The UK is a treasure trove of culture, history, and exceptional landscapes. Seriously, so many only get to see the UK for the cities – and it’s a real shame. These gorgeous islands are hugged by rugged coastline dotted with rolling hills, moors, lakes, and bloody lovely countryside, all interspersed with quaint historic villages.
As you can expect, countryside lodgings are abundant and varied. But do yourself a favour, and check out the best shepherd’s huts in the UK.
These rustic tiny homes, perfectly blend simple living with charming luxury. There is no better way to experience the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish countryside.
Let me be clear: this is serious chill-out space. All the top shepherd’s huts in the UK are designed with peace in mind. You’ll be heading out of the city, and finally hitting a little bit of the unknown.
So to make your search easier, here are 15 of the BEST properties to book. Each one offers a unique and exciting countryside experience for couples, solo travellers, and families alike.
I’ve been waiting to share this for a long time. Come with me!
Slieve Croob Glamping with Hot Tub in Ballyward
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Rustic cabin with BBQ facilities
- > In the Slieve Croob Mountains
Newly Built Wolstonbury Getaway Shepherds Hut
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Complimentary toiletries
- > Compact country-style kitchen
Modern Shepherds Hut with Hot Tub near Whythall
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Welcome basket with snacks
- > Wrap-around verandah and hot tub
Staying in a Shepherds Hut in The UK
Nestled in idyllic settings, from coastal cliffs to the expansive countryside, staying in a shepherd’s hut is my favourite way to disconnect from real life and reconnect with nature (and your loved ones) while you’re travelling around the lovely United Kingdom.
Sure, they might be small, but they offer everything you need from a self-catering vacation rental. You can cook, dine, sleep, relax, and even work from home in one of these nifty homes-on-wheels.
Here’s what you can expect: a cosy interior, usually hand-crafted by the owners and decorated with love and care. Wooden countertops and cabinets are typical (since they are light and easy to install), giving these huts a true countryside aesthetic.
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But my favourite feature has to be the indoor wood-burning fireplaces. In traditional shepherd huts, these would double as a stovetop (and some of them still do). But today, most huts have a separate stove and a fireplace to keep things ambient – and safe.
Of course, I’ve pushed the boat out a couple of times and stayed in shepherd’s huts with their own private hot tubs. Yes, yes, quite boogie for me. And yes, it was worth it.
What to Look For in a Shepherds Hut in The UK
Most huts today have been fitted with a bedroom space, kitchen and living area, and small bathroom. However, not all shepherd’s huts have bathrooms in the same structure, so double-check this if it is a necessity for you. It is nice – especially in winter – to keep it all indoors (if you know what I mean).
Kitchens in the best shepherd’s huts in the UK are typically small yet well-equipped with everything you might need to prepare a basic meal. Bring your own food and check what appliances your shepherd’s hut has before meal planning. Some even have a BBQ or pizza oven for summer cookouts (though it’ll probably rain, so prepare for that too).
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Some of the more high-end properties might even surprise you with touches like solar power and Wi-Fi, although the emphasis is usually more on unplugging from your social network and tuning out. If you’re living as a digital nomad, try to find a hut with a separate bed and dining space (since these two are usually combined with a pull-out bed), as well as internet connection – obviously.
You’ll find a wide range of shepherd huts available on Booking.com and Airbnb. Airbnb even has a special category for this type of accommodation.
A shepherd hut is also a great place if you’re looking for a DIY Fitness Retreat in the UK.
The Top 15 Shepherds Huts in The UK
Their intimate size and locations within the region’s most gorgeous landscapes offer a chance to connect with nature and find real peace and tranquillity in the British and Northern Irish countryside. Immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings in one of these 15 exclusive shepherd huts:
Overall Best Value Shepherds Hut in The UK – Miners Hut in Austell
Enjoy your own slice of paradise in a private garden in one of my favourite places to stay in Cornwall. Newly refurbished with stylish farmhouse interiors, wooden countertops, and warm lighting, you’ll feel a world away from city life.
Places to Visit Nearby:
- Pinetum Gardens
- Wheal Martyn Clay Works
- Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Nestled in a private garden in Austell, the Miners Hut is a newly refurbished shepherd’s hut that will make you forget all your worries. With a kitchenette, fireplace, and a spot convenient for dining or working from home, it has everything you need for a short stay.
This beautiful shepherd’s hut in Cornwall features a comfortable double bed and a modern bathroom with a shower and heated towel rail. When the weather permits, guests can enjoy a meal under the trees and warm up by the firepit.
It’s a small space fitted with just the necessities in a beautiful location, all for a reasonably good price. What more could you wish for?
