The appeal of a staycation shows no sign of abating in 2022 as we continue to lust after idyllic British holidays.
And with glamping experiences on the rise too - Buyagift reports a huge 248 per cent increase in bookings of their top glamping getaway experience in 2021 compared to 2019 - it appears we are stepping away from the traditional staycation and looking for something more.
And if your idea of a luxury glamping experience includes underfloor heating, and walk-in rain showers combined with beautiful views and utterly Instagramable surrounds, then a shepherds hut stay this spring is surely a must...
THE MERRY HARRIERS is located deep in rural Surrey Hills which have long been a place to stay for exceptionally quiet and peaceful nights.
Sat to the front of the Inn, beside a sparkling pond, there are five luxurious and colourful shepherd huts, with views overlooking the horse dotted fields of the rolling Surrey Hills.
Cosy and stylish, the huts are packed with luxuries reminiscent of a hotel suite! Each hut comes with downy double bed, underfloor heating, log burner and a cosy seating area with games. Inside the fridge in the a handy kitchen corner, guests will find a complimentary bottle of local wine, fresh milk and tasty nibbles to enjoy on arrival.
The bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in rain shower with toiletries and soft towelling bathrobes. Each hut comes equipped with Netflix enabled smart TV and thoughtful little extras include a hair dryer and a hot water bottle.
Outside there's a firepit that’s ideal for marshmallow toasting under the stars, and teak sun loungers primed for curling up with a good book on a sunny afternoon. Those wanting to really indulge can book onto the the Merry Harriers' new hygge holiday package. And for those who want something even more extra - we have one word for you. Llamas.
The Merry Harriers has a herd of 11 lovely llamas all living in the paddocks just behind the Inn - and trekking options include the English Picnic, and Summer Evening Treks. On the treks the llama friends carry the picnic hampers and guide you along the stunning local trails of The Greensand Way. Champagne can be added to the baskets to help those celebrating.
CROMWELL'S HIDEAWAY meanwhile, is a luxury hide away in the picturesque Monmouthshire countryside. The Shepherd's Hut, with breathtaking views of Raglan Castle and the Brecon Beacons, is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in the great Welsh outdoors.
Surrounded by farmland, the shepherd's hut combines heritage with luxury. Expect a secluded romantic hideaway location, with ensuite facilities, country kitchen, full size double bed, underfloor heating and log burner to keep you warm on those chilly nights. The gentle bar from the lambs during the day and the hoots from an owl at night will ensure pure relaxation.
Nestled in the 12 acre Sussex country estate, FAIR OAK FARM'S absolutely stunning Shepherd Huts usually only come with hire of the whole venue. However, this summer they can be booked individually if you book on to a retreat, inclusive of all meals with a private chef, treatments and optional yoga classes and other workshops.
Over in North Essex, HEDINGHAM HUT is a bespoke shepherd’s hut found in a secluded corner of a working farm, perfect for romantic countryside escapes.
The hut was designed and built on the Castle Hedingham farm and is completely off-grid with solar power to minimise impact on the environment. It offers an outdoor area with gas barbecue, fire pit and seating (as well as a log burner and totally inspiring interiors) and is perfectly located for exploring East Anglia, with picturesque market towns and villages nearby and Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds and Chelmsford all within easy reach.
THE HURDLEMAKER'S HUT is located in the beautiful Piddle Valley near Dorchester, Dorset. Built just four miles away by renowned hut makers Plankbridge, it has been built to the highest standard. Guests can expect a king-size bed, en-suite shower, kitchen and wood burning stove - as well as high speed (fibre based) wireless internet connection (yes, in the middle of a field!) so you can stay connected to the outside world, while getting away from it all.
Though the shepherd's hut is on a working beef and arable farm (so from time to time there may be farm noises) guests can still expect complete privacy - enabling them to make the most of the outdoor claw-foot bath tub! Who doesn't fancy relaxing and listening to the owls or stargazing in tranquility...
There are two huts to choose from when it comes to ROMNEY MARSH SHEPHERD'S HUTS in Ashford Kent.
TOR VIEW SHEPHERDS HUTS are one of Somerset’s hidden gems. Perched high up on the Mendip Hills overlooking Glastonbury Tor in the distance, there’s no sign and no doorbell. Indeed, guests can only get to the Huts after receiving an email with their special code and directions. Lovingly handcrafted and designed to inspire, every feature adds to the feeling of exclusive luxury glamping. Think fine Egyptian cotton bed linen for your stay, an Eco Hot Tub, fire pit, mains electric, central heating, Wifi and even mood lighting!
merryharriers.com/hygge-holiday/
cromwellshideaway.com/
fairoakfarm.co.uk/fair-oak-retreats
hedinghamcastle.co.uk/
hurdlemakersshepherdshut.co.uk/
romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk/
torviewshepherdshuts.co.uk/