Hesleyside Huts

Home to the Border Reiver Charlton family for over 750 years, Hesleyside Hall and its surrounding estate is a unique and truly beautiful place to stay, deep in the heart of Northumberland, close to the banks of the River North Tyne and not far from Kielder Forest, England's largest woodland and man-made lake. It's a magical place with a grandeur that belies its somewhat modest moniker – not only because of its expansive grounds and heritage, but also because the accommodation on offer is so much more than a few humble huts. Indeed, Hesleyside Huts offers as varied and luxurious a set of glamping options as you'll find anywhere in the UK.

For starters, there are two classic shepherds huts for couples – Heather and Bracken – one of which deservedly featured in George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. Handcrafted from reclaimed oak and insulated with sheep’s wool, these are cosy and self-sufficient creations, with a king-size bed, wood-burning stove and oven, plus a proper shower and loo. Each hut has a covered veranda with rocking chairs and a wood-fired outdoor bath. And, of course, it just wouldn’t be glamping without an open fire – all the huts and cabins at Hesleyside have their own private campfire, with a starter pack of firewood, cooking equipment and those essential marshmallows thoughtfully provided.

For a larger option, there’s Bramble – a converted vintage caravan or 'roulotte', whose spacious interior can accommodate a young family, with mum and dad enjoying a king-size four-poster while the kids hunker down in a separate bunk room. There's also a wood-burning stove, gas oven and hob, shower and loo, and again a covered verandah with rocking chairs to relax in and wood-fired outdoor bath to soak in.

There are several other more distinct options for adventurous glampers. Holly is an utterly charming chapel on wheels – the perfect romantic retreat for loved-up couples, with a king-size bed, copper roll-top bath, en-suite shower and wood-burning stove. Rowan is a 'wilderness cabin' with verandah and outdoor bath, king-size bed and wood-burner. Skylark is a fairytale treehouse that can sleep up to four people in unprecedented comfort – with a king-size bed and two singles and a spacious outdoor deck with a copper bath; and all the amenities of home inside, including a wood-burning stove, fully equipped kitchen with gas hob, oven, fridge and dishwasher.

For our money though, the star of the show (pun very much intended) is The Raven – a stylish watchtower in the woods complete with retractable stargazing rooftop. This striking four-storey structure harks back to the Northumbrian battlements of yesteryear – yet there's nothing antiquated about the setup here. With a romantic wood-burning stove, king-sized bed with 6000 sprung mattress, and luxurious freestanding handcrafted wooden bathtub, this is strictly a cabin for couples. It's all so wonderfully private, with the nearest neighbours some 70 metres away. Dogs are welcome too, and there's even an outdoor enclosure for your four-legged friend. The outdoor fire pit means you can still enjoy that authentic marshmallow toasting experience before retreating indoors to your luxury lodge. And when the darkness draws in, hit the button to retract that roof and enjoy the night sky's dazzling display.

What about things to do? Well, you can explore the stunning estate grounds to your heart's content. There’s 4,000 acres in total, all falling within the glorious Northumberland National Park – there’s no end of riverside rambles or woodland trails to explore and the parkland and gardens were designed by the legendary Capability Brown. Combined with the comfort and uniqueness of your accommodation, it may mean you don't stray too far, especially if you're keen on stargazing – Northumberland is a designated Dark Sky Reserve. In fact, it was England’s first Dark Sky Park and arguably the best place in England to see the Milky Way. So needless to say, the night skies here are spectacular. Your helpful hosts at Hesleyside equip all accommodation with a stargazing kit containing a set of binoculars, a telescope and handy guides so you can spot the constellations. And if you fancy getting a closer look, the famous Kielder Observatory is a mere 20 minutes away.

Elsewhere, the glories of the Northumberland National are on your doorstep, including nearby Kielder Water which hosts sailing, canoeing and kayaking, plus a whole range of other activities. The surrounding valley is home to mountain biking and numerous walking trails. The Roman ruins of Hadrian’s Wall are a 30-minute drive away – a must visit for old and young alike. While for a longer day trip, the Northumberland Coast beckons. And once you've finished exploring, it's nice to know that the warmth and comfort of your chosen Hesleyside Hut is waiting for you when you return.