These days, something happens almost every day that gives us more and more opportunities to think, “F*** it, I’m off back to nature.” If you ever get the feeling of switching off all your electronics and living a little simpler, we’ve scoped out this off-grid spot in the Yorkshire Dales, where you can forget about the notifications and immerse yourself in nature.
These secluded Tree Lodges at Swinton Bivouac sleep up to six people and make the perfect woodland retreat right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, near Masham. These stripped-back wooden lodges are a truly authentic and intimate place to relax with family and focus on what really matters in life.
The cabins emulate the great outdoors with natural materials and earthy finishes, making them the perfect place to escape. From your rustic woodland balcony, you can take in the surrounding sights and sounds and appreciate what nature has to offer. Immersed among the trees, you can sit back, listen to the sounds of nature and watch the branches sway in the wind. Autumn is the perfect time of year to witness the golden leaves falling from the trees, but it is equally as tranquil in all seasons.
Inside the Tree Lodges
Inside, the lodges sleep six. There is one king-size bed, one double and two single beds. It’s all open-plan, so everyone will be sleeping in close quarters – get used to it, as you’ll be getting close quickly.
The king-size bed is up on a rustic-style mezzanine, so you can shout down to the kids when they’re up at the crack of dawn.
It’s the perfect setting to finish that book you’ve been working on, play cards with the family by the warm glow of the fire and swap stories away from the fast-paced life that we all seem to lead these days.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you’ll need to cook a hearty meal. There is a gas hob, so you don’t have to rub two sticks together. The open-plan living space is great for entertaining, so if you’re thinking of going with friends and family, you’ll have plenty of room for fun.
The wood-burning stove will keep the lodge warm, making it cosy whatever the season. The lodges are electricity-free and candle-lit, giving you a proper chance to switch off from the modern world.
There is also an en-suite shower with gas-powered hot water, so you can enjoy a hot shower every morning.
A private hot tub
Outside, you can enjoy your own wood-fired hot tub. You can arrange for it to be pre-heated before your arrival, or get stuck in and heat it yourself during your stay.
There’s nothing better than soaking in a hot tub with a couple of beers, listening to the birds tweeting, leaves rustling in the wind and the odd bleat of a sheep – all while pushing the worries out of your mind and allowing it to slow down.
The lodges also have a hammock in the trees, while guests have access to the woodland sauna and the meadow tipi with its firepit, subject to availability.
Check out our trip to Swinton Bivouac on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales below:
Dog-friendly
The lodges are pet-friendly, so little Fido doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. We’re sure he’ll enjoy getting back to nature as much as you, if not more!
There is a maximum of two dogs per Tree Lodge, and dogs must be booked in advance. An additional charge applies.
Things to do nearby
A stone’s throw from the stay is the famous Druid’s Temple, an amazing folly located in the woods that makes for the perfect walk if you can pull yourself away from the hot tub for an hour or so.
The Druid’s Temple is a short walk from the Tree Lodges and Bivouac Café, and the area is popular for walking and cycling. There are also miles of trails across the wider Swinton Estate.
If you fancy something a little more luxurious, you can head over to the Swinton Estate, book yourself in for a meal or treat yourself to some time at the spa. Spa access is also available as an add-on for Bivouac guests, subject to the terms and availability.
There is also the Bivouac Café, just a five-minute walk from the Tree Lodges, where you can grab breakfast, lunch, supper, coffee and cake. Pre-prepared meals made by the Swinton Estate chefs are also available if you don’t fancy cooking yourself.
If you’d like to find out more about these lodges, then click here to get more information on your stay.
Swinton Bivouac is at High Knowle Farm, Knowle Lane, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 4JZ.
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