Review: Unyoked cabins, across the UK
If you’re in need of an escape from the busy world – from pinging laptops, a backdrop of humming traffic – without heading miles into the wilderness, I think I’ve found the perfect boltholes. Head far from the madding WiFi signal to an Unyoked cabin and really switch off for a little while.
Unyoked’s tiny houses are dotted across the UK (as well as Australia and New Zealand) and are totally off-grid, so whether you find yourself in a mountain pass or a woodland glade, you’re guaranteed peace and quiet. I think these dinky cabins are perfect if camping isn’t quite your thing – they’re kitted out with comfy beds, mini kitchens and hot water – but you still want to feel like you’re immersed in nature.
Unyoked’s cabins are all similar, and are minimalist in the best way. Think sustainable timber, huge picture windows that frame the wild outside, and a small but perfectly formed kitchenette with everything you need (plus proper coffee). Booking a stay is fuss-free, too – the hard bit is picking a cabin. They’re scattered across Britain and rated according to how ‘adventurous’ they are to find on foot and you can even check how good the phone signal is at your chosen bolthole and if they accept dogs. Some are easily reached from London, some are in the wildest corners of Wales. Then Unyoked will send you coordinates and photo instructions a few days before you arrive at your hidey-hole. Hike in, unlock the door with a code, and settle into your own private pocket of nature. This is solitude without isolation.
Our forest home was Flint – a ‘medium spicy’ adventure cabin in North Norfolk. The walk in was actually very simple – ten minutes through peaceful woodland from where we left our car. Signs guided the way, and trundling our belongings with us under tall pines in a wheelbarrow felt like we were really escaping (even if we had to make two trips to bring all our baby’s bits and bobs). There in a clearing on the edge of the wood stood Flint, lit up gold by the setting sun.
Unyoked’s cabins are small but perfectly formed – inside you’ll find a big bed, a dinky kitchen and a surprisingly swish bathroom. Flint was a bit of a squeeze with a baby’s bulky travel cot and I might not recommend bringing a little one to an Unyoked cabin if it’s forecast to pour with rain, but we had lovely late summer sunshine and the cabin was perfect for a family of three, as we could spread a blanket out for Sylvie to crawl around on while we cooked supper over the fire pit. Once Sylvie had gone to sleep indoors, we had a glass of wine and crisps by the crackling fire and a welcome few moments of calm. We had to sneak inside to go to bed but it was worth it for a really deep night’s sleep. There was no noise of civilization at all as we dropped off, just a few hooting owls for company.
Cabins from £318 for a two-night stay, sleeping 2-3
