Six shepherd’s huts under £100 per night

Stay at Crook’s View, an unofficial animal sanctuary in Somerset and the cost of each night’s stay goes towards food for the pigs, goats, chickens and other happy residents of this peaceful smallholding. The simple shepherd’s hut has an indoor stove and outdoor fire pit for whipping up tasty evening meals to enjoy under the stars. There’s a private compost loo next door and a small kitchen and shower in the farmhouse annexe. If you can tear yourselves away from your friendly animal companions, you’ll discover easy walks to the sea, strolls across the fields to the Mendip Hills and acres of National Trust land to roam.

Ragnarr just keeps going and going when you step inside – every inch of space within this long Cornish shepherd’s hut is cleverly designed. There’s a well-equipped kitchen, a wood burner, a separate bedroom for one child and if you fold the king-sized bed up into the wall, a table and sofa seating area appears as if by magic. If that’s still not relaxing enough, you’ll also find your very own cinema shed and hot tub. Shepherd life never felt so good. Ragnarr is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Dartmoor, Bodmin and the Camel Trail and as you unwind on the secluded deck after exploring the countryside, you’ll see birds, bats and possibly even deer meandering past.

As unique as the wild Pembrokeshire landscape, Damselfly is a pair of linked, handcrafted shepherd’s huts. A couple of strides along the covered walkway takes you from the cosy bedroom with its glowing wood burner to the kitchen and bathroom, complete with underfloor heating. Set on the owner’s smallholding, you’re surrounded by rural splendour alongside a huge veg garden, blooming flower beds, farm animals and an orchard. Pack your days with walks along the coastal path and windswept races across the dunes at Poppit Sands then head home to fire up the outdoor pizza oven and crack open the board games.

In blissful isolation, perched at the top of a hill, The Old Orchard Shepherd’s Hut is somewhere to get away from it all in simple, homely surroundings. The hut is a labour of love with every element made locally, including timber sourced from the surrounding area and iron curtain poles forged on site. It’s back to basics in the best possible sense with just a double bed and wood burner inside, but you’ll find a bathroom hut and shed-come-kitchen a stone’s throw away. Once the peace of the simple life has revived your spirits, there’s plenty to do nearby whether you fancy the buzz of historic Exeter, the beaches of Exmouth or outdoor activities at Haldon Forest Park.

If you love an outdoor shower but hate to shiver, you’ll find blissfully hot water al-fresco at Come By in Powys. Not to mention an en suite flushing loo for the full glamping experience – no torchlit jogs across the fields here. Perched by a babbling stream, the hut has incredible sweeping views, an abundance of local wildlife and a 900 acre hill to explore. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the handy cooking shack has everything you need to prepare a feast over the firepit (or over the two ring hob if you prefer) and the hammock awaits to lull sleepy adventurers into a peaceful post-lunch slumber. There are beautiful country walks from the camp and a cheery bright yellow wheelbarrow for yomping bags from the parking area.

Effortlessly stylish Ted boasts a brass, copper and weathered wood interior with a cosy wood burner and underfloor heating. Outside he’s showing-off even more with a wood-fired hot tub and a pizza oven, both tucked away in a covered area with epic views across the hills. If you tear yourself away from such rustic luxury, you’ll find picturesque walks along the Grantham Canal that lead to classic country pubs with roaring fires, as well as more strenuous hikes taking in the delights of local landmarks like Belvoir Castle. The owners have got oodles of local knowledge to share about nearby mountain biking trails, friendly cafes, open-water swimming spots and where to find the best pork pies in Melton Mowbray.