Heygates Lodging

Life on Britain’s canals and sleepy inland waterways tends to chug along at a maximum of four miles an hour. There’s little more relaxing than a holiday on these waters — but we can think of one: a holiday by them. A holiday where entertainment comes in the form of passing canal boats and the occasional heron or kingfisher flying by. One where you can refill your glass with chilled Champagne without leaving the waters’ edge or sink into a hot tub and still enjoy the view. That’s what’s on offer at Heygates Lodging. Here, on the banks of the Grand Union Canal, two pleasingly curvy log cabins offer self-catering stays with thoughtful touches including outdoor fridges for cooling that fizz and a plentiful log supply for your fire pit.

The location is the tiny hamlet of Elkington in Northamptonshire and those cabins are Fox and Pheasant Lodge, each styled with touches which reference the country creature they’re named for. Fox is tucked on the edge of a little, well-maintained woodland, Pheasant occupies a more open spot. Both sit in a canalside paddock that’s gently maturing into a wild and grassy meadow. These are self-contained and well-kitted out cabins; each with its own bathroom, running water, electricity and a kitchenette with a made-up king-sized bed and a sofa too.

This is comfortable, nicely styled glamping that’s got a grown-up feel about it thanks to the calm atmosphere, neat planting and availability of carefully-selected wines. These come (if you want them) via your hosts Graham and Allison, who’ve created this bijou site in a paddock, which neighbours the garden of their home. They’ll meet you on arrival, settle you in and are happy to provide local goodies as well as good quality wines and tips on everything from firelighting to places to visit.

In truth, the site is not near anywhere in particular and that’s part of the beauty of the place. There’s no shop or pub in the village and you can join the canalside tow path to walk for miles in either direction without getting anywhere specific. But there’s an A-road handily close which means you can whizz you to where you want to go quickly and there are pubs, nature reserves, gardens and stately homes not far from here. By road you can reach Market Harborough in 20 minutes and get here and away as easily as days by the canal slip by.