I sat stock-still on a bench fashioned from a fallen silver birch, scanning the woods for a sudden movement or a flash of blue. Deer and kingfisher visit this secluded copse and its stream, and I hoped to spot at least one of them. There was a rustle in the undergrowth, but it was only a more familiar winter visitor: a cheery robin.
It was a chilly day for wildlife-watching, but that didn’t matter to me – I was inside a sizzling sauna, gazing out of a large picture window. In fact, I was soon sweating so much, I nipped out to the icy-cold shower to cool off. The next time I overheated, I braved a plunge in the cold-water tub.
Later, I couldn’t believe that I’d been merrily sitting in a cold bath in the woods. Only that morning, Storm Benjamin had swept through this corner of East Sussex. But, as Scandinavians and those in the Baltic countries have long known, bad weather is no reason to stay indoors. And it’s easy to embrace the elements if there’s a sauna on hand. Since lockdown, the UK has got the outdoor sauna bug too: according to the British Sauna Society, the number of “wild” saunas on beaches and in forests doubled from 104 in May 2024 to 213 in May 2025.
The design of this particular sauna, the Drying Shed, was influenced by traditional Japanese buildings, and resembles a little rust-coloured temple. It is fuelled by logs from sustainably managed local woodlands. A sauna session lasts three hours in total, including lighting the stove and an hour or so for the room to heat up, plus stoking the fire to maintain the temperature (an average of 85C, although it can be anywhere from 60-100C).
With its wood-fired hot tub, black cladding and timber panelling, Hill Cabin has a contemporary Scandi vibe. Photograph: Holly Farrier
It was easy enough to light the stove and keep it going, even though my main experience of fire-lighting is confined to barbecues and campfires. There are detailed instructions and plenty of tinder, kindling and seasoned logs. The key is time and patience – the temperature builds steadily, so it’s best not to overload the stove with too much wood too quickly. Equally, it’s better to wait until you feel too hot before popping outside, rather than opening the door and letting all the heat out. The sauna can be booked by groups of up to four people, from 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
I shared the ritual with my boyfriend, who is a sauna sceptic. I expected him to get bored after five minutes and leave me to it, but we both stayed for the duration, going in and out several times. It was almost sauna by stealth – he was captivated by the view, only belatedly noticing that alternating between extremes of hot and cold makes you feel bracingly alive. He did stick to the shower, though, rather than the bath, no matter how I much I rhapsodised about the benefits of cold-water immersion. Maybe my chattering teeth put him off!
When the sauna was over, we walked the five minutes to Hill Cabin, our home for the night. This simple former farm building has been given a contemporary update with black cladding. The open-plan kitchen/living space and bedroom have a Scandi vibe, with lime-washed wooden floors, timber panelling and vintage furniture, made cosy with lots of rugs, floor cushions and throws, a log-burner and scented tea lights. The outdoor patio has a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit and a shelter with a table and chairs.
Bedroom at Hill Cabin. Photograph: Holly Farrier
The cabin is gorgeous, but as with the sauna, the view steals the show. As the name suggests, Hill Cabin is perched on a rise with a valley unfolding below. A few friendly sheep, two horses and Mavis the donkey enliven the foreground; rolling fields, russet-coloured trees and a far-off village form the dreamy backdrop. We soaked up the scene from the comfort of the hot tub, our faces pink from the cold but our bodies toasty warm.
Hill Cabin is one of two cabins available to rent on Great Park Farm, a 10-hectare family farm in Catsfield, near Battle. Cabin X is in a similar style, though tucked away in the woods. But farmer’s son Will Gowland, who grew up here, has grander plans. He is an architect – he and his practice, Built Works, designed and made the Drying Shed and are now building two more cabins, due to open in spring, with another three at the design stage.
Will gave us a tour of the two half-built properties and they are on a different scale altogether. Yogi’s Cabin will have its own natural swimming pond, a wraparound deck and a yoga studio. Bather’s Cabin will include what is essentially an indoor-outdoor private spa, spreading on to the roof terrace. They will be followed by Musician’s, Chef’s and Explorer’s cabins. All will be handmade from sustainable materials, from local larch to British hemp for insulation.
“It costs five times as much to build this way, but we want to be genuinely sustainable,” Will said. He is a certified Passive House designer, and Built Works is a member of the Association for Environment Conscious Building.While the existing two cabins are a real treat, the five new ones will offer five-star luxury, with prices to match.
