12 Dreamy Shepherds’ Huts Within Two Hours Of London

12 Dreamy Shepherds’ Huts Within Two Hours Of London

If you’re hoping for a staycation once travel restrictions start to ease, a shepherd’s hut could be something a bit different and fun to try. Complete with self-catering facilities, cosy outdoor areas and beautiful rural landscapes to explore, they offer an escape from city life without the obligation to mingle with other holiday makers. Here are some of favourite options, all of which are within two hours of London…
Photography: THE SALTBOX

Hawthorne Huts, Suffolk

A clutch of beautiful, oversized huts, Hawthorne is tucked away in the the Suffolk countryside. A two-hour drive from London, visitors can then roam on the ten-acre site, which has over 2,000 trees and a lake. The unique huts, which sleep two, have been handcrafted with distinctive wooden panels to look like something out of a fairy tale. Inside, expect cosy interiors with whitewashed walls, boho cushions atop vintage-style armchairs and a double bed. Guests can also make use of a terrace, complete with a firepit and barbecue, to watch the wildlife by day and stargaze at night. Hawthorne also has sauna huts hidden amongst the trees, as well as an on-site shop where guests can purchase homecooked meals. 
 
From £95 per night.
 
Visit KipHideaways.com

Mallard Hut, Norfolk

This cosy shepherd’s hut overlooks a stunning lake on Manor Farm in Norfolk. It takes just over two hours to reach the property from London, where visitors can appreciate 750-acres of meadows, woodland and organic farmland. The hut itself, which sleeps two, is compact, but has everything you need for a cosy stay. Inside, there’s a double bed and an indoor wood burner, while the hut next door has a toilet and shower shack – ideal if you’re after the camping experience. Guests can cook campfire suppers over the fire bowl outside or use the facilities at the covered kitchen shelter next door. There’s no Wi-Fi on site, so it’s a great option if you’re after a digital detox.
 
From £110 per night. 
 
Visit CanopyAndStars.co.uk

Orchid Hut, Norfolk

Located in the rural village of Shropham in Norfolk, there are two huts to choose from at the Wild With Nature site – and Orchid Hut is a great option for a cosy weekend away. Set on a 750-acre organic working farm, complete with ponies and a herd of Belted Galloway cattle, visitors can explore the area and many walking routes. Inside the hut, which sleeps two, there’s a double bed, a small living area with a small kitchenette, and a compact shower room. Guests can dine alfresco on the outdoor deck and spend evenings in the hot tub and firing up the barbeque. There’s no Wi-Fi on site, but there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area.
 
From £135 per night.
 
Visit CanopyAndStars.co.uk

 

Mallard Hut, Norfolk
Mallard Hut, Norfolk
Hawthorne Huts, Suffolk
Hawthorne Huts, Suffolk
Orchid Hut, Norfolk
Orchid Hut, Norfolk

The Pleasant Pheasant, Dorset

Located on Colber Farm in Dorset, The Pleasant Pheasant can be reached via a two-hour train journey, or a slightly longer drive, from London. A great option if you want to head to the West Country this summer, this stylish shepherd’s hut has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Made for couples, it has a lovely bedroom area with a double bed, an indoor wood burner, a compact kitchenette and a hidden bathroom. Outside, there’s a seating area, a firepit and a wood-fired hot tub. Guests can stock up on provisions in the pretty town of Sturminster Newton, a 20-minute walk from the hut, or enjoy a pub lunch at one of the many inns. 
 
From £80 per night.
 
 Visit FarmsteadGlamping.com

The Saltbox At Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey

For something different, head to Elmley Nature Reserve on the picturesque Isle of Sheppey. The reserve can be reached in 90 minutes from London where visitors will feel as though they’re on a secluded island. Home to more than 3,000 acres of wilderness, this spectacular site offers some truly breath-taking views. Guest can choose between a bell tent or woodland hut, but for ultimate privacy, we love the Saltbox, which comes with a floor to ceiling window providing stunning breakfast-in-bed views. Inside your hut, expect to find tea supplies, homemade muesli and marshmallows ready for toasting. For a treat, the Elmley team will cook you a hearty dinner or lunch using only local, seasonal ingredients. There’s also a bar which is stocked with a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, as well as sweet and savoury goodies. 
 
From £195 per night.
 
Visit ElmleyNatureReserve.co.uk

 

The Pleasant Pheasant, Dorset
The Pleasant Pheasant, Dorset
The Saltbox At Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey
The Saltbox At Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey

The Long View, Sussex

Head to the beautiful Sussex countryside to wake up to views of a private wildflower meadow at The Long View hut. Easily reached from London via a 90-minute drive, this hut is located at Eight Acres, a quiet corner of Swallowtail Hill Farm. On arrival, the owners will take you to the property on a buggy followed by a short walk, so it’s best to pack lightly and prepare for a remote staycation. The hut has a lounge and kitchen area, a stylish bathroom, and a rustic bedroom with floor to ceiling windows. Outside there’s a wood-fired hot tub for two, a covered deck for al fresco dining and a firepit for after dinner snuggling. The farm has an on-site shop where you can buy organic food and locally sourced produce, while the Hill Top Tent is a lovely spot for a candle-lit meal during the summer months. The owners can also arrange yoga classes or guide you through the nearby villages and vineyards. Camber Sands is short drive away, too – ideal for a summer day trip. 
 
