Here's Your Prescription… a Tiny Cabin in the Woods
You deserve a break. A real break. And this cabin in the middle of nowhere might just be the answer you've been searching for.
To bring this article to life, I've created an immersive podcast episode that's so good that it won an award! (ok, my daughters gave me the award, but still...). Join me on a journey to the middle of a forest – it's the next best thing to being there yourself! You can listen to it below or find it on your favourite podcast app by searching for "Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho." Seriously, you don't want to miss this one!
Hey there 👋
Sometimes, I wonder when things started to go wrong for us humans.
I wake up at 6:30 am every morning. One hour later, I'm dropping the girls off at school and heading to the office or the airport. It's a whirlwind of emails, planning, and meetings, and on some days, as a volunteer pilot, I even get to squash in a takeoff and landing.
The day rushes by in a blur until it's time to collect the girls again. Homework, dinner, bedtime routines...it's a never-ending cycle. Finally, at 8:30 pm, the girls are tucked up in bed. I allow myself a few minutes to remind myself how lucky I am to have Jane and the girls in my life. Then, it’s time for me to get back to work.
Does this sound familiar? I have a feeling we're all on the same speeding train, one that doesn't exactly have a convenient "stop" button. Was it always this way? I don't think so. We're constantly bombarded with notifications, our phones delivering a steady stream of anxieties disguised as news updates.
We're more connected than ever – to each other, to our devices, and to the never-ending demands of the digital world. But are we really connecting?
Disconnecting sounds tempting, doesn't it? But could we even do it if we wanted to? Doubt creeps in. What if I miss that crucial email? What if I'm out of the loop tomorrow?
And then, one day, a notification on my phone (oh, the irony!) delivered a report: "A study found those who spend at least two hours in nature throughout the week report consistently higher levels of health and well-being compared to those who don't.”
Oops, I said to myself. I realised then that I barely spend any time in nature. Ok, I might walk the dog in the local meadow—a small patch of green amidst the urban sprawl—but not much more than that.
And, as often happens, once I started showing an interest in nature, my feeds were flooded with related content. That's how I stumbled upon the tiny and remote cabin I'm about to share with you.
Spoiler alert!
I loved it! And I can’t wait to let you know how you can experience this incredible adventure for yourself.
So, today, we're saying a big "goodbye" to stress, overflowing task lists and that constant feeling of being overwhelmed. We're ditching the city and venturing into the heart of a peaceful forest in Norfolk, in the East of England.
Towering trees, sunlight dappling through the leaves and the sounds of nature all around a tiny wooden cabin. No phone signal, no internet, no connection to the busy world and not a single soul in sight. Just you, the birds and the breeze.
Nature's Prescription
Over the past few years, a growing number of companies in the UK and around the world have been creating off-the-grid cabins in the most breathtaking and secluded locations. Their mission? To immerse us in nature, not just for a couple of hours, but for days at a time.
One of the companies doing this in the UK is Unyoked.
Their website emphasises the benefits of disconnecting from a busy world and reconnecting with nature. Backed by a growing amount of research, they believe escaping to the wilderness is key to de-stressing, finding clarity, and rediscovering a slower pace of life. (Though, if I'm being honest, my experience went far beyond just "slowing down," but more on that later!)
Intrigued? Here’s how it works. Unyoked scouts for locations all around the UK, Australia and New Zealand. To be chosen, a location must be both safe and secluded.
Imagine waking up to the dawn chorus in a forest or falling asleep under a canopy of stars, miles away from the nearest city light. While the promise is tranquillity, nature can be unpredictable. At times, my stay was accompanied by a symphony of howling winds and driving rain.
These cabins are now so popular that booking one isn’t always easy. And that’s despite the fact that they have over 30 spots spread all over the UK in Norfolk, Suffolk, Wales, Shropshire, the South Downs and Exmoor.
Please note that Unyoked is dead serious about helping you disconnect. Most of their sites have very limited phone reception, and a few have none at all. As my own experience would show, the complete lack of signal proved vital, allowing my mind to truly wander.
Getting to our retreat: An Adventure for Drivers, Train Enthusiasts, and Aviators Alike
Now, how on earth do you find these cabins?
For safety reasons, you only find out the exact location of your home in nature once you book one.
Booking a stay with only a vague idea of its location in Norfolk felt a bit strange. But the booking confirmation came with a fantastically comprehensive information pack—the best I've ever seen! The “Field Guide”, as Unyoked calls it, will provide you with all of the travel details step by step, regardless of the way you prefer to go.
If you prefer to drive, you can take your car right to the edge of the wilderness, where a reserved parking spot awaits. You don’t need a 4x4 vehicle, but don’t expect an asphalted road.
