10 of the best shepherd’s hut stays in the UK
Traditional shepherd’s huts have come a long way since the days when they provided simple accommodation for those tending their flocks in the fields. These days, they’ve been elevated to characterful, comfortable and cosy places to stay – and without losing any of that classic rural charm. These lovely little huts could well be the place for you if you fancy the idea of a peaceful spot where you can gaze out at the countryside from your bed, or perhaps cook up a delicious dinner just outside your little rolling home.
Jump to our list of 10 of the best UK shepherd’s huts
Why stay in a shepherd’s hut?
Having the rural vibe of an outdoor stay but the assurance that you’ll stay warm and dry is one of the big selling points of glamping – and that’s certainly true of shepherd’s huts, which tend to have a particularly cosy atmosphere thanks to their compact size and wooden construction. This makes them especially great picks for cooler areas or off-season stays when you can never quite be sure of what the weather might do.
The exact details vary from place to place, but generally speaking much of the equipment you’ll need for a fantastic outdoor stay is provided in a shepherd’s hut, so they also make great options for those travelling light or just staying for a night or two.
Who are shepherd’s hut stays suitable for?
Traditional shepherd’s huts tend to be fairly compact in size, so in general they’re fabulous for a cosy couple’s break, or perhaps for a solo traveller seeking somewhere safe and secure to stay. That said, most shepherd’s huts are individually designed, so some sites have been able to construct more spacious ones that are suitable for family adventures with the kids.
It’s worth remembering that even the double beds in shepherd’s huts tend to be on the smaller side, so they may not be ideal for taller people or those of larger stature. It’s best to check the details on the site’s information page to make sure you’ll be comfortable during your stay.
What’s provided in a shepherd’s hut?
Shepherd’s huts are usually well furnished, with a bed, seating and a certain amount of kitchen kit (anything from a kettle and mini fridge to a full kitchen). Some larger, more luxurious huts may have an ensuite shower room, but given the small stature of many shepherd’s huts, it’s more likely that the toilet and shower facilities will be housed elsewhere.
Beyond the essentials, anything goes – some huts are kept simple while others have all sorts of extras including a firepit, a TV and a hot tub outside. You can find out exactly what’s provided at your site by checking the list of features before you set off – that way, you can pack accordingly and make sure you’ll have all the bits you need for a relaxing break.
Where can I find shepherd’s huts?
Shepherd’s huts can be found in all sorts of locations, from farms to stately home estates. Many sites will just have one or two, although some have several to choose from. You can see all the options on Pitchup by using the tick boxes to search for ‘shepherd’s huts’ or simply by clicking on the link below.
Search all shepherd’s huts on Pitchup
10 of the best UK shepherd’s hut stays
From family farms to coastal locations to grand estates, there are lots of fabulous places to stay in a shepherd’s hut. Here, we’ve picked 10 of the best UK shepherd’s huts – all of which have been given great reviews by previous Pitchup customers.
South Town Farm
Loxhore, Barnstaple
Devon EX31 4SS
Why here? If you’re setting off in search of space to relax, you’ll find plenty of that at South Town Farm – 200 acres of it, in fact. And as if that wasn’t enough, the farm is part of the National Trust’s
Arlington Estate, which stretches out over 2,700 acres of gorgeous Devon countryside. You’ll be able to look out over a great swathe of that countryside from your hut, which is parked up in a quiet corner of the farm’s camping field with stunning views. The surroundings make a fabulous backdrop for an evening by the firepit, but they’re also equally excellent when viewed through the windows while curled up in an armchair or cosied up in bed with the woodburning stove going.
Key facilities: Private kitchen hut, firepit, woodburning stove, shower and toilet nearby
One last thing: You’d best bring your walking boots – there are miles of trails around the estate’s grounds, and the farm is within a half-hour drive of the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor National Park.
