Holidays in a tree house: 8 best places in the UK

Summer encourages many tourists to look for a place to spend their holidays outdoors. Often these are city resorts, tree houses, chalets, where visitors can fully enjoy the countryside.

The Independent has published a selection of places where tree houses are combined with swimming pools, hot tubs and natural ponds.

Whether you're looking to completely disconnect from your normal life with a digital detox or just want to explore some of the most picturesque parts of the country, these places will definitely suit you.

The Treehouses, Scotland

In Perthshire, Scotland, there are six treehouses right in the forest. The place itself has access to a variety of river and forest walks, fishing opportunities and even a new forest sauna, but if that's not enough for you, the Trossachs National Park is just five minutes away by car. While there, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, climbing, kayaking and swimming.

Of the six tree houses, Pipit is perhaps the most picturesque. It is a Scandinavian-style accommodation tucked away amongst the trees that includes a large terrace with an electric barbecue and outdoor bath.

Treetops Treehouse, Devon

The Fox and Hounds is located in the centre of Devon, set in six acres of land on the River Toe. The award-winning treehouse is a great place for both a sophisticated holiday and enjoyment of nature. Built in 2014, it is a treehouse in the more traditional sense of the word, suspended from the branches of a huge oak tree.

The treehouse consists of two bedrooms (sleeping up to four people) and a separate bathroom, as well as a cosy living room and kitchen.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Chewton Glen is a hotel and spa that offers an elegant, traditional country house retreat. The hotel offers everything you'd expect - and more - from a typically English hotel, including a spa, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts and even cooking classes, but its 14 treehouse rooms are a highly unexpected option. Each one is suspended 35 feet above the ground. Rooms range from the 61 square metre, double occupancy "Studio Suite" to "The Yews", a 167 square metre private treehouse that sleeps up to 12 people.

All suites in the treehouses feature a private terrace with a hot tub, daybeds and wood burners. The inside is even more luxurious, with underfloor heating, walk-in showers and marble bathrooms complementing the contemporary style and muted tones of the treehouses.

The Hide at Pennard Farm, Somerset

The recently opened The Hide is the newest addition to Pennard Farm. Located in a remote corner of the farm, The Hide is nestled among dozens of oak and ash trees. It has two bedrooms (sleeping four people in total).

The cottage is a luxurious wooden structure with a king-size bed, kitchen and bathroom that offers a rustic, minimalist retreat.

The veranda has a double hot tub, barbecue, pizza oven and wood stoves, meaning you can make the most of starry nights or peaceful days spent in the quiet woods.

Rufus' Roost, Yorkshire

Baxby Manor Campsite is another award-winning site on the list, offering camping, glamping and cottages in a large area next to the North York Moors National Park.

The centrepiece of the chain's facilities is Rufus' Roost, a treehouse in its own private woodland area. This treehouse has three double bedrooms in addition to a living and kitchen area, where minimalist wooden interiors are combined with rustic elements, including a hand-carved wooden staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a modern kitchen area. On the veranda, guests have access to a hot tub, seating area, pizza oven and fire pit.

Cuckoo's Hideaway, Wales

This is a treehouse from Nant Coy Cottages, a Welsh company that offers a converted barn in a location just eight miles from the Ceredigion coast in Wales.

Unlike many other treehouses, the emphasis here is on contemporary rather than rustic: smoothly painted interiors and floor-to-ceiling glass dominate the kitchen and living area, while the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom are decorated with modern elements such as marble. The outside deck has a large separate area with a hot tub, and the bar contains a seating area and a pizza oven.

Lakeside Tree House, Lancashire

This is the perfect place for a relaxing, tranquil holiday, although boating, pedal boats and nature walks are available for more active visitors. If you want to venture further afield, attractions such as Lancaster Castle and the Flower Bowl leisure centre are within easy reach.

The tree house is suitable for four people. Set in its own acre of land, its facilities are for the exclusive use of guests and include the land itself, a fire pit and barbecue, as well as a private swing set and boat.

The interior is in a contemporary style. Wood-panelled floors and ceilings are complemented by wooden bi-fold doors on the balcony, and the furniture and decoration are modern and stylish.

Two Pines, Northamptonshire

Located on an old World War II airfield, The Wilding Airfield is now a 90-acre nature reserve that prioritises "promoting the natural environment in a variety of settings".

There are only two accommodation options on the site, and while both are impressive, Two Pines House may exceed all expectations. The fully-equipped property can accommodate two people in a bedroom on the second floor, while the ground floor consists of a bathroom, kitchen and living room with wooden interiors and brightly coloured furniture.

The exterior of the building boasts a copper tub, fire pit, pizza oven and outdoor grill. The rustic design is perfect for spending time outdoors.