The top treehouses in the UK for an off-grid break

While undoubtedly imbued with childhood nostalgia, today’s treehouse stays are a far cry from the nailed timber and fraying rope swing that I experienced as a child. Log burners, kitchens, king-sized beds and copper bathtubs are par for the course, all set against a serene green backdrop that places you in the heart of nature.

“The builds have become unbelievably imaginative and sophisticated,” says Liz Simpson, co-founder of Kip Hideaways, which curates stylish boutique rentals across the UK. “Pre-pandemic, there were very few treehouses available, and those that did exist were often super expensive or booked up for months – if not years – in advance. Nature-based retreats have since exploded. Treehouses are the ultimate wild experience; you are fully immersed in a tree canopy.”

And arboreal architecture is in high demand. TreeDwellers, a collection of seven modern treehouses, opened in the Cotswolds in September 2024, while Canopy & Stars, which curates unique glamping stays across the UK, reports that treehouses generate more than 70 per cent of its revenue and represent more than half of its collection. “Glamping has evolved from its canvas origins towards unique, year-round structures,” says managing director Mike Bevens. “Guests are either looking for a spectacular, unique break and are willing to pay premium rates for it, or they want something more affordable that provides connection to nature.”

The demand for treehouses

Away from the Instagram-catnip aesthetics, tranquil treehouse rentals tap into wellness trends such as forest bathing, foraging and a general desire by travellers to slow down, detach from technology and reduce one’s carbon footprint (see also yurts, bothies and shepherd huts).

“Interestingly, the demographic has always been pretty broad, much broader than I initially thought,” comments Tim Rees, founder of TreeDwellers, who has spent 20 years living in, building and promoting alternative and sustainable accommodation. “There is something really magical about these spaces that appeals to all.”

With treehouses being hoisted quicker than you can say heat pump, how does one see the wood for the trees? Whether you’re looking for a low-key treetop for two or a standout woodland pad, these are the best treehouses in the UK to book this autumn.

The best treehouses in the Cotswolds

TreeDwellers

Best for: Sleek, space-age design meets woodland whimsy; accessibility
Address: Cornbury, TreeDwellers, Witney Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 3DF
Price: From 220 GBP per treehouse per night with a minimum two-night stay

TreeDwellers comprises seven unique treehouses perched in Cornbury, Oxfordshire, which opened in September 2024. Curvaceous, space-age designs are built from timber, glass and aluminium and have been styled to complement the 1,700 acres of surrounding woodland of Cornbury Park Estate. Select between the two-person Bastard Balm treehouse, so-called after the common moniker for the locally found Melittis plant, or the bagel-like Liberty Treehouse, which comfortably sleeps four and has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the forest. Each self-catering treehouse has a bespoke kitchen, wood-burning stove, outdoor decking and underfloor heating., But what really sets TreeDwellers apart is its treehouses fitted with accessible wheelchair ramps.

The Fish Hotel

Best for: Luxury treehouses with hotel perks
Address: Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LJ
Price: Treehouses from 550 GBP per night

The Fish Hotel takes its name from its lofty location on Fish Hill, which overlooks the picturesque Worcestershire village of Broadway, a 30-minute walk away. Far more than just a hotel, The Fish includes shepherd’s huts and three treehouses among its grounds, each of which comfortably sleeps a family of four, with bunk beds for the kids. Sink into an outdoor tub on the deck and order room service via the intercom. Two houses feature a kid-friendly rope bridge for added fun. Dine at the hotel’s seafood restaurant, Hook, or order pizza and hot dogs in the hotel bar and or lounges.

The best treehouses in Scotland

The Treehouses at Leckie / Lanrick

Best for: An eco-friendly escape within easy reach of the city; design and comfort
Address: The Treehouses at Leckie, Gargunnock, Stirling FK8 3BN; The Treehouses at Lanrick Near, Doune FK16 6HJ
Price: From 245 GBP per night, two night minimum stay

Simon and Louisa Dickson launched The Treehouses at Lanrick near Perthshire in 2020, followed by a second site in Leckie in Stirlingshire a year later, each about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow respectively. Both feature a handful of serene self-catering treehouses, hidden in a wildflower-strewn woodland setting. Stylish houses are built using locally sourced timber and feature log-burning stoves, outdoor copper bathtubs, king or super-king size beds and expansive terraces for barbecues and stargazing. Those visiting the Treehouses at Leckie can pick up provisions at nearby Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop, and meander sinuous paths to reach the local Gargunnock Inn.

The Leckie Estate was acquired by a good friend of the Dicksons, with the ambition to enhance the biodiversity of the area through a large-scale native forest restoration. “We hope that in the coming years, Leckie will continue to evolve from a traditional sporting and livestock farming estate to a managed ecosystem that benefits people and wildlife alike,” says Louisa.

The best treehouses in the Lake District

Silva Treehouse, Cumbria

Best for: Larger groups, games night
Address: Maughanby Farm, Little Salkeld, Penrith CA10 1NP
Price: From 395 GBP per night, three night minimum stay

To depart Silva Treehouse, guests can zip down a stainless-steel slide that connects the accommodation to a games terrace, replete with table tennis, a dart board and bar. If this alone hasn’t sold Silva to you, there are three further terraces with beguiling views over the Lakeland Fells, alongside an outdoor wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, pizza oven and barbecue. Indoors, you’ll find a log-burning stove, a bespoke wooden kitchen, and picture windows that frame the stands of ancient oak, birch and beech below. It comfortably sleeps six, with two hand-carved king-sized oak beds and one double bed.

