These UK treehouse holidays are exactly the once-in-a-lifetime break we're booking this summer
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Following the release of Boris Johnson’s roadmap, conversations inevitably turn to all the things we’re looking forward to when life returns to some kind of normality. Some can’t wait to get back in the gym, others are eagerly awaiting attending to their long overgrown roots but the one thing everyone seems to be im(patiently) looking forward to the most is taking a long-overdue holiday.
Daydreaming of where we’ll go is a national pastime at this point with the general feeling being that UK-based staycations will be the holiday of choice for 2021. With no need for the possible vaccine passports that are being touted, no anxiety about getting on a packed airplane, not to mention supporting the hospitality industry of our country, this year is all about keeping it local - and with campsite and self-catering holiday lets re-opening on April 12, now is the time to book in.
We’re spoilt in the UK with endless city breaks, spa retreats and romantic hotels, but if you’re in search of a unique experience, a UK treehouse holiday should definitely be on your radar. With something almost childlike and other-worldly about staying in a treehouse, we can’t think of a better escape from the year that’s been.
These little slices of treetop heaven will be booking out fast so if you fancy a soul-reviving escape to nature once lockdown lifts, you'll need to plan ahead. Airbnb has a selection of these retreats like this cosy abode in Sussex, suitable for families of four and this romantic treetop dwelling in Devon, complete with rolltop bath and glimpses of the coastline. We're drooling just thinking about it.
Canopy and Stars also have a host of treetop breaks; Celia Gomez, Glamour's video editor stayed at The Fallow Treehouse pre-lockdown and described it as " a luxurious space that will leave you feeling more zen than you have ever felt before." With extra touches like cute hamper of local goodies from local producers, including eggs, coffee, butter, and crusty bread - not to mention the local Black Chalk Sparkling wine - the Glamour team are all hot on her heels to book this treetop hideaway.
And if somehow the above isn't enough to tempt you into booking a self-catered treehouse escape, you can get the full 5-star hotel experience, suspended 35 feet above the ground at Chewton Glen. Their famous Treehouse Studio Suites feature an outdoor hot tub, daybeds on the terrace, and a marble bathroom with a free-standing bath. A once in a lifetime break like this might come at a premium but hey, we think we deserve it.
Scroll down for these and the other treetop holidays we'll be booking as soon as lockdown lifts.
Best family treehouse holiday UK
Luxurious, Picture-Perfect Treehouse, Airbnb
Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 children
Location: Mayfield, East Sussex
Why we love it: Most treehouses are made for two, but this luxury abode can accommodate families of 2 adults and 2 children. Clad in aromatic cedar wood, this private retreat has numerous beautiful walks on it’s doorstep as well as a deer park. With an indoor fireplace and a small terrace, it’s the kind of break that you’ll enjoy no matter the weather.
Best secluded treehouse holiday UK
Private Secluded Treehouse Retreat, Airbnb
Sleeps: 2
Location: Elham, Kent
Why we love it: For ultimate secluded escape, you can’t beat this treehouse. Situated 20ft up nesting between three sturdy oak trees with views of the barley fields adjacent and north downs, spending a weekend here, you’ll feel like the only people in the world. With a BBQ and charcoal available on site, it’s the kind of place you could spend long summer evenings waiting for the stars to appear – and in the event, you don’t feel like cooking, there’s even a local Indian that will deliver dinner to your hideaway.
Best couples treehouse holiday UK
Romantic Treehouse Retreat for Two, AirBnb
Sleeps: 2
Location: Lee, North Devon
Why we love it: If you and your other half have made it through lockdown and still like each other, this romantic, luxurious treehouse is just the break for you. Located in Devon, it offers beautiful valley views and glimpses across the ocean to the South Wales coastline. The bedroom features a king size bed, Egyptian cotton linen and a roll top bath that makes this treetop hideaway feel like a 5 star hotel. Spend your evenings toasting with a glass of wine on the deck as you reset from the world.
