In our digital age, the greatest luxury is silence, and our most powerful medicine is nature. If you’ve been feeling the strain of routine, the answer might not be a long-haul flight, but a simple, restorative escape to the water’s edge in rural Shropshire…
Picture booking a stay at the most stunningly tranquil spot, nestled in nature, where award-winning boutique lodges perch on the banks of the picturesque River Perry. Escaping to a riverside cabin isn’t just a holiday or last minute getaway, it’s a proactive step to hit reset on your physical and mental wellbeing and reclaim your peace.
So, let’s look at why evermore people are trading the noisy, crowded city for the peaceful sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves, as the best investment for health.
A Mental Sanctuary: Recharge Your Mind
The benefits of nature on our mental health are profound and backed by science. When we step into a waterside setting, we immediately tap into what’s known as the soft fascination of nature, which allows the brain to relax and replenish its attention resources.
- Stress Reduction: The gentle, rhythmic sound of running water is a natural white noise that masks stress-inducing background noise and lowers levels of cortisol in the body. Whilst in nature, we allow ourselves the headspace for a total escape from routine and a feeling of absolute privacy and quiet, which is essential for cognitive rest.
- Mood Elevation: Exposure to green spaces and sunlight, even dappled through the woodland canopy, naturally boosts our serotonin levels, leading to a lifted mood and reduced feelings of anxiety or depression. The simple act of slowing down, lighting a fire pit, or watching the stars at night re-centres our perspective.
- Digital Detox Opportunity: While cabins offer Wi-Fi for convenience, the abundance of on-site activities and natural beauty encourages us to willingly put down our devices. This intentional break from screens is a powerful mental reset, allowing for deeper sleep and more genuine and precious presence with our loved ones.
A Physical Revitalisation: Moving & Relaxing
A nature escape is not just about passive relaxation; it’s about accessible, enjoyable activities that engages our body in new ways.
- Active Exploration: Located amidst Shropshire’s beautiful countryside, these stunning cabins are a launchpad for wonderful walks and wildlife. With easily accessible public footpaths for invigorating woodland hikes, those who love the water have access to paddle boards and kayaks on site to explore the River Perry, transforming relaxation into an active adventure. If walking isn’t your speed, why not take a bike ride to explore the local historic sites and attractions.
- Hydrotherapy & Warmth: Every cabin and lodge conveniently features its own private hot tub. Soaking in warm water under the open sky provides proven physical benefits: improving circulation, easing muscle tension from the day’s exploring, and promoting deep, restful sleep.
- Holistic Wellness: For ultimate rejuvenation, there are also Yoga Retreats held in the woodland wellness studio throughout the year; the perfect way to combine the tranquility of the setting with intentional movement and mindfulness.
Riverside Cabins: Our Stay In The Caesar Cabin
With my 38th birthday just a matter of days away, my partner surprised me with the most stunning getaway at Riverside Cabins. As we’re both keen nature lovers, we enthusiastically switched our daily commute across cities for the peace and tranquility of sleepy Shropshire and it was just what I needed.
While all of the accommodations at Riverside Cabins are designed with absolute luxury and privacy in mind, the Caesar Cabin stands out as the ultimate choice for a revitalising escape; perched on the edge of the grounds besides a stunning natural quarry and Mumbles outdoor bar and open air cinema on the rock face. From rocking chairs besides the water, to fire pits under all weather canopies, whatever the season of your visit, there is something special for everyone.
From meeting couples celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, to groups of friends catching up, families enjoying nature and dog-lovers alike, it was wonderful to explore the grounds and surrender to nature. I tend to be an over-thinker, my mind is always on the go, and as a mother and business owner I just never switch off until I reach burn-out; coming to the cabins literally melted away the chronic stress and tension the moment that we rolled up to the gates and were greeted by twinkling lights and tree-lined sweeping paths.
Everything at Riverside Cabins is just so is heartwarming, so genuine and so homely. Despite having never been before, it felt like returning to my favourite place – so safe, warm and inviting. A true testament to the owners who have lovingly created something that they themselves absolutely love and cherish. Made with real people in mind, rather than just another business plan and greed for profit, its the many little touches that make a world of difference. From the airy bedrooms with multiple storage options, to the fully stocked and functioning kitchen, the choice of coffee machine, filter kettles and cafetiére left us absolutely delighted.
