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There’s something magical and incredibly satisfying about hopping in the car in the midst of winter and escaping in a matter of hours to a beautiful lodge or cottage set in the great British countryside. I especially enjoy snuggling in front of a toasty, crackling fire while the rain lashes down outside and the wind whips at the windows. With some of the extreme weather and storms we’ve had in the UK of late, there has never been a better time to do just this. UK lodge and cottage breaks can offer the perfect escape from the winter blues, plus some luxury lodges have bubbling outdoor hot tubs which, whilst a little bracing to get in, offer that little something special to a getaway in the depths of the cold British winter. So, if you’re looking for a luxurious or bubbling UK retreat this winter, then here are my Top 5 Best Winter Lodge & Cottage Breaks in the UK.

1. Burnbake Campsite & Forest Lodges, Dorset

An all-year-round destination, Burnbake Campsite & Forest Lodges is a magical woodland haven set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Purbeck countryside. Surrounded by acres of nature and wildlife and far enough away from it all to enjoy no phone reception (though there’s always Wi-Fi in the lodges if you need it), Burnbake offers great beaching in the summertime and wonderful, crisp winter walks and nearby pub lunches in the winter. Perfect for a romantic couples’ escape or a family break to de-connect and re-connect, Burnbake truly has it all.

This multi-award-winning woodland oasis lies surrounded by dramatic coastlines, blue flag beaches, coves, ridges, castles, and valleys, all at the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic coastline. It’s also a rural wildlife haven with rabbits hopping about while you enjoy your morning cuppa, as well as deer, birds, pheasants, and squirrels all on your doorstep.

An escape here, especially in winter, thankfully doesn’t have to involve pitching a tent. Instead, you can enjoy a touch of luxury with a stay in one of their chic, architect-designed 2 and 3 bedroom wooden lodges or select an executive lodge if you want a few more luxury comforts. Each lodge lies in its own woodland clearing, offering a spacious, open plan living with stylish oak furniture, cozy sofas, flat-screen television, bubbling hot tub, and a roaring wood-burning stove to keep you and the whole lodge toasty in the winter months. The lodges are incredibly well designed and insulated and never seem to get cold, nor can you hear the stormy wintery chaos going on outside when you’re safely tucked up indoors. And although it’s winter and raining a lot, on our most recent stay, we still managed two daily dips in the bubbling hot tub, which was magical, especially under the stars at night time, and our evenings were spent curled up in front of the crackling log burner – utter bliss!

The lodges feature flatscreen TVs, Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, a master bedroom with a sumptuous king-size bed, bathrobes, and slippers, and an ensuite shower or bathroom; a family bathroom and the additional bedrooms can be made up as twins or doubles on request. Executive lodges also boast a coffee machine, a Bose sound system, and a washing machine.

In terms of dining at Burnbake, there’s a small eatery that’s open during the summer and at weekends in the low season that serves delicious breakfasts and a selection of meals in the evenings, including hot dogs, burgers, and specialties like paella to eat in or take-away. You can always buy the basics: logs for the fire and sweet treats from the Burnbake shop, which is currently getting a facelift and will be open for the summer season attached to reception alongside a new coffee shop.

If it’s outdoor action or adventure you’re after, there’s plenty to keep you entertained from archery, shooting, climbing, abseiling, bushcraft, coasteering, cycling, golf, and horse riding, not forgetting the nostalgic steam-train on the Purbeck line, which lies just three miles away. Plus, if you want a little relaxation, you can also arrange a luxury spa treatment or a private chef to cook for you in the comfort of your own lodge!

Burnbake is a true favorite of mine and my children, and I truly can’t recommend it highly enough.

2. Luxury Lodges’ Glasshouse at Burn Coastal Retreat, Cornwall

If you’re looking for a little designer luxury and you’re happy to compromise on woodland and wildlife on your doorstep, then a stay at the Glasshouse at Burn Coastal Retreat in Cornwall will offer you a little five-star hotel-style luxury combined with all the comforts of home.

Set in 45 acres of the delightful Cornish countryside, just outside the beautiful seaside town of Bude, Burn is the ideal place to explore the magnificent northern coastlines of both Cornwall and Devon.
Burn Coastal Retreat offers 32 luxury holiday cottages and apartments, all individually designed with their own unique style. Whether you want a relaxing break or an action-packed trip, Burn Coastal Retreat boasts a laid-back atmosphere with a long list of fabulous facilities for you to enjoy, including an indoor heated pool, sauna, gym, treatment rooms, outdoor children’s play area, and the Coastal Cafe Bar.

The Glasshouse itself boasts stylish, modern furnishings and features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside come rain or shine. There’s a spacious open plan living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, and outdoor private terrace complete with hot tub and dining area.

Sleeping up to six people across two floors, the Glasshouse has two twin bedrooms and a luxurious master bedroom. The master bedroom features a balcony as well as a beautifully appointed ensuite, complete with a fabulous freestanding bathtub. The only thing this beautiful property is missing for a winter escape is a crackling log fire, but all the other amenities more than make up for this.

3. Oakdown Treehouse, Wiltshire

If you’re looking for leafy luxury set amidst real country life, a winter break in Oakdown Treehouse will offer just that. This pretty treehouse sits on the edge of a working farm, and while rustic on the outside, it offers luxury and comfort on the inside.

Down a pretty willow walkway through the cottage garden, the treehouse offers luxury immersed in glorious countryside, boasting a king-size bed made up in luxurious Egyptian cotton, leather armchairs nestled in front of a cozy, crackling log burner. Even the luxury wet room has underfloor heating and a huge skylight above, making you feel as if you’re showering in the trees. The treehouse enjoys a unique tea and coffee-making area built into a curious vintage wardrobe complete with frothy coffee and a fridge for wine. While everything outside is green as far as the eye can see. Guests can sit on the balcony and have breakfast with a backdrop of rolling hills or relax in the covered hot tub with a glass of prosecco or two!

Note: this property is ideal for a romantic couples’ break and is not suitable for children or pets, and don’t forget your wellies!

4. Farm Cottage At Tresarran Cottages Cornwall

Tresarran Cottages Cornwall offers peace and tranquillity at an affordable price, all set in the beautiful Cornish countryside. Nestled amidst five acres of stunning gardens and woodland, these holiday cottages are perfectly placed for a relaxing escape in the winter.
The cottages lie in a very peaceful rural location in the woods, just a short drive from many of Cornwall’s most popular attractions, including the Eden Project and the seaside towns of Looe and Polperro, and the spectacular Bodmin Moor.

Farm Cottage itself is a beautiful character cottage in a tranquil woodland setting. The cottage features a main living room with a dining area and toasty wood burner for those colder evenings; a fully fitted kitchen; and upstairs, there are three cozy bedrooms and a family bathroom with bath and shower overlooking a wildflower bank. The main bedroom has a comfy king-size bed and plenty of storage and a dressing table; the twin bedroom is a lovely room overlooking the lawns, and the single bedroom is a dual aspect room with a lovely bright feel to it. Farm Cottage is dog friendly and comes complete with access to wintery nature walks along the stream, a children’s play area and trampoline, unlimited broadband with Wi-Fi access, and laundry room facilities.

5. Godney Arts House, near Glastonbury

This property appears to have closed since we published this article.

If you would like to book a stay at any of these luxury properties or a business class flight, contact our luxury travel concierge to get a quote before booking. We offer free upgrades, free breakfasts, deals, and special benefits.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.