Bowness Hideaway

One of a small cluster of glamping pods within the grounds of a former rectory, this cute holiday hideaway sits less than 200 metres from the Bowness-on-Solway shoreline. The village marks the western-most point of the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall Path and is home to a welcoming pub, café and tea room – pop in for refreshments after enjoying far-reaching views across the estuary. Nearby, nature reserves offer refuge to a wealth of migrating birds and wildlife, while all across the Solway Coast National Landscape you can enjoy history, architecture and heritage beneath beautiful big skies. For contrast, drive 16 miles to the Victorian seaside town of Silloth for a great selection of independent shops and eateries, or 21 miles to Gretna Green, synonymous with runaway lovers. En route, Carlisle (14 miles) is Cumbria’s capital city. Packed with places to eat and drink, a vibrant selection of shops, and historic sites, it is also the terminus for the renowned Settle-Carlisle Railway.

Stylish and specially designed to be snug at any time of year, this dog-friendly couple’s retreat features a contemporary open-plan layout with good head height, lovely pine cladding, and a flow of natural light from French doors at one end. After a busy day outdoors you can unwind with all the must-haves of home: a compact kitchen where you can prepare a hearty meal, a dining table with space to spread out maps and guidebooks, and a sofa where you can stretch out to watch TV while the dog snooze at your feet. When your day is done it’s just a few paces to your double bed and shower room.

A furnished decking area at the front of the pod extends your living space and, close by, the Finnish wood-fired hot tub will be perfect for dark-sky stargazing. Additional outdoor space, laid to lawn, is shared by all five pods on site; each sleeps a further two guests and can be booked separately – please ask for details. Your pod has private parking.