The best cabin rentals in the UK

With COVID-19 travel restrictions changing how, when and where we travel, staycations have received a massive boost around the world. Social distancing is the only thing in 2020 that seems to remain constant, and with that in mind, renting an entire cabin for your bubble could be the perfect way to change your scenery while spending quality time with your family. With last-minute booking for short-term breaks in mind for this autumn, here are some of the best cabins available for rent across the UK.

Ambleside, the Lake District

Located only a few miles from the Lake District hikers' favorite town of Ambleside are the Lakeland Log Cabins. All of them are secluded within the Langdale Valley woodland estate, meaning there's access to wider facilities such as a swimming pool and hotel bar. The largest, Bolton's Tarn, has three bedrooms and hosts six guests.

A wooden hut housing a pizza oven, and green wooden staircase leading to the roof of a cabin on a sunny day — George's Getaway has a geodesic dome for star-gazing © Winchcombe Farm

Banbury, the Cotswolds

Near Banbury at the north-east corner of the Cotswolds' area of outstanding natural beauty is Winchcombe Farm, home to luxury accommodations including a large lodge, a treehouse, and log cabins. Cabins have hot tubs, outside showers, and even their own charcoal pizza oven. The farm is about a 30 minute drive from Shakespeare's home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, one of Britain's grandest stately homes Blenheim Palace, and Cotswold Wildlife Park, open all year round.

Gower, South Wales

Spending time on the Gower Peninsula, with its beautiful broad sandy beaches and cliff-top walks, is an absolute joy. Be sure to visit nearby Worms Head (check the tides before walking the causeway) and the iron age earthworks at Rhosilli Down. The modern Cwtch cabin near the village of Reynoldstone, has stylish decor and a log burner. It sleeps four guests and is a cozy spot to hole up after brisk coastal walks.

Interior shot of a luxury log cabin, with leather sofas and a wood burner — The interior of the Salix lodge at Aurora, North Antrim © Aurora

North Antrim, Northern Ireland

The two luxury cabins at Aurora brilliantly blend the log structure with stylish decor. They're located just a mile from Northern Ireland's only Unesco site, the Giant's Causeway, so after following the footsteps of giants, head back to the cabin for beautiful views stretching over Rathlin Island, and a relax in the private hot tub.

St Austell, Cornwall

About 9 miles (14km) from Cornwall's most famous landmark, the Eden Project, are the family-friendly self-catering log cabins of Ruthern Valley. Snuggle up in the comfortable lounge or on the covered veranda after exploring the bleak beauty of nearby Bodmin Moor, or wine-tasting at Camel Valley Vineyard.

The back of three tiny wooden cabins facing a body of water with the sun rising beyond the hills — Snuggle up in the tiny cabins overlooking the water in Uig, northwest Skye © The Croft

Isle of Skye, Scotland

There's no social distancing inside these tiny but adorable budget cabins in Uig, north west Skye. The small space is well-equipped with a hob and microwave, and if the weather is kind, you can make use of the barbeque facilities on the large deck. This is a good base for exploring the stunning sights of Skye, including the nearby dramatic basalt escarpment of the Quiraing. If you need something more spacious and your budget can stretch to it, consider the stylish Black House cabin overlooking the Cuillin Hills.

Dungeness, the Kent coast

El Ray, right on the beach next to Dungeness lighthouse, is one of the coolest little cabins around. It is designed and built around a 19th-century train carriage, but is packed with modern features and contemporary design. There are even two internal courtyards to provide shelter from the persistent sea wind. Spot migrating birds at the nearby nature reserve, or tour the coast on the steam railway.

An outside deck with garden furniture and a hot tub, with rolling green fields in the background — Relax in the hot tub in Snowdon's Hendre Rhys Gethin cabins © Hendre Rhys Gethin

Snowdonia, North Wales

If it's luxury cabin accommodations you're after in a stunning mountain setting, Hendre Rhys Gethin holiday park near Betws-y-Coed has fully equipped lodges, including hot tubs, hosting between four and six people. This is right in the heart of Snowdonia, so expect your days to be filled with mountain-biking, hiking, and even zip-lining.

New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest national park is home to ponies, deer, scrubland and woodland, and it's the perfect place to romp around all day in your wellies. Round off your outdoor adventures at this refurbished family-friendly wooden chalet, on the edge of a working farm near Newbridge.

An exterior shot of a cabin's deck at dusk, with two chairs and a fire burning in a fire pit — Expect to completely unwind at the Water Cabin in the Norfolk Broads © Fiona Burrage

The Norfolk Broads

The Water Cabin in Bastwick, Norfolk, dates from the 1930s but has an elegant modern minimalist interior. Expect to completely unwind here – there's no wi-fi or TV signal (although there is a DVD player). When you're not out on the Broads, you might be touring the easy-going medieval city of Norwich or heading for the coast.

Aviemore, Cairngorms, Scotland

Aviemore is a superb base town for heading out into the Cairngorms national park, where you can look out for red squirrels in ancient Caledonian forest, get a glimpse of Balmoral or ride a heritage steam train. The Green Lodge cabin, a short drive from the town centre, sleeps eight people across three comfortable bedrooms, has a fantastic kitchen, and a wood-burning stove.