Credit: Getty
Travel
Secluded staycations: 7 UK properties perfect for travelling ‘off the grid’ for summer 2023
By Amy Beecham
2 years ago
3 min read
Take switching off to the next level with these secluded staycation spots.
Picture this: you’re sitting around a roaring campfire. The night sky is clear and there’s nothing around you for miles except wilderness. There’s no alarm set on your phone, no Instagram notifications stealing your attention every five minutes. Everything is quiet and calm, and it feels like the buzz of the world has been turned down for a moment.
Sounds idyllic, right?
Earlier this year, when Booking.com announced its 2023 travel trends, it’s little surprise that secluded staycations ranked right at the top. A chaotic few years with natural disasters, political unrest and a global pandemic has seen people opt for ‘off-grid’ style holidays to escape from reality (57%) and switch off and experience life with only the bare necessities (33%).
While a bustling city break or package holiday may be just the ticket for some, a growing number of burnt-out city dwellers are searching for simplicity and a taste of the country life when booking their stays.
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If that sounds like you, look no further than these seven rural retreats – from cabins in Scotland to stargazing in Northern Ireland. Put your phone on aeroplane mode and get packing.
Wild Deer Island, Scotland
While you may associate cottages with the cosy autumn and winter season, there’s nothing stopping you from making them a summer destination too. This site on a magical private island off the west coast of Scotland makes for the perfect spot with beach views, ample outdoor space and plenty of walking routes.
Sleeps four. From £158 a night
The View, Northumberland
Immersed in nature, this is the perfect spot to head out walking in the moors or to simply relax next to the roaring fire and watch the sunset. Completely off-grid and powered by solar, get the full experience with water that comes from a nearby hill spring, complete with composting loo and hot shower.
Sleeps two. From £115 a night
Sally Port Cottage, Cornwall
It doesn’t get more remote than a lighthouse on the edge of the Cornish cliffs. Relax in the observation room, which has a large picture window and is furnished with a table and chairs or take a walk down the path to watch the waves crash in.
Sleeps four. From £105 per person, per night
Sperrinview glamping pods, Northern Ireland
Nestled in a unique glamping site located at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, these futuristic pods make the perfect escape from city life and offer a true window to the stars. Not only has the site been recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s recommended Dark Sky Sites (making it perfect for stargazing) each pod comes fully equipped with its own kitchenette, shower room and specially manufactured viewing window to take in the sky from the comfort of your bed.
Sleeps two. From £105 a night
Foel Gopyn, Wales
Foel Gopyn is an off-grid, off-the-beaten track escape from modern life. It sits alone in the landscape 450ft above and a mile away from the nearest village, making it the perfect place to relax and explore the surrounding countryside.
Sleeps four. From £315 a night
Bull Hollow Cottage, Shropshire
This romantic retreat offers a fairytale-style escape to a country cottage, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Hidden within 10 acres of undisturbed private woodland, Bull Hollow Cottage is the perfect place to find peace and tranquillity.
Sleeps two. From £83 per person, per night
Moss Cabins, Lake District
These dreamy eco cabins in an ancient woodland near Crummock Water come with their own al fresco hot tub, treetop views and peaceful decking.
Sleeps two. From £153 per night
Images: Getty; courtesy of properties
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