The most unusual places to stay in the UK

Travel, Travel Tips, World Roaming 8 Minutes

Slide 1 of 40: Why stay in a standard hotel when you can choose a former military helicopter or treehouse? From converted grain stores to towering castles, there are countless quirky breaks to choose from. Here is our pick of the most eccentric holiday options out there for your next short getaway in the UK.

Out-of-the ordinary staycations

Why stay in a standard hotel when you can choose a former military helicopter or treehouse? From converted grain stores to towering castles, there are countless quirky breaks to choose from. Here is our pick of the most eccentric holiday options out there for your next short getaway in the UK.
Slide 2 of 40: Seek shelter for the night in a Second World War bunker in the South Wales countryside, refurbished to make a cosy home that’s steeped in history. In the past, a watchman looked out for signs of air raids and lit decoy fires in the nearby fields. Now, the quiet shelter is the ideal base to enjoy Monmouthshire with the stunning ruins of Tintern Abbey nearby. 

Second World War bunker, Monmouthshire

Seek shelter for the night in a Second World War bunker in the South Wales countryside, refurbished to make a cosy home that’s steeped in history. In the past, a watchman looked out for signs of air raids and lit decoy fires in the nearby fields. Now, the quiet shelter is the ideal base to enjoy Monmouthshire with the stunning ruins of Tintern Abbey nearby.

Slide 3 of 40: Occupying the site of an old sawmill, this retro airstream resides in the woodlands on an estate in Aberdeenshire. The site has a separate lounge and kitchen, housed in a 1920s seed store cabin, for when you want to whip-up a meal. Plus there’s an outdoor Swedish wood-fired bath. Get stuck into local activities such as wild swimming in the River Dye, whisky tasting at the Fettercairn Distillery, exploring Balmoral Castle, or watersports at Knockburn Loch.

Airstream in the woods, Aberdeenshire

Occupying the site of an old sawmill, this retro airstream resides in the woodlands on an estate in Aberdeenshire. The site has a separate lounge and kitchen, housed in a 1920s seed store cabin, for when you want to whip-up a meal. Plus there’s an outdoor Swedish wood-fired bath. Get stuck into local activities such as wild swimming in the River Dye, whisky tasting at the Fettercairn Distillery, exploring Balmoral Castle, or watersports at Knockburn Loch.

Slide 4 of 40: A dream come true for nature fans, this small spherical tree pod is suspended in the forest and has a ceiling window for stargazing. Fitted with a wood burner, the cedar shingle clad hut is safe in all weather conditions so the only thing likely to disturb your sleep is the sound of the local owl population. Come daybreak, head down to your kitchen hut and enjoy an open-air woodland breakfast in view of the babbling river. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the local kingfisher too.

 

Tree pod, Cornwall

A dream come true for nature fans, this small spherical tree pod is suspended in the forest and has a ceiling window for stargazing. Fitted with a wood burner, the cedar shingle clad hut is safe in all weather conditions so the only thing likely to disturb your sleep is the sound of the local owl population. Come daybreak, head down to your kitchen hut and enjoy an open-air woodland breakfast in view of the babbling river. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the local kingfisher too.

Slide 5 of 40: If you’re fed up of normal hotel rooms, consider spending the night in a resorted vintage Bedford horse box at Brooks Country House, Herefordshire. Sleeping up to four people, the horse boxes are surprisingly luxurious, with en-suite bathrooms, LED lights, power showers, posh fabrics, complimentary toiletries and flatscreen TVs. Each box also has its own private terrace.

 

Restored horse box, Herefordshire

If you’re fed up of normal hotel rooms, consider spending the night in a resorted vintage Bedford horse box at Brooks Country House, Herefordshire. Sleeping up to four people, the horse boxes are surprisingly luxurious, with en-suite bathrooms, LED lights, power showers, posh fabrics, complimentary toiletries and flatscreen TVs. Each box also has its own private terrace.

