By Melissa Corkhill
28th June 2016
SKY VIEWS
The Sky Den was built so that guests can take in everything from the red squirrels in the trees around to the sweeping river just below, in good weather, when there is no wind, it’s possible to open the whole roof for an unobstructed view of the gold tier Northumberland Dark Skies. Glass doors open onto a wide balcony with captivating views over the river. Set in the heart of the Kielder Water and Forest Park and a short walk from the main activity centre, this will enchant wildlife lovers and adventure-seeking families alike; the Calvert Trust Kielder has 30 years of experience in providing unforgettable, accessible and fully inclusive activity holidays to people of all abilities. As well as sharing the forest with around 50% of England’s native red squirrel population and two regular pairs of osprey, you’ve got watersports, rope courses, climbing, orienteering and much more, literally on your doorstep. Book onto an activity day or discover England’s largest forest and its many woodland trails for yourself.
WHERE: Kielder, Northumberland
PRICE: From £150 per night for four
INFO: canopyandstars.co.uk
BLEND IN
There are five treehouses nestled in a hidden valley, in the heart of the Welsh mountains at Living Room on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park. Built with care to blend seamlessly with the woods, this is a world away from the pressures of modern life. Expect cosy wood-burning stoves, flickering candles, fast flowing streams, wobbly bridges, whirling red kites, breathtaking walks and your own tree-top home. Sleeping space includes a double bed and fold down bunk beds – offering comfortable accommodation for up to two adults and two children (useful to know: an extra child can be accommodated on a day bed). The woodburning stove provides heat, somewhere to cook and hot water for a spring-fed shower and there’s an ensuite Swedish compost toilet. Bikes can be hired in nearby Machynlleth and a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology is essential (cat.org.uk).
WHERE: Machynlleth, Powys
PRICE: £349 for a family treehouse experience for 2 nights
INFO: living-room.co
LARGER FAMILIES
At Deerpark in Cornwall, families of up to ten people can stay in a five bedroom cabin suite. Bed linen, duvets, pillows and towels are all provided along with fluffy robes and slippers in the en-suite. The underfloor heating and log burning stove keeps the whole cabin super toasty. Starlit nights can be enjoyed from the private outdoor hot tub. A treehouse for two is attached to the main cabin by a simple wooden bridge.
WHERE: Liskeard, Cornwall
PRICE: See website for details
INFO: forestholidays.co.uk
HOME FROM HOME
For every booking at Lavender Hill Holidays, the owners will plant a native hardwood tree.
Set in lovely gardens, the Treehouse is a luxurious home from home; all the bits and bobs you need when travelling with children are provided as well as toys, games and books.
Expect Egyptian cotton linen, fluffy towels, flowers, cosy bathrobes, toiletries and a selection of local produce. There’s an indoor pool on site for use in the afternoons and a private wooden hot tub.
WHERE: Somerset
PRICE: from £395
INFO: lavenderhillholidays.co.uk
BOAT INCLUDED
A Unique ‘Huf’ inspired waters-edge tree house with rope bridge, sunset deck, and even its own pier and boat. This spectacular accommodation, ideal for families, has solid oak flooring and a luxurious roll top free standing bath to sink into at the end of the day. Floor to ceiling windows provide spectacular views. Guests can borrow mountain bikes, pedalos, canoes and wellies! The riverside fire pit kit comes with marshmallows, fire lighters and kindling and for daytimes, the play area has a zip line, wigwam and swings. In return for feeding veggie scraps to the chickens, guests receive free-range eggs for breakfast.
WHERE: Lancashire
PRICE: £229 per night in April
INFO: cleveleymere.com
SLEEP IN THE SKY
The treehouse accommodation offered by family camping specialists, Eurocamp at several parcs across Europe, has been cleverly constructed and each treetop home is accessed via a staircase. Large terraces outside mean you can relax and watch the world go by from your lofty position.
WHERE: Various locations
in France including the
Vendee, the Loire and Brittany
PRICE: £630 for a seven night family break in
Chambord, Loire in May
INFO: eurocamp.co.uk
TWO FLOORS
Sunrise Tree House Holidays sleep up to five people in a luxury rustic home in the trees. Designed and built by one of the UK’s best treehouse designers the living space is spread over two floors. Double and twin bedrooms have full size beds and upstairs a double comfy sofa bed and arm chairs. All furniture is hand crafted or reclaimed and there’s a beautiful wood burning stove and hot plate. The fully stocked garden kitchen is close by, where you can cook on a gas stove or use the cob pizza oven and swap storIes around the communal firepits. A local produce welcome hamper is included.
WHERE: Norfolk
PRICE: Short breaks for a family from £556.50
INFO: westlexham.org
SPACIOUS
The new treehouses at Tyinghame, East Lothian, have been designed exclusively to offer guests the highest degree of space, luxury and comfort. The accommodation comprises two double bedrooms, one with an extra single bunk above and an en suite WC and hot shower room. A covered walkway leads to the beautiful octagonal living area, which is fully kitted out with Italian log-burning stove, large coolbox and all the pots, pans, cutlery, crockery and utensils you could possibly need. The raised deck allows guests to take advantage of the breath-taking views to the sea and the famous Bass Rock from the front and to the forest behind. Below deck are swings, love seat and hammock on the soft natural sandy ground.
WHERE: East Lothian, Scotland
PRICE: From £590 for a midweek break
INFO: harvestmoonholidays.com
INTO NATURE
Set within 30 acres of forest in the Loire Valley, these beautifully crafted treehouses are open from April to Sept. One of France’s most popular family camping spots, there is a swimming lake with a sandy shore and an Aquapark nearby. On-site, the spa centre provides treatments carried out by trained beauty therapists. Treehouses sleep up to six people and comfy bedding is provided. Breakfast is brought direct to your door and includes croissants, yogurt, coffee, fresh bread, jam, honey, orange juice, toast, milk and cereals.
WHERE: Loire Valley, France
PRICE: E848 for a family treehouse, seven nights in May
MORE INFO: alicourtstreehouses.com
LUXURY BREAK
The fabulous tree house suites at luxury hotel Chewton Glen in Hampshire feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the New Forest. A daily breakfast hamper is delivered from the hotel and there are a number of in-treehouse massage treatments that you can indulge in. Sleeping arrangments include a double room for adults and a secret galleried bunk area for up to four children. The hotel is set within 130 acres and mountain bikes and kites are available at reception. There are indoor and outdoor pools, croquet sets and tennis coaches on hand to sharpen up your own or your children’s racquet skills.
WHERE: New Milton, Hants
PRICE: £1,400 for three midweek nights for a family of up to 6
INFO: chewtonglen.com
