alternatively, if you’d like a bit of sun, its micro-climate makes the Isle of Wight a great escape for families. And we can’t say enough good things about beautiful Pembrokeshire, so we’ve chosen you some hideaways on the coast there too.
Lynher Hut, Torpoint, South East Cornwall
Lynher Hut: luxury glamping overlooking the River Tamar, Cornwall – sleeps 4
Set in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in south east Cornwall, Lynher Hut is a love at first sight experience that only gets better the more you explore. If you aren’t charmed completely by the sweet blue painted exterior, step inside. Cosy bunk beds will lull the liveliest kids to sleep. And a cleverly designed double bed makes sure parents share sweet dreams too. You wake up to views over the River Tamar every morning and, of course, the local countryside is lovely, so don’t forget your walking boots.
A closer look at Lynher Hut
- Designed for a digital detox, Lynher Hut is WIFI-free, but has two USB charging points.
- Sleeps four in two bunk beds and a foldaway double bed.
- The kitchen area is charmingly rustic but well equipped with a gas hob, cool box and counter space.
- Perfect for autumn or winter, the shepherd’s hut has a cute wood stove, complete with logs.
- The distant lights of Plymouth in the distance are a great excuse to wrap up warm and sit outside in the evening.
What to see and do near Lynher Hut
- Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is a natural kids’ playground surrounding Lynher Hut.
- Discover the wonders of beaches at nearby Whitsand Bay.
- Explore the pretty, local villages of Kingsand and Cawsand.
- Catch the foot ferry at Cremyll and spend the day in historic Plymouth.
- After long days outdoors, head to The Cremyll Arms or The Canteen at Maker for dinner.
Book your luxury glamping break at Lynher Hut
St. Piran’s Lodge, Looes, Cornwall
St. Piran’s Lodge: adorable, dog-friendly, family cabin, south Cornwall – sleeps 4
If peace and privacy are your glamping pre-requisites, St. Piran’s Lodge is perfect. Surrounded by open countryside in every direction, this sweet cabin also has its own garden and a broad, outdoor deck. Two large bedrooms and a living room as well as a lovely kitchen and sleek shower room, give you plenty of space to spread out indoors. Dogs are welcome and kids will fall for the cosy country cabin feel instantly.
What you’ll like about St. Piran’s Lodge
- The large deck opens out from the living room and it’s a prime spot for stargazing.
- St. Piran’s is kept warm and snug with electric heaters.
- The charming kitchen is well equipped – there’s even a dishwasher.
- Comfy sofas in the living room invite you to curl up at the end of the day.
- A rustic wood interior and handcrafted furniture complete the country cabin vibe.
What to see and do near St. Piran’s Lodge
- Just five miles from Looe, St. Piran’s Lodge is also close to Polperro.
- Deerpark Forest, the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan are nearby too.
- Wrap up for bracing walks on some of south Cornwall’s loveliest beaches.
- You’re only a short drive from Bodmin Moor for history and drama.
- Bring bikes and go cycling on the trails at Lanhydrock.
Book your family break at St. Piran’s Lodge
Interior, Polly the Lorry, South Molton, Devon
Polly the Lorry: lovingly restored eco-hideaway, Devon – sleeps 4
A beautifully restored former horsebox, Polly the Lorry is as comfortable as it is original. You’ll be completely enchanted by the clever design, with everything in its own space and delightfully neat and tidy. The separate trailer shower room is a thrill for kids and there’s even an outdoor deck for morning coffee and views. Almost everything is made from recycled materials, which adds another layer of feelgood to this glamping break.
Why families love Polly the Lorry
- Solar powered Polly the Lorry makes up for no WIFI with a book collection and lots of board games.
- A raised double bed and a pull out double bed mean plenty of sleeping space for four.
- The adjacent shower room features a gas-powered shower.
- A wood burning stove warms up early spring evenings.
- The kitchen is off-grid but equipped with everything you need for easy cooking.
