The Mutt Hut Samlesbury

The Mutt Hut is one of a few shepherd's huts in the grounds of Samlesbury Hall, just off the A59. It's a glamping site, not a cottage. You're basically in a very nice, hand-built wooden wagon.

It sleeps four, but that's in one room with two double beds. It's open plan, so you're all in together. There's a proper en-suite shower room in the hut. The bed is comfortable, memory foam on a solid oak frame.

There's no kitchen. You've got a kettle, mugs, glasses and a small fridge. For food, you rely on the on-site restaurant, Dotties Wafflery for waffles, or you need to drive to a shop. The pub next to the hall, The Eagle at Samlesbury, does meals. There's a barbecue and outdoor seating for your hut.

The main thing is you're staying on the estate. You can walk around the hall's gardens and grounds. They have events on sometimes, like theatre or history tours. There's a golf driving range, a bee centre, and a playground.

Samlesbury Hall itself is a historic building you can visit. It's got a story about witches, if you're into that sort of thing. The site is close to the River Darwen for walks.

For a bigger day out, Preston is about ten minutes away by car. You can be in the centre of Manchester or Liverpool in around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The Trough of Bowland is within half an hour if you want proper hills.

Facilities are what you'd expect for glamping: the en-suite, bedding and towels included, wifi, and parking right by your hut. It's a 3 Star rating, which is standard for this type of place. You can bring one dog. The huts are close together, so you'll see other guests.

Useful links: Visit Lancashire and for the hall's own events, Samlesbury Hall.