Staycation Inspiration

7 Things People Want in the Great British Holiday (And How Marthrown Delivers Them)

Amy Hazlehurst | August 12, 2020 | Updated on August 7, 2025

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A Memorable Holiday in The UK

When choosing a holiday in the UK, what truly matters to you? This year, we’ve all had to rethink how we travel, and what we really want from a getaway. After a quick poll around our regular guests and friends, we spotted a clear trend in what makes a proper British break feel special.

Questions ranged from; “Can we swim? ”, to “What activities can we do?”, “Can we experience nature at its finest?” and the more obvious, “How long does it take to get there?”

So from wild swimming to skipping traffic jams, here are the 7 top things people look for in a Great British holiday, and of course how Marthrown of Mabie in Dumfries and Galloway ticks every box.

1. Space to Breathe

Every weekend, we are seeing news reports of crowded beaches and littered parks. With most of our usual holiday destinations still being hard to get to, you just found a place that ticks all the boxes. Enter Southwest Scotland’s Marthrown of Mabie in the heart of the forest in Dumfries and Galloway.

Forget the crowded and bustling resorts. At Marthrown, you’re surrounded by the peaceful Mabie Forest, with room to roam, explore, and just be.

Our glamping yurts, tipis, cottages, and the Celtic Roundhouse are all spread out across our off-grid site, so you can enjoy nature without the neighbours.

2. A Shot at Sunshine

Okay, we won’t lie. It’s Scotland. But when the sun does shine (and it often does!), there’s Cream o’ Galloway ice cream at Sandyhills Beach, wild swims in Lochaber, and golden-hour views of the Lake District Fells across the Solway.

If it rains? You’ve got a wood-fired hot tub and a yurt with a stove. Win-win

3. Easy to Get To, But Feels Like a World Away

If the thought of bumper-to-bumper traffic to Cornwall makes you twitch, we hear you. Head the other way!

Marthrown is easy to reach, just:

  • 4 hours by train from London
  • 2 hours by car from Glasgow
  • 50 minutes from Carlisle

Swap motorway madness for forest calm and see you soon. Nestled in the heart of the forest, you’ll feel miles from civilisation, but you’re really just off the M6. That’s the magic.

No flights, no stress. Eco-conscious travel and off-grid vibes—just the way a UK staycation should be.

4. Post-Lockdown Safety, Naturally

With private yurts, self-contained facilities, and miles of outdoor space, we offer the perfect isolated glamping experience.

Safe, clean, and surrounded by nature. That’s how we do holidays here.

5. Scenery Worth Writing Home About

From forest trails to sea cliffs, scenic walks to hilltop sunsets—Marthrown of Mabie is packed with wow-factor views.

Hike nearby Criffel, explore the 7Stanes biking trails, or just enjoy your morning coffee with a panoramic view from the loo. (Yes, really, our #loowithaview is Insta-famous.)

6. Somewhere to Swim

You asked, “Can we swim?” We say, “Absolutely.”

Just 20 minutes away, Lochaber is a freshwater paradise for wild swimmers, with calm waters, stunning surroundings, and often—you guessed it—not a soul in sight.

7. The Lake District skyline at Sunrise & sunset

We were one of the UK’s first yurt glamping sites, and our guests voted us among the Top 10 UK Campsites in The Guardian. We’ve been Highly Recommended by the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards, and we’re proud to welcome curious travellers looking for a new kind of holiday.

See the Lake District skyline at sunrise and sunset, forests filled with stories and trails and a Celtic Roundhouse you can actually sleep in with a reputation for being “Simply Something Different” since 2006.

Don’t Waste Your Air Miles, Book a Staycation That Matters

Skip the flights, skip the crowds, and skip the quarantine risks. Come back to nature, back to basics, and back to what really matters. Explore our yurts, tipis, cottages and campsite.

Or try something truly unforgettable, like a stay in our Celtic Roundhouse on Airbnb. Let’s make this the year you discovered your new favourite holiday spot, right here in Southwest Scotland.

To enquire or book now, please book now or contact the booking office on 01387 247900.

Marthrown of Mabie – Unique Forest Accommodation

Glamping in Scotland is becoming more and more popular, and Marthrown of Mabie is ideally located in the heart of Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway. We offer an exciting mix of unique and unusual accommodation. From an authentic Iron Age Celtic Roundhouse and cosy yurts to our charming cottages, bell tent, and rustic camping area.

Whether you’re planning a group retreat, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, you’ll find “Simply Something Different” here in this beautiful corner of Southern Scotland.

We can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of unique options.

Glamping yurt named Wych Elm at sunrise. Ombre light is making the door glow deep orange

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