Picture the scene; you’re lying in a cosy bed as the first rays of dawn filter through the clouds. There’s no dinging phone or traffic noises, just miles of countryside around you, dotted with the odd sheep.

This is how I woke up in a gorgeous off-grid cabin in the beautiful North Wales countryside. I needed a break, a proper one.

After months of deadlines and boring life admin, I dreamed of escaping the endless buzz of notifications, emails, and my phone’s constant pinging.

I wanted somewhere off-grid, remote enough to make me feel like I was the only person for miles, but also comfortable enough to hunker down for a long weekend with my husband, reading, playing board games and ignoring emails from my editors (sorry, Steffan!).

Luckily, I found a swish cabin that offered exactly what I wanted. The snug ‘Castor cabin’, part of the Shacks collection, is the perfect shack to escape the crowds and dreaded life admin for a few days.

Found on a working farm near Abergele, this handcrafted cabin allows you to wake up in peaceful solitude, with views of the sweeping countryside, sheep grazing quietly, and the odd deer passing by.

This pet-friendly off-grid haven has everything you might need for a self-catering stay in the countryside and is only a short drive away from Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and the North Wales coastline.

Here’s what you can expect when you stay in this off-grid cabin.

A well-designed stay

This luxe cabin has been meticulously hand-built by a skilled team using sustainable materials in a dedicated workshop. From solar-powered energy to cleverly designed composting toilets, the innovative Shacks team have considered every detail to ensure you have everything you need for a self-catering stay in the countryside.

While it’s small in size, we had everything we needed for our snug stay, including a king-size bed, compact kitchenette with hob and fridge, hot shower and towels, a wood burner and even an Eco Composting Toilet.

Solar panels provide sustainable power for light, and if you really need to, you can charge devices or switch them off and get stuck into the supply of board games and books.

Outside the cabin

Castor is located in a private field surrounded by woodland with expansive views through the trees. There’s an outdoor decking area for alfresco meals and a fire pit for a night under the stars sipping wine with a crackling fire and the distant sounds of owls–super romantic!

We loved having a cheeky glass of vino by the fire before our dinner surrounded by nature. Thankfully, the Welsh weather was kind to us, and it didn’t rain once during our long weekend.

No WiFi, no signal – the joy of switching off

One of the main reasons I had chosen the Castor cabin was the hope that I could be completely off-grid for a short while. Luckily, I had no mobile signal, so nothing could pull me away from the moment I was free to just chill out.

And honestly, I thought it might be difficult at first. As a freelance travel journalist and podcaster, I’m so used to reaching for my phone every few minutes – a bad habit that’s hard to break.

But within hours of arriving, I’d already forgotten about it. The lack of a digital connection permitted me to slow down in a way I hadn’t realised I needed. There was no need to doom scroll, no notifications to check, and no need to respond to messages.

Instead, I enjoyed a slower pace – reading, cooking dinner to music, watching the fire, playing cards, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings with my favourite person.

What’s nearby?

Despite its countryside location, you’re a stone’s throw from the North Wales coast, with bracing walks, impressive castles, and waterfalls to explore. It is just a 30-minute drive from Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). Which opens up a whole host of outdoor adventures and hiking trails.

Pensarn Beach

Stroll along Pensarn Beach’s charming promenade, lined with cafés, shops, and an arcade for a touch of seaside nostalgia. For those seeking tranquillity, head to the quieter stretches of this expansive beach, which seems to go on forever! Dogs are welcome year-round, except for a small section of the beach restricted between May and September.

Gwrych Castle

Located within 250 acres of gardens and grounds, Gwrych Castle is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Famous for hosting I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, this Grade I listed country house offers numerous events, including ghost hunts and Christmas experiences.

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard

Treat yourself to a tour and tasting experience at this delightful Welsh vineyard. With several tour options available, the highlight for many is the one that concludes with a delectable charcuterie and cheese board—a perfect pairing with the vineyard’s wines.

Bodnant Garden

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the stunning Bodnant Garden, a National Trust treasure renowned for its historic plant collections and serene beauty. It’s an idyllic spot to connect with nature and take in the vibrant seasonal displays.

Zip World

For thrill-seekers, Zip World offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether it’s soaring through the air on a zip line or exploring the unique underground golf course, this adventure hub promises an unforgettable experience.

Prefer to stay close by? From Castor, there is a 10-minute drive into the small town of Abergele, which has a lovely selection of traditional pubs and cosy cafes if you need to step back into civilisation.

Finding Castor

Being an off-grid stay, finding the cabin can be a bit of a challenge. Castor is an off-grid shack and, therefore, doesn’t have an address. Instead, you’ll be sent a What3words to pinpoint the exact location of the parking area and the shack itself.

You’ll receive the location once you have booked and will be sent a ‘digital guide’ on how to find and access the cabin.

Parking is off the road, and then a 350m walk through a couple of fields to the shack. When we first arrived, there was no sign on the field, so we had to trust that the location was correct, load our bags into a propped-up wheelbarrow and travel the field looking for our remote cabin.

Thankfully, we soon located it and were popping open the prosecco for a night away from civilisation. Cheers!

Getting to Castor

Car:

40 mins from Liverpool

An hour from Manchester

Three hours 30 from London

The nearest Train station:

Abergele, it’s a 15-minute taxi from there.

When you arrive, parking is off the road, and then it’s an easy 250m walk across a couple of fields to the shack.

Booking

Book your stay online here:

Book your stay