For those who prefer public transport, the journey is a bit more elaborate but no less rewarding. You’ll hop off the train (the Field Guide will tell you which station to get off at), then enjoy a scenic taxi ride to the edge of the forest.
I can already hear your taxi driver saying, “I don’t know where the edge of the forest is!”. If that’s the case, don’t worry. Unyoked’s “Field Guide” will include maps you can share with the driver.
Now, this is a public service announcement!
Please, please, book your taxi for your return journey before you let your driver leave. Most likely, you won’t have phone signal to call a taxi a few days later.
After your taxi takes you to your drop-off point, it’s only you! The final leg of the journey is a refreshing and exciting hike through nature to reach your tranquil hideaway.
Unyoked says the entire journey should take at most three hours. If I'd opted for public transport, my journey would have taken two hours and cost £45 each way (that’s for the train and taxi ride).
Arriving by Air: A Journey Back in Time
While most visitors arrive by car or public transport, my journey to the cabin took a rather unexpected turn.
As soon as I booked my retreat, I realised there was a decommissioned World War II airbase in the region. After a few checks, I realised that the current owner, a local farmer, is a pilot and allows other pilots to land in these historic runaways that once welcomed the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress.
Landing there was quite the experience! As the airfield officially doesn’t exist anymore, the aeroplane’s computers went into a frenzy, thinking that my descent was accidental and that I was about to crash!
Alarms blared and lights flashed, but we landed safely in RAF Great Massingham, a site that, in its heyday, had over 600 servicemen living and working there helping the Allies bomb Nazi-occupied Europe.
Pilot's Logbook
For my fellow aviators, flying to Norfolk offers stunning aerial views of the English countryside. Landing at Great Massingham Airfield is a unique experience and a reminder of the history embedded in this landscape.
You must obtain prior permission before you head there. The airfield's old runways are still in good shape (considering their age), but be prepared for a lack of navigational aids and the absence of radio services. Please be aware of possible dog walkers and horses on the taxiway that doubles as a bridleway. The landing fee is £10 (October 2024)
Your last chance for supplies
From the airfield, a ten-minute walk through fields where horses are grazing takes us to the charming village of Great Massingham with its impressive green and ponds.
This is your last chance to do three days' worth of grocery shopping. While the cabins will surprise you with comfort and with all you need, bringing food is your responsibility.
After that, you will be ready to continue your journey. You can either get a taxi to your drop-off point in the forest, which will take you there in 10 minutes, or, if you feel brave enough, you can walk straight to the cabin from here, but you will need up to two hours and plenty of hands to carry your belongings and food.
Into the Woods - how spicy do you like it?
Regardless of how you travel to the edge of the wilderness, by your car parking spot and taxi drop-off point, you will find a trusty wheelbarrow to help you transport your belongings (take note: rolling luggage won't be much help!).
From there, it's a short(ish) hike through the trees to your new, yet temporary, home.
Unyoked has a very unconventional way of telling you how challenging the walk to the cabin will be. They call it Spice. The spicier the cabin, the longer the distance and the more challenging your walk will be. In my case, a medium spice cabin took me 15 minutes to complete.
Unlike Nando’s restaurants, here, extra spicy means your hike will most likely be strenuous and will have a steep incline. So, please check the spice level before you book and choose accordingly.
Now, fear not. Personally, I found the walk to the cabin to be one of the highlights of the whole trip. The sound of the birds, the wind running through the trees’ branches… It all felt like an introduction to what was to come, a welcome drink to make you feel at ease in your new habitat.
The deeper I went into the woods, the more my phone’s signal faded away. With each step, I felt more and more disconnected from what I had left behind. It’s almost like nature was saying, “Hey Fernando, look at what you’ve been missing!”.
Then, just at another edge of the forest, a few steps from a massive meadow, I found a little clearing. And right in the middle, surrounded by these giant trees... was my cabin.
The whole place was bursting with these beautiful, warm autumnal browns mixed with deep, vibrant greens. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting what seemed to be a spotlight on the cabin. It was like discovering a perfectly wrapped Christmas present.
If they made a three-bedroom version, I would move in for good!
The cabin itself has this sleek, modern look. It's rectangular, clad in dark wood, with a matching black roof. In one corner, there are two massive windows that let in tons of natural light. And right in the centre, a glass door leads out to the deck, with a cute little chimney peeking out from the roof.
Speaking of the deck, there are a couple of wooden chairs, a small table and just enough space to soak up the surroundings.
A few meters in front, there's a fire pit surrounded by large logs that double as seats. I can imagine a cosy evening there under the stars, lying down on the (provided) hammock. There’s even a wood-burning pizza oven!