If you can think of it, the chances are they have it. And whilst I was expecting the usual kettle and space-saving corner basin and hob combo, we literally had a fully functioning home to enjoy. No need to cut corners, live off of microwave food (unless you want to) or find ways to adapt out in the sticks outside of your comfort zone; you can literally step from your door to theirs in a seamless transition of lifestyle, with the beauty of Mother Nature at every window and door.
I practically packed some warm slippers, blankets and jackets to embrace the chill of October and wrap up warm and cosy inside of the cabin, not realising they had underfloor heating throughout, steamy hot showers, a hot tub with each cabin and plentiful blankets and towels. When you imagine staying at a cabin in the woods you can be forgiven for expecting wonky walls, whistling air gaps beneath doors and cobwebs in hard to reach corners. This is modern luxury without compromising on authenticity at all – from flat screens and WiFi throughout to fire pits and LED mirrors. Comfort meets convenience in the most idyllic setting.
We had the most adorable ducks tending to their nest in a little hut besides our balcony. Squirrels danced through the trees and the hooting owls filled the evening air beneath twinkling stars and spotlit trees. I had the joy of sipping my morning coffee as I watched the wildlife at ease around us, the bifold doors providing an unobstructed view from our lounge to the river, and everything about my soul relaxed.
As a mother, I don’t think I’ve had a bath in years, if not decades! I surrendered my bubble-soaked book-reading hours for five minute power showers between nappy changes and mealtimes a very long time ago when my babies were born and me-time became so sparse. Rather than replacing this routine as they eventually grew up, I realise that I gradually allowed those well-deserved moments of rest in my routine to slip away, until eventually they stopped existing entirely. And I guess when you escape on a getaway you have the time and space to reflect upon this and reclaim such sanctuary. And reclaim it I did!
Sinking into the warm bubbling water with a glass of wine, every ounce of tension, tightness and stress just fizzled away. All concerns for daily life, deadlines and worries dissolved into the night air, replaced by a profound, simple beauty and a feeling of utter relaxation that sinks deep into your bones. No responsibility, no rushing or concept of time; just fresh air and relaxation beneath the stars which I cannot recommend more highly to all.
As we wandered the stunning grounds, we passed by fellow visitors in hot tubs day and night, clearly enjoying the same sense of relief from the rat race as us. With privacy screens and thoughtfully placed cabins, everybody can enjoy a little slice of undisrupted nature and serenity without boundaries or borders. Whether you choose a quiet little cabin for two, or something larger to sleep several friends and family members, the retreat from the outside world is just as sweet.
Being an active couple, we love to workout, walk and explore just as much as our desire to relax. We found Riverside Cabins to be the perfect venue for both of these physical extremes. I enjoyed the most beautiful yoga session in The Nest, which is a sweet little roundhouse used for wellness retreats, adorned with flowing white drapes, lanterns, cushions and incense, as my partner had an outdoor strength and conditioning session on the terrace overlooking the perfectly lawn.
Something that made us chuckle were the quirky little signs throughout the grounds from warning of “killer ducks” to sharks and robots, as the sweetest flock of ducks swam peacefully through fountains on the pond, and electric mowers with googly eyes merrily maintained the striped lawns before returning to their docking stations. They’ve found the perfect balance between off-grid countryside living and luxuriously maintained grounds to make it feel like both a holiday and a home at the very same time.
We had the pleasure of speaking to the owner, who cheerful greeted us upon arrival to show us around and answer any questions that we may have. From sourcing wood for the fire pits to adjusting temperatures and operating gadgets in the cabin, he was a fountain of knowledge for it all and his enthusiasm for his work shines brightly. The difference it makes when somebody truly loves what they do, and has a real passion for it, versus the dog-eat-dog world of cold-hearted business is immeasurable.
When he gleefully told us that he has a 50% customer return rate, we weren’t surprised at all, as moments before speaking with him we’d literally been looking into our upcoming holidays for 2026 and how lovely it would be to return to the cabins in the springtime!
During our stay we caught glimpses of him building a beautiful summer house over the water, merrily working away with freshly sawn wood and adding diamond shaped detailing to the windows. The little touches which aren’t necessary for function or purpose at all, but wholeheartedly make something magical and meaningful.
I felt such a fond sense of my late grandfather on the grounds, as it sentimentally reminded me of his love for his own garden and the beautiful little details that he added from bird boxes to colourful planters and floral displays – a true love for nature that comes from green fingers and a warm heart. And that’s why this little slice of nature feels like heaven to so many; it’s a real gem of a find.
