Derecroft Glamping Luxury Lodgepods sit on a hilltop near the village of Lanchester, with spectacular views across County Durham countryside. Lovingly designed and hand-built on a family farm, the pods are close to historic Durham (20 minutes’ drive) and all manner of family attractions.

Breath-taking views of Durham Valley farmland can be spied from all the windows of the ultra-spacious pods. Each sleeps up to four people in total comfort, with hot showers in the en-suite bathroom (bed linen, towels, bathroom products, robes and slippers are all provided). In the dining and seating area, there’s ample space for chilled downtime in front of the smart TV with sound bar.

The nattily designed open-plan kitchen has everything to make conjuring up meals a breeze: oven, microwave and fridge. Basic condiments and olive oils come as part of the package along with a (very) welcome hamper containing essentials like tea, coffee, pastries, juice and Prosecco.

Outdoors, the pods each have private raised decking with farmland panoramas, plus picnic benches, barbecues and pizza ovens for leisurely alfresco dining under the stars. Everything you need is on hand, including cooking utensils, crockery, charcoal, logs and fire lighters. Extra-special touches include the Jacuzzis under wooden pergolas – ideal for use in all sorts of weather.

When out and about exploring the place, you’ll see sheep and horses grazing in the fields and – if you’re lucky – Canada geese on the wildlife pond.