Our Off-Grid Stay at Polaris: A Shack Retreat in Cheshire

Off-grid holidays are all about stepping away from the usual rush of daily life. These breaks give you the chance to slow down, unplug and enjoy nature without distractions. There's no Wi-Fi, no TV and often no mobile signal - and that’s the whole point.

More people are now looking for this kind of escape. After long hours on screens and busy schedules, many of us want time to switch off and just be present. Off-grid stays let you do exactly that - whether it's reading a book by the fire, listening to birdsong or watching the stars at night.

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Off-Grid Stays in the UK: What to Expect

At the Shacks, off-grid means using solar power instead of mains electricity. The heating comes from a wood-burning stove. There’s a compost toilet instead of a flush one and water comes from either a spring or a local supply. It’s all designed to work simply and naturally, with comfort in mind - so you’re still cosy and well looked after, just without the usual plugs and switches.

Shacks began with a simple idea - to build a comfortable, off-grid cabin that blends in with nature. It all started on a family farm in Cheshire, where Harry and George created the first shack using solar power, a composting toilet, and a clever layout that made the most of a small space. It worked so well that they saw the potential to offer this experience to others.

A chance meeting with Clive Sykes, a well-known figure in UK holiday cottages, helped take things further. Along with his business partner Miles Hill, they brought valuable experience to the project. Together, they turned one cabin into a growing collection of peaceful, off-grid stays across the UK.

Where Are the Shacks Located?

The Shacks are set in a handful of carefully chosen locations across the UK, including Cheshire, North Wales, and Staffordshire. Each spot has been selected for its wild, peaceful surroundings, where guests can enjoy wide-open views, natural beauty, and a real sense of privacy. These aren’t busy campsites or crowded parks - they’re quiet corners of the countryside where you can truly switch off.

What makes these locations special is how well they balance seclusion with comfort. You’re tucked away enough to feel completely removed from the noise of everyday life, but still close enough to explore nearby villages, walking trails, and local attractions if you wish. Whether it’s the rolling hills of North Wales or the woodlands of Staffordshire, every setting has its own unique charm.

We stayed in Polaris, one of the Shacks near Tarporley in Cheshire. It offered exactly what we were looking for - calm, comfort, and big skies. Set in a quiet rural spot, it gave us uninterrupted views across the countryside, with nothing but fields, trees and some birds for company.

 

Our Stay at Polaris Shack in Cheshire

Our off-grid stay began smoothly from the moment we booked. Shortly after our reservation was confirmed, we received a welcome email with a link to a digital guidebook via TouchStay. It had everything we needed to know about our stay - directions, check-in instructions, what to pack, and even local recommendations if we wanted to plan ahead. It was a great start, having everything in one place. We downloaded the guidebook to our phones so we could easily refer to it on the go.

Getting to Polaris was simple. Since the shacks are off-grid, directions are provided using WhatThreeWords, which we found really useful. Both the parking spot and the shack itself had their own unique WhatThreeWords location, and it took us straight there without any confusion. We parked in the designated area, loaded our bags into the wheelbarrow provided, and made our way up the farm track to the shack. 

Polaris is set about 300 metres up the path, tucked beside a long hedge. According to the website, it's one of their more challenging approaches - but it was well worth it when we reached the top.

Polaris is set on a working farm and is surrounded by fields with wide open views. We instantly loved the peaceful location. There was no one around, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Once we reached the cabin, we found the key in a lockbox by the door and let ourselves in. It was quiet, calm, and exactly what we had hoped for.

Off-Grid but Comfortable: Facilities at Polaris

Despite being off-grid, Polaris had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. 

The kitchen was compact but well equipped, with a two-burner gas hob that was easy to use. There were plenty of utensils - plates, cutlery, a kettle and even things like olive oil, salt and pepper, which saved us bringing our own. The small eco-fridge worked well during our stay and we liked knowing it was powered by solar. It reminded us to only bring what we really needed, which suited the slower pace of this kind of holiday.

The shack was ready for us with bed linen, towels and blankets all provided, which made things really easy. 

Since we visited in summer and the temperatures were high, we didn’t need to use the wood burner at all. But it’s good to know it’s there for the colder months - it would definitely make the space feel warm and cosy. 

