As its name suggests, this quintet of sleek self-catering cottages were once a row of traditional flint cartsheds, tucked in the grounds of Jacobean manor Sharrington Hall, just a few miles inland from North Norfolk’s watery coastline. Now they’re sporting beautiful slate and oak floors draped in reindeer skins, muted-grey vintage furnishings and rustic driftwood lanterns. Soak in one of the cottage’s indulgently large roll-top tubs, enjoy a lazy morning breakfast in a smart four-poster bed or whip up a feast from the surrounding area’s renowned local produce in a bespoke hand-built kitchen (snazzy mod cons included).

Looking through floor-to-ceiling windows to the deserted green fields that surround this modern cabin, you’d never believe you were only half an hour from the bright lights of Glasgow city centre. With light and airy wood-clad interiors, a swish powder-pink fitted kitchenette and impressive eco-credentials including wool insulation, solar panelling and water from the working farm’s private spring, this secluded hideaway has all you need for a proper unplugged escape. No TV or WiFi here. Climb the craggy Kilsyth Hills, hire mountain bikes, canoes and kayaks or settle in for a night of stargazing from the bothy’s outdoor deck – no binoculars required.

Hugging the borders of the ancient pine forest, The Dell of Abernethy is a rural paradise offering a spacious family lodge with bare wooden floorboards, pillowy leather sofas and retro-chic furnishings, as well as four adjoining cosy cottages that sleep between two and seven people. All accommodation is self-catering, but the nifty Dell Grocer delivers homegrown groceries, meal kits, bundles of local produce and hand-selected wines straight to your cottage door.

These shepherd huts set on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park are about as remote as you get – you’ll park your car and be picked up by a Supacat to take you across the fields. Plus you can, quite literally, see the stars from your bed. With curved glass skylights, mighty roll-top baths and beautiful, handcrafted interiors, this is glamping kicked up a gear. Explore the surrounding Buckland Abbey estate by day, then enjoy the sound of silence by night.

Silence is golden at Gitcombe Estate. Set back almost a mile from a quiet country lane that links Dartmoor with Totnes, the collection of nine cottages in this secluded South Devon valley offer the ideal getaway for those looking for a bit of calm, rural solitude. Choose from Gitcombe House – the original farmhouse complete with a traditional Aga and flagstone floors – the adjoining Coach House, a row of restored stone barns converted into dainty cottages or the estate’s swish contemporary outpost that sits at the brow of the valley. Throw in a hot tub, two heated swimming pools, a sauna and a tennis court and you’ll never want to leave (unless you’re tempted by the impressive selection of nearby beaches – they happen to be some of the best in Devon).

These incredible handcrafted pods look more like a clutch of magical wooden spaceships than “igluhuts”, as they are called by those in the know. Inside, whitewashed walls and brightly coloured boho cushions sit atop vintage leather armchairs, while the bed is cradled inside a cosy nook at the far end of the pod. Within a 10-acre wooded site, there’s a lake and sauna huts nestled among the trees, and an on-site honesty shop offering homemade meals and yoga classes run by the owner’s daughter.

A blissfully quiet hideout hidden within 70 acres of forested countryside, this cool little loft is packed with character and charm. Think sheepskin rugs, vintage trimmings and a swoon-worthy pink Chesterfield sofa set against exposed wooden beams and beautiful stained-glass windows. Bathe in the forest by day, strolling past waterfalls and mountain passes along the way, or gaze up at the dazzling sky by night from the hideaway’s stargazing balcony (this is a Dark Sky Reserve). We wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to leave.

Renovated by the same killer team as sister pub The Swan in
Wedmore, this 16th-century pub-with-rooms has eight en-suite
bedrooms, each with their own unique quirks and charms. Think
sumptuous cast-iron baths beneath mismatched patterned tiles,
king-size four-poster beds and vintage oak furnishings. Downstairs,
wooden beams and stone alcoves lead to the bar and restaurant, with
food served up by ex-River Café chef Tom Blake. An impressive menu
puts local Somerset produce front and centre.