Experience breathtaking off-grid holidays in the UK

Everyday life is becoming more and more hectic. Smartphones are blurring the line between work and home with social media scrolling becoming second nature. So it makes sense that every so often we want to truly escape and get away from it all. Fortunately, there are stunning off-grid breaks across the UK to suit every budget and comfort level.

Discover some of our favourite hidden gems and find inspiration for a low-impact, peaceful weekend escape.

1. Peak District Hideout, Peak District

Peak District Hideout is the epitome of an off-grid escape. This compact eco-cabin sits at the heart of the Peak District, surrounded by nothing but rolling hills. You can spend your days hiking, climbing and wild swimming before curling up next to a roaring campfire as the night draws in.

2. The Hawthbush Farm Cabins, East Sussex

Escape among the majesty of ancient woodland with a trip to the Hawthbush Farm Cabins. Located on an 140-acre organic farm where wildlife roams freely in the heart of rural East Sussex, the Hawthbush Farm Cabins showcase how sustainability and home comforts can go hand in hand. From providing water from the farm’s own spring to heating the cottages using a central biomass boiler, you can holiday where being kind to the land is key.

3. Skoolie Stays, South Downs

For a secluded yet luxurious off-grid retreat with a twist, how about a stay on a converted American school bus? Skoolie Stays is tucked away in the rural Sussex countryside and offers an off-grid experience like no other.

The bus itself has been lovingly restored with recycled and repurposed materials to combine the original features with modern luxuries. It is fully insulated with sheep’s wool, incorporates water-saving technology and also runs off of solar panels. Sleeping 2-4, it provides the ideal blend of quirky escapism for couples or families.

4. The Woodcock, Norfolk

The Woodcock eco cabin in Norfolk provides a coastal off-grid holiday spot, located on an organic farm that’s burrowed between Norfolk’s beaches and marshes. A preferred spot for couples looking for a true digital detox, The Woodcock has no electricity.

Night times are lit by candles, lanterns and moonlight for an extra romantic feel. But it’s not all back to basics here as the eco cabin boasts a flushing toilet, a wood-fired bath tub for long soaks and facilities to make dinner and drinks to enjoy on the deck.

5. Berwyn, Wales

The Berwyn cabin in Llangollen, Wales, offers a stunning off-grid retreat with breathtaking views across the Berwyn Mountain Range. Perfect for those looking for an escape from modern life, this hideaway runs on solar power and features a composting toilet for true sustainability.

Embrace the wild side with the provided fire pit and campfire cooking equipment for an outdoor dining experience. Despite the off-grid setting, you can still experience comfort with a luxurious king size bed and a hot shower after a long day of hiking.

6. Wild Camping, Scotland

Embrace your more adventurous side and try sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature with a spot of wild camping. Many describe wild camping as the perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life. However, you will need to do some planning before you set off, such as:

• Where you can legally camp in the UK.
• Camping kit that you need to pack.
• How to safely camp in the wild.

Wild camping is legal in most of Scotland, except for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. But there are still a wealth of stunning natural locations to choose from for a weekend of hiking among nature. A beginner’s guide to wild camping in the UK is a great place to start, but do seek advice before packing your tent and heading out into the wilderness.