Inside the Cabin - Everything You Need and Nothing You Don't
As you step inside, you'll notice that every inch was carefully thought through. The result? It has a very functional Scandinavian-style interior that looks bigger than you would expect from the outside. And I bet you will either say, Wow, or This is so Cute!
At the far end of the cabin, those two large windows I mentioned are like two massive live picture frames showcasing the forest around you.
But wait, the best part is that the bed is just next to the windows. You can stargaze all night and wake up to the sunrise without even getting out of bed! Also, I definitely didn't expect such a comfy bed in the middle of nowhere!
Every inch of the cabin has a function. You'll find a table beside the bed that doubles as a dining table (for two) and a bedside table with a CD player and USB charging ports. You even have a small collection of classic albums, including Bob Dylan, Supertramp, The Beach Boys and Neil Young. There's also a good book selection, including guides on how to connect with nature.
Over by the entrance, there's a wood burner and all the tools you need to keep the cabin toasty during the colder months.
In the middle of the space, you have what is most likely the best-equipped kitchen you can find in a forest!
If someone had told me about a kitchen in the middle of the woods, I would've pictured something basic, maybe a camping stove and a cooler. But this is something else! Gas hob, a mini-fridge, pots and pans, cutlery, mugs and bowls, a manual coffee grinder, coffee beans, a teapot, tea bags, salt, oil... the list goes on and on. If you prefer to cook outdoors in the fire pit, you'll find a couple of cast iron pans.
There is a beautifully crafted bathroom at the far end of the cabin. The walls are made of dark wood with tiled floors. There's a stone basin, shampoo, shower gel, toilet paper and towels.
The hot rain shower has plenty of pressure and a window to peek into the woods.
To make everything work, the designers of these cabins have used some of the best sustainable technology available out there. For example, the shower uses collected rainwater and is heated using the electricity from solar panels.
The toilet is a bit different, too. It doesn't flush! But instead, it uses composting technology to break down, well... you know what I mean. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I'm happy to leave it at that for now!
So, the cabin itself – inside and out – is absolutely spot on. It's beautiful, it's functional. It has everything you need and nothing you don't.
“Now, what?”
Once you settle in, you might start asking yourself this question.
The aim of these cabins in the middle of nature is that you really disconnect. And to be fair, I can’t imagine being more disconnected than I was. I had no phone signal. No way to contact anyone. I hadn’t seen a soul in hours, and the nearest village was a 90-minute walk away – part of which was in the forest.
Now, for someone who’s always connected, I felt a bit of a shock to the system. It’s like my head was shouting, “Something is wrong. Run!”.
But slowly, I started to feel more relaxed. And then I decided to read a small booklet Unyoked calls the “In-Field Guide”. As soon as I opened it, there it was, that question, “Now, what?”
There was also an explanation. Unyoked says that it takes some time to get used to the change. They add:
While humans became experts at attaching outcomes to everything we do, Unyoked is about unstructured time. It’s about staring, daydreaming, walking, drawing, journaling.
Entire hours flying by sitting in bed, watching how the light dances across the trees. Seeing sunset, sunrise.
No expectation. We call it good boredom. So, take the pressure off. Do nothing."
Designed to Make You Slow Down
Fortunately, the cabin is designed to help you adapt and slow down quickly.
Want a coffee? Sure, here are the tools! Manual coffee grinder, beans and whistle kettle! The rhythmic grinding, the anticipation as the kettle whistles, the first sip of that hard-earned brew—it all forces you to slow down and savour the moment.
Want to warm up the cabin? Easy! Here’s the wood burner, firelighters, matches and logs. Oh, you need to chop them up because they are a little too big, but don’t worry, here’s a log splitter and a hammer! The act of building a fire becomes a mindful exercise, a connection to a primal rhythm. Each step—from selecting the wood to coaxing the flames—demands your attention and draws you into the present.
Suddenly, you’ll notice everything was carefully left there to help you relax and adapt. Books about being and loving nature. Music about being alone, relationships, creativity and happiness. Board games that will take you a long time to complete.
Surrounded by these thoughtful details, I began to realize that slowing down wasn't just about having the time. It was about appreciating the process. The cabin's design nudged me towards a different rhythm, one where the simple act of making coffee became a mindful ritual and the crackling fire a source of contemplation.
It was in this unhurried space that I began to feel a shift within myself.
It felt ok not to be busy. The pressure started to lift, and I felt incredibly happy and connected with my surroundings.
Axe in hand! Embracing Vulnerability
Before I travelled to Norfolk, I wondered how vulnerable or fearful I would feel in the middle of a forest, far from civilisation, amongst the wildlife.
