Seven Of The Best UK Treehouse Stays

Getting back to nature needn’t mean busy campsites and washing in a stream – make like the birds and head for the branches with these incredible treetop escapes

- Gareth Clark

1 DALNOID TREEHOUSES, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND

While these two lodgings perhaps stretch the definition of ‘treehouse’ (more forest-set stilt cottages, perhaps?), their setting is pure wilderness, gazing over to the rugged expanse of the Cairngorms National Park. They certainly don’t lack for facilities, with an outdoor hot-tub, king-size beds and wood-burning stove to cosy up beside. But it’s what lies on the doorstep that’s the big lure. Reindeer tracking (of the only wild herd in the UK), Munros, medieval castles, endless trails and kayaking ensure you won’t be spending too much time indoors. From £380 for two nights (minimum two-night stay), based on two people sharing; dalnoid.co.uk

2 THE WOODSMAN’S TREEHOUSE, DORSET, ENGLAND

Twisted around a majestic giant oak, the Woodsman’s Treehouse is not the rustic retreat its name suggests. A copper bathtub, rotating fireplace, upper deck sauna and even a lobby for muddy boots lifts it far beyond your average childhood den. It’s no surprise to learn it featured on TV’s Grand Designs as it’s ingeniously thought out: a window in the floor even lets you gaze down on to the babbling stream below as your wood-fired pizza oven heats up. And though it’s remote enough (a short stroll from the village of Holditch), spoon-whittling classes and the nearby cliff top trails of the Jurassic Coast mean there’s plenty to occupy you. From £455 per night, based on two people sharing; mallinson.co.uk/treehouse.html