What to see and do near Polly the Lorry
- There’s a small, private wood nearby solely for your use.
- Visit the neighbouring village of Chittlehampton for dinner at the excellent local pub.
- Exmoor National Park is within easy reach for wild walks and wild ponies.
- You’ll find beautiful Devon beaches like Croyde and Saunton Sands nearby too.
- South Molton is the nearest town for shopping and a twice weekly market.
Book your luxury glamping holiday at Polly the Lorry
Shepherd’s Sky Super Hut, Tiverton, Devon
Shepherd’s Sky Super Hut: big and beautiful luxury glamping in Devon – sleeps 5
The extraordinary Shepherd’s Sky Super Hut takes luxury glamping to another level. Not only is it 36ft long, it sleeps five in two large bedrooms and the kitchen is big enough for a full-size gas cooker. Larger than life also applies to its eco-features which range from solar panels to wildlife boxes and rainwater recycling. You’re surrounded by untouched Devon countryside in every direction, but Exeter is a short drive away and you can play on the coast at Ilfracombe just as easily as you can at Torquay.
What makes Shepherd’s Sky good for larger families
- Shepherd’s Sky has two spacious bedrooms, one double and the other triple.
- Set in its own, private land, the hut even has a firepit for starry evenings.
- The handy wood burning stove comes with a supply of logs.
- A large living/dining area has a comfy sofa for curling up in front of the TV.
- This dog friendly hideaway also includes several eco-friendly features.
Fun things to do in the local area
- You’ll find the pretty, time-stood-still village of Tiverton five miles away.
- Drive south to the lively city of Exeter in less than half-an-hour.
- If you want off-season seaside fun Ilfracombe or Torquay are easy drives away.
- The local area is a pleasure for safe cycling with kids.
- Cheriton Fitzpaine is a walk away for a charming village pub.
Book your family break at Shepherd’s Sky Super Hut
Puckaster Cove Hideaway yurt, Isle of Wight
Puckaster Cove Hideaway: snug yurt with sea views, Isle of Wight – sleeps 5
Families love to go stargazing in Isle of Wight. Stay at Puckaster Cove Hideaway and you can do the same, without even going outside. A Toono window in the yurt’s roof means kids can look at the sky from their beds: as if the mezzanine sleeping floor wasn’t exciting enough! When you do go outdoors, the iconic seaside town of Ventnor is a few minutes away. You can hire bikes at nearby Niton village and put Isle of Wight’s famous safe-cycling reputation to the test. And full central heating, along with a wood stove, makes the yurt a cosy cocoon in the evening.
Why families pick Puckaster Cove Hideaway
- Deceptively spacious, the yurt is also beautifully furnished.
- Parents have a luxurious double and there are three single beds for kids.
- A ladder up to the mezzanine sleeping platform is a thrill for young stargazers.
- Worry not about early spring chill, the yurt has full central heating and a wood burning stove.
- Puckaster Cove Hideaway is available for short breaks.
What to see and do on Isle of Wight
- You’re close to the village of Niton for local shops and bike hire.
- Visit nearby Ventnor for traditional seaside charm and big beaches.
- Isle of Wight is known for safe cycling and you’re in a great spot for several routes.
- Head to St. Catherine’s Lighthouse for some of the island’s best views.
- Don’t miss a day out at Alum Bay for the Needles and a ride on the cliffside funicular.
Book an autumn or winter break at Puckaster Cove Hideaway
View from the deck of Fortune houseboat, Isle of Wight
Fortune: luxury glamping houseboat style, Isle of Wight – sleeps 8
Moored in Bembridge Harbour on the Isle of Wight’s east coast, light and airy Fortune could convert the most dedicated land lubbers to houseboat life. Four large bedrooms and an open-plan living dining space make this a great choice for larger families. The attention to detail throughout is remarkable, the kitchen even features a dual-fuel range cooker, there’s a laundry room and the master bedroom en-suite has a roll top bath as well as a shower. Of course kids love the novelty of living on the water and dogs are welcome at Fortune too.
