I love the idea of getting close to nature, getting away from the hustle and bustle of life and showing my children the unspoilt countryside up close and personal.

What has always put me off is getting too close to nature. Living the countryside experience conjures up images of groundsheets and bugs, canvas and cold nights.

But when I discovered the chance to enjoy a luxury log cabin in the heart of Yorkshire’s Cropton forest I leapt at the chance.

The family and I were in the car and on the A38 before you could say Bill Oddie and David Bellamy – and without a scrap of camping equipment in sight. 

Forest Holidays have three sites occupying Forestry Commission woodlands – at Strathyre, Scotland, Deerpark in Cornwall and Keldy in North Yorkshire which is where we headed for.

The secluded hideaway camp was at the end of a long single lane track where you have to look out for the passing pheasants, wide-eyed rabbits, flighty squirrels etc rather than oncoming traffic. 

There are a range of cabins hidden away among the trees sleeping up to 8 people, all enjoying peaceful positions and a wonderful forest view.

But, as I say, when I take a break away I want my little comforts. So we opted for one of the new VIP Golden Oak cabins which were launched this year. 

They include all the essential furnishings of the other cabins but have upgraded kitchens, an en suite bathroom to the master bedroom and the added luxury of a relaxing outdoor hot tub.

The master bedroom has a floor-to-ceiling window which means you wake up to an an incredible view. 

My children, aged five and eight, loved the animal trail around the house – woodland creature statues secreted around the window sills, bathrooms and other hiding places.

But most of all they loved the little ‘secret room’ in the upstairs bedroom. They loved this private space and would slope off there to play – or avoid teatime! This summer a treehouse is being introduced at each of the sites, accessed by an “adventurers bridge”‚ from the main cabin.

An added excitement for many young visitors I’m sure. 

You really are away from the daily grind on the relaxed site which has simply a play area, small games room, laundrette and a shop – although this was shut for a refurb when we were there, reopening the day we left.

So if you fancy a takeaway, a pint or run out of some of the essentials it means getting into the car. And remember to bring a torch – there are no street lamps here – and no mobile phone signal either. 

But that’s not to say there isn’t plenty to do. There are mountain bikes for hire and plenty of forest trails to walk or cycle. There are also various ranger-led walks and activites.

Early birds can enjoy The Forest Awakes or Birds on Tour walks which are first thing in the morning.

There are 7pm treks around the forest on Night Watch, and younger visitors will love Awesome Animals – focusing on the indigenous populations of the forest in daylight hours. 

But for the most part, you will probably not want to leave the idyllic Cropton Forest. A chance to recharge your batteries and experience nature in all its splendour – without having to rough it. 

By Diane Davies.