By The Green Parent
28th January 2023
FARAWAY TREEHOUSE
WHERE The magic begins the minute you step onto the gravel path, meandering its way through the woods in search of the treehouse hidden within its midst, in North Cumbria.
WHAT A treehouse with an eclectic interior, lovingly designed, perhaps by pixies themselves! Velvet curtains frame floor-to-ceiling windows and a double ended roll top bath sits beneath a large picture window perfect for a lazy, scenic soak. The balcony outside is a branch-woven, nest like spot perched high above the pond. A perfect place to watch the resident deer or to stargaze at night. Later you can move inside, light the wood-burner, and cuddle up on the sofa. The kids can scramble up into the bunk above the main bed, exhausted from a day of den building, fun down at the river, or wildlife spotting in the woods.
THREE THINGS TO DO
- Visit Hadrian’s wall at the nearby Roman fort of Birdoswald. You can marvel at the longest remaining stretch of the Wall, which spans as far as your eye can see, and explore the ruins. english-heritage.org.uk
- Guests are encouraged to explore the private woodland, wander along the river bank, paddle or even swim in the river; just to enjoy the slower pace of life.
- Talkin Tarn is 11 miles away and is a glacial lake offering walks, water sports and canoeing. You can also hire mountain bikes from the shop and the walk around the tarn is accessible for wheelchairs. visitcumbria.com
THE CHAPEL
WHERE Like all really good things in life, there’s a challenge you must take to reach The Chapel. In this case it’s a 500 yard forest ramble! One of ten quirky places hidden in the sprawling grounds of Walcot Hall, Shropshire, nestled deep in the woods.
WHAT It’s been lovingly re-assembled by the finest woodworkers in the West. There’s ornate stained glass windows, a perfectly functioning organ, the deepest marble bath you can imagine, and a Aga which’ll make cool cheeks glow. You’re invited to treat the grounds as your own - take long strolls through the lush arboretum, indulge in a spot of seasonal foraging, go riding or rowing on the lake. The Shropshire Hills are close by and are yours to discover. Come back home to a slow-cooked meal from the Aga, or maybe treat yourself to dinner out.
THREE THINGS TO DO
- There’s the giant Arboretum for exploring, horse riding, fishing in the pools, walking and bike rides (there’s an interesting selection of old bikes to borrow if you like). There’s a selection of rowing boats that you can take out on the lake, and a croquet lawn.
- Acton Scott is a working Victorian Farm and is a great place to go - they teach you how to make butter and cheese, and you’ll get to see and pet all the farm animals too!
- Two miles away, in Bicton, there is an outdoor adventure centre where you can go paintballing, build rafts and lots more.
ALDER CABIN
WHERE Just over an hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow, a gorgeous cabin with loch views, dark skies, wildlife and a national park as your playground.
WHAT Completely self-contained, with an en suite bathroom, a full kitchen and a wood burner that fills the living space with a cosy glow. Up in the mezzanine you’ll find the super king and two bunk beds, with incredible views.
Step out of the city and disappear into the wilderness of Loch Venachar, in the Trossachs National Park. Golden eagles and peregrine falcons are often seen hunting and, from late spring to August, ospreys can be found circling and diving for fish in the loch. There are otters and even a family of beavers too, although both are fairly shy and you’ll need to be quiet and patient to spot them. The stars are just a little more visible, with the Dark Sky Reserve being carefully preserved and leading to spectacular starscapes. Light the fire bowl, sit back and watch the greatest show on earth.
THREE THINGS TO DO
- Edinburgh and Glasgow are just over an hour away and both cities have plenty to explore.
- The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is one giant adventure playground, so whatever your fancy you can find something to do. There are lots of local attractions such as the Bracklinn Falls. (walkhighlands.co.uk) and Gorge.
- Take a ride on Loch Katrine, aboard the paddle steamer SS Walter Scott. Or jump on a small osprey charter to go wildlife spotting! lochkatrine.com.
WILLOW ROUNDHOUSE
WHERE An innovative, beautiful and cosy space with a sauna that puts you right in the heart of Norfolk’s countryside, ready to relax or explore as you please.
WHAT Willow Roundhouse is an ingenious construction made of straw bales and decorated with style and sustainability. A fallen oak that narrowly missed crushing the building has been turned into bench seats and boards, a local Douglas Fir became the window frames, the lighting is all solar, there’s an off-grid water supply and even the roof is sedum that shines green with growth in the spring and summer. Take your morning coffee in the chunky recliner on the deck, spend afternoons in the swinging chair by the wood-burner and evenings on the sofa, watching the stars through the giant circular skylight. There’s space for one baby free of charge, additional children cost an extra £15 a night and can sleep on a double sofa bed or single chair beds.
THREE THINGS TO DO
- The twisting channels of the Broads can be walked, biked and paddled. There’s stunning birdlife in the wetlands and beaches like Blakeney Point, where a resident seal colony can be found. See nationaltrust.org.uk/blakeney-national-nature-reserve for more.
- Wild swimming in the river at neighbouring village of Lyng.
- Visit Thetford Forest at High Lodge for walks, cycles, an adventure playground and Go Ape. There’s over 18,500 hectares of lowland forest to be discovered. forestryengland.uk/thetford-forest
Find all of these quirky places to stay and many more at canopyandstars.co.uk.