Best Budget Shepherds Hut in The UK – Wolstonbury Getaway Shepherds Hut
Set on a secluded part of a garden estate in Hassocks, West Sussex, Wolstonbury Getaway is one of the best shepherd’s huts in the UK on a budget. The hut has been furnished with a fresh coat of paint and contemporary farmhouse-inspired interiors, bringing a sense of home and warmth into your tiny space.
Within the spacious hut, you’ll have a basic kitchenette, private bathroom, and your tele to Netflix and chill with. Depending on the weather (which isn’t awfully dependable), you can dine at the indoor dining table, which converts into a living room and the main bed, or outdoors among the flowers.
Best Shepherds Hut for Couples in The UK – Slieve Croob Glamping with Hot Tub in Ballyward
There are few places with as gorgeous views as this shepherd’s hut. Located amongst the rolling hills of Ballyward, the only sounds you’ll have to endure will be the chirping birds and sweeping wind. Truth be told, if you’re on an adventure around Ireland, it’s a stop worth making.
The cottage’s interior is just as heavenly, fitted with traditional farmhouse interiors, wooden accents, and all the appliances you might need to cook up a romantic dinner for two. Feel free to warm up in the woodburning hot tub just outside the hut – can you think of a more romantic destination for a couples getaway?
Another Great Shepherds Hut for Couples in The UK – Shepherds Hut on the Somerset Levels
This spot on the Somerset Levels is as charming as they come. One of the best shepherd huts in the UK for couples, this fabulous little eco-lodge is nestled in a corner of a private field with a secluded garden and hot tub at your disposal.
Handcrafted using wooden materials and fitted with traditional farmhouse interiors and all the cooking necessities you might want, you’ll hardly need to leave the hut other than to fire up the hot tub. Homey touches, including a heated towel rail, complimentary toiletries, and well-positioned plugs, make this spot one of my absolute favourites.
Best Shepherds Huts for a Group of Friends in The UK – Red Kite Retreat in the Oxfordshire Forest
Nestled in the woodlands of Oxfordshire, there is no better place for a group of friends to spend a long weekend than at Red Kite Retreat. One of the best shepherd’s huts in the UK for a group of friends, this retreat comprises four gorgeous shepherd huts and cabins, each one fully equipped for a self-catering vacation.
It makes a change from places people normally stay in Oxford for a bit of peace and quiet when you aren’t out socializing and exploring the city with your mates. Each shepherds hut sleeps 2 guests (and 8 in total). The bespoke cabins are beautifully designed, with rustic yet luxurious interiors and ultra-comfortable linens.
Over-the-Top Luxury Hut in The UK – Ladybird Hut with Hot Tub, Earlswood
Introducing: a modern take on the classic shepherd’s hut. An intriguing structure made from wood, corrugated iron, and glass, this contemporary shepherd’s hut offers all the luxuries of a self-catering vacation rental in a compact yet stylish space. It’s a super short ride away from the centre if you’re staying in Birmingham.
Explore the two acres of fields on the property, enjoy your meals bathing in the sunshine on the wraparound terrace, and indulge in a soak in your very own private hot tub. If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat from the hustle of daily life – this is it.
Best Shepherds Hut for Families Visiting The UK – Mulberry Hut and Cattle Shed
Here’s another unique accommodation in the UK for an off-the-beaten-track family getaway in the countryside. It’s ideal to add to your road trip around Cornwall – thank me later.
Inspired by the basic simplicity of the traditional shepherd’s hut, this property includes a hut and cattle shed refurbished for the perfect family vacation. Located next to the Camel Valley in a private landscaped garden, enjoy a private double room and let the kids share the cattle shed with a pull-out bed and bunk bed.
Prepare a hearty meal in the full kitchen, cosy up in the heated huts as a family, and indulge in a soak in the wood-fired hot tub. Sign me up!
Best Shepherds Hut in The UK for Backpackers – Lilliput Hut in Devon
You don’t have to be swimming in cash to stay in a shepherd’s hut. In fact, this is one of the more affordable types of accommodation in the UK. For a real budget-friendly adventure, this delightful one-bedroom hut in Holsworthy is the ultimate getaway destination for backpackers and solo travellers.
Sure, it’s small. But it has everything you could possibly need for a short stay. Free parking, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, towels and linen, and even an indoor fireplace. The complex also has a picnic area to spend warm sunny days.
Shepherds Hut in The UK with the Best Views – Mirts Mansion – Little Country Houses in Mickleton
Bathed in the sunshine on a lush piece of farmland in Mickleton, this little countryside shepherd’s hut was hand-crafted using local materials. Unlike traditional shepherd’s huts that often have a pull-out bed, the chalet has a spacious private bedroom with double glass doors opening into the countryside (or wherever it happens to be parked at the time).
Cook up a storm in the fully fitted kitchen, which overlooks stunning views, too. The best shepherd’s hut in the UK for its views, take in the vistas from the covered hot tub and private patio, which is topped off with a wood-burning fireplace and outdoor dining area. This is simple living at its finest.
