With the world starting to open around us, the first thing that comes to mind is: “where shall we go on holiday?” Now, normally we’d be looking to escape to a far-far away location however, if this year has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the most beautiful things can be found a little closer to home.
So, with no time to waste we decided to explore several dreamy hotspots right here in the UK, which (thankfully) led us to Kip Hideaways, your one-stop shop for boutique getaways. Founded by travel aficionados Sarah de Vere-Drummond and Liz Simpson, Kip Hideaways bridges the gap between private holiday rentals and unique locations, with their curation of ‘small places with soul.’
#AdventuresOfAnthro:
Escape with Kip Hideaways, Pt 1
The staycation gurus’ guide to the
Sussex countryside, Lake District,
New Forest & beyond...
Why do we love Kip as much as we do? Because with a simple scroll and a few clicks, we’re transported to a repurposed VW van in the lakes, a kitted-out hut in the forest, or a rustic countryside cabin, to name but a few of their off-the-beaten-track hot spots.
We caught up with Kip to get exclusive intel on where we should stay and explore in the UK, and because they had so many great suggestions, we’re bringing it to you in three parts.
In part one, Sarah and Liz guide us to the New Forest’s canopy, an idyllic corner of the Sussex countryside and the beautiful heights (and sights!) of the Lake District.
We caught up with Kip to get exclusive intel on where we should stay and explore in the UK, and because they had so many great suggestions, we’re bringing it to you in three parts.
In part one, Sarah and Liz guide us to the New Forest’s canopy, an idyllic corner of the Sussex countryside and the beautiful heights (and sights!) of the Lake District.
The New Forest
Where to Stay:
This gorgeous shepherd hut combines a boutique hotel stay with the privacy of your own space. Nestled in peaceful woodland, it's utterly beautiful both inside and out – just look at the exquisite F&B panelling, copper-wheel taps, vintage deckchairs and a corten-lined shower. Thoughtful extras make your stay even more special: fluffy bathrobes to pad out to the hot tub, sheepskin water bottles, scented candles and a welcome pack full of delicious local produce.
Where to Stay:
This gorgeous shepherd hut combines a boutique hotel stay with the privacy of your own space. Nestled in peaceful woodland, it's utterly beautiful both inside and out – just look at the exquisite F&B panelling, copper-wheel taps, vintage deckchairs and a corten-lined shower. Thoughtful extras make your stay even more special: fluffy bathrobes to pad out to the hot tub, sheepskin water bottles, scented candles and a welcome pack full of delicious local produce.
What to Do:
Now, for activities. This destination is primed for bikes and wellies (both of which eagerly await your arrival) so you can spend the days exploring the New Forest National Park – a beautiful open heathland that’s sprinkled with sunshine gorse and iconic wild peonies. But that’s not all, we’d also recommend a sunrise walk along Hurst Spit with a thermos full of hot chocolate and a paddleboard adventure along the Beaulieu River.
Stop for lunch at The Master Builder’s and try the selection of local award-winning restaurants (the lobster at La Perle is particularly yummy) or simply ask for a food hamper to be delivered to the hut and dine in the privacy of your own woodland garden, surrounded by sparkly candle lanterns.
What to Pack:
Something easy going for daytime’s spent exploring by bike, something soft and flowing for evenings spent dining by candlelight.
Now, for activities. This destination is primed for bikes and wellies (both of which eagerly await your arrival) so you can spend the days exploring the New Forest National Park – a beautiful open heathland that’s sprinkled with sunshine gorse and iconic wild peonies. But that’s not all, we’d also recommend a sunrise walk along Hurst Spit with a thermos full of hot chocolate and a paddleboard adventure along the Beaulieu River.
Stop for lunch at The Master Builder’s and try the selection of local award-winning restaurants (the lobster at La Perle is particularly yummy) or simply ask for a food hamper to be delivered to the hut and dine in the privacy of your own woodland garden, surrounded by sparkly candle lanterns.
What to Pack:
Something easy going for daytime’s spent exploring by bike, something soft and flowing for evenings spent dining by candlelight.