Everything inside felt well thought out and simple to use, from the kitchen setup to the basket of logs and eco-friendly cleaning products.

The bathroom was simple but clean, with a high-quality shower and a composting toilet. We hadn’t used one before but found it easy to get used to. Clear instructions were provided and it worked just fine. It's part of what makes this kind of stay special - being a little more mindful, using what you need and leaving less behind. 

 

Polaris might be off-grid, but it certainly didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything.

What Makes Polaris Shack Special?

What makes Polaris truly special is its location. Set in the middle of a working farm and surrounded by open fields, it offers an uninterrupted view across the Cheshire plains. 

The setting feels wonderfully open and spacious, yet tucked away enough to feel like your own private spot. The shack is about 300 metres from the nearest road and during our entire stay, we didn’t see another person. It felt far more remote than it actually was, which added to the sense of escape.

It was so peaceful - just the sounds of nature all around. Birds calling, plants rustling in the breeze, and little else. One of our favourite features was the large windows in the shack. Whether it was sunny or cloudy, we could sit inside and still enjoy the view. 

It’s the kind of place that helps you slow down and truly switch off. If you’re looking for somewhere to get away from it all, Polaris is ideal.

Things to Do Near Polaris Shack, Tarporley

Polaris is set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, close to the village of Tarporley. It’s a lovely area with a relaxed feel, perfect for exploring at your own pace. You can take a slow walk through Tarporley’s High Street, which has a nice mix of small shops, local cafes and galleries. The streets are full of character and it’s a good place to stop for a bite to eat or simply enjoy the surroundings.

If you enjoy walking, there are plenty of trails nearby. The Sandstone Trail is a popular choice and Beeston Castle makes a great stop with both history and views. You could also visit Delamere Forest for peaceful woodland walks or a bit of fun at Go Ape. For something different, Wild Shore waterpark is nearby, offering activities like paddleboarding and an inflatable obstacle course. And if you're into local food and drink, Weetwood Brewery runs beer and gin tastings just a short drive away.

During our stay, we took a day trip to Chester. It’s only about 30 minutes by car and has a lot to offer - from Roman walls and the cathedral to shops, cafes and the riverside walk. 

After a full day out, it was nice to return to the quiet and calm of Polaris for a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Is a Shack Stay Right for You?

Shacks are best suited for people who enjoy peace, nature and a slower pace. If you like the idea of being offline, surrounded by countryside and waking up to birdsong instead of phone alarms, this kind of stay will likely suit you well. It’s perfect for couples, solo travellers and even dog owners looking for a break from busy life. Nature lovers, walkers and those who want time to read, think, or simply relax will find a lot to enjoy here.

That said, it may not be the right choice for everyone. If you rely heavily on constant internet access, prefer having TV and tech on hand or are uncomfortable with compost toilets or simple living, you might find it a bit too quiet or basic. 

To make the most of your off-grid stay, pack layers for the changing weather, bring food and drink with you (as shops may not be nearby at all locations) and download any maps or entertainment before you arrive. Most importantly, come with an open mind and be ready to enjoy the slower rhythm of nature.

How to Book a Shack Stay

Booking a stay at one of the Shacks is simple and best done online through their website www.shacks.co.uk

You’ll see full pricing details before confirming. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due three weeks before your arrival. If you're booking within three weeks of your stay, the full amount will need to be paid upfront. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10am.

Shacks also offer gift options if you want to treat someone to an off-grid break. You can choose to gift a full stay or contribute towards one. 

For questions, you can get in touch with the team at Shacks using the details below:

Shacks HQ | Rock Farm, Willington, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0NA
Email us: [email protected]
Phone: ‭01244 848 684‬
WhatsApp: 07457 413 819
Contact times: Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm

Why We’d Return to Polaris

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Polaris. The biggest highlight for us was the peace and quiet. Being surrounded by nature with no television felt like a real break. When we weren’t out exploring Chester, we spent our time simply unwinding at the shack - reading, sitting outside or just watching the view. It felt calm, slow and refreshing.

There were no digital distractions, just the natural sounds around us - birds calling in the distance and wide, open fields filled with lush greenery. It gave us time to switch off fully and enjoy the moment. If you're looking for a peaceful, off-grid escape, we’d definitely recommend a stay here. We’d love to return ourselves.