There is a long-running farm shop, cafe and plant nursery on site. We went in for carrot cake and left loaded with chutney, bedding plants and the orange and cinnamon tealights that made our cabin smell so divine. Guests can stock up on ingredients to cook dinner in their cabin, or pop to the village pub, but we decided to brave the 45-minute walk to Battle. It was pitch-black and drizzly, but there is a footpath almost all the way, and Will lent us much-needed head torches.
The writer emerges from the cold water forest tub
We emerged at the imposing gatehouse of Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and warmed up over dinner at Chequers, a 15th-century coaching inn. As well as burgers, steaks and pies, the pub serves some imaginative veggie dishes – I had the lion’s mane mushrooms with bean cassoulet and crispy leeks (£16). We didn’t even mind splashing across streams on the walk home, knowing there was a fire to light when we got back, and a stock of books, games (and wine).
Ours was a flying visit, but if we’d had more time, we could have headed to Hastings, a 25-minute drive away. As well as the old town, fishing quarter and art galleries, its attractions include the Samphire Sauna on the revamped pier.
As it was, we ended our stay where we had started: by a huge picture window, gazing at the view. This time we were sitting at the dining table in the cabin, eating a breakfast of homemade granola and freshly baked bread. The morning looked bright, crisp and cold – and just as enticing as any summer’s day.
The trip was provided by Architects Holiday; cabins sleep two, from £242 a night B&B (or three nights for the price of two until the end of March). A three-hour sauna session at the Drying Shed is £45 for up to four people; there are discounts and extended opening hours (7am-10pm, seven days a week) for cabin guests
Former flight attendant Kat Kamalani has a serious warning for every passenger hopping onboard a plane, urging them to avoid on specific drink or face the potential consequences
Kat Kamalani has a warning for plane passengers(Image: Instagram / Tiktok)
Most of us barely give it a second thought when the trolley rattles down the aisle and a flight attendant offers a hot drink.
A cup of tea or coffee feels like a small reward after the hassle of airport security and squeezing into a narrow seat. But former flight attendant Kat Kamalani has a warning for every passenger: try to avoid drinking coffee, tea, or any water on a plane unless it comes in a sealed bottle or can.
She shared a clip on her Instagram account in which she issues a general warning to passengers. She explains: “Don’t you ever, ever, ever consume these products from an airplane, from a flight attendant. Rule number one: never consume any liquid that is not in a can or a bottle.”
Travel experts Ski Vertigo back this up, advising travellers to buy drinks at the airport instead. Not only does this avoid the unpleasant risks, but it can also be cheaper, especially on charter flights.
In her viral video, Kat reveals a side of in-flight drinks that many travellers don’t know about. She explains: “Those water tanks are never cleaned, and they are disgusting.” Many flight crews “rarely, rarely drink the coffee or tea” served on board because it all comes from the same water tank. These little coffee guys (coffee machines) are rarely cleaned unless they are broken. These guys (coffee kettles) are taken out and cleaned in between flights, but the whole machine is never cleaned. And they’re in the lavatories.”
She also suggests that parents should avoid asking for hot water to put in a baby’s bottle, although not doing so could prove very inconvenient.
While airlines insist they follow safety standards, once water travels through the aircraft’s tanks and pipes, it’s hard to guarantee it’s clean. That’s why experts and insiders now strongly suggest avoiding hot drinks made from tank water, especially if you’re pregnant, have a weaker immune system, or are travelling with young children.
Kat’s advice for parents is simple. She says: “Never ask for hot water and put it in your baby’s bottle. Ask for a bottle of water on the side and hot water in a cup. Then make your baby a bottle with the bottled water and put it in the cup and heat it up.”
For adults, Kat’s warning is just as clear: if your drink didn’t come from a sealed bottle or can, think twice before drinking it. The best approach is to stick to drinks that never go near the aircraft’s tanks, bottled water, canned soft drinks, or juice—and say no to tea, coffee, and even ice, which is often made from the same tap water.
