TOP SEVEN WOODLAND STAYS
Sleep beneath the turning trees this autumn with one of Carys Matthews’ top seven favourite forest breaks
1 MRS HIGGS LODGE Herefordshire
Leave modern life behind with a stay at this atmospheric cottage in Hereford. Built in 1835 as a hunting lodge, and occupied by Mrs Higgs herself until 60 years ago, this peaceful home is the perfect woodland retreat for those looking to go off-grid. qualityunearthed.co.uk
2 SKY DEN TREEHOUSE Northumberland
Featured on George Clark’s Amazing Spaces, this luxurious treehouse set within the Kielder Water and Forest Park is a feat of architectural design. Explore the local forest trails before returning to watch wildlife and relax by the wood burner. canopyandstars.co.uk
3 THE ROCKFORD INN Devon
Enjoy a cosy night in this secluded 17th-century country inn deep in an Exmoor Valley. It’s the perfect base for forest walks along the East Lyn River, offering simple but comfortable rooms and an excellent range of local ales and ciders. therockfordinn.co.uk
4 FINN LOUGH BUBBLE DOMES Fermanagh
Get back to nature and sleep under the stars (in a four-poster bed!) with a night in a secluded forest Bubble Dome in Northern Ireland’s Fermanagh Lakelands. Get active and explore the 75-acre forest grounds with kayaking, cycling, fishing and bushcraft. finnlough.com
5 MOUNTAIN LODGE Conwy
Stay on a wooded hilltop and wake to stunning views of the Carneddau mountain range in the Snowdonia National Park. The rustic Shepherd Huts are off the beaten track and offer a peaceful base for walking in the mountains and even a day trip to the beaches of Anglesey. shepherds-hut-holidays.co.uk
6 MILL HOUSE Powys
This comfortable riverside self-catering cottage sits in the hamlet of Pontfaen in pretty woodland. Amble through the trees along the riverbank, climbing the nearby hillside for spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. qualitycottages.co.uk
7 FONAB CASTLE HOTEL Perthshire
For something special, head to Fonab Castle, a five-star hotel in the Scottish Highlands. Set in the beautiful Tummel Valley, the hotel has views of Ben Vrackie and Loch Faskally. Woodland rooms are available. fonabcastlehotel.com