Why Fortune is perfect for family breaks
- Out of the four bedrooms, two have en-suite bath/shower rooms.
- The spacious master bedroom en-suite even has a roll top bath.
- Floor to ceiling windows mean the open-plan living/dining space is filled with light.
- Enjoy the Isle of Wight’s famously mild weather on the outdoor deck.
- Double doors open directly from the living area on to the deck.
What to see and do near Fortune
- Nearby Bembridge village is an easy walk for good local shops.
- The harbour’s charming pub, the Pilot Boat Inn, is very family friendly.
- There are several lovely beaches within easy walking distance of the houseboat.
- Bring (or hire) bikes and discover some of Isle of Wight’s many cycling routes.
- The fun Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is only a few minutes away in Sandown Bay.
Book your family stay at Fortune
The Officers’ Quarters, Little Haven, Pembrokeshire
Officers’ Quarters: characterful coastal retreat, Pembrokeshire – sleeps 4
A former WWII radar station, the Officers’ Quarters has been transformed into a sweet and slightly eccentric family retreat. It’s just minutes from the Pembrokeshire coast and designed to mix intriguing historic features with absolute comfort. Wrap up warm in the evening and enjoy perfect peace under the stars on the patio. There’s a very well equipped kitchen and two double bedrooms plus two shower rooms make this a good choice for a break with older kids.
Why families like the Officers’ Quarters
- Officers’ Quarters features two shower rooms and two double bedrooms
- As well as a wood burning stove, there’s also oil-fired central heating throughout.
- The enclosed patio is a sheltered spot for evenings outdoors.
- Strings of fairy lights and a brick built firepit have after-dark appeal too.
- The patio also has a hot tub.
What to see and do in Pembrokeshire
- Officers’ Quarters is only a mile from the Pembrokeshire coast.
- You’ll find beautiful beaches like St. Brides Haven and Marloes Sands nearby too.
- Bring your walking boots because the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is incredible.
- If you head up the coast a little you can drop in on St. David’s Cathedral.
- We can recommend lunch at the award-winning Griffin Inn in Haverfordwest.
Book a family break at the Officers’ Quarters
Station A, Pembrokeshire Coast. Wales
Station A: an historic hideaway for luxury glamping breaks, Pembrokeshire – sleeps 4
Once a WWII research laboratory, this beautifully restored holiday home is family treat any time of year. The sea views are astonishing and you can enjoy them from the pretty, landscaped garden. Handcrafted furniture, interesting features and a wood burning stove add even more character to Station A. And there’s plenty of space, from the open plan living/dining area to two double bedrooms and two shower rooms, as well as a compact but well designed kitchen.
Why families love breaks at Station A
- Open sea views are a pleasure at Station A any time of year.
- The charming, landscaped garden adds to the sense of peace and privacy here.
- Both bedrooms are spacious doubles and there are two shower rooms.
- As well as an efficient wood burning stove, there are also thermostatic radiators.
- Station A is also available for short breaks year round.
What to see and do near Fishguard
- You’re just four miles west of the colourful harbour town of Fishguard.
- If the weather’s wet, take kids to visit the nearby Ocean Lab Aquarium.
- A walk to Strumble Head Lighthouse rewards you with fabulous Pembrokeshire Coast views.
- Visit soulful St. David’s for a day of history and shopping.
- Older kids will enjoy a ramble round Garn Fawr, one of the UK’s best Iron Age forts.
Book a family break at Station A
Unique hideaways handpick every one of their luxury glamping hideaways, and you won’t find them anywhere else. They don’t do campsites larger than a handful of luxurious safari tents, widely spaced in acres of private land – good for multi-gen breaks. And all hideaways have their own toilets, showers and baths, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Heating and, more often than not, wood burning stoves, let you glamp in comfort any time of year. Plus, many Unique hideaways’ properties offer short breaks, so you can escape this autumn and winter for as little or long as you like.