From teepees to canal boats, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to self-catering holiday options in the UK, with a new type popping up every week.
But it seems we prefer our accommodation on a more compact scale.
Despite first launching as a mainstream holiday rental option nearly a decade ago, shepherd’s hut still show no sign of wavering. In fact, Mike Bevens, the managing director at Canopy and Stars, says interest remains incredibly high – even in 2024.
He tells Metro: ‘Shepherd’s huts remain the third best space type in terms of booking revenue behind treehouses and cabins.’
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up some of the best-loved and most-booked stays across Kip Hideaways, Airbnb and Canopy & Stars, as well as some of our own favourites. So if you’re hunting for the best of the best, look no further…
Tilton Hut
Available on rental platform Kip Hideaways, this romantic bolthole is found on a countryside farm in Leicestershire. It may be a hut but it’s dripping with luxurious touches such as French doors and a rolltop copper bath, as well as an al fresco hot tub.
This particular hut sleeps 2, so is ideal for a romantic break away and stays start from £135.
Cardigan Bay Hideaway
This rural retreat is tucked away on a quiet hilltop on the breathtaking Welsh coastline, which means it’s close to the beach too.
Inside, you’ll find lovely touches to enhance your stay, including a woodburner as well as a skylight above the bed.
Guests also have access to the estate’s swimming pool and Snowdonia National Park right on their doorstep.
This shepherd’s hut has room for two and is pretty great value, with stays from just £99.
Why are shepherd's huts so popular?
Mike Bevens: ‘We have found that the focus is on quality, and our data shows that places with character and flair not only attract more guests but also generate higher revenues and occupancy rates.
‘With a growing preference for permanent, year-round structures, imaginative and bespoke designs are crucial for success. All our top 10 shepherd’s huts have a hot tub or outdoor bath, so that is clearly a feature that is appealing to guests!’
These shepherd’s hut (also known as shepherd’s wagons) were originally used from the 15th century onwards, for raising sheep and lambing. But since then, we’ve seen them take on whole new meaning – mainly being repurposed for luxury and small-scale stays (in-keeping with the popular tiny homes trend).
Wild Fox
Let the rolling hills do the talking at this Somerset stay. This shepherd’s hut, which offers stays from £135 per night, is nestled right in the Pen Hill Farm countryside.
Whether you want to explore the farm’s 500 acres, simply cosy up but the firepit, or relax in the woodfired hot tub, the scenic backdrop won’t disappoint.
Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen as well as board games for the ultimate relaxing break.
Ragnarr
For a more modern twist on a traditional hut (and one that has slightly more room too), Ragnarr in Cornwall sleeps two and has space for a child. It even has a cinema shed so you can stage a private screening of your favourite movie for a cosy night in.
If you want to explore the surrounds, the Dartmoor and the Tamar valley are right on your doorstep. Nights here start from just £86.
Tom’s Hut
This quaint Herefordshire shepherd’s hut – located on the edge of a 100-year-old apple orchard on the English-Welsh border – will give you a real taste of the great outdoors.
The private al fresco dining area (complete with a pizza oven) encourages guests to spend more time outside. The hosts even recommend spending sunset in the outdoor tub trying to spot fallow deer that hop from field to field. Sounds pretty dreamy right?
Prices also start from a reasonable £117 per night.
Romney
This hut in Sandhurst is compact but colourful and has stays from £110 per night.
The hut may be on the smaller side but still crams in a kitted-out kitchen, en-suite shower room, full sized double bed, breakfast bar. Outside, you’ll find a lovely firepit area and, if that wasn’t enough, guests also have access to the wild swimming lake and the wildflower meadows
Leaping Lamb
This dreamy spot is nestled amongst the sheep and wildflowers of Drews Farm in the South Downs.
It may be just 18ft long but comes will all the amenities to make you feel at-home – including a fully-fitted kitchen and dining table. Whereas outside you can stargaze in the hot tub (which is also shared with the other nearby hut).
Prices here start from £135 per night, with a two-night minimum stay.
Kent hut
For a more modern take on the traditional huts, this one just 20 minutes from Canterbury could be your calling.
This light and bright hut boasts a contemporary interior and offers glorious views of the surrounding fields. The sheltered hot tub is also available for an additional price – ideal if the unreliable English weather isn’t on your side.
Prices start from £125 per night.
Shepherd’s Rest
Metro’s Executive Editor Richard Hartley-Parkinson has stayed at this luxury hut in Lancashire – where prices start from £135 per night.
He says: ‘A cozy cabin in the heart of the Forest of Bowland on a farm so remote that you can look up to the skies from the hot tub and see the Milky Way on a clear night.
‘The large windows make you feel like you’re sleeping among the stunning scenery and give you great views of the surrounding countryside. You’re well away from any roads so the privacy you get is fantastic.
‘There’s no WiFi, so it’s a great place to turn your phone off and unwind without the disturbances of everyday life. It’s got a wood burner and the welcome pack was much appreciated. A truly relaxing stay, whatever the weather.’
Rosie the Road Workers’ Living Wagon
This option in Scotland offers stays from £95 per night. Richard adds: ‘A very cute road workers’ living wagon that has been lovingly restored. The family who own it are very musical and have kitted it out with musical flourishes – a trumpet light, anyone?
‘But what makes this hut so special is the incredible, ever-changing views across the Highlands. It would be quite easy to spend your entire stay here just staring at the mountains rolling off into the distance in front of you.
‘It’s a great location to base yourself if you’re into hiking and is only a 20-minute drive from Ben Nevis.
The beds are very comfortable and there’s everything you need in this characterful and historic accommodation.’
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