Five cabins that you can reach by train for a more sustainable holiday

Woodland retreat – Cosy interiors – Unique design

Buzz off to a three-story beehive for two in beautiful Devon woodland. With a honeycomb feature wall, this cosy cabin gives off a honeyed glow thanks to its rich dark wood interior, thick furs and sultry lighting. You can walk to Dartmoor from your front door by following an old tramway through the meadows, and the local town of Oakhampton is a stone’s throw away. 

Humble Bee is just below Okehampton Station, which can be reached in 40 minutes from Exeter St David’s. From the station it’s a mere 5-minute bumble to the cabin, but with some of the best homemade cooking in the area (full English breakfasts and Devon cream teas), you might choose to linger for a while in the gorgeous revamped station café.

Hot tub views – Coastal walks – Stargazing nights

On the fringe of the Northumberland Coast AONB, Bilton Barns Farm has huge, soul-nourishing views over Alnmouth to the sea beyond. Once you’re tucked up in Bilton Bothy, it’s easy to find excuses to stay put. The hot tub on the deck will be freshly filled for your arrival, ready for soaking up glorious morning sunrises and star gazing under dark skies at night. BBQ al-fresco, roast marshmallows over the fire pit then cosy up inside on the sofa in front of the wood burner. 

When you’re ready to venture out, set off from the farm on foot to explore the gorgeous scenery. There are numerous walking trails including one that takes you down to the Northumberland coast path. The cabin is less than 1 mile from Alnmouth train station on the east coast main trainline.

Cabin with hot tub – Outdoor living – Dark Sky Reserve

Sat within a National Landscape, Red Kite blends seamlessly into its surroundings, letting you immerse yourself in a wilder way of living for a few days. Its distinctive construction creates a light and airy living space to kick back in, and there’s an outdoor area with a BBQ, pizza oven, firepit and a wood-fired hot tub for toasty stargazing.

The nearest train station is Tisbury, which is only a 15-minute drive and owner Andy can recommend a taxi company on request if you’d like. If you’ve opted not to bring the car, once here, you can enjoy the 70 acres of private farmland there is to explore, or wander further afield to Pythouse Walled Garden to pick your own vegetables for dinner.

Romantic hideaway – Outdoor tub – Woodland walks

Just an hour from London, in the trees near Bewl Water, lies a curvy cabin with a wood-fired hot tub for long soaks in rural peace. Step inside and you’ll find a bright, beautifully made space and a cosy living area. 

But it’s outside that the magic really happens, whether you’re stargazing from the outdoor bath or watching wildlife wander past from your private deck. Explore the woods around Downash, hike or cycle the 12-mile Bewl Water trail, or stroll into Ticehurst village for a drink at The Bell Inn. The nearest train stations are Stonegate (3.5 miles) and Wadhurst (5 miles), both with regular connections from London and Hastings.

Coastal cabin – Outdoor shower – Peaceful hideaway

Just a 15-minute walk from the wide-open bay of Manorbier Beach, The Sea Shed sits at the bottom of the owner’s large garden overlooking the woodland. 

Waking up in this spot means sunlight pouring through large windows, incredible birdsong from the dawn chorus, and cracking open those French doors for the fresh sea air that wafts through the treeline. From there, it’s a tricky decision between the outdoor shower for a revitalising start to the day, or the beautiful roll-top bath indoors. Come evening, all you need is a quick jaunt up the road to the farm shop for supplies before coming back to sit out on the deck and enjoy an ice-cold glass of something.