11 eco escapes for an off grid romantic break this Valentine’s Day
Eagle Brae, Scotland
Indulge any Hobbit fantasies (we’re talking design wise rather than romantically…) at Eagle Brae. It’s an eco-friendly log cabin village set in the Highlands, that’s full of rustic charm. Think grass roofs, Himalayan carvings and local hydro-electric power. Oh and there’s a friendly herd of deer nearby.
Each cabin has been handmade and is different but there’s all mod-cons inside include DVD players, music docks and a state of the art kitchen incase the weather’s a tad rainy. You can even order food to be delivered.
Book Eagle Brae here.
Lofty, Mid Wales
If you’re not getting a mini break in a treehouse this spring, it’s time to reassess. Especially when they look as beautiful as Lofty. We’re talking proper fairy tale fixtures here with spiral log staircases, rope bridges and hammocks.
While it sleeps four, we reckon cosy up in front of the big windows for a spot of star-gazing, put some logs in the wood burner and come morning explore the pretty valleys – the Cemmaes Wind Farm and the Centre for Alternative Technology are nearby.
Book Lofty here.
Mrs Higgs Lodge, Herefordshire
If you’re after something a little more solid this February, the 200 year old Mrs Higgs Lodge in Herefordshire, is a two bedroom cottage surrounded by 3,000 acres of woodland. The cottage is like stepping back to a simpler time (we think Jane Austen would have approved) – there’s fresh water from a spring, no TV or Wi-fi (be prepared to actually have to talk to each other) and lights are powered by solar panels.
If you’re after a digi detox, this is it, without having to properly glamp. There’s a gas stove, hot shower and proper loo…and it’s only a short walk to pretty pubs for local cider and amazing Sunday roasts. Don’t believe in three’s a crowd? You can bring the dog.
Book Mrs Higgs Lodge here.
Shepherd’s Delight, Devon
Red sky at night, shepherds’ delight, or so they say. Take in the Devon skies from this cute glamping hut that’s found a few miles out of Exeter. Your romantic, one bedroom hideaway sits in four acres of woodland, on organic farmland, next to a lily covered lake (if you’re brave you can take the rowing boat out a la Bridget Jones and recite bad limericks).
There’s solar power for lighting, a gas barbeque, plenty of spots to sit and have a cuppa and plenty of amazing cycle paths if you want to have a blast of sea air. Bring the dog, switch off and explore Devon’s famous Jurassic Coast.
Book the Shepherd’s Delight here.
Majestic Bus, Herefordshire
All aboard for this very special off grid stay. This converted 1960s Bedford Panorama bus can be found near Hay-on-Wye and we’re sure it will steer you towards a special, romantic weekend. It’s quirky, hand built interiors have seen it featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, and it comes with a two-level decking area, perfect for star spotting.
A cosy double, solar powered lights, proper kitchen are on on board, and next door there’s a tea-light lit and wood stove-warmed bathhouse complete with roll top Victorian bath. The Radnorshire Hills are on your doorstep as are the bookish delights of Hay on Wye.
Book the Majestic Bus here.
Goji, Herefordshire
Half tree house, half suspended tent, Goji is a miracle of tree based engineering. It’s a suspended cocoon in the trees that’s accessible via a handcrafted stairway. Fall asleep to the sound of the trees and looking at the stars through the see through roof (eat your heart out expensive glass igloos in Scandinavia).
Curl up next to the wood burner, with a pretty bluebell meadow below you, or head out and explore some of the many miles of cycle tracks around these parts (stopping for cider comes highly recommended).
Book Goji here.
Swinton Estate, Yorkshire
Swinton Bivouac is part of a 20,000 acre estate in the Yorkshire Dales, complete with secluded woodland and a series of yurts and cute-as-a-button tree lodges. The tree lodges are tucked away in the forest and have their own kitchen, wood burning stove (using trees from the site’s own forestry), wood fired hot tubs and cute verandas.
Upcycling and recycling are built into everything on this sustainably minded estate, there’s no electricity but plenty of eco chic despite it being an off grid escape. Don’t want to be on your own all the time? There’s a friendly cafe on site, a cookery school, spa or you can go riding or fishing.
Book Swinton Bivouac here.
Treehouse Howf, Perthshire
Will you be king (or queen) of the castle this Valentine’s Day in Perthshire? From this woody abode you can take in the Ochil hills. This is a proper eco-escape, the self sufficient treehouse has a wood burning stove and cooker inside, shower and compost loo. Cosy up in the bedroom or take in the views from your wrap around balcony.
Even if you can’t see any people on this two acre space, you’ve got company – there are sheep, ponies,donkeys, pygmy goats, a variety of poultry including turkeys, rhea, guinea fowl, ducks and geese. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to run away and start a smallholding (or is that just us?).
Book Treehouse Howf here.
Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire
While Wuthering Heights might not be the happiest end to a love story, we’re pretty sure that your story will be a lot more romantic after a stay at Wuthering Heights Inn in north Yorkshire. This here is Bronte country, full of moody woodlands and big skies. It’s a fab base for hiking the moors.
The adults only camping site also has a Shepherd’s Hut, which comes with a log burning stove, solar powered electricity and Egyptian cotton bedding (you need to bring your own towels). Even better than the views, it’s next door to the pub for deliciously hearty lunches and romantic dinners.
Book Wuthering Heights here.
Damson, Elmley Nature Reserve, Kent
The Isle of Sheppey has much to offer those that want a spot of walking, wildlife and woodlands and Damson sits on the huge National Nature Reserve.
It’s surrounded by damson trees and wooded hedgerows and feels like a classic British country escape. Cosy on the inside, the views are the real star here, but you’ll find the stress just falls away after a good night’s sleep and a leisurely cuppa. There’s also an outdoor bath if you’re brave.
Book Damson here.
Fforest, West Wales
One of our favourite glamping/farm stays is Fforest, a 200 acre farm that sits next to the Teifi marshes nature reserve, a stone’s throw from the Welsh coast. The farm has a range of accommodation options from see through domes to renovated stone cottages (there’s also a tiny pub for lock ins) and these guys are local food fiends.
A Valentine’s Day getaway here includes a two hour guided coastal walk and a special wood fire supper by the riverside. A perfectly dreamy take on the best bits of country life, perfect for those dipping their toes in the rural water.
Book the eco-escape Valentine’s Day package for FForest here.