New Farm
The Red House, Dilwyn
Herefordshire HR4 8JS
Why here? Well, what’s a shepherd’s hut without sheep? You’ll have woolly neighbours at this family-run Herefordshire site… and that’s not all, because New Farm is also home to pygmy goats, giant rabbits, chickens and an Indian runner duck, and you’re welcome to get involved with
the daily feeding schedule. It all adds up to a rather lovely rural atmosphere that’s continued in the surroundings, where you can find walks, canoe trips and castles, plus a lovely local pub a short walk away – although it’s quite possible that you’ll prefer a meal cooked up on the barbecue just outside your cosy shepherd’s hut.
Key facilities: Barbecue, woodburning stove, shower and toilet nearby
One last thing: What you’ll get here is not one hut but two – the main shepherd’s hut has a double bed while the other has bunk beds and makes a great space for kids to have a mini adventure.
Coutts Glamping
Chapel Farm, Edmonton
Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7JA
Why here? The bright blue shepherd’s hut at this north Cornwall site is one of a collection of accommodation units that have all been thoughtfully set up and kitted out with lots of handy amenities. Coutts Glamping is a particularly good place to stay if you enjoy meeting like-minded
travellers – although the hut has its own kitchen annex and outdoor eating area, you may prefer to head over to the shared firepit/barbecue area for chats over drinks around the campfire. For less clement days, the site also has a social cabin with a sofa, fire and TV (plus useful lockers and charging points for each unit).
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, social space, firepit/barbecue area, showers, private toilet
One last thing: There’s much to explore in the local area, but it’s worth trying to be around at sunset if possible, as the owners recommend a very short stroll to a viewpoint over the Camel Estuary that’s often treated to spectacular sunsets .
High Ashes Haven
High Ashes Farm, Ashover
Chesterfield, Derbyshire S45 0LH
Why here? There’s been a farm on this spot since 1640 – and a quick look at the views will
probably give you an idea of why one might want to settle here for such a long time. This friendly site is just on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with gorgeously green views all around – in fact, it’s all so scenic that the area was given a starring role in the 2019 film Mary Queen of Scots. Your accommodation at High Ashes Haven has the look of a classic hut that may have once roamed these hills, but inside it’s a more modern affair with things like an electric heater and a kettle as well as cosy bedding.
Key facilities: Kitchen area, firepit, pizza oven, toilet and shower nearby
One last thing: Outdoor time should be nice and warm here thanks to the firepit (with logs provided) – and you can also have a go at open-air cooking with the wood-fired pizza oven.
Severn Valley Touring Caravan and Camping Site
Awre, Newnham
Gloucestershire GL14 1EJ
Why here? The views from this Gloucestershire site are quite spectacular, with kestrels and red kites often flying overhead and scenery stretching as far as the Forest of Dean and the Malvern
Hills on a clear day. And arguably, they’re even better if you’ve got a lovely pint of local cider in hand… so it’s handy that Severn Valley Touring Caravan and Camping Site is less than five minutes’ walk from a traditional cider producer. Once you’ve sipped your pint at your outdoor table, retreat inside your cosy hut which is kitted out with lots of lovely things, including an ensuite shower room, a well-equipped kitchen and beds made up.
Key facilities: Kitchen, heating, ensuite shower room
One last thing: The River Severn is about half a mile away – if you time your stay well you may get to see the bizarre phenomenon known as the Severn Bore, where surfable waves roll down the river.
Book Severn Valley Touring Caravan and Camping Site
Hideaway Camping
Higher Melbury, Northlew
Okehampton, Devon EX20 3PG
Why here? You’ll probably want to stay here for the name alone, because at Hideaway Camping you’ll be living in none other than Jabba the (shepherd’s) Hut. There’s an awful lot more on offer
at this lovely Devon shepherd’s hut though – it’s a nicely spacious unit with a double bed, a kitchenette and table and chairs, plus space to sit out on the deck warming yourselves by the chimenea and gazing up at the stars. It’s all part of a relaxed rural site that’s within striking distance of Dartmoor, the Tarka Trail and lots of other great places to walk or cycle.
