11 amazing treehouses in the UK you can actually stay in

In the heart of the Welsh mountains, Gwdy Hw has six treehouses to choose from. They’re designed with the surrounding woodland in mind, so much so that they melt seamlessly into the valley’s treeline. Each cosy treehouse is built around a wood-burning stove and houses a kitchen, double-bed and fold-down bunk beds, as well as an en-suite compost toilet. The only thing you won’t find here is electricity, so combine your stay with a digital detox and swap electric lights for twinkling lanterns while you snuggle up under the blankets and settle down in the silence with a good book.

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, and several tree trunks that actually grow through the property. 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.

This quirky little sphere is rightly described as a pod rather than a house, as it’s actually suspended between two trees like a tiny wooden Death Star. 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 huge 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. From your lofty vantage point, keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, kingfishers and even the occasional otter. It’s a bucolic bubble.

If you stumble on Fernie Castle treehouse while out on a woodland walk, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d accidentally wandered into a fairytale. Crowning six sycamores, this fantasy treehouse has copper roof tiles, a turret, vaulted windows, stained-glass doors, a swing and not one, not two, but three balconies wrapped in fittingly magical fairy lights. For stays rooted firmly in reality, though, the treehouse comes with all the mod cons you wouldn’t expect to find in days of yore: a king-size bed, plumbing, heating, telephone, flat-screen TV and DVD player plus a coffee-maker. Oh, and a fridge full of champagne. Sounds like a modern fairytale to us.

For five-star luxury meets up-a-tree seclusion, Chewton Glen’s treehouse suites give you the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you’re technically among the trees, 35 feet off the ground with peaceful forest views. And on the other, your hotel-standard suite comes with under-floor heating, walk-in shower, mood lighting and a large terrace complete with hot tub. Depending on how many people are with you, choose from a studio, loft or hideaway suite, or splash out on ‘The Yews’, a recent addition that sleeps up to twelve. If you’re looking for an indulgent treehouse experience, you’ve found it.

Set in the grounds of the Netherby Estate, with views of the Scottish border, this lodge-like outpost has been built amongst ancient oak trees. That makes it a little more grounded than other treehouses, but it’s a cosy nest just the same and is filled with home comforts such as a squishy double bed, stocked bookshelves and a modern kitchen. Kids will love the mezzanine level, accessed by a ladder, while adults will enjoy the outdoor hot tub. Tucked away near the Esk river and surrounded by rolling countryside views, you’ll feel like you’ve got away from it all in the best way possible.