Slide 6 of 40: This off-grid cabin in the north Cornish wilderness has walls that slide to completely let the outdoors in. It comes with bunk beds and a bar stocked with beer, but this stay is about getting back to nature. After a rest, head out to explore waterfalls, a reservoir, or follow trails all the way up to Tintagel Castle at the coast. 

 

Off-grid cabin, Cornwall

This off-grid cabin in the north Cornish wilderness has walls that slide to completely let the outdoors in. It comes with bunk beds and a bar stocked with beer, but this stay is about getting back to nature. After a rest, head out to explore waterfalls, a reservoir, or follow trails all the way up to Tintagel Castle at the coast.

Slide 7 of 40: This sophisticated shepherd’s hut on a farm in Leicestershire has sleek interiors, a heated floor and bathroom. Outside, a canopy will protect you while cooking pizzas in the outdoor oven or soaking in the hot tub. If the skies are clear, put on your walking boots and head off to explore the village of Plungar, local shops and pubs, Belvoir Castle, or nearby swimming spots.
 

Shepherd’s hut, Leicestershire

This sophisticated shepherd’s hut on a farm in Leicestershire has sleek interiors, a heated floor and bathroom. Outside, a canopy will protect you while cooking pizzas in the outdoor oven or soaking in the hot tub. If the skies are clear, put on your walking boots and head off to explore the village of Plungar, local shops and pubs, Belvoir Castle, or nearby swimming spots.

Slide 8 of 40: Less than 30 minutes from Plymouth, the Sunridge Treehouse is a childhood dream realised but with an outdoor hot tub and a terrace overlooking the canopy. The self-catering treehouse has a fully-fitted kitchen, private woodland and access to a fishing lake.
 

Modern treehouse, Devon

Less than 30 minutes from Plymouth, the Sunridge Treehouse is a childhood dream realised but with an outdoor hot tub and a terrace overlooking the canopy. The self-catering treehouse has a fully-fitted kitchen, private woodland and access to a fishing lake.

Slide 9 of 40: Whether you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, adventure or both, Camp Kátur has it all. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, the accommodation ranges from safari tents and tipis to geodomes and hobbit pods. During your stay you can enjoy a visit to the camp’s Eco Spa, participate in craft workshops and go quad biking.
 

Safari tent, North Yorkshire

Whether you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, adventure or both, Camp Kátur has it all. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, the accommodation ranges from safari tents and tipis to geodomes and hobbit pods. During your stay you can enjoy a visit to the camp’s Eco Spa, participate in craft workshops and go quad biking.

Slide 10 of 40: It might look like a fairly standard country house hotel but it’s actually a converted 12th-century Cistercian abbey. The Coombe Abbey Hotel specialises in themed events, like murder mysteries and ghost tours. It also holds a medieval banquet every weekend.
 

Converted abbey, Coventry

It might look like a fairly standard country house hotel but it’s actually a converted 12th-century Cistercian abbey. The Coombe Abbey Hotel specialises in themed events, like murder mysteries and ghost tours. It also holds a medieval banquet every weekend.

Slide 11 of 40: If gently lapping water lulling you to sleep is your idea of heaven, then you’ll love the Houseboat Hotels. Moored in Sheffield’s Victoria Quays, the houseboats are heated and fully equipped with a bathroom, hot water and kitchen.
 

Houseboat, Sheffield

If gently lapping water lulling you to sleep is your idea of heaven, then you’ll love the Houseboat Hotels. Moored in Sheffield’s Victoria Quays, the houseboats are heated and fully equipped with a bathroom, hot water and kitchen.

Slide 12 of 40: Love a llama? Then you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to stay at the Llama’s Pyjamas bed and breakfast. Guests stay in individually decorated rooms inspired by South America and get the opportunity to pet and trek with llamas.
 

Peruvian-inspired B&B with llamas, Cumbria

Love a llama? Then you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to stay at the Llama’s Pyjamas bed and breakfast. Guests stay in individually decorated rooms inspired by South America and get the opportunity to pet and trek with llamas.

