Our favourite books to curl up with at Brook Cottage: Summer edition
Updated: 5 days ago
Summer at Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts means long evenings outside, fire pit nights that stretch past eleven o'clock, and mornings that arrive early and bright over the fields. The wildlife lake catches the light in a way that makes it hard to go inside, and the views towards the mountains on a clear summer's day are the kind that stop you mid-sentence.
It's the season for slow mornings with a coffee on the deck, afternoons spent exploring the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula, and long, golden evenings with a good book and nowhere else you need to be.
Whether you're planning a romantic glamping break in North Wales or a peaceful solo retreat, there's something wonderfully indulgent about having the time to read simply for pleasure.
And summer reading should have range. Some days you'll want something light-hearted that you can put down when the sunshine calls. Others - those deliciously lazy afternoons when time seems to stand still - deserve something a little more absorbing.
So, we've put together our summer reading list: five wonderful books that feel particularly at home in the sunshine, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Welsh countryside.
Five books for lazy summer days
1. One Day by David Nicholls
A funny, warm and ultimately heartbreaking novel following two people on the same day each year across two decades. It's the kind of book that draws you in so completely that you suddenly realise the afternoon has disappeared. Ideal for a long, lazy day on your private deck with something cold to drink. And if you've already seen the Netflix adaptation, read the book anyway. Nicholls writes with a wit and tenderness that make it a pleasure to revisit the story.
2. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
A beautifully understated novel about an English butler reflecting on his life, his choices and the things left unsaid. Ishiguro's prose is quiet and controlled, yet the emotional weight builds almost without you noticing. There's something about reading it on a long summer afternoon, as the light begins to soften and the day slows down, that feels exactly right.
3. The Beekeeper's Promise by Fiona Valpy
Set in the beautiful Dordogne valley, this absorbing novel weaves together the stories of two women living decades apart, their lives shaped by the same landscape. Moving between wartime France and the present day, it's a story of courage, resilience and unexpected connections. Warm, evocative and wonderfully atmospheric, it's the kind of novel that makes you want to settle somewhere comfortable with a glass of something chilled and read until it's finished.
4. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson's affectionate and frequently hilarious farewell tour of Britain before returning to America. Full of observations about British life, eccentricities and landscapes, it's a book that makes you appreciate the extraordinary variety of places we have on our doorstep. And when you're staying on one of Britain's most quietly distinctive peninsulas, it feels particularly appropriate. Perfect for dipping into between adventures, preferably with a cup of tea and a view.
5. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Part nature writing, part reflection on our relationship with the living world, this beautiful book brings together botanical science, Indigenous knowledge and storytelling.
Kimmerer's writing invites us to look more closely at the plants, landscapes and natural rhythms we so often take for granted. And the landscape around Brook Cottage rewards exactly that kind of attention. From the wildlife around our lake to the changing colours of the meadow, there's always something to notice if you slow down long enough. Best enjoyed a chapter at a time, perhaps sitting outside with the sounds of summer all around you.
A little time for yourself at Brook Cottage
Each of our five individually designed luxury shepherd's huts has its own wonderfully comfortable double bed, private en-suite bathroom, kitchen facilities and wood-burning stove for cooler evenings. Outside, your private deck and firepit invite you to make the most of those long summer days, surrounded by our peaceful meadow, woodland and wildlife lake.
Three of our huts - Joan, Susanna and Angharad - are dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can stretch out in the sunshine while you settle into another chapter.
And when the book can wait, the Llŷn Peninsula is waiting to be explored.
From sweeping beaches and hidden coves to spectacular coastal paths, pretty villages and the mountains of Eryri beyond, there's no shortage of adventures to be had. Whether you're walking, swimming, discovering local cafés or simply finding a quiet spot beside the sea, summer in North Wales has something for everyone.
But there's something rather lovely about returning to Brook Cottage after a day of exploring, lighting the firepit, pouring a glass of something chilled and watching the last light fade over the hills.
And with no Wi-Fi to distract you, there's every excuse to read just one more chapter.
Your next chapter starts here
If your idea of a perfect summer escape involves beautiful countryside, long sunny days, peaceful evenings and a good book, we'd love to welcome you to Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts.
Whether you're planning a romantic break for two or a solo adventure, our adults-only luxury glamping accommodation on the Llŷn Peninsula offers the perfect place to explore, unwind and enjoy a little time that's entirely your own.
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