Best treehouse holiday UK with friends
Sleeps: 4
Location: East Sussex
Why we love it: It’s not easy to find a treehouse that comfortably accommodates a break with friends, but this Plum Guide find does with it’s two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms (a rare treehouse find.) As spacious as treehouses come, it has a good sized living area with wood burning stove and a spacious outdoor deck with gas barbecue. This unique escape even comes with wifi if you can’t stand the thought of being offline. The only issue we forsee with this escape? Arguing over who gets to use the copper roll-top bath first.
Best relaxing treehouse holiday UK
The Magic Treehouse, Plum Guide
Sleeps: 2
Location: South Wales
Why we love it: With sweeping views, an outdoor firepit to roast marshmallows and a fully equipped kitchen, you’d be forgiven for never wanting to leave the Magic Treehouse. In a secluded location in South Wales, this cosy escape for two also features an outdoor shower to fully immerse yourself in the wild nature that surrounds you with the only sounds interrupting your Mariah Carey reindtions being the chirping of the birds and the babbling of the nearby brook. Bring a book and a few bottles of wine for a relaxing break like no other.
Best romantic treehouse holiday UK
Romantic Treehouse with Hot Tub, Airbnb
Sleeps: 2
Location: Barripper, Cornwall
Why we love it: For the ultimate romantic staycation, we’d say an escape nestled up in the trees with a private hot tub and freestanding copper bath would be pretty impossible to beat. But did we also mention that this Cornish features a glass roof that allows you to stargaze whilst cuddled up in bed? Yip, it doesn’t get more romantic than this lakeside dwelling that’s perfect for disconnecting from the outside world and reconnecting with your other half.
Best treehouse holiday UK within 2 hours of London
The Fallow Treehouse, Canopy and Stars
Sleeps: 2
Location: Fullerton, Hampshire
Why we love it: Celia Gomez, Glamour’s Video Editor stayed at The Fallow Treehouse pre lockdown and says “Driving down the rolling, cavernous, lush Hampshire fields which envelope this country retreat, we felt transported into an almost fairytale-like setting, which was fitting, given how magical the remainder of our trip would prove to be. The pictures really do not do this place justice - it is much larger than it looked from the outside. And yet, it retains all of the cozy, homely touches that we could have wished for on a chilly autumnal day.Given its surroundings, the carefully curated rustic interior perfectly encapsulated the beautiful woodland of the Test Valley in which these treehouses are located. Opening the curtains the morning after we arrived, to be bathed in the glorious daylight of the peaceful English countryside was only eclipsed by the wonder of the snaking Black Chalk vineyards that we later got to enjoy the outstanding, award-winning wines from.
This luxurious space will be sure to warm your heart and leave you feeling more zen than you have ever felt before and you’ll be itching to go back!”
Best 5 star treehouse holiday UK
Treehouse Studio Suite, Chewton Glen
Sleeps: 2
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Why we love it: If you love the thought of a treehouse escape but would like it with a big side of luxury and service, Chewton Glen’s famous Treehouse Studio Suites are for you. The most exclusive rooms at this 5 star hotel, the rooms are suspended 35 feet above the ground, with an outdoor hot tub, daybeds on the terrace and your own mini kitchenette (if you feel like preparing your own meals.) And don’t even get us started on the marble bathroom with a large free-standing bath with forest views; it really is as close to heaven as holidays get.
Best treehouse holiday UK with young kids
The Lookout Treehouse, Quirky Accom
Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 children
Location: Bratton Clovelly, Devon
Why we love it: Family friendly, hot tub, wood burning fireplace all with endless views of nature? What’s not to love. Made from locally sourced sustainable timber, The Lookout is accessed via a rope bridge, adding to the fairytale feel of the place. It’s surrounded by 13 acres of wood so you’ll be going on family walks aplenty and at night relax either by the fire or in the hot tub with a glass of wine as you look for shooting stars.
