13 of the best treehouses in the UK

Thought treehouses were all haphazardly-laid floorboards and rope ladders? These lofty, luxurious UK boltholes prove otherwise. Here are the best treehouse sleeps in England, Scotland and Wales...

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1. Hudnalls Hideout, Wye Valley

Hudnalls Hideout (Hudnalls Hideout)

Hudnalls Hideout (Hudnalls Hideout)

Placed in a picturesque, two-acre wood in the Wye Valley (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the border of Wales and England), Hudnalls Hideout is one of the best-looking treehouse escapes in the UK.

During a stay here, you'll be totally secluded. No awkward run-ins with neighbouring treehouse guests – because there simply aren't any. This treehouse even offers private access to a meadow bursting with wildflowers. There's easy access to endless woodland, the local village pub and Float In The Forest, in the Forest of Dean, offering a modern relaxation technique called 'floating'. Most every luxury you could need to complete your stay can be dropped off at the treehouse prior to your arrival, too, including luxury food hampers.

Unsurprisingly, Hudnalls Hideout is a hugely popular romantic getaway (no pets or children allowed), so you'll need to book well in advance. Slots are currently full until 2021.

2. The Treehouse at Harptree Court, Somerset

The Treehouse at Harptree Court, Somerset (Canopy & Stars)

The Treehouse at Harptree Court, Somerset (Canopy & Stars)

Nothing says luxury like a copper bath – one of Harptree Treehouse's most decadent features. A plush double bed, wood-burning stove, and fully-equipped kitchen complete this secluded getaway.

Harptree is a beautiful, modern treehouse, sleeps two people, and nearby Mendip Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and cities Bath and Bristol make ideal day trips – although you may not want to leave at all when you see the huge terrace.

3. Fernie Castle Treehouse, Fife

Fernie Castle Treehouse, Fife, Scotland (Fernie Castle Treehouse)

Fernie Castle Treehouse, Fife, Scotland (Fernie Castle Treehouse)

Built in a cluster of sycamore trees, a stay at Fernie Castle's treehouse is like stepping into a fairytale. That's not just because of its turreted roof and its high position among the foliage, but also because of the décor – fairies and mythical creatures are painted on the walls.

With a large bedroom (with king size bed) and three balconies, you'll have plenty of space, and the grounds of Fernie Castle below are yours to explore.

4. Treetops Treehouse, Devon

Treetops Treehouse, Devon (Treetops Treehouse)

Treetops Treehouse, Devon (Treetops Treehouse)

Like something out of a children's book – built at odd angles around a 250-year-old oak tree – Treetops Treehouse is nothing short of magical. This accommodation sleeps four, and has a kitchen, copper bath and shower, lounge, and a terrace.

Overlooking Eggesford Forest and in between Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks, this Devon escape is in a convenient location to discover the surrounding area.

5. The Living Room Treehouses, Powys

The Living Room Treehouses, Powys, Wales (Canopy & Stars)

The Living Room Treehouses, Powys, Wales (Canopy & Stars)

In the heart of north Wales, just south of Snowdonia, are Living Room Treehouses – a group of six curved pods set in the treetops. Each are designed for a couple or family of four, and have a kitchen, living area, bathroom facilities and terrace.

Set deep in the woods, these treehouses are an off-the-grid experience ideal for lovers of the outdoors – so isolated that once you arrive you're taken by the owners on a short hike through the forest to reach them. We particularly like Gwdy Hw, Pen y Bryn, Ty Mawr.

6. Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall

Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall (Tree Sparrow House)

Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall (Tree Sparrow House)

Nestled in the trees of southern Cornwall is Tree Sparrow House – which is as tiny yet charming as it sounds. This cubby-like treehouse is suitable for two people, with a double bed on a mezzanine level and small kitchen and wash room below.

Cosy and quirky, and a ten-minute walk away from the beach, this Cornwall gem is ideal for travellers who want to get away from the chaos of modern life and disappear into wilderness.

