Treehouse holidays: 8 best tree top breaks by the sea

PORT LYMPNE RESERVE, KENT

WHY HERE? The fact you can sit on the terrace of these stunning treehouses and hear lions roar and howler monkeys greet the sunrise makes a stay here truly unique. Overlooking the safari experience at Port Lympne Reserve, you can see endangered species such as black rhino roam the Kent countryside below.  The reserve is one of the world’s leading breeding centres for endangered species, so any visit would support a great cause.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? These high end, super stylish treehouses have interiors by British designer Tara Bernerd. They come with their own buggy, which you can drive around the park during your stay, as well as a plasma TV, sound system and access to the VIP guest lounge.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Dymchurch and Hythe are just a short 15 minute drive away.
SLEEPS? Four people in two bedrooms.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? From £499 per night.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01303 234112 or visit aspinallfoundation.org.

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CHEWTON GLEN, HAMPSHIRE

WHY HERE? These breathtaking treehouses have their own private terrace, complete with hot tub, where you can sink back and gaze at the stars. A hamper appears every morning for breakfast on the balcony.  
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? The bathroom is vast with double showers, a marble floor and under-floor heating. There are king-size beds with downy pillows, and there’s a log fire in the living room. Children are welcome, and greeted with gifts of books or soft toys representing forest animals.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Highcliffe-on-Sea is a 20-minute stroll away.
SLEEPS? Treehouse Studio Suite sleeps two, Treehouse Loft Suite sleeps four.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? From £800 a night.
HOW DO I BOOK? Visit chewtonglen.com

INTO THE WOODS, ISLE OF WIGHT

WHY HERE? Just two miles from the coast, this eco-friendly treehouse is the perfect place to chill out and commune with nature. The comfortable, timber-clad rooms are simple and stylish, with all your basic needs provided for. There are two bedrooms and a separate living-room pod, so you will have plenty of space for friends.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? Babysitting can be booked! French doors open out on to a wide decking area where  you can sit in the sunshine with a glass of wine in hand.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? The sea is just a couple of miles away.
SLEEPS? Up to six people. Children need to be five or over as the bunk  beds are quite high.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices start from £300 for two nights.
HOW DO I BOOK? You can call 07769 696464 or visit isleofwighttreehouse.com.

LAVENDER HILL, SOMERSET

WHY HERE? A lovely holiday destination in a tranquil location, with all the mod-cons you could wish for.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? Plenty. Egyptian cotton linen, roll-top bath, flowers, cosy bathrobes and toiletries, not to mention a private hot tub and use of a swimming pool.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Less than 30 minutes away in Watchet.
SLEEPS? A couple or a family of up to five.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices start at £545 for four nights.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01823 431622 or visit lavenderhillholidays.co.uk.

KINLOCHLAICH HOUSE & GARDENS, ARGYLL, SCOTLAND

WHY HERE? This octagonal eco-building overhangs a burn (stream), and has a tree at its centre supporting the roof and walls.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? A Scottish oak staircase spirals around the tree with under-floor heating in both the bathroom and hall. French windows give views out to the deck where  you can relax under a canopy of trees.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? It’s about six miles to the shores of Loch Linnhe.
SLEEPS? Two adults in a king-size bed and up to two children in the gallery.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Four-night breaks start from £342.
HOW DO I BOOK? Visit treehousescotland.co.uk

TEAPOT LANE, COUNTY LEITRIM, IRELAND

WHY HERE? Perched 9ft up in the trees, this treehouse is a bird-watcher’s paradise.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? A breakfast picnic of fresh croissants, coffee, juice and yogurts is delivered each morning.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Close to the Donegal and Sligo border, you can choose from four sandy beaches 10 minutes’ away.
SLEEPS? Two to three people.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Two nights cost €390.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 00353 87934 0341 or visit glampingireland.ie.

BAGTHORPE TREEHOUSE, NORFOLK

WHY HERE? Sitting under a great holm oak in the grounds of Bagthorpe Hall, this treehouse is great for a romantic getaway or a family adventure. Inside is a spacious room with a four-poster bed and secret bunks for the kids, electricity and running water. See snowdrops in early spring and bluebells in May, or venture to nearby Blakeney Place to spot  the seals, or watch the fishing boats come and go at Wells-next-the-Sea.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? A vast king-size bed and a copper bath. Hampers can be provided.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Hunstanton, Holme-next-the-Sea, Holkham Bay are a 20-minute drive.
SLEEPS? Four people in a double and two bunks. Children have to be over five years old.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices start from £225 per night.
HOW DO I BOOK? You can call 01275 395447 or visit canopyandstars.co.uk/bagthorpehall.

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ALNWICK GARDEN, NORTHUMBERLAND

WHY HERE? You can’t sleep in this fairy tale creation, but you can have a fantastic meal. Nestling high in a copse of mature lime trees in Alnwick garden, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. There are walkways and wobbly bridges, but the structure is  fully accessible by wheelchair.
LUXURIOUS TOUCHES? Enjoy cocktails in the Potting Shed, a bar on the veranda. In the restaurant, which serves local fish, seafood and meat, there is hand-crafted furniture, and tables are separated by screens made from falling branches.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? There are long stretches of sandy dunes 10 minutes away at Alnmouth.
SLEEPS? No sleeping, but great food!
WHAT DOES IT COST? A two-course lunch is around £18.50.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01665 511852 or visit alnwickgarden.com.

Explore more places to stay by the sea here or in the magazine.