I’ll admit it. It crossed my mind that someone could appear in front of my cabin, axe in hand! Or what if there was an emergency – maybe I’d burn the cabin down or break a leg tripping over a fallen tree? How quickly could I get help?
In reality, these cabins are pretty secure. They are located on private land. You likely won’t have a phone signal, but in an emergency, 999 will use any network available. Each cabin has its own emergency procedures, and if you drive to the location, your car won’t be that far away (although at night, you will need to use the torch available in the cabin to navigate your way around).
Now, I did feel vulnerable. But that was ok. We should feel vulnerable. It means we are aware and focused, and most importantly, we understand that we can’t always control everything in life.
And that realisation can be beautiful, too, and help us accept life as it is.
Having said that, if you get scared in dark and secluded environments, I suggest you come with a friend or partner. This experience is perfect for two.
The Ideal (and Not-So-Ideal) Guests
So, who are these cabins for? After my own experience, I believe three groups of people are the ideal guests. The first group are those needing to hit the pause button and take time to get clarity, relax or find a new perspective on life.
The second group would be the creatives. These cabins don’t only let you disconnect from a busy and demanding world, but they also have the power to inspire. I can imagine a writer there or a musician drafting the lyrics and notes to a new song.
The last group would be those looking for a new experience - friends, a couple, a family with children. This is an adventure like no other and is reasonably accessible.
Cost
When writing, a three-day, two-night break at one of these cabins would cost you around £350. There’s an extra £40 if you want to bring your pet. Want a discount? If you subscribe to this newsletter, you can get 15% off your booking. That’s up to £50!
Important Considerations Before You Book
I can also tell you who might find this experience more of a challenge. If you depend on a medical device like a CPAP machine, for example, the power provided by the solar panels might not be enough. Also, if you experience reduced mobility, the distance between the car park and your cabin, combined with some challenging tracks to get to the cabin, might make it difficult or even impossible.
I recommend you contact Unyoked directly to discuss your requirements.
Bear in mind that each cabin accommodates two people only. So if you are a family of four, for example, you will need two cabins.
Some locations do offer multiple cabins, but they are never side by side. You’ll need to walk a short distance (10 to 15 minutes) to get from one to the other. In the winter, you’ll need a torch to navigate the forest. There’s one in each cabin. Good luck!
So, Shall you Book it? Will I Return?
I confess that when I arrived at my secluded cabin, I had many questions and some doubts. In less than one day, I had adapted and embraced being disconnected from the world where others often dictate our schedules and rhythm. I also couldn’t access a 24/7 stream of news coming at me in pop-up notifications (Alleluia!).
And I guess that was key to helping me start to unwind and feel calmer. For the first few hours, a little voice in my head told me something was wrong… but it quietened down.
Then, I had two fantastic nights’ sleep. Gosh, those were great! The days were never rushed. Brewing a coffee was so slow, and I had to chop wood to keep the cabin warm. But all of these tasks were so satisfying.
I went on a very wet walk through the forest. I hugged a couple of trees, had an imaginary chat with a couple of squirrels, and just allowed my mind to wander around.
I’m not sure yet if these days will have a lasting impact on my well-being. But it absolutely did for the time I was here.
You might ask, “Do you need a secluded retreat to de-stress?” Probably not. But it would require a determination that isn’t always easy to achieve. Also, the people around you might hinder this endeavour inadvertently, interrupting you.
It’s not easy to get off a train when it’s moving fast, right? But there, in the middle of nowhere, you have no option. Nature can slow you down and cut you off from the outside world.
Since I left, I spent a couple of weeks producing the podcast episode and writing this article. Not a single hour of that process went by without me saying to myself, I want to return!
I loved it there, and I hope one day, you will, too.
Ready for Your Own Off-Grid Adventure?
Listen to the full episode of Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho for a more immersive experience of my off-grid adventure!
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Travel Plan+ subscribers can join my live monthly Q&A to ask me anything about our travels, learn about the bits we didn’t include in this article or get personalised travel planning advice!
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Extras for Travel Plans+ subscribers: What to Avoid, Live Q&A and a Beautiful Downloadable Travel Guide
I’m not going to lie. I loved it, but not all went smoothly.
If you are a Travel Plans+ subscriber, don’t miss the live Zoom Q&A (2nd of December at 8:00 pm and available to stream afterwards), where I’ll tell you what has happened, tell you what to avoid, answer any questions about my time in the forest and help you plan your own adventure.
A beautifully designed and downloadable PDF Travel Guide with all the details of this adventure is also available from the 15th of November.
All the details are below.