From £145 per night.
 
Visit CanopyAndStars.co.uk

The Hut At Lymore Forest, Hampshire

Lying just to the south of New Forest National Park, this classic shepherd's hut is the perfect tranquil couple's retreat. The hut, which sleeps two, sits on its own private woodland area, making it the ideal city escape. Inside, there’s a luxurious king-sized bed, cosy living area complete with a wood burner, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a small kitchenette. If you don’t want to prepare your own meals, the in-house chef can whip up tasty meals to be enjoyed at the outdoor seating area. Guest will also receive a welcome hamper on arrival, full of local produce. Ask the team to arrange an outdoor cinema experience during the summer months, and head to the national park using the site’s two bicycles.
 
From £175 per night.
 
Visit CoolStays.com

 

Catkins Huts, Dorset
Catkins Huts, Dorset
Lympstone Manor Shepherd Huts, Devon
Lympstone Manor Shepherd Huts, Devon
The Long View, Sussex
The Long View, Sussex

Catkins Huts, Dorset

Catskins Huts in Dorset have everything you need for a weekend away. The new huts – of which there are two to choose from – benefit from some seriously beautiful scenery and will reopen to visitors this spring. Both overlook a wild swimming lake and have been created with couples in mind. For a romantic trip, guests can use the alfresco baths and stargaze at night from the floor to ceiling windows. Inside the huts, expect bright and airy interiors, soft coloured furnishings and a comfortable master bedroom with all the luxuries you’d expect from a plush hotel. There’s no Wi-Fi on site, so prepare to be totally off grid for the duration of your trip. 
 
From £150 per night.
 
Visit KipHideaways.com

Lympstone Manor Shepherd Huts, Devon

Take the fast train from London Paddington to Exmouth in Devon to reach Lympstone Manor in two hours. The five-star hotel, which is a stone’s throw away from The Exe Estuary and the Jurassic Coast, has a range of stunning bedrooms and suites to choose from, as well as luxury shepherd huts nestled in the woodland of the hotel grounds. There are five huts to choose from – Hare’s Nest and Otter Hold being our favourites. Each hut has a stunning double bedroom with an adjacent bathroom, as well as an open-plan kitchenette and lounge area. During the summer months, guests can relax on the outdoor seating outdoor by the firepit, then soak in the hot tub. The huts have all the luxury extras you’d expect at the hotel, including a mini bar, fluffy robes and towels, and family boardgames. 
 
From £469 per night.
 
Visit LympstoneManor.co.uk

 

Hideaway Hut, Worcestershire
Hideaway Hut, Worcestershire
The Bentleys Experience, Hampshire
The Bentleys Experience, Hampshire
The Tabernacle, Suffolk
The Tabernacle, Suffolk

The Bentleys Experience, Hampshire

The Bentleys Experience is home to a traditional shepherd’s hut, hidden away near the 1,700-acre Bentley Wood in Hampshire. The handcrafted hut, made by local specialists, has a comfortable double foldaway bed, an indoor log burner, a kitchenette and a small en-suite shower room. Evenings can be spent firing up the barbecue, relaxing in the Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub or stargazing on the outdoor deck. The hut is close to the Bombay Sapphire distillery in Salisbury and Stonehenge – both of which are worth a visit. Lovers of the outdoors should also head to the beautiful Bentley Wood to catch a glimpse of the rare butterfly species.
 
From £135 per night.
 
Visit CoolStays.com

The Tabernacle, Suffolk

For something a little more spacious, head to The Tabernacle on The Wilderness Reserve, a 5,000-acre country estate in between the iconic seas side towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold in Suffolk. To reach your own little island, the property can be reached in a two-hour drive from London where you can stay at the beautiful ‘love shack’ on the water. Inside, there’s a generous living area and well-equipped kitchen, and separate bedroom with a freestanding bath. Guests can relax in the hot tub outside, explore the reserve on the shack’s traditional Pashley bikes, row or paddle board on the lake, play tennis, or go clay pigeon shooting. For a special occasion, arrange a meal by the private chef.
 
From £235 per night.
 
Visit FishAndPips.co.uk

Hideaway Hut, Worcestershire

Located in the scenic Worcestershire countryside, the huts at the Fish Hotel have some of the most luxury accommodation options on this list. If you’re looking for a hut that feels like a boutique hotel, opt for the Hideaway Hut. Inside, there’s a stylish bedroom with a roll-top bath, a separate en-suite bathroom, and a generous lounge area with an indoor wood burner. The hut also has under-floor heating throughout and all the special extras you’d expect from a luxury hotel. Outdoors, guests can spend evenings in a private hot tub on the deck or dining alfresco during the summer months. Ideal for a romantic staycation, book this shepherd hut for a special occasion.
 
From £325 per night.

Visit TheFishHotel.co.uk

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