Owners Lucy and Grant are passionate about local biodiversity and have spent several years creating nearby wildlife ponds and planting trees, hedgerows and wildflowers, where roe deer, barn owls, badgers and hares now roam freely. Hike the Lake District’s undulating peaks and explore nearby waterfalls and mountainous viewpoints. The Fetherston Arms pub is an hour’s walk away along the river.

The best treehouses in Gloucestershire

Squirrel Nest Treehouse, Gloucestershire

Best for: A storybook setting for two
Address: Pillowell Road, Lydney GL15 4QP
Price: From 210 GBP per night, three night minimum stay

Resembling an illustration straight out of a children’s book, Squirrel Nest Treehouse is tucked away in the Forest of Dean, which was once used as a royal hunting ground by the Tudor kings. Ascend a spiral staircase to find a diminutive but perfectly formed treehouse, with a double bed, walk-in shower and kitchen. Listen to birdsong as you soak in the outdoor hot tub, fire up the pizza oven or toast marshmallows over hot embers into the night. There is an additional barbecue hut, found over a small bridge by a pond, home to a waddling of mallard ducks. From the beautiful isolation of Squirrel Nest, you can explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, chug through the woods on a steam railway, or embark on any number of biking and hiking routes.

The Hudnalls Hideout, Gloucestershire

Best for: An adults-only digital detox deep in the Wye Valley
Address: The Hudnalls National Nature Reserve, Loop Road, St Briavels, Lydney GL15 6SG
Price: from 450 GBP per night, 2 night minimum stay

Believed to be the first A-frame treehouse in the UK, each piece of timber was carried by hand to build this striking hideaway in its remote setting deep in the Wye Valley of Gloucestershire. Limited phone signal allows for a complete digital detox while you enjoy an alfresco soak in the copper bathtub on the encircling deck, or destress in the barrel sauna. There is a fire pit, pizza oven and barbecue, and a private chef can also be arranged. Away from the treehouse, explore the ancient woodland, rivers and dramatic viewpoints of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.

The best treehouses in Devon

The Wonham Larch

Best for: futuristic design
Address: Wonham Oak Eco Cottages Bampton, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 9HY.
Price: From 150 GBP per night, three night minimum stay

Wonham Oak sits on the edge of Exmoor in Devon and is home to a spread of self-catering cottages and treehouses. Among them is Wonham Larch, an entirely mirror-clad treehouse set on stilts that appears to vanish among the canopy. The design, which was inspired by 1960s Californian architecture, reflects the surrounding forest and sky and can accommodate two guests sleeping in a king-size bed. The treehouse opens onto a spacious patio with a jacuzzi bath and uninterrupted treetop views, while a barbecue and firepit are available on request. Exmoor National Park is a ten-minute drive away, while the North Devon coast and its myriad beaches can be reached in an hour.

Verte

Best for: RIBA award-winning luxury design for large groups
Address: Chevithorne, Tiverton, EX16 7QB
Price: From 3,595 GBP per week or £2,750 per short break, sleeping up to ten guests

Although Verte is more a striking woodland abode than a typical treehouse, its architecture blends into the branches of Chevithorne Barton estate in Devon, between Exmoor National Park and the Blackdown Hills, just as fluently. The RIBA award-winning design is a luxurious, light-filled larch wood milieu, with an open-plan living space featuring a convivial long table and four bedrooms to sleep up to ten guests. Sit by a crackling fire during the colder months, while wraparound picture windows look onto pastoral views of the peaceful Chevithorne Barton estate. The location estate lays claim to a world-renowned oak tree collection and wild swimming, hiking and fishing is right on your doorstep.

WildComfort Birdhouse Cabins

Best for: Proximity to the water, captivating views
Address: Wildcomfort, Blackpool Sands Blackpool, Dartmouth, TQ6 0RG
Price: From 150 GBP per night (minimum two night stay during high season)

While technically a cabin more than a treehouse, WildComfort’s leafy hideaways make our list for their soaring treetop setting high above Start Bay in South Devon. Impressive sustainability credentials include a bioethanol fireplace and water-free incineration toilet, while the double bed is dressed with responsibly made linen and locally sourced merino wool throws. Borrow the binoculars to spy buzzards and bats from the raised deck, or simply gaze out at the compelling natural landscape and superlative sea views. Head to the sociable Captain’s Cabin kitchen to meet like-minded guests, and exit the garden door straight onto Blackpool Sands, a picturesque shingle beach with cafes serving fresh seafood.

The best treehouses in Wales

Beudy Banc Treehouse

Best for: A modestly priced treehouse in the Welsh countryside; cycling routes
Address: Beudy Banc, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8NP
Price: From 110 GBP per night; minimum two night stay

Owner and architect Dafydd Tomos built eco-cabins and a large barn at Beudy Banc (pronounced baydee bank), before turning his talents to the trees with the construction of two contemporary houses in the branches of Dyfi Forest in Machynlleth, mid Wales. Each smartly designed space has one double bed, kitchen and woodburner, as well as a deck for gazing over undulating views of south Snowdonia. Beudy Banc was the first zero-carbon dwelling in Wales when it opened in 2003 and produces renewable energy all year round, with a wind turbine ensuring this remains possible through the colder months.

Machynlleth is noted for its world-class mountain biking and hiking routes with picturesque trails all around, making this a particularly perfect treehouse for cyclists.