When planning your next gravel adventure, where you stay can be just as thrilling as the ride itself. Whether you're looking for rustic cabins nestled in nature, boutique lodges near epic trails, or unique accommodations that offer both comfort and character, finding the perfect place to rest and recharge is key to an unforgettable trip. In this blog, we'll explore some of the coolest places to stay that blend adventure, relaxation, and style, making your next gravel experience even more memorable. Get ready to be inspired for your next off-road journey!
The Sky Den
Nestled in the award-winning Kielder Water & Forest Park, The Sky Den is a stunning tree house, designed by architect George Clarke. It was featured on Channel 4’s ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces’ in 2013, which followed the process of creating the Sky Den.
Speaking about SkyDen George Clarke says, “We’ve never designed anything like it before. It’s part treehouse, part art installation and can offer a unique experience on a unique site.”
With furniture that folds into the walls in the square, a wood burning stove in the cylinder and a roof that opens up to view the night skies, Sky Den offers a unique glamping experience for up to 4 people.
Not only does the Sky Den offer a beautiful place to stay, its location in the Kielder Forest is a graveler’s dream! Often mentioned as one of the best gravel spots in the UK, the Kielder Forest, along with the Sky Den make for quite the gravel adventure!
Find out more about The Sky Den here - https://skyden.kielder.co.
To make a booking with The Sky Den, call 01434 250232 or email enquiries@calvert-kielder.com.
Rufus’s Roost
Nestled within the serene woodlands of Yorkshire's Baxby Manor Estate, Rufus’s Roost offers a treehouse escape that redefines luxury. With expansive views over the North York Moors and excellent nearby gravel trails to explore, Rufus’s Roost is an idyllic retreat for those seeking tranquillity and a touch of adventure in the Yorkshire countryside.
The house sleeps up to six people in three separate treetop bedrooms, with a swish bathroom. An open-plan living room and kitchen is perfect for enjoying with friends and family. The space includes a fireplace, cosy seating and dining area, perfect for relaxing after a day on the gravel.
Guests will also discover a hidden doorway under the staircase, leading to a ‘secret den’, complete with bean bags, comfy cushions, TV, games console and movies. The house amenities include wifi, Netflix and Alexa with Spotify.
Outside, the house boasts a large veranda with a state-of-the-art Air Source Heat Pump hot tub providing the perfect scene for gazing up at the stars and experiencing the breath-taking rural Yorkshire countryside! There is also a log-fired pizza oven for those who like to dine alfresco! The outdoor fire pit offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the nature that surrounds them in their private woodland.
Yorkshire offers some of the best gravel cycling in the UK, and Rufus’s Roost offers a unique, luxurious accommodation on your next gravel adventure!
Find out more about Rufus’s Roost and make a booking here - https://www.baxbymanor.co.uk/rufuss-roost#booking
Puckshipton Treehouse
If you’re planning a gravel cycling trip and looking for a unique place to stay, the Puckshipton Treehouse in Wiltshire should be on your radar. This off-grid retreat is a true escape, offering an inspiring mix of adventure, simplicity, and stunning design.
The experience starts with the journey. Cars are banned, so your trip requires some planning—a six-mile ride from Pewsey station, or if you’re feeling bold, a gravel-powered expedition straight from home. However you arrive, the sight of this incredible treehouse is something to behold.
Suspended high among the trees, the structure features a deck, a cozy sleeping pod, and a snug lounge known as “the confessional.” The whole setup sits on a platform accessed via a beautifully crafted walkway.
Down at ground level, your outdoor shower, cooking hut, and firepit are scattered across the forest floor, blending into the wild woodland terrain. Staying here means stepping away from modern distractions and embracing self-sufficiency. Forget your phone and streaming services—your entertainment comes from lighting candles, cooking over the fire, and soaking in the tranquility of the woods.
As you unwind by the fire, soaking in views of the rolling Wiltshire countryside, or sway gently in a hammock, you’ll wonder how you ever thought you needed all the trappings of modern life.
The Puckshipton Treehouse offers the perfect base for a gravel adventure that combines outdoor exploration with a return to life’s simple pleasures.
Find out more about The Puckshipton Treehouse and make a booking here https://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/wiltshire/treehouse-at-puckshipton/puckshipton-treehouse