Slide 13 of 40: Nestled on the Garrison, the Star Castle Hotel borrows its name from the stunning star-laden sky visible from the hotel at night. Just a short stroll away from the centre of St Mary’s Island and the harbour, guests can enjoy sweeping views over the archipelago and indulge in freshly-caught lobster and crab. See our guide to the Isles of Scilly too. 

 

Coastal fortification, Isles of Scilly

Nestled on the Garrison, the Star Castle Hotel borrows its name from the stunning star-laden sky visible from the hotel at night. Just a short stroll away from the centre of St Mary’s Island and the harbour, guests can enjoy sweeping views over the archipelago and indulge in freshly-caught lobster and crab.

Slide 14 of 40: What doesn’t look like much from the outside, is a celebration of gothic opulence and over-the-top furnishings on the inside. The Witchery by the Castle, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, has only nine individually-designed rooms with walk-in dressing rooms, velvet-lined walls and free-standing baths. Staying in the Scottish capital? Read our guide here. 

Gothic castle, Edinburgh

What doesn’t look like much from the outside, is a celebration of gothic opulence and over-the-top furnishings on the inside. The Witchery by the Castle, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, has only nine individually-designed rooms with walk-in dressing rooms, velvet-lined walls and free-standing baths.

Slide 15 of 40: The Corn Bin, in Sedlescombe, rural East Sussex is a former grain store that’s been cleverly converted to spacious, quirky accommodation with room for four people. Located next to a private airfield, you can watch planes come and go, and if you want to explore the local area, the village of Sedlescombe, historic town of Battle and the seaside town of Hastings are nearby.

Former grain store, Sussex

The Corn Bin, in Sedlescombe, rural East Sussex is a former grain store that’s been cleverly converted to spacious, quirky accommodation with room for four people. Located next to a private airfield, you can watch planes come and go, and if you want to explore the local area, the village of Sedlescombe, historic town of Battle and the seaside town of Hastings are nearby.

Slide 16 of 40: The Bus Stop, in Gifford, East Lothian is a two-bedroom converted bus with a difference. Set on a working farm, there’s a glass roof on the bus so you can stargaze from your bed, while the hot tub, wood-burning stove and barbecue make it a cosy place to spend a holiday. It sleeps up to four, so you can bring the whole family. 

 

Bus stop, East Lothian

The Bus Stop, in Gifford, East Lothian is a two-bedroom converted bus with a difference. Set on a working farm, there’s a glass roof on the bus so you can stargaze from your bed, while the hot tub, wood-burning stove and barbecue make it a cosy place to spend a holiday. It sleeps up to four, so you can bring the whole family.

Slide 17 of 40: Sleeping in a former toilet may not sound appealing, but you’ll change your mind when you see the aptly-named Wee Retreat in Sheringham, on the north Norfolk coast. Right on the seafront, the former Victorian toilet block offers some of the county's most enviable sea views. It was converted into a modern bolthole by its current owner, who bought the property as a gift for his wife, and the two-bedroom, two-bathroom retreat is surprisingly spacious.

Converted toilet block, Norfolk

Sleeping in a former toilet may not sound appealing, but you’ll change your mind when you see the aptly-named Wee Retreat in Sheringham, on the north Norfolk coast. Right on the seafront, the former Victorian toilet block offers some of the county’s most enviable sea views. It was converted into a modern bolthole by its current owner, who bought the property as a gift for his wife, and the two-bedroom, two-bathroom retreat is surprisingly spacious.

Slide 18 of 40: Private islands don’t get more private than this. The Island, dramatically set in the sea above Newquay’s Towan Beach, is approached by a private suspension footbridge, has swaying palm trees and even comes with its own flag that guests can raise. As well as the breathtaking setting and panoramic views of the Atlantic, the interiors are pretty swish: it sleeps six in spacious bedrooms, with all the mod cons and stylish interiors. It even has a bar and games room.

Private island, Cornwall

Private islands don’t get more private than this. The Island, dramatically set in the sea above Newquay’s Towan Beach, is approached by a private suspension footbridge, has swaying palm trees and even comes with its own flag that guests can raise. As well as the breathtaking setting and panoramic views of the Atlantic, the interiors are pretty swish: it sleeps six in spacious bedrooms, with all the mod cons and stylish interiors. It even has a bar and games room.