Key facilities: Kitchen and chimenea provided, showers and toilets nearby
One last thing: If you need a bit of a hand getting into holiday relaxation mode, sign up for reflexology, reiki, massage or shamanic healing sessions on site to fast-forward you into that blissful state.
Rosedale
Lymn Bank East, Thorpe St Peter
Lincolnshire PE24 4PJ
Why here? The shepherd’s hut at Rosedale has been cleverly set up with beds for four, so it makes a fine choice for a family break close to the Lincolnshire coast. Lots of essentials are provided
(including heating, a fridge and a picnic table) but you’ll be asked to bring along other bits such as towels and cooking kit – and this slightly stripped-down approach is one that helps to keep the costs down for an affordable adventure with or without the kids. There are plenty of things to do nearby too, whether you’re after a busy time in Skegness or quieter days out watching wildlife at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve.
Key facilities: Communal cooking area, heating, fridge, toilets and showers nearby
One last thing: If you’re too worn out to contemplate cooking, there’s a well-loved country pub five minutes’ walk away that serves up home-cooked meals and real ales in its beer garden or by the open fire.
Dewflock Farm
Winterborne Monkton, Dorchester
Dorset DT2 8NP
Why here? This Dorset site is a little diamond – Dewflock Farm is in a very scenic spot, and it’s also one that’s very handy for getting out and about into the surrounding countryside or down to the
Jurassic Coast thanks to nearby bus stops and bike routes. There are several shepherd’s huts here, all with their own name and character, but what they all share is some splendid views and collection of useful additions including cosy bedding, a mini kitchen, atmospheric lighting and a firepit.
Key facilities: Breakfast café, field kitchen, play area, games room
One last thing: Those Dorset views will be even more delicious when enjoyed with something tasty from the breakfast café to get the day off to a good start – or with one of the freshly cooked pizzas that are available on certain evenings.
Rouselands Farm Camping
Rouselands Farm, Sundays Hill
Brinkworth, Chippenham
Wiltshire SN15 5AT
Why here? You’ll get a proper sense of farm life while staying at this site in the Cotswolds countryside. Rouselands Farm Camping is part of a family-run Wiltshire farm, and it’s a place where
you can meet the animals, relax by the pond or head out for rural walks and bike rides. Or you could settle down for a fabulous feast, using the barbecue provided to grill up some of the farm’s own beef or lamb. Whichever activity you choose, you’ll eventually retreat to a cosy hut that’s got space for four and has gorgeous views out over the surrounding hills.
Key facilities: Meat sales, barbecue, kitchenette, toilets and showers nearby
One last thing: This is a lovely spot for tours of the Cotswolds, but you can also set off for city days in the likes of Bristol or Bath, which are both about half an hour’s drive away.
Wantisden Park
40 Fenn Row, Wantisden
Butley, Suffolk IP12 3PJ
Why here? A wonderful mix of countryside and coast awaits for guests at Wantisden Park, in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And a splendid stay in a cosy
shepherd’s hut for two also awaits – this hut is a properly luxurious one, with a woodburning stove, a full kitchen and a stunning ensuite bathroom, as well as the cosy bed where you can have a lazy lie-in and look out at the lovely Suffolk surroundings. And we’ve not even mentioned the best bit… which is surely the Swedish hot tub set up just outside the hut for evenings spent raising a glass while the sun sets.
Key facilities: Café, shop, private hot tub, kitchen, ensuite bathroom
One last thing: The hut’s kitchen is well equipped, but if you’re in full-on holiday mood you may prefer to take it easy and stroll over to the site’s café for a nice easy meal.
More shepherd’s hut stays around the UK
Keen to find more options for shepherd’s hut holidays around the UK now you’ve had a taste of what’s available? Click on the links below to browse our collections in each country
Find shepherd’s hut glamping in England