There’s something about pairing country charm with the buzz of the city that results in pure magic – a magic that luxury retreat Kip & Nook has more than harnessed since it opened in 2020.
Somewhere between Darlington and Manfield, right on the border of both County Durham and North Yorkshire, lies the coolest glamping and campsite in the UK. A city slicker in an otherwise rural area, Kip & Nook brings bags of style – but don’t fret, because while it is all style, it doesn’t sleep on the vital ‘substance’ part.
Home to a number of cabins, Kip & Nook is a new wave luxury “glamp site” that combines the essence of the off-grid retreat with ultra-contemporary decor and indulgences – from wood-fired hot tubs to deep sofas that you can sink into while taking in the views.
We stayed in The Den – a converted shipping container living out its best, new life as a luxe cabin completed with an open living and kitchen space, alongside a mezzanine bedroom. There’s not a soul in sight to disturb you at this getaway, which is nestled within a flowering field with panoramic views as far as the eye can see.
The idea of ‘sanctuary’ doesn’t stop at the interiors, however. Outside, guests can enjoy a large terrace that stretches around the cabin, leading guests to their own private, wood-fired hot tub and fire pit. Pretty fancy, huh? Sure. But there’s one overwhelmingly underrated feature hidden away in these cabins: the outdoor shower.
Yep. I’ve become one of those pretentious travellers who insists “darling, you must try an outdoor shower“. I’m just kidding, but there was something truly invigorating about hosing down in the great outdoors under the rainfall shower, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of the birds tweeting around us.
Everything provided in the cabins offers a real opportunity to connect with your surroundings. Kip & Nook doesn’t claim to be ‘off-grid’ – it truly is. No wifi, no TVs, just sweet, sweet nature in which to seek entertainment. In fact, the cabins aren’t connected to the grid in any way, shape, or form, with solar panels on-site to produce green, renewable energy (where there is energy).
While the cabins focus on sheer escapism, guests can reconnect with the world at the Workshop – a buzzy bar and restaurant complete with tons of cosy corners to unwind, retro gaming, pool, a stunning outdoor terrace and more.
It’s an unexpected touch for such a rural hideaway, but a welcome one for those who prefer their middle-of-nowhere with a cosmopolitan edge. Expect contemporary cocktails, alongside stonebaked pizzas that give even the best Yorkshire pizzerias a run for their money.
At the Workshop, guests can also make use of their wellness facilities, too, from saunas and cold plunge pools, to an on-site padel court, a private cinema and regular yoga classes to enjoy – while elsewhere on site, camping pitches offer an elevated experience with wood-fired hot tubs. Wrapped up in a chic bow, this has to be one of the best places to stay, not just in Yorkshire, but in the UK.
Find out more and book here. Kip & Nook, Pinkney Carr Farm, Darlington, DL2 2RD.
