The UK’s best nature holidays, from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall coast
From human-sized beehives to yurts by the sea, we've found something for every taste and budget
TOO much overindulging this festive season?
Then why not undo it all by booking an affordable and healthy holiday?
There is no better way to blow away the cobwebs than by reconnecting with nature - and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
From human-sized beehives to yurts by the sea, we've found something for every taste and budget.
Here are eight country escapes with fresh air and beautiful surroundings on tap.
Ullapool, Scottish Highlands
Wild Scottish mountains, sweeping loch views and cosy accommodation await at Studio Hoose.
The cabin, sleeping four, is above Loch Broom in the Highlands and has features such as underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove.
Nearby activities include walking, cycling and kayaking.
Ullapool, brimming with culture and history, is a short drive away.
From £32.50pppn, based on four sharing. See or call 0117 204 7830.
Newquay, Cornwall
Families on a shoestring budget can pay as little as £12 per person per night at new camping site The Fir Hill.
Guests sleep in yurts (sleeping six) with a private outdoor kitchen, terrace and firepit.
There are wetrooms and a cafe on the site, which is "offgrid".
It has its own spring water supply and power is generated by solar energy.
Take a coastal walk or surf at Watergate Bay or Fistral Beach, both a ten-minute drive away.
From £12pppn, based on six sharing. See .
Sturminster Newton, Dorset
A bus has been converted into quirky accommodation at campsite Stock Gaylard.
The doubledecker once took people around the Norfolk coast but has been given a new lease of life with five single beds, kitchen and indoor and open-air dining areas.
There is a shower, bath and compost loo.
A further six people can stay in the nearby bunkhouse and yurt. Try activities such as fishing and archery, or head south to explore Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast.
From £11.64pppn, based on 11 sharing. See , call 0117 204 7830.
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
The National Trust has launched more than 170 "working holidays".
How about building a nature trail in the woods?
From March 11-16, volunteers heading to Clumber Park can plant trees, build sculptures and sow seeds.
You stay in Clumber Park Bunkhouse, a restored gardener's cottage with woodland walks and bike rides on the doorstep.
Sherwood Forest is 20 minutes away by car.
From £140 (Holiday Reference: 18ETN173). See .
Horsham, West Sussex
Knepp Wildland Safaris is a group of eight boltholes dotted around a wildflower meadow, from bell tents to vintage huts.
There's a shared kitchen, plus showers and a drying room.
The ideal place to kick back and listen to the wildlife.
From £41.50pppn, based on two sharing. See or call 0117 204 7830.
Rhayader, Powys
Animal lovers should book a stay at Valley View, home to alpacas, donkeys, goats and birds of prey.
Try falconry then cosy up in your digs, a traditional wagon (sleeping four) complete with a woodburning stove, a barbecue and gas burners.
There is no electricity or on-site showers.
"Traditionalstyle washing facilities" are in the wagons.
Nature reserves, a riding centre and fishing ponds are nearby.
A two-night stay costs from £37.50pp, based on four sharing. See .
Broxbourne, Herfordshire
Londoners keen to escape the city should head to Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite.
It is five miles outside of the M25 but feels a world away, with woodland glades, hammocks, 17 pitches and a rustic vibe.
The family friendly site has a composting loo, fresh water supply and logs for the fire.
Nearby activities include white water rafting, sailing and kayaking.
Arrive by bike from Stratford's Olympic Park (16 miles away) or hop on the train from Liverpool Street (30 minutes).
Book now for a summer break (the site is open March to September). Two nights from £16 per person, based on up to three sharing a grass pitch in July or August. See .
Okehampton, Devon
Humble Bee is a beehive-inspired cabin on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Sip bubbly in the outdoor bath or snuggle up beneath thick furs on the bed.
The cabin sleeps two and has its own kitchen.
Bikes are available to hire.
From £60pppn, based on two sharing. See or call 0117 204 7830.