The best treehouse stays in the UK

Best for: couples 

Elmore Wild’s treehouses are something very special indeed, built entirely into the trees so as to feel completely private (you can’t see your treehouse neighbours even if you try). I stayed in ‘Wildcat’, which fitted three, but there are a number of stays to choose from – from couple’s havens to cabins with two-bedrooms. But all of them have the same special details; an outdoor bath, an open fire, aesthetic pink cookware, spare phone chargers, binoculars for spotting wild birds – and a set up that’s half indoors, half outdoors, and feels utterly immersed in nature. 

Time Out tip: Don’t even think about lugging Sainsbury’s bags over from London – order from Elmore’s menu of hampers and meal kits, which will be waiting for you when you arrive. 

Location: Stroud, Gloucester

Rooms: Mostly one double room (but there is a two-bedroom option)

Price: From around £250 per night

Best for: girls’ trip

You know how you keep saying you want to ‘get away from it all’? Turns out it actually can do you a lot of good. Woodland Park Lodges is a collection of charming, purpose-built treehouses that make for a stunning (and stunningly quiet) getaway. Built on stilts amoung the branches and done up to top-tier standards, with beautiful exposed wooden beams, here, you can soak off in the bubbling hot tub, take a countryside walk to a local pub or cook up a family-style meal in the well-equipped kitchen to eat around the large dining room table. 

Location: Ellesmere, Shropshire

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

Price: From £520 for a weekend

Best for: proximity to London

This cosy treehouse nestled between three oak trees in the middle of the Kent Downs was plucked straight out of your childhood imagination. Case in point: a real, leafy tree growing through the middle of it. Not only that, the birds and barley fields are your only neighbours. Perfect for an off-grid escape. This treehouse will keep you cosy thanks to its heater, double glazing and electric kettle. There's no shower and a chemical loo downstairs, but it's such a gorgeous location that you won't care.

Location: Elham, Kent

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests

Price: From £157 per night

Best for: a unique stay

If you're looking for an unusual treehouse to book in the UK, look no further. This green floating sphere has unique written all over it. From the very smart use of space inside the pod, to the surrounding outdoor kitchen and bathroom, this Airbnb has all you need for the coolest outdoor adventure. It's worth noting that this is probably not the right Airbnb for those afraid of heights – or creepy crawlies – but if you're up for the challenge, it's so worth the experience. Here's to new experiences!

Location: Pennard Hill Farm, Somerset

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Price: From £130 per night

Best for: young kids

This magical treehouse Airbnb borders CS Lewis's old garden – a great place for literature fans and budding writers. With nods to Narnia, the treehouse will awaken your inner child, allowing you to experience the surrounding nature with the heart and vigour of your youthful self. Sleeping up to six guests, it's a treat for the whole family or a fab alternative to your standard hen/stag do.

Location: Headington, Oxford

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

Price: From £570 per night

Best for: hen dos

When you typically think of a treehouse, you might imagine Dad's questionable wooden creation in the back garden. Well, scrap that from your memory and take a look at the new and approved treemansion – that's right, we said it. Despite the ethereal exterior of this dreamy Airbnb, the interiors are light, modern and super cool. From outdoor amenities including a gas BBQ, pizza oven and outdoor shower to the luxury kitchen, ensuite bedrooms and underfloor heating, this place has all the luxuries you could ask for – and then some.

Location: Downton, The New Forest

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

Price: From £340 per night

Best for: low-cost stay

This adorably rural treehouse in the Welsh countryside features a small double bed, kitchenette and killer views over the Llyn Peninsula. Outside, there's a large deck to relax on and a small working station to sit at if you fancy getting creative on your visit. Come for the views, stay for the serenity. Oh, and the Eryri National Park is less than an hour's drive away. Early morning hike anyone?

Location: Gwynedd, northwest Wales

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Price: From £106 per night

Best for: luxury stay

If you're looking for a modern treehouse nestled in the tree tops of Scotland's forests, this one's for you. Combined with contemporary luxury and rural rustic surroundings, Cherrybrae Cottage offers a unique alternative to a stay in the heart of Saint Fillans village. Inside, the decor is stunning, but the real deal is the large wooden desk outside. Sit out with a cold one and soak up your surroundings as the sun goes down. Dreamy.

Location: Saint Fillians, Perthshire, Scotland

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Price: From £254 per night

Best for: camping vibes

This quirky little sphere is rightly described as a pod rather than a house, as it’s actually suspended between two trees. Simply ascend the staircase to reach the hanging globe (AKA your new bedroom). The cedar-clad ball looks lightweight, and it is, but you needn’t worry about crashing down to earth: the pod uses early zeppelin engineering and can withstand major weights. The wood burner keeps you snug in winter and the double-glazed windows afford woodland and river views over the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a bucolic bubble.

Location: Bodmin, Cornwall

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Price: From £115 per night

Best for: families

Located within the Happy Valley Wildlife Trust glamping site, which occupies nine acres of woodland and open glades, this fancy treehouse is perfect for friends or families. There's a children's play area onsite, but also a private sunken hot tub that looks out on uninterrupted views of the Norfolk countryside. While outdoors, chuck something on the barbie, or stay warm inside, which has under-floor heating, wifi (albeit spotty) and a fully equipped kitchen. Both double bedrooms also access to verandas.

Location: Grimston, Norfolk

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four adults and two children

Price: From £291 per night

Best for: countryside walks

This treehouse tower could be your royal dwellings for the weekend – with the forest as your kingdom. Awaken from your slumber to aromatic cedar wood, beautiful furnishings and all the mod cons you need to comfortably live among the trees. Start your day right with breakfast on the balcony and snuggle up by the wood burning fire after a long day. 

Location: Mayfield and Five Ashes, East Sussex

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests

Price: From £344 per night

Best for: adventure seekers

West Lexham has six treehouses and tree temples to choose from, depending on your party’s size. Each has its own special quirk, but every treehouse is crafted from local wood and has been built as a tranquil haven to help visitors unwind. The spacious Sunrise Treehouse is better labelled as a tree castle, with its three bedrooms and a staircase to a mezzanine floor, plus several tree trunks that actually grow through the property. There's no bathroom however – this is a short walk away. Perched on the edge of the woods, the smaller Tinker Treehouse is perfect for two and was Britain’s first treehouse made for overnight stays.

Location: King’s Lynn, Kent

Rooms: Sleeps up to six guests

Price: From £130 per night

Best for: a big celebration

For five-star luxury meets up-a-tree seclusion, Chewton Glen’s treehouse suites offer the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you’re technically among the trees, 35 feet off the ground with peaceful forest views. On the other, your hotel-standard suite comes with under-floor heating, a walk-in shower, mood lighting and a large terrace complete with hot tub. Depending on your party size, book the studio (sleeps two), loft (room for two adults and four children) or hideaway (two adults, two children). If, however, you’re planning a shared family getaway (or have a particularly large brood), splash out on The Yews. This sprawling architectural wonder sleeps four adults and up to eight kids.

Location: New Forest, Hampshire

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps 12 guests

Price: From £682 per night