Staycation on the cards for this year’s getaway? Take a break from city life in style while completely immersed in the gorgeous British countryside. From completely transformed shipping containers to stunning cabins with 360 views of undisturbed woodland, check out Secret Manchester’s guide to the most magical woodland getaways near Manchester.
1. Escape the city in this tiny cabin near Oldham
🚗 Where is it? Diggle, approximately 50 mins by car.
✨ What makes it so special? Nestled in the lovely little village of Diggle, near Oldham, this secluded little cabin is the perfect breakaway from the city for two, with just the woodland surrounding for a peaceful retreat. But it’s not just a cosy little space. On the private premises, you’ll find a chiminea and a BBQ for entertaining on the decking – with 360 views of the nearby Pennine Hills. Bliss! Wildlife fans can also enjoy a visit from Tarquin the Cock who frequents the area, as well as horses, ducks and sheep who reside nearby. How very wholesome.
2. Hide away in a beautiful treehouse in Cumbria
🚗 Where is it? Kirklinton, approximately 2 hours by car.
✨ What makes it so special? Tucked away behind the trees, this gorgeous treehouse is as beautiful inside as it looks from the outside. Perched high in the treetops, the cabin carries the outside in with it, with gorgeous trails of greenery and wooden features throughout. It’s a cosy little getaway for two and includes a free-standing bath that overlooks the undisturbed woodland in front of it, and there’s even a pond out front too which attracts local wildlife. Spot deer, birds and even one of the local cows!
3. Hang out in a suspended tree tent in Wales
🚗 Where is it? Newbridge-on-Wye, approximately 2.5 hours by car.
✨ What makes it so special? Well for starters, it’s a tent hanging from the trees. You can’t get any more special than that… Until you walk inside. Inside these spherical tents, guests will find a beautiful, cosy little space that resembles that mystical décor you’d find in a traditional gypsy caravan. Not only that, but they come complete with their very own fire pits on a decking that you step out onto – which is also suspended in the trees. The decking is a lovely little social space where you can take in your surroundings, enjoy the outdoor kitchen – or even take an alfresco shower. Bonus photo below because it’s so magical!
4. Escape to the ‘Love Shack’ in Ambleside
🚗 Where is it? Ambleside, approximately 1.5 – 2 hours by car.
✨ What makes it so special? A modern retreat tucked away from civilisation, the “Love Shack” provides beautiful views of the nearby Lake Windermere, with its own private terrace which features a fire pit and a hammock – super cosy for a romantic evening in the woods. The gorgeous space flows freely with an open plan layout, which makes a huge difference from our pokey little Manchester flat. Nearby, guests can explore Lake Windermere, Ambleside, Cockermouth and more of the Lake District.
5. Stay in this fairytale-like Welsh treehouse
🚗 Where is it? Denbighshire, approximately 1.5 hours by car.
✨ What makes it so special? This magical treehouse really takes you back to your childhood, set up like the kind of treehouse you’d see in the movies. Known as Copse Camp, the treehouse is set in three hundred acres of woodland with gorgeous views and nobody nearby to disturb you. The cabin features its own gypsy caravan and cabin nestled high in the trees, which is accessible via a wooden staircase and rope/wood bridge – making for an adventure before you even get through the door. Cosy up by the wood burner inside, or hang out in the gypsy caravan that doubles as a games room.
6. Experience the woods in luxury in North Wales
🚗 Where is it? Denbighshire, approximately 1.5 hours by car.
✨ What makes it so special? This one’s for those who like a little bit of luxury. A beautiful retreat in North Wales, The Cargo Cabin is the ultimate couples bolthole with just enough room for two. The décor inside is slick and modern, with huge windows providing gorgeous views of the surrounding natural beauty… You’d never know it was actually a converted shipping container. It’s not just the inside that’s worth a mention though, outside on the decking you’ll find a lovely little BBQ area, as well as a freestanding tub where you can bathe in peace with beautiful nature views. There’s even a Shetland pony on-site who lives there, too, who loves it when guests say hello.
7. Glamp in these super cool Pods on the edge of the Peak District
🚗 Where is it? Ashbourne, 1.5 – 2 hours by car.
✨ What makes it so special? These incredible Pods provide glamping with a difference and there’s room enough for all the facilities you need to feel home-from-home. Inside there are sofas, dining spaces, double beds, bathrooms and even small kitchens – with each Pod decked out with its very own private terrace where you can kick back by the fire pit or have a BBQ in the summertime while the sun goes down. Nearby, you’ll find the iconic Peak District where you can explore the gorgeous local villages and catch famous sights such as Mam Tor.