For many parents, The Magic Faraway Tree was a childhood favourite filled with magical woodland adventures. As a new adaptation (in UK cinemas from Friday 27 March 2026) brings the beloved story back into the spotlight, families are seeking real-life escapes that capture the same sense of wonder. In fact, searches for “glamping in the woods” have risen by 40% in the past three months, according to Google Trends, with woodland glamping breaks offering the perfect setting.
From whimsical treehouses hidden among the branches to cosy cabins beneath the canopy, these magical stays offer the chance to swap screens for forest trails, wildlife spotting and a real life fairy tale evenings under the stars.
To celebrate the return of one of Britain’s most cherished children’s stories, Glampingstays has curated five enchanting woodland retreats across the UK that feel like stepping straight into a real-life fairy tale.
1. Giraffe Enclosure, sleeps 6 in Norfolk
Hidden away in a secluded wooded dell, this enchanting safari tent feels like stepping straight into the pages of The Magic Faraway Tree. Nestled among the towering trees of King Edward VIII Wood, it offers a hidden retreat where families can escape the everyday and let their imaginations roam free. The tent sleeps up to six guests, with cosy spaces for storytelling, outdoor cooking, and evenings gathered around the fire pit beneath a canopy of stars.
Guests can also indulge in a touch of magic at the on-site Wilderness Spa, featuring a natural swimming pond, hot tub, and soothing treatments from a skilled masseuse. Just a short stroll from the shimmering Thompson Water lake and surrounded by the sprawling Thetford Forest, it’s a woodland wonderland for walks, cycles, and adventures.
As one guest raved: “Amazing location with access to lovely walks. Felt like a secret hideaway and will definitely go again.”
Prices from £775 for 3 nights
2. Woodland Hideaway, sleeps 3 in Isle of Wight
Tucked within a tranquil woodland on the Isle of Wight, this handcrafted shepherd’s hut is a fairy tale hideout where nature and imagination meet. Perfect for couples, solo travellers, or small families, it offers a serene retreat surrounded by mature trees and friendly farm animals. Inside, rustic charm blends effortlessly with thoughtful modern touches, creating a cosy and memorable stay.
Spend your days wandering the woodland trails in search of red squirrels, woodpeckers, and other wildlife, or explore nearby Butterfly and Fountain World just 2.5 miles away. Evenings are made for stargazing by the fire pit, enjoying the gentle sounds of the forest. Every corner of this enchanting hut encourages a pause from everyday life and sparks moments of wonder.
Prices from £369 for 3 nights
3. Badgers Brook Cabin, sleeps 2 in Buckinghamshire
Tucked away in a secluded woodland clearing, Badgers Brook Cabin is a hidden woodland retreat where romance and nature meet. Hand-built in the style of a traditional tabernacle, the cabin blends effortlessly with the surrounding trees and gently babbling chalk stream, creating a tranquil haven far from the everyday.
Inside, the open-plan space invites relaxation with a king-size bed, a freestanding bath, and a cosy lounge and kitchen designed for low-impact living without compromising comfort. Step outside to a wood-burning hot tub (available for an extra touch of indulgence) or gather around the fire pit to watch the forest come alive at dusk. Meandering trails through Wendover Woods beckon for peaceful strolls, and the serene setting encourages quiet moments together — the kind of escape that feels like a secret hideaway from a storybook.
Prices from £668 for 3 nights
4. Otter’s Hideaway, sleeps 5 in Mid Wales
With searches for treehouse stays rising by 80% in the past month, it’s clear travellers are craving nature-filled escapes, and Otter’s Hideaway delivers exactly that. Perched among the trees along the River Wye, this treetop safari-style glamping retreat blends nature, comfort and adventure. Just a short stroll across the river lies the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye, where families can wander quirky shops and hunt for hidden literary treasures. Canoeing and paddleboarding on the River Wye, horse riding through rolling countryside, and exploring the trails of the Brecon Beacons promise memorable days out for all ages.
Inside, the light-filled open-plan space features canvas walls, wide windows and a crackling wood burner, creating a cosy yet nature-connected retreat. Outside, let the river’s gentle flow and woodland sounds wash over you while you unwind on the covered balcony. This eco-friendly site is entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy for a low-impact stay.
Prices from £646 for 3 nights
5. Rose Hollow, Yorkshire
Rose Hollow is a charming adults-only hideaway overlooking a tranquil lake. This bespoke timber cabin feels wonderfully tucked away from the modern world, with a wood burner, handmade king-size bed and cosy interiors designed for slow, restful stays.
Step onto the veranda and sink into the rocking chair as you take in the calming lakeside views, the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or watch the sun dip behind the trees. Set within an award-winning ecological site, guests can wander through woodlands and meadows, meeting resident alpacas and spotting wildlife from kestrels and owls to bats and dragonflies, bringing their own adult fairy tale to life.
Prices from £358 for 3 nights
Jessica McMonagle, Regional Marketing Manager for Glampingstays, said: “There’s something timeless about escaping into the woods and letting children’s imaginations run free. Stories like The Magic Faraway Tree capture that same sense of adventure and wonder, and we’re seeing more families looking for set-jetting style holidays to recreate that feeling in real life. Woodland glamping breaks give families the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and spend quality time together, whether that’s exploring forest trails or simply enjoying evenings under the stars.”
About Glampingstays
Glampingstays is a UK-based self-catering holiday brand specialising in unique glamping breaks across the country. From shepherd’s huts and safari tents to woodland cabins and countryside hideaways, the collection features carefully selected properties designed to help guests reconnect with nature while enjoying the comforts of a memorable stay.
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