14 Magical Woodland Getaways Less Than 90 Minutes From London

Fancy a mini-break in a forest yurt, woodland cabin or luxury tent? Go on a glamping holiday near London with our guide to rural weekend breaks.

Georgie Mortimer - Executive Editor • 23 January, 2025

otto cabin in hertfordshire by unplugged rest — Credit: Unplugged Rest

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When you need a break from London life – and boy, do we all need a break – what better place to venture off to than the gorgeous British countryside? These places are all less than ninety minutes from the city, but you’ll feel like you’re in magical fairytale far, far away.

1. Otto, Hertfordshire

Just an hour away from North London on the edge of an ancient woodland, you’ll find Otto – a stone’s throw from the Chiltern Way. Surrounded by woodland views, you can opt for a total digital detox and put your phone away in a phone lock box. You can also bring your furry friends along and go for long lush walks surrounded by wildlife.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Hemel Hampstead (approx. 1 hour away from London Euston)

2. Mabel, East Sussex

mabel cabin by unplugged rest set in east sussex — Credit: Unplugged Rest

90 minutes away, you’ll find Mabel – a lovely little cabin set in a woodland clearing with views of surrounding fields and passing horses. You have your own little outdoor seating area with a fire pit for cozy months as well as a secret spot to admire the stunning views Sussex countryside has to offer – which is also a regular spot for nearby horses to reside.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Robertsbridge (1 hour from London Bridge station)

3. Heidi, East Sussex

heidi cabin in east sussex set in a woodland forest — Credit: Unplugged Rest

Heidi is set in its own forest clearing surrounded by beautiful woodland and looks directly into the forest. The cabin is fully equipped and is only a few minutes walk to the rolling hills. You’ll also find horses, pigs and other native British wildlife only a stones throw from the cabin.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Robertsbridge (1 hour from London Bridge station)

4. Willow, Tunbridge Wells

cabin by unplugged rest in tunbridge wells — Credit: Unplugged Rest

Close to Tunbridge Wells and Ashdown Forest, you’ll find Willow – a stunning cabin on a secluded private estate surrounded by views of the forest. Less than an hour away from London, you’re surrounded by acres of nature, little lakes and streams.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Tunbridge Wells / Ashhurst (1 hour from Waterloo, Charing Cross or London Bridge)

5. Kushti Yurt, Sussex

Just a stone’s throw away from the actual, real life Hundred Acre Wood, this beautiful Asian-inspired yurt will make all your dreams come true. You know, those dreams of playing Pooh Sticks at Pooh Bridge and lounging around on fancy futons while staring at the stars. We know you’ve had them.

Sleeps 2-4 – check availability here.

Nearest station: East Grinstead (approx. 1 hour from Victoria station)

6. The Nut Plat Wagon, Kent

kent-cabin-wagon-countryside — [Canopy & Stars]

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning the ultimate romantic weekend, but this old road worker’s wagon is more charming than you may think. Believe it or not, there’s a full-sized double bed packed inside there, as well as plenty of champagne.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Sevenoaks (approx. 25 mins from London Bridge station)

7. Kingfisher Yurt, Buckinghamshire

buckinghamshire-yurt-countryside — [Canopy & Stars]

Hidden away in a magical garden surrounded by wildlife, this beautiful yurt – decked out with antique rugs and fairy lights – is the perfect place for a peaceful mini break. Spreadeagle in the comfy king size bed, or get steamy in the wood-fired hot tub. Despite its secluded feel, it’s actually only a short walk from the town, the station and, more importantly, the pub.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Wendover (approx. 45 mins from Marylebone station)

8. Idaho Cabin, Sussex

Escape the hustle and bustle and get cosy in a cabin made almost entirely from wood. Awaken to the sound of owls hooting and your troubles melting away (if you’re not sure what that sounds like, you need this break more than you think).

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: East Grinstead (approx. 1 hour from Victoria station)

9. Badger’s Bower, Buckinghamshire

This lovely little cabin is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With an outdoor hammock and a big bathtub for horizontal de-stressing, you’ll return to London with a brand new lease of life.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Wendover (approx. 45 mins from Marylebone station)

10. Cute Caravan, Kent

Retro arcade games, tennis, a heated pool, an ‘honesty’ bar and two resident cats. If we haven’t just described your perfect weekend then who even are you?

Sleeps 2-8 (with two other Airstream trailers on site) – check availability here.

Nearest station: Marden (approx. 50 mins from London Bridge station)

11. Nightingale Tent, Sussex

Nestled in the heart of Knepp Estate’s wildland, enjoy a local safari and admire the amazing wildlife before firing up the BBQ and enjoying a beer and some, erm, *very* locally sourced steak (sorry veggies, you might not like this one).

Sleeps 2-24 (there are seven other yurts, tents and huts across the site!) – check availability here.

Nearest station: Horsham (approx. 50 mins from Victoria station)

12. The Raft, Chigborough

Float away, alongside your worries, on this 2-storey floating cabin. Splash around in a rowing boat, hop into the hot tub, fish for trout or enjoy a refreshing shower with a view of the lake.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Witham (approx. 45 mins from Liverpool Street station)

13. The Saltbox, Kent

The-saltbox-kent-nature-reserve — [Canopy & Stars]

Tucked away in the only nature reserve that you can legally spend the night in, The Saltbox boasts fantastic views through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Wake up to spectacular sunrises, toast marshmallows, explore wildlife trails, try your hand at pond dipping or, for the ultimate relaxation, book in a massage.

Sleeps 2 – check availability here.

Nearest station: Swale (approx. 1hr from St Pancras International to Sittingbourne, then 10 mins to Swale)

14. de Glottyngham Geodome, Sussex

You’ll find this geodesic dome in a sunny glade, just below the site of an ancient castle and in the very spot that the Romans first made charcoal. Bury yourself in merino wool bed covers, sheepskin rugs and quirky cushions, venture outside to discover the surrounding wildlife, or cook in your very own outdoor kitchen.

Sleeps 2-4 (with room for 7 friends at nearby domes) – check availability here.

Nearest Station: Robertsbridge (approx. 1hr 15mins from London Bridge station)

Tags: camping, Getaways, holiday, nature, outdoor, weekend