The best cabins for a wild swim then a hot tub

Elevated on a beautiful platform between three pines, the Island Cabin in Norway has breathtaking views of its very own wild swimming spot – the clear, cool waters of the lake below. The lake is also your route to arrive at the cabin via kayak (there’s a floating bridge if you prefer) and a source of food for supper if you’re handy with a rod. You’ll be sharing the pond with the local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for the resident family of beavers. If you’re lucky you might glimpse moose, deer and elk in the surrounding forest, as you splash in the peaceful waters. Book a session in the hot tub to reinvigorate chilly limbs while you indulge in some seriously spectacular star gazing.

Roll out of the huge super-king-size bed, slurp a coffee and drop straight into Loch Venacher for a bracing dip that will energise you for the rest of the day. You’ll need that extra spring in your step for adventuring in the Trossachs National Park, canoeing on the water, hiking Bracklinn Falls and pony trekking in the hills. Luxurious Birch Cabin has huge floor to ceiling windows, with ever changing views across the loch to the mountains beyond, but best of all, it’s got sole use of a wood fired hot tub. Reserve it in advance when you book your stay and spend leisurely hours bobbing in the warm water, with that satisfying feeling that you’ve really earned your soak.

The clue’s in the name, The Lake District is bursting at the seams with picturesque wild swimming spots dotted among the towering fells, hardy sheep and dry stone walls. Sadly, blue/green algae is becoming an issue in the area, so you always need to check the water before you jump in. Hansel at Hinterlandes is five minutes from the nearest lake and 30 seconds away from its own private hot tub with views over the rolling Cumbrian hills. The cabin is of the cosy, fairytale variety with a moss covered roof and a homely glow that draws you in. The national park is your adventure playground to explore – hire bikes on site at Hinterlandes, visit Derwent Water Marina for watersports and hike the numerous trails leading from the front door. On lazy days, the wood burner, books, board games and local food hampers are all you need for a blissfully relaxing stay.

As stylish as Notting Hill but without the crowds (or anyone in fact), Knotting Hill Barn House is an off-grid cabin of dreams that brings Alpine design to deepest rural Leicestershire. Designed for groups of friends and family to enjoy outdoor living, the wrap-around veranda allows you to follow the sun around the cabin, admiring the changing light over the bluebell woods and wild swimming lake. There’s a pontoon for leaping off into the water, and canoes to borrow for a lazy paddle. The stunning rustic interior has incredible attention to detail with four cleverly designed bedrooms, a wood burner, underfloor heating and a sound system. At night the glade is lit up by fairy lights, casting a bewitching spell as you luxuriate in the hot tub.

A feat of engineering on a rugged site in Cornish where nature rules, The Danish Cabin is the ultimate explorer’s base for outdoor adventures. There are plenty of places to get your feet wet – it’s a short stroll to a 40ft high waterfall – and the cabin itself has its own stream running underneath a private deck. The soundtrack to your stay will be the tinkle of running water mixed with melodic birdsong, as you take in the panoramic views of the North Cornish coast. After a day’s surfing or exploring the rough terrain of Kudhva campsite, the wood fired hot tub for two, deep in the forest, is the perfect place to unwind. When it’s time to say goodnight, slide down the huge folding walls that connect this incredible cabin to the wonders of nature all around.