Best Off-Grid Shepherds Hut in The UK – Fauld O Wheat Shepherds Hut
Picture this: the sound of chirping birds and whistling wind wakes you up. You put on a pot of coffee in the kitchen and enjoy it in the sunshine overlooking the countryside.
Night time falls, and you light a cosy fire in the indoor fireplace. Within minutes, the hut is warm and toasty, and you’re reading your favourite book while warming your feet. Damn, I love travelling in Scotland.
This cabin is made up of a single living and sleeping room, with a small basic kitchen, double bed, and comfy living area. The outdoor dining area is also a huge plus for daytime meals.
Best Shepherds Hut for a Weekend Trip to The UK – Peaceful Garden Hut for Two
Surrounded by the manicured gardens in Cinderford, a short drive from Gloucester and Bristol, this cushy shepherd’s hut will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized. It’s right on the edge of the Forest of Dean too which is full of great things to do all weekend.
The hut is relatively new, built using clean wooden and white-washed interiors, and features warm lighting and comfortable farm-house-inspired furniture. This unique accommodation in the UK features a private entrance, a basic kitchenette, an open-plan living space with a wood fireplace, and a private bathroom with a shower.
If you’re looking for something similar but more unique, have a look at the range of Gloucester Airbnbs instead.
Best Shepherds Hut in The UK for Long-Term Travelers – Dysynni Valley Hut in Wales
I don’t know about you, but spending some time in a tiny home seems like a dream escape from reality. Located at the foothills of Cader Idris in North Wales, this small shepherd’s hut sits in my favourite of all the National Parks in the UK: Snowdonia. So yes, I love coming here for long stays.
You get free parking, a cosy log-burning fire, a fully fitted kitchen, a powerful shower that’s great for blasting you with hot water after a long hike. The fast Wi-Fi meant I could work from home with no problems. There are even conveniently positioned USB ports and plug sockets next to the bed – so sometimes I even worked from bed.
The Most Beautiful Shepherds Hut in The UK – Bramley Countryside Hut with Woodfired Hot Tub in Devon
It sure isn’t easy picking the most beautiful shepherd’s hut in a country dotted with this place to stay in Devon. But there is no question that Bramley Hut is one of the top contenders. Set within the lush trees and lawns of Woodbury, the cabin has a raised terrace with a BBQ, dining area, and wood-fired hot tub.
Inside the hut, warm your toes by the fireplace as you prepare a hearty meal in the kitchenette. Unlike smaller cabins, this one has a dedicated bedroom, with a full-sized king bed fitted with luxurious linen.
Shepherds Hut in The UK with the Most Epic Location – Secluded Hut surrounded by Pine Forests
While the concept of a shepherd’s hut is to go off-grid and disconnect – there’s nothing like hiding in the forest in Northumberland. As well as this gorgeous Shepherd’s hut in the UK looking like something out of a Hallmark movie (and some horror movies…) it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. And if you’re into horror movies, this is the perfect place to scare you shitless, too!
It even comes with complete lack of mobile coverage. Yes, no one calling you and bothering you this weekend.
Winter or summer, heat up the Swedish hot tub for an indulgent recharge. Breathe in that sweet smell of pine.
Best Shepherds Hut in The UK for Digital Nomads – Lily Pad Friston in Suffolk
As you open your eyes on a new day in Suffolk, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the sun on your face, the smell of freshly trimmed grass, and the sound of chirping birds in the distance while you smash out a day’s work. The fast wifi means you have no trouble connecting to all your business calls making this the best shepherd’s hut in the UK for digital nomads.
There aren’t many shepherd’s huts that have a good desk for sitting at. But this one does give you a few places to choose from – indoor and outdoor. The secluded garden setting surrounded by farmland, with an outdoor firepit and dining area where you can take advantage of a warm evening.
The interior is just as charming, with a contemporary countryside kitchen, white-washed walls, and a comfortable bed overlooking the fields. Say no more – I’m in.
Don’t Forget Your UK Travel Insurance
Although you hopefully won’t have too many issues living the simple life in shepherds huts in the UK, that doesn’t mean you won’t have any. That’s why I always recommend good travel insurance to everyone.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dose of the great outdoors or are looking for a homey and rustic place to reconnect with a loved one, there are few places as fine as the best shepherd’s huts in the UK. While small and modest, shepherds’ huts don’t skimp on comfort. In fact, some are outright luxurious in my eyes.
Best of all, they’re usually pretty reasonably priced. That’s why they’re becoming more popular than ever for staycations in the UK.
You know what you’re getting with a small single-room self-catering home like this. Even for me who’s no stranger to tiny homes, these fabulous shepherd’s huts in Britain and Northern Ireland are always saved at the top of my wish list. (I need another getaway!)
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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