We know what you might be thinking. What’s an ‘outside-in’ retreat, exactly?
It’s the kind of holiday you’ll book regardless of the weather – because you know there’ll be plenty to do whether you’re outside or in!
Perfect for those in-between seasons when it could be blazing hot or teeming with rain at any moment, these unusual retreats boast ample space to enjoy both in and out of doors, complete with facilities and activities to keep you enthralled.
These could include indoor games rooms, saunas and cinemas, combined with al fresco bars and barbecue huts, wild swimming ponds, walking trails and dedicated children’s play areas… there may even be the odd stargazing hot tub thrown in, too!
Some retreats even boast delights like an on-site restaurant, pool or spa, so you won’t have to travel far at all for entertainment and indulgence.
Find your favourite all-weather holiday set-up by browsing our list… safe in the knowledge that rain won’t stop play.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Mayen Estate, Scottish Highlands credit: Edward-Fitzpatrick
Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England
Watch red squirrels play in the trees, from lovingly-created havens set amongst three magical acres of ancient woodland in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2
All of our huts are located within an ancient woodland with outdoor decks and fire pits. The Cabin has an outside wood burning stove as well as a fire pit and the Lookout has a wood fired hot tub and both have covered decks to really enjoy being immersed in the woodland with all of its wildlife and foliage. The newly built Lookout cabin has floor to ceiling glass frontage to really bring the outside in all year round. We are lucky to have a population of red squirrels that will visit the feeders located on the decks all year round. Guests can sit outside and watch the red squirrels visiting the feeders right next to them.
Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, England
An absurdly romantic treetop hideaway with huge windows, luxurious facilities, and an al fresco bathtub, dreamily secluded on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Whatever the weather Treetop Hideaways offers an unforgettable, unique experience. Get cosy beside your indoor log burner, soak and stargaze from the terrace in your the outdoor bathtub, wrap up and toast marshmallows by the fire pit, go for a row to explore the twists and turns and hidden islands of the meandering lake, or simply sit, relax and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature around you.
Dittisham, Devon, England
An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 1-5
We offer indoor board games, cards and tonnes of books to be read, whilst outside offering the hot tub (can be used in all weather conditions), ping pong (also under cover), chess (treehouse only), table football (treehouse only), woodland walk, Boules, all offer outdoor dining and BBQ sets.
Nr St Briavels, Gloucestershire, England
An ultra-luxurious, design-led and TV-featured treehouse-for-two, deliciously secluded amongst private woodland in the beautiful Wye Valley.
The Hudnalls Hideout is the perfect retreat whatever the British weather throws at you! Snuggle up in front of the suspended fire with vintage board games or sizzle and soothe in our Woodland Sauna. Take to your very own private Lookout Bar to enjoy the views in the dry or sit out under the stars with a cocktail. Exhilarate your senses with an outdoor bath in the rain or duck under the Outdoor Dining Room area to rustle up a tasty pizza in the dry with our DeliVita Wood-Fired Oven.
Bishop's Frome, Herefordshire, England
Magical, lovingly hand-crafted treehouses filled with creature comforts and exquisitely nestled on the rural Herefordshire and Worcestershire border, with fun fresh-air activities aplenty!
Bedrooms: 3 per treehouse
Sleeps: 6
We have the communal ‘club house’ a barn with upstairs games room with large tv, soft seating, table tennis, board games and puppet theatre and dolls house for toddlers. Outside we have 18 acres to roam with nature trails, slides, swings, kite flying, grass sledging, giant outdoor games like Connect 4 and Jenga
Pembrokeshire, Wales
The Long Barn is divided in to two stylish and sustainably-crafted retreats for fun family escapes, dog-friendly and perfectly positioned on a ten-acre smallholding that’s a perfect base for exploring Pembrokeshire.
Bedrooms: 2 or 3
Sleeps: 6
Cedar at the Long Barn in Pembrokeshire is perfect for autumn breaks with a large covered bbq area outside, with space to relax with your dog too. At the end of the day, what better way to relax than a soak in the roll top bath, with the gorgeous smell of lavender from the homemade lavender and oat bath soak provided.