Many Brits are now looking for a comfortable staycation to take this autumn. The main challenge that many dog owners face when arranging a holiday is considering who will care for their pe. But they needn’t fret any longer if they’re reserving one luxurious collection of cabins
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
12:59, 29 Oct 2025Updated 14:43, 01 Nov 2025
The Nest at The Roost Luxury Cabins(Image: theroostglamping.co.uk)
Plenty of people are currently searching for the ideal spot to enjoy an autumn getaway. The bright summer holidays are behind us and numerous
Brits are now choosing to book a comfortable staycation within the UK instead. The main challenge that many dog owners face when arranging a holiday is considering who will care for their pet. But they needn’t fret any longer if they’re reserving one luxurious collection of cabins situated in The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, which is completely dog-friendly. The Roost Luxury Cabins all feature a private sauna, outdoor bathtub, log burner and fire pit. There’s also all the kitchen kit you’ll require – a kettle, toaster, induction hob, microwave, mini-oven, fridge (with small freezer) and a dishwasher.
Plus pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, washing up liquid, dishcloths, tea towels, cooking condiments, fresh ground coffee plus various teas and fresh milk.
All your bed linen and extra fluffy Egyptian towels are provided too, and there will even be some homemade brownies awaiting you.
Those bringing pets are permitted two small dogs or one medium sized dog.
The venue explains: “We leave a blanket, towel, poo bags, water and food bowel and a treat for each dog.
“If you pooch has got a bit muddy on all those lovely walks, we provide doggy towels and have a dog wash area behind the site office.”
They also provide details on canine-friendly pubs and eateries nearby.
There’s a fee of £30 for one dog (£40 for two dogs) per stay. This must be paid by card to the proprietor before arrival.
Discussing their dog-welcoming approach on their website, The Roost Luxury Cabins state: “Don’t leave your best friend behind! Here at The Roost we love dogs. The cabins are dog friendly with secure garden areas and all your doggy needs are catered for.
“Your pooch will be spoilt with their own handmade truckle bed.”
The establishment shared a video on its TikTok account showcasing the cabins, which rapidly became popular, gathering over 93,000 likes.
A dog was visible outside the lodge as the footage started, before revealing the outdoor bathing facility. The snug sleeping quarters were then displayed, accompanied by glimpses of the charming garden and external sauna.
Text overlay stated: “Call me crazy, but I would choose this with the dog over a fancy hotel.”
One viewer declared: “Oh my God, this looks INSANE!”
Whilst another commented: “Omg love this! Will have to take a look.”
A third remarked: “Looks like my sort of heaven.”
Visitors planning to book should be aware the location requires a minimum 2-night booking and check-in is restricted to Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
Rates are generally £499 per two nights but may fluctuate based on the date.
Whilst the establishment welcomes dogs brilliantly, families with children might prefer alternative accommodation as the cabins are exclusively for adults. Guests can select between two distinct cabins – The Nook and The Nest, with further information available on The Roost Luxury Cabins website.
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The accommodation currently boasts a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, drawing from 112 reviews.
One guest commented: “We have had a really relaxing and enjoyable week in this amazing cabin! Loved the sauna and hot tub and sitting on the swing seat enjoying the peace! A beautiful place in a wonderful location.”
Meanwhile, another visitor remarked: “A perfect place to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Everything is beautiful and the soak tub and sauna made it super relaxing. We loved explore the local area and will definitely be back.”
What attractions can be found close to the cabins?
Outdoor and nature
Beechenhurst and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail: Explore art installations in a woodland setting.
Go Ape: Enjoy high ropes courses and zip-lines in the trees.
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre: Rent bikes for various woodland trails.
Dean Forest Railway: Ride a steam train through the forest.
Perrygrove Railway: A family attraction with a miniature railway and treehouses.
May Hill: A prominent hill with a distinctive cluster of trees on top, offering great views.
Wye Valley: Explore canoeing, kayaking, and walking opportunities along the river.
History and heritage
Hopewell Colliery: Take an underground tour of this working free mine.
Clearwell Caves: Explore this ancient and unique underground attraction.
Dean Heritage Centre: Learn about the local history of the Forest of Dean.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum: Discover the history of the regiment in Gloucester.
Museum of Gloucester: Explore thousands of exhibits on the city’s past.
Jet Age Museum: See aircraft and aviation equipment in Gloucester.
National Waterways Museum: Learn about waterways in Gloucester.
Coleford Great Western Railway Museum: A museum dedicated to the railway.
Other attractions
Gloucester Cathedral: A magnificent cathedral in Gloucester with famous cloisters.
Nature in Art: Explore art exhibitions and a sculpture garden.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens: Visit this historic castle and its extensive gardens.
