THE weather is wild and winter still holds us in its chilly embrace.
But when you’ve got the chance to cosy up in one of these cute log cabins, who cares?
February and March are still fantastic times for a short break in the great British countryside. You’ll just need to wrap up when heading outside.
We asked the experts at Sykes Cottages to come up with their best rural wooden lodges for couples, families and groups wanting to escape.
Check out their favourites – from a Scandinavian-style lodge in Cornwall and a cabin nestled on the banks of a Scottish lake to a luxurious retreat near the Lake District.
To book, see sykescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.
1
Rookery Farm Cabin
Broadway, the Cotswolds
GET the best of both worlds in this lovely wooden cabin that comes with decking overlooking wooded countryside and a pretty pond.
Set on a farm in the north of the Cotswolds, it is just a short drive from the picturesque village of Broadway, where you can while away a day browsing antique shops and local galleries.
It sleeps three in two bedrooms and there’s a handsome log-burner in the lounge as well as slouchy sofa.
The handy porch is perfect for kicking off muddy wellies after an afternoon tackling the nearby Cotswold Way National Trail. Seven nights from £382.
Wilderness Lodge
Stiperstones, Shrops
THIS stunning rustic lodge is nestled at the foot of the Stiperstones Hill range, an area of outstanding national beauty.
Rain or shine, you can enjoy the views from your very own log-fired hot tub – soaking up the woodland setting and natural pond in the garden from the terraces or indulging in a spot of stargazing.
As well as a cosy log interior complete with wood burner, there are two beautifully decorated bedrooms.
Children over the age of eight are welcome but the lodge is also perfect for couples or friends trying to escape the rat race.
Sleeps four with seven nights from £551.
Nordstrom
Callestick, Cornwall
A CUTE little cabin near the Cornish coast, this is a perfect bolthole for a couple looking to get away from it all.
The Scandinavian-style log cabin features warm, welcoming interiors and wonderful garden views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
A renovated kitchen provides ample space in which to whip up your favourite meals, with a picnic-style dinner table for games afterwards.
The bedroom has a comfy bed and shower room for lazy lie-ins.
Coastal walks are available nearby and the village of St Agnes, steeped in mining history, is a short drive away. Seven nights from £341.
Jura
Strontian, Lochaber, Highlands
THIS Scandinavian-style pine cabin is nestled on a scenic hillside, affording striking views across Loch Sunart.
Ideal for a small family or group of friends, the cabin is a short wander from the village of Strontian. Here, visitors can stock up on local produce and enjoy beach walks.
Harry Potter fans can find the Hogwarts Express and Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in several of the films, en route to the busy fishing village of Mallaig, where you can catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye.
There are two bedrooms and a deck ideal for enjoying those views. Seven nights from £444.
The Farmhouse
Addingham, West Yorks
MADE from sustainable wood, this cabin for four has been designed to make the most of the spectacular natural light, with spacious rooms, a hot tub and sauna for guests in which to pamper themselves.
It’s in a tranquil setting on the banks of the river Wharfe, just a short walk from the scenic Yorkshire Dales village of Addingham.
Stroll along the river and you’ll arrive at Bolton Abbey, where a traditional cream tea can help you refuel.
The towns of Malham and Grassington are also good for a browse around traditional shops and pubs. Seven nights from £809.
Boavista
Carnforth, Lancs
THIS stone-built, solar-powered cabin has a modern, sleek interior and incredible views of the Lakeland Fells.
Inside, you’ll find underfloor heating as well as three bedrooms sleeping six over two floors, each with their own smart TV.
Slide open the cabin’s full-width bi-fold doors to embrace the beauty outside – enjoy the views from the hot tub on the balcony, overlooking the clear blue waters of the Jackdaw Quarry.
The local village of Over Kellet is perfect for a pint with a great local pub.
The nearby Heritage Centre gives an insight into Carnforth’s history. Seven nights from £943.
Lapwing Lodge
Rhayader, Powys
PERFECT for larger families or groups, this contemporary, spacious lodge sits in a picturesque valley.
It’s close to the market town of Rhayader and the reservoirs of the Elan Valley so is a perfect base for sightseeing, walking, cycling, horse riding or stargazing.
The wooden terraced exterior, complete with hot tub, gives way to a modern, open-plan interior complete with fully fitted kitchen and a vaulted-ceiling lounge with woodburning stove.
There are four bedrooms with kingsize beds that can all be converted into two singles if needed. Seven nights from £986.
No10 Water’s Edge
Lanreath, Cornwall
ON the outskirts of the village of Lanreath, this lodge is the ideal base for a relaxing retreat, sleeping four in two beautifully light-filled bedrooms.
For those looking to get away from fast-paced city life, it has a serene atmosphere and a hot tub with views across the lake.
The bustling seaside town of Looe is within driving distance and has plenty of things to do, including surfing on East Looe Beach or wine-tasting at Looe Valley Vineyard.
The South West Coastal Path is within reach and ideal for keen walkers and cyclists to enjoy the best of both country and coastal sites. Seven nights from £517.