7. Sky Den, Northumberland

The Sky Den, Northumberland (Canopy & Stars)

The Sky Den, Northumberland (Canopy & Stars)

There are treehouses, and then there's Sky Den. Ingeniously designed down to the last millimetre, Sky Den sleeps four comfortably, with lots of nifty fold-away furniture and space-saving features.

The Sky Den's real crowning glory is the triangular roof, which can open up to leave you free to the great outdoors. Set in Northumberland's Kielder Water & Forest Park, there are plenty of adventurous activities to experience in the area, and wildlife to spot.

8. Rufus's Roost Treehouse at The Hideaway, North Yorkshire

Up to six guests can soak up views of the Yorkshire countryside from Rufus's Roost Treehouse, which is located in the same woodland as the 14th century Baxby Manor.

It feels hidden away – especially as you access your borrowed treetop home via a raised boardwalk – but it's pleasingly close to many of Yorkshire's highlights, including the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and a 17-mile drive to York city centre. 

9. Chewton Glen Treehouse, Hampshire

Chewton Glen Treehouse, Hampshire (Chewton Glen)

Chewton Glen Treehouse, Hampshire (Chewton Glen)

This is a treehouse by name, but not by nature – it's a luxury hotel on stilts. Within the grounds of Chewton Glen hotel, this decadent treehouse experience offers suites in the forest canopy, with panoramic views from your floor-to-ceiling windows, breakfast hampers served to your door each morning, and giant terraces – some with a private hot tub.

Calling Hampshire home, Chewton Glen is right by England's beautiful south coast and the New Forest National Park.

10. Tree Howf at Craighead Howfs, Perthshire

Tree Howf looks like more of a medieval castle than a treehouse, truth be told. Alas, you'll still be afforded a luxury 'glamping' experience staying here, complete with a shower on site, wood-burning oven for cooking up a feast, and a perfectly-situated balcony offering views over the Ochil Hills.

Wildlife lovers will especially enjoy Tree Howf, with plenty of birdlife, ponies, pygmy goats and ryeland sheep (looked after by the site's owners) roaming the area.

11. Mistletoe Treehouse, Monmouthshire

Mistletoe Treehouse, Monmouthshire, Wales (Canopy & Stars)

Mistletoe Treehouse, Monmouthshire, Wales (Canopy & Stars)

High up in the trees, Mistletoe Treehouse in Chepstow, Monmouthshire feels like its a million miles away from city living. You'll be staying in the only treehouse on site, with the perfect blend of modern amenities (hot showers in the treehouse) and old-school camping essentials (your own fire pit).

Ramblers rejoice, for you'll have plenty of reasons to emerge from your cosy base. Boundless walking opportunities present themselves in the woodlands surrounding the treehouse, plus Offa's Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk are just minutes away from the site.

12. Lost Meadow Treepod, Cornwall

Lost Meadow Treepod, Bodmin, Cornwall (Canopy & Stars)

Lost Meadow Treepod, Bodmin, Cornwall (Canopy & Stars)

To put it simply, Lost Meadow Treepod in Bodmin looks like a giant beehive. This quirky rental prides itself on sustainability, made from low-impact, lightweight (but strong) materials to create an impressive, quirky design.

Ideal for couples who want to curl up in their own little bubble (quite literally), it even comes with a ceiling window so you can gaze up at the night sky from bed. The treepod is located in the depths of the woods in Cornwall, a few miles from the south coast, and a kitchen hut and fire circle directly below is yours to use.

13. Bensfield Treehouse, Sussex

Bensfield Treehouse, Sussex (Bensfield Treehouse)

Bensfield Treehouse, Sussex (Bensfield Treehouse)

A walk across a 24m rope bridge suspended above a pond takes you to Bensfield Treehouse. Tucked away in the Sussex countryside, this stunning treetop B&B, that sleeps a maximum of two people, is built around a mature oak and is the ultimate hideaway for those wanting to get back to nature. It comes complete with a fitted kitchen and en-suite shower room.

Located just two miles from the 900-year-old village of Wadhurst, you're free to roam the town's historic streets or you can opt to simply kick back and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

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