We have never replied to an email so fast as we did to Outdoor Inns, a new UK start-up specialising in eco cabin holidays next to historic and charming British pubs. They describe themselves as "a new type of retreat that celebrates the great outdoors and the essence of British pub culture." Sign us up!!
Outdoor Inns have cabins in Dorset, Hereford, Carlisle and Suffolk - we stayed in "Echo", a cosy but spacious cabin in the village of Lidgate, West Sussex. Tucked behind The Star, a 16th century pub, our tiny home, curved like a wooden Nissen hut, was the perfect base for exploring the area.
One of the things we loved about Outdoor Inns is their commitment to sustainability. The cabins are built using eco-friendly materials, and they prioritize low energy and water usage. Plus, they have solar panels and air source heating, making them a great choice for eco-conscious travellers.
Our cabin: Echo
Our cabin had the facilities to accommodate six guests, with a double room, twin room and a sofa that could pull out into another double bed. There was a well stocked kitchenette with a twin electric hob, toaster, kettle and fridge, two shower rooms, and a living/dining area with board games and books. There was no TV or WIFI which we actually really loved - take the hint to unplug, unwind and enjoy a screen free escape! The most ingenious addition to the cabin was a heated drying cupboard, perfect for slinging your outdoor-wear in after country walks in unpredictable British weather...
If you'd like to see more of Echo, we've posted a "cabin tour" reel on our Instagram.
Outside the cabin, we had a private raised deck with a picnic table, perfect for a morning coffee or evening sundowner. However, if it's a drink you're after, the Star pub is 30 seconds walk away, with a beautiful wood beamed interior, real fires in the colder months, a strong collection of local ciders and ales to enjoy in the sunny beer garden and a fabulous pizza menu. If you're staying on a Monday or Tuesday, you can get a pizza and a pint for £10!
What is there to do?
Echo is in Lidgate, a pretty village in the Suffolk countryside, so you're spoilt for choice with walks and bike rides! We like to use the All Trails app to see what's around, and our favourite walk was the 7 mile circular walk from Clare Castle Country Park to Cavendish and back. Bear in mind there are 4 stiles and some overgrown woodland bits, so this one isn't buggy friendly! It's about a 20 minute drive from the cabin and you can park in the Country Park car park for about £3.
Apart from countryside walks, there are some lovely towns close by that are well worth a visit:
Clare: Home to not just the Country Park, Suffolk's smallest town also has the remains of a Norman Castle, a fascinating 13th century church and lots of beautiful medieval and timbered houses. We also popped into the butchers while we were there to pick up some local Suffolk bacon for the next day's breakfast! 20 minutes drive from Lidgate. Read more in our guide: 9 awesome things to do in Clare.
Newmarket: The internationally recognised home of horseracing, you can visit the National Horseracing Museum and the National Stud, or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside and rural pubs. 13 minutes from Lidgate.
Bury St Edmunds: Once known by the Saxon name Beodricsworth, Bury is named after Edmund, the 9th century King of the Angles who was martyred by the Vikings for refusing to recant his Christian faith. Choc full of over 1000 years of history, home to an 11th century Benedictine abbey (one of the richest and largest monasteries in Europe and a major pilgrimage site due to St Edmund's shrine), the town also boasts a magnificent cathedral, a historic town centre choc full of independent shops, eateries and architectural gems and the smallest pub in Britain. 22 minutes from Lidgate.
Planning a visit? We have written a full Bury St Edmunds day trip itinerary.
Slightly further afield but still under an hour away:
Saffron Walden: One of the prettiest towns we've visited, just over the Essex border. Full of beautiful Medieval and Tudor timbered homes, a historic church and stunning Victorian gardens, Saffron Walden makes for a lovely day out! 38 minutes from Lidgate.
Check out our blog: Top things to do in Saffron Walden, Essex
Ely: After visiting the famous 900 year old Medieval cathedral, Ely, you can talk a beautiful walk along the river or learn about the English Civil War and 17th century life at the home of one of our country's most notorious historical figures, Oliver Cromwell. 41 minutes from Lidgate.
Cambridge: You'll love spending a day wandering around Cambridge's famous University colleges. Go punting on the River Cam, marvel at lofty Kings Chapel, check out the world-class collections of art and antiquities at the (free) Fitzwilliam Museum and enjoy a pint in The Eagle pub, where DNA was discovered. In summer, the University Botanic Garden is a lovely wander.
If you'd like to book your own cosy autumnal cabin staycation, you can see all of Outdoor Inns properties here. They're also on Instagram!
Pin this blog for future planning!
Comments