TOP UK HIDEAWAYS FOR A DIGITAL DETOX

Named for the birdsong that can be heard all year-round, The Birdhouse is a gorgeous back-to-nature stay on a working family-run farm near Crewkerne. It’s part of Hinton Hideaways (there are three other properties, all similar in style) where the views from the large picture windows in the bedroom are nothing but tree trunks and a leafy canopy. Listen to barn owls on a summer’s night, or the dawn chorus from the balcony early in the morning, where strings of festoon lights lend a magical feel to the tranquil woodland setting. Interiors are clean-lined and open-plan, with oak furniture, cosy rugs and grey tiles in the mini kitchen all continuing the calming atmosphere. When it comes to exploring, there’s plenty to do on the doorstep, from visiting nearby Perry’s Cider to strolling round the gardens at Forde Abbey before picking strawberries at the PYO Farm a mile along the road. Afterwards, head back for a soak in the woodfired hot tub and a session in the infra-red sauna (pre-book on arrival), or simply toast marshmallows around the firepit while gazing up at the stars. 

Opened at the end of last year, this wellness-led sanctuary sits between the North Sea and the North Yorkshire Moors, less than a 10-minute drive from Whitby – meaning it’s just the kind of place to disconnect, with windswept walks among the heather or along Sandsend Beach. Other outdoorsy activities include cycling the Cinder Track to Scarbrough, surfing or enjoying a picnic lunch on the sand. At the spa, you’ll find a heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, and a menu of treatments designed to rejuvenate and uplift. In the Brasserie restaurant, dishes (dreamt up in collaboration with consultant chef Tommy Banks of Michelin-starred The Black Swan at Oldstead) celebrate local produce while the garden-facing terrace is the spot for lazy afternoons in the sunshine with a chilled glass of rosé. The serene rooms (choose between being in the centre of the action in the main house or in the more family-friendly beach house) are also inspired by their surroundings, with colour palettes that take their cues from both the coast and the countryside. 

Nothing says digital detox more than a spa break in a country house hotel – and this clifftop seaside escape just outside Durham, ticks all the boxes. The big draw is the tranquil Serenity Spa, with its hot-cold thermal circuit that includes a hammam, sauna and ice fountain. Plus, there’s a pool for pre-breakfast early morning laps, a Zen Garden for relaxing in the pure sea air and ishga massages on the menu that use organic nutrient-rich Scottish seaweed-based products packed with antioxidants. Vibrant, colourful and uplifting rooms look out onto the garden or the coast – whether you opt to stay in the main house, or a secluded lodge in the grounds (the latter come with their own hot tub). Food at Ozone is nourishing and takes its influences from the flavours of the Far East while The Dining Room is somewhere to indulge in a hearty supper. Get a culture fix at Durham Cathedral and the adjacent Durham Castle, which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Durham City, stroll along Seaham Beach, which is a 10-minute walk away or head to Hardwick Park for its lake, woodland and wildlife. 

Part of Sunridge Retreats near the village of Yealmpton in the South Hams, these dog-friendly cubes are a modern take on back-to-nature glamping. Perfectly designed for two (although they can accommodate up to four), each consists of an open-plan living, kitchen and dining space with stairs up to a loft bedroom that has a skylight for stargazing.  Bi-fold doors open to onto the deck, where you’ll find a bubbling hot tub, surrounded by woodland – and the only sounds are songbirds and squirrels rustling in the trees. Cube one also has a secret garden space; cube two, a larger deck. Nearby beaches include Mothecombe, Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham (all ideal for picnics and salty dips on a hot summer’s day) but there are also historic towns and Dartmoor nearby too. Stock up on food from Ben’s Farm Shop nearby and fire up the barbecue for supper, before transforming the cube into a big-screen, surround sound cinema experience with the pull-down projector.  

Formal private gardens landscaped by Capability Brown surrounded by 2,000 acres of parkland are one of the big draws to this luxury country hotel. As is the spa, which had a full bells-and-whistles refurbishment four years ago. Put your phone on silent and forget any work e-mails while wallowing in the pools, Himalayan salt sauna and steam room (add an Elemis treatment for extra pampering), or on long spirit-lifting strolls through the countryside. The grand Tudor Great Hall is a restful spot for reading and afternoon tea with views of the estate, while the Tudor Bar (originally a brew house) has a roaring log fire in winter and a summer terrace. Rooms are opulent and plush, with tranquil views and comfortable beds – meaning a restful night’s sleep is almost guaranteed.