Bideford, Devon, England
A selection of luxurious, award-winning hideaways for couples and families, with indulgent on-site facilities and surrounded by North Devon countryside.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Varies
There’s plenty to do both inside and outside at Coastal Cabins. Try your hand at fishing on the free fully stocked lake or have a game of tennis. Or if the weather isn’t playing ball then spend the evening cosied up in the indoor BBQ cabin where you can meet other glampers and cook up a feast! Whatever the weather why not treat yourself to a session in the wild spa hot tub area. With complete privacy, 41 jets and a glass of fizz in hand - it’s the perfect end to a busy day of exploring North Devon.
Laxfield, Suffolk, England
Savour rural Suffolk at its most beautiful, from the comfort of a nature-steeped, adults-only retreat that's home to lakeside lodges, cosy Igluhuts, and two luxurious woodland saunas.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per unit
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit
We have lots of pampering self-care ways to relax inside, from our woodland saunas, to massage and beauty treatments in the comfort of their cabin. Plus lots of ways to switch off, from puzzles and board games to popular bookswap. Outdoors we have some wonderful walks and trails, with public footpath access from the back of our site. Or stay onsite and take part in an outdoor yoga class by day and an evening stargazing around the firepit.
Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of hot-tub retreats for couples and families, secluded on a sweeping, heritage-rich Scottish estate in the natureful Deveron Valley.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 6
Our cottages have fantastic indoor spaces, each with their own cozy stoves which are perfect for rainy days in or cozy nights with a good book, film or board game. Mayen is also home to over 700 acres of sustainably managed woodlands, rolling countryside and of course our 2 acre Walled Garden. The river Deveron is ideal for a spot of fishing or some wild swimming, while each cottage boast their own Wood Fired Hot Tub, Barbeque and Pizza Oven within each private garden.
Ticehurst, East Sussex, England
A sumptuous, uniquely designed retreat with a huge picture window that transforms into a cinema screen by night, and a well-being shelter, privately secluded amongst glorious East Sussex woodland.
This wow-factor cabin features include a huge picture window to enjoy the tranquil views - which transforms into a cinema screen at the touch of a button for cosy days or nights in. Outside, you can choose to relax on your canopied deck, or head over to the well-being shelter, equipped with hammock chairs, yoga mats and picnic blankets.
Morpeth, Northumberland, England
A sleek, stylish and contemporary retreat set on an award-winning farmland estate, with unspoilt Northumberland country views and an indulgent spa just an amble away.
With its mirrored glass windows and panoramic views that lead your gaze all the way from the coast to the Pennines, you may not even want to set foot outside this luxury treehouse - but should you choose to, the the onsite spa just a short amble away, includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a range of beauty treatments…all included in the rent.
Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire, England
A luxurious lodge, complete with a Bluetooth hot tub and a fun children's slide, nestled on a friendly, family-run farm retreat amongst idyllic Warwickshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4 (+1 infant)
Just one of the fabulously innovative retreats on offer at Winchcombe Farm, Jess' Tree Bach includes a private, furnished outdoor deck with pizza oven and a barbecue, plus five-seater hot tub with Bluetooth to help you set the perfect relaxation soundtrack, while a fun four-metre slide leads straight down to the woodland play area below! And as if that’s not enough, the hidden gem is a childrens’ stargazing den nestled in the roof space, equipped with child-sized sofas and a telescope, accessed via a wooden ladder outside!
Mayfield, East Sussex, England
A superlative country retreat for large group stays, complete with a private pub and an outdoor swimming pool, secluded in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Kent and Sussex border.
This unique group getaway has the best of both worlds for any type of weather; a games barn with a private bar and log fire for rainy autumnal days, or an outdoor pool area for when the sun is shining, operational during the summer months.
Woolhope, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, England
An exclusive, dog-friendly retreat for laid-back group breaks, complete with a games room and private garden, connected by a ‘secret’ door to a family-run pub in rural Herefordshire.
Inside this beautiful dog-friendly pub retreat, you'll find a secret door taking you through to the working oub, as well as striking modern interiors of the social open-plan living space. Outside, you'll have your very own pub patio garden with an external games room!
Chichester, West Sussex, England
An award-winning, eco-friendly Grand Design with a vast natural swimming pond, surrounded by the soul-soothing charms of nature and endless coastal walks in a West Sussex AONB.
This award-winning eco home has jaw dropping interiors and a dedicated children’s playroom, with the gleaming glass atrium connecting you to the outdoors, where a wood-fired hot tub, natural swimming pond, a beautiful regenerative garden, canoe and paddleboard for watersports await.
