Inspiring log cabin ideas

The thought of a log cabin often conjures up the serene scene of a cute timber pitched roof nestled on a mountain side of snowcapped fir trees. The veranda could be framed with flickering fairy lights and a slim trail of smoke coming from the warming wood burner piping up into a Scandinavian sky.

As lovely as that sounds, these days you don't need a return flight with Norwegian airlines to enjoy the idyllic sense of woodland retreats, there are plenty of fabulous log cabins holidays in the UK to soak up the rustic country air in this authentic style. Perhaps you fancy total wilderness for a romantic log cabin break or maybe you'd like a little more luxury with a hot tub and room service to boot? Take a look at our favourite log cabins to rent that are sure to get you packing your Lumber Jack shirt.

Log cabins you'll want to escape to

1. The Oak House, Bath

The Oak House is a wonder with all mod cons and retro style bathroom. It's luxurious and rustic, beautifully crafted and natural all at once. From the private octagonal deck, there are breathtaking views to take in with a glass of wine. Afterwards, snuggle indoors with the woodburning stove.

From £125 per night, Canopy and Stars

2. The Star Suite, Yorkshire

Inspired by the legendary American Great Camps and suffused with Yorkshire country style these contemporary log cabins are pure luxury - the bathrooms even have indulgent shiny copper baths! There are also plenty of food options with gastro dining nearby or have a BBQ pack and food hamper delivered to your suite.

From £145 per night. The North Star Club

3. Forest Holidays, various national locations

Choose from a range of log cabin accommodation at a Forest Holidays retreat; whether it be a cosy forest hideaway for two or a more family-friendly apartment, complete with hot tub.

From £360 for a three night weekend break in a two bedroom cabin (sleeps 4), Forest Holidays.

4. The Raft, Essex

A moored raft with a two-storey wooden cabin, The Raft has a rowing boat to head over to tea rooms on the bank. Run on solar power, it's cosy inside and has a barbecue on the veranda to cook outside. There's also a wood-fired hot tub for a relaxing soak under the sky.

From £195 a night, canopyandstars.co.uk

5. Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall

A true fairy-tale cabin in the woods! This enchanting log cabin-cum-treehouse is actually perched in an ash tree with sweeping sea and countryside views all the way to Falmouth Bay. The accommodation has been lovingly constructed with careful attention to detail and is around two metres from the ground.

From £100 per night, Airbnb

6. Wild West-style ranch

Get a taste of the Wild West on British soil. Stay in pioneer style cabins furnished for luxurious living with Hypnos mattresses, fluffy towels, electricity, instant hot water, wood burners and fire bowls for outdoor cooking. The 'ranch' has its own herd of American Quarter Horses and a resident Western riding trainer so guests may learn to ride Western or head out into the hills for trail rides.

From £100 per night, Loose Reins

Log cabin decorating ideas

Once you're hooked on this alpine lifestyle why not build a log cabin of your very own in your garden. With many models and styles to choose from, they make attractive and atmospheric hideaways giving you extra space for perhaps a home-office, reading room or even man-cave. Take a look at these inspiring ideas to turn your timber frame into a restful woodland retreat.

Create a new area for dining alfresco.

A log cabin studio is inspirational and quiet.

Need an extra bedroom? Treat guests to pure log cabin style with Tartan fabrics and fux furs. This bedroom works the Highland look with tartans, plaids and checks in a variety of guises.

Log cabin interiors can be contemporary too.

Keep the scheme authentic and elegant with country furniture. Install a log burner to enjoy your log cabin all year round.