Sussex Countryside
Where to Stay:
Tucked away in woodland on a countryside farm, this enchanting timber-clad cabin is pure fairy-tale material. The open-plan interior is washed in a soothing white palette, with enormous windows that fill the space with natural light and perfectly frame the lush greenery outside. You’ll see sheepskins draped over wooden chairs, exquisite vintage pieces, and the handcrafted kitchenette features copper piping taps – oh, and there’s also a fridge bursting with local produce. The real treat, though, is the heavenly modern bathroom encased in glass, so it feels like you are bathing in nature.
Where to Stay:
Tucked away in woodland on a countryside farm, this enchanting timber-clad cabin is pure fairy-tale material. The open-plan interior is washed in a soothing white palette, with enormous windows that fill the space with natural light and perfectly frame the lush greenery outside. You’ll see sheepskins draped over wooden chairs, exquisite vintage pieces, and the handcrafted kitchenette features copper piping taps – oh, and there’s also a fridge bursting with local produce. The real treat, though, is the heavenly modern bathroom encased in glass, so it feels like you are bathing in nature.
What to Do:
For activities? Countryside strolls lead out from the front door; we loved walking to the atmospheric Battle Abbey through the 1066 battlefields, follows by a lazy lunch at Lamb Inn Wartling (a 16thC coaching inn with fabulous interiors). Ooh, and you’re close to Rye for brilliant independent shops, quirky cafes, and Aveda treatments at the Rye Retreat Spa.
What to Pack:
To carry you from leisurely strolls to lazy lunches…
For activities? Countryside strolls lead out from the front door; we loved walking to the atmospheric Battle Abbey through the 1066 battlefields, follows by a lazy lunch at Lamb Inn Wartling (a 16thC coaching inn with fabulous interiors). Ooh, and you’re close to Rye for brilliant independent shops, quirky cafes, and Aveda treatments at the Rye Retreat Spa.
What to Pack:
To carry you from leisurely strolls to lazy lunches…
The Lake District
Where to Stay:
Inspired by the ‘Tiny House’ movement in America and the surge in off-grid living, this quirky converted American school bus totally blew us away. Hidden in the remote wilds of the Lake District it oozes rustic-chic vibes with warm-wood fittings and retro finds. It’s surprisingly luxe despite its simplicity; there’s a kitchenette with Aga, a solar-heated shower with Aesop products and an iPad for music and films. The converted VW campervan bedroom sits above, accessed via a pull-down ladder, and outside there’s a wood-fired hot tub, best served with wine as the sun goes down.
Where to Stay:
Inspired by the ‘Tiny House’ movement in America and the surge in off-grid living, this quirky converted American school bus totally blew us away. Hidden in the remote wilds of the Lake District it oozes rustic-chic vibes with warm-wood fittings and retro finds. It’s surprisingly luxe despite its simplicity; there’s a kitchenette with Aga, a solar-heated shower with Aesop products and an iPad for music and films. The converted VW campervan bedroom sits above, accessed via a pull-down ladder, and outside there’s a wood-fired hot tub, best served with wine as the sun goes down.
What to Do:
Spend your days walking through eye-catching scenery and swimming wildly – the Lake District is full of brooding lakes and icy pools; the lesser-known Crummock Water is our top tip. So, once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are masses of brilliant pubs and restaurants to sate it. Chester’s by the River is a hip veggie café (try the sweet potato fritter with peanut salsa and cucumber raita) or book ahead for The Cottage in The Wood, Michelin-starred and magical with a Tastes of Cumbria menu.
What to Pack:
All the essentials for padding from hot tub to school bus, and back again.
Spend your days walking through eye-catching scenery and swimming wildly – the Lake District is full of brooding lakes and icy pools; the lesser-known Crummock Water is our top tip. So, once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are masses of brilliant pubs and restaurants to sate it. Chester’s by the River is a hip veggie café (try the sweet potato fritter with peanut salsa and cucumber raita) or book ahead for The Cottage in The Wood, Michelin-starred and magical with a Tastes of Cumbria menu.
What to Pack:
All the essentials for padding from hot tub to school bus, and back again.
For travel-based escapism, head to Instagram and scroll @kiphideaways.