Something that I never expected to experience during our stay was kayaking, as I’d never tried it before, I’m not the most confident swimmer, and in the autumn I didn’t imagine the water would be too warm if I fell in. But it was incredibly reassuring to hear that the river is gentle and only shin-deep, making it safe and accessible for all ages and abilities as you simply stand up should you find yourself overboard.
Brightly coloured paddle boards, kayaks and oars proudly line the waterside, provided as a complimentary addition to our stay, which was a pleasant surprise. And so after walking past them several times during our daily strolls, I eventually plucked up the courage to chance a chilly-dip, stepping from the ladder of the jetty directly into the tethered kayak in my sportswear as I thought that donning a swimsuit may be tempting fate.
With a few strokes of the oars for practice, I was unleashed onto the water and couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear over how fun, uplifting and freeing it felt to sail down the river, meandering the turns of the trickling water, beneath willow trees and red berries beneath glorious blue skies.
I felt the greatest sense of achievement for trying something new, stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the breathtaking beauty of the river. If I can do it as a complete beginner, anyone can. We then enjoyed a spot of couples kayaking, with my partner taking the oars as I put my feet up for a peaceful tour and sightseeing, which I highly recommend! Just besides the waters edge is a lovely little area called The Smokehouse, where we found a lit fire pit, lounge chairs and log benches to enjoy a refreshing drink and discussions for our next adventure.
Sitting beside the fire pit as the autumn afternoon air cooled, in a cocoon of glowing warmth and flickering flames was such a sensory joy. It felt so instinctive, meditative and natural; a far cry from my smokey, poorly aerated and dwindling BBQ attempts at home in the garden. The comforting crackle and pop of lighting wood, instead of a bag of coals from the petrol station, is evidently the perfect, primal soundtrack for peace and relaxation.
Before we knew it, an hour or so had passed as we chatted away by the fireside, entirely oblivious to the time or expectations for the evening. We popped a head into the Smokehouse to see a large dining table, fire lamp and entire kitchen set up with a sparkling steel grill and worktops, mini bar and fully kitted out cabinets of cutlery and crockery.
Knowing the level of detail of our cabin, we should have expected it, but ordinarily we’d never have dreamed of finding such a wonderful entertaining space. How lovely it must be to sit with a group of friends and family around the table, grilling in the open air, passing bowls of salads and snacks whilst telling ghost stories and toasting marshmallows over the fire. Truly what lifelong memories are made of.
And so we headed back to our cabin, taking in some beautiful birds eye views of the grounds along the way, as we walked up into the trees to the top of the track which led us back to our neighbouring ducks and balcony. Listening to a relaxing country music playlist, we shared a glass of wine as we prepared a delicious feast in the kitchen of shepherds pie, garlic bread, cous cous, steamed vegetables and a fruit and cheese platter for afters in the hot tub.
Being vegan, with multiple food intolerances, it was such a relief to have the means to prepare meals to my exact dietary requirements, just as I would at home. To have the tools and means necessary means the difference between over routine and home comforts over inconvenience and physical agony through digestive issues. And whilst we could have ventured out to a local restaurant, ordered a take away or settled for a supermarket ready meal, eating hearty, healthy home-cooked food is the ultimate expression of love.
I love cooking, eating healthy and being active and energetic, and the cabins give you the opportunity to be as adventurous or lazy as you wish. You can conquer it all, or simply put your feel up and do nothing; however you are feeling, and whatever the reason, you have the luxury of choice and that’s what is so very precious. Limited menus and amenities can literally make or break a trip away, and to say that we were spoilt for choice at every step of our stay would be the understatement of the year. Cosy in our kitchen diner, we enjoyed our feast for two before sinking into the hot tub to count the stars once more and enjoy the owls.
If you’re looking for luxurious privacy, country comfort, and an unrivalled connection to the natural world, then I highly recommend you pop across for a long weekend or mid-week getaway. It’s truly opened my eyes to prioritise my mental health as much as I invest in my physical health. To stop scrolling and start truly living more. Riverside Cabins are the perfect base for every wellness journey; a rare combination of luxury amenities and the restorative power of raw nature that I cannot possibly recommend more highly. The first beautiful experience of many, without doubt!
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