Step aside the humble yurt, so long shepherds' huts, log cabin holidays are the newest travel trend to get involved in
If last summer was all about the treehouse, and the year before belonged to the yurt, this summer, we give you log cabin holidays. With more of us looking for alternatives to traditional hotels or a new way to glamp, log cabin holidays are the perfect middle ground. Sure, it's great to 'be at one' with nature but if you can do that without having to sleep under sweaty canvas or cook your baked beans over a makeshift fire, then that sounds like a winner to us. Scandi-inspired log cabin holidays are popping up all over the UK - we're calling it Glamping 2.0 - so here's what we thought of the log cabin experience.
Find log cabin holidays
From wooden eco pods in Devon and Somerset to architecturally crafted cabins in Sussex (think garden sheds that have been given a seriously high-end grand design), bespoke glamping specialists Quality Unearthed has a huge range of 'unhotel' options. Family-friendly, hen do-friendly and dog-friendly options are all for the taking.
Best log cabin holidays in the UK
Why go?
Because hotels have their place (and so does camping) but what if there was something in between that gave you all the feels of a woodland getaway without compromising on essentials like running hot water and a toilet? What's more, the new wave of log cabin holidays also offer a taste of boutique luxury that your average glamping holiday doesn't (air-con, dishwasher and a log burner to name a few). Sold.
The look
You can thank the tail end of Scandi-chic for the log cabin holidays trend - wood panelling, bare floorboards, exposed oak beams and (naturally) the odd hygge throw. We visited The Log Cabin in the picturesque South Eastern village of Colne Valley, near Colchester in Essex. The lakeside bolthole, accessible through a farmer's field and down a secret woodland track amongst the trees feels like your own private hideaway. The wooden jetty stretching out on to your own private fishing lake feels more New England than East Anglia and is the perfect spot for ice cold sundowners and a barbecue on a warm summer's night. If fishing is your thing (or his thing) then you've hit the jackpot too with plenty of large pike, carp and the odd catfish up for grabs. But if that all sounds like too much hard work, then make the most of the fully-equipped kitchen and rustle up a feast to enjoy around the huge 8-seater dining table, or better still, out on the sun deck watching the swans and taking smug Instagram shots (the wi-fi is exceptional, despite the remote location).
Best for
A family trip or an unplugged escape with all your favourite mates (do a food and drink shop on the way to make sure you're fully stocked). It's worth checking out some off-the-beaten-track cycle or hiking routes with obligatory country pub stops scheduled in. The Log Cabin has a large, double-height communal kitchen, dining and living area, with bi-fold doors opening up the space to the lake-side view. With two large twin bedrooms (one on a cool mezzanine level for maximum cabin cosiness) and master double and a sleek bathroom with shower, it's a home from home without the fusty B&B vibe. It's not dissimilar to a ski lodge and considering we were expecting the equivalent of a Hobbit den (think log cabin, think elves, right?) we got a surprisingly spacious house. All to ourselves.
Must do
If country pubs are your thing, head for The Swan Inn, Chappel for local cask ales and fresh stone-baked pizzas before a walk beneath the incredible 1,066 foot-long viaduct, consisting of 32 arches standing 75 feet from the floor. Built in 1851 from seven million bricks it is a feat of engineering and beauty all in one. Trains are a theme around here and Colne Valley Railway is worth a stop (especially if you have little people in tow) for the small but perfectly preserved period railway line, complete with vintage station cafe and collection of steam engines. For maximum exposure to fresh air and greenery - especially for city dwellers - swing by Colne Valley Regional Park where sailing, windsurfing and horse riding are all possible.
Find your perfect cabin holiday at Booking.com
Quality Unearthed offer stays at The Log Cabin from £220 per night, based on up to six sharing on self-catering basis and a minimum stay of two nights. To book, visit www.qualityunearthed.co.uk or call 01348 830922