Slide 19 of 40: It’s certainly different to checking into a hotel room: try a short break in a converted military helicopter in Lancashire. It might not be spacious, but the chopper still manages to include a flatscreen TV and a kitchen with a microwave and mini-fridge. Guests sleep in the tail of the craft, while if you’re travelling with kids, they’ll enjoy a pull-out bunk. There’s no toilet or bath in the helicopter, unsurprisingly, but guests can use the nearby toilet and shower block.
 

1982 Xray Zulu 676 Helicopter, Lancashire

It’s certainly different to checking into a hotel room: try a short break in a converted military helicopter in Lancashire. It might not be spacious, but the chopper still manages to include a flatscreen TV and a kitchen with a microwave and mini-fridge. Guests sleep in the tail of the craft, while if you’re travelling with kids, they’ll enjoy a pull-out bunk. There’s no toilet or bath in the helicopter, unsurprisingly, but guests can use the nearby toilet and shower block.

Slide 20 of 40: For a getaway with a difference, head to The Found in Bawdsey, Suffolk. Set on the calm shores of the Suffolk coastline, the fort was originally built to defend Napoleonic forces in the 1800s but these days looks more like a five-star hotel. It’s got large, modern bedrooms, plenty of added extras like two music systems and a Nespresso machine, and a dreamy roof terrace with a fire bowl.

Martello tower, Suffolk

For a getaway with a difference, head to The Found in Bawdsey, Suffolk. Set on the calm shores of the Suffolk coastline, the fort was originally built to defend Napoleonic forces in the 1800s but these days looks more like a five-star hotel. It’s got large, modern bedrooms, plenty of added extras like two music systems and a Nespresso machine, and a dreamy roof terrace with a fire bowl.

Slide 21 of 40: Built after a local Cornish craftsman was inspired by a miniature showman’s wagon and dreamed of building one 10 times the size, these cute luxury gypsy wagons in Marhamchurch, Cornwall are a charming, secluded place to get away from it all. It’s just as cute inside, with a roaring fire and fluffy rugs. There’s even a Sonos sound system, smart TV and a hot tub. 

Gypsy wagon, Cornwall

Built after a local Cornish craftsman was inspired by a miniature showman’s wagon and dreamed of building one 10 times the size, these cute luxury gypsy wagons in Marhamchurch, Cornwall are a charming, secluded place to get away from it all. It’s just as cute inside, with a roaring fire and fluffy rugs. There’s even a Sonos sound system, smart TV and a hot tub.

Slide 22 of 40: This refurbished bothy in the woods on a Scottish estate is far from basic. In the past it would have been left unlocked for passers-by to seek shelter overnight free of charge. However, it’s now been decked out with a grand bed, bath and opulent furnishings from Wardhill Castle. Explore the grounds without seeing another soul throughout your whole stay, except Highland ponies, deer, squirrels, badgers, or maybe a rare wildcat.

Refurbished bothy, Aberdeenshire

This refurbished bothy in the woods on a Scottish estate is far from basic. In the past it would have been left unlocked for passers-by to seek shelter overnight free of charge. However, it’s now been decked out with a grand bed, bath and opulent furnishings from Wardhill Castle. Explore the grounds without seeing another soul throughout your whole stay, except Highland ponies, deer, squirrels, badgers, or maybe a rare wildcat.

Slide 23 of 40: How many people can say they’ve holidayed in a windmill? Choose this unusual break and you and 12 friends can enjoy the views from the Crosby Windmill in Merseyside. The Grade II-listed building was constructed in the 1800s and recently refurbished to welcome guests. Its enormous kitchen, triple height lounge and location close to the beaches and sand dunes of Crosby make it a great place to escape with a group of friends.

Windmill, Merseyside

How many people can say they’ve holidayed in a windmill? Choose this unusual break and you and 12 friends can enjoy the views from the Crosby Windmill in Merseyside. The Grade II-listed building was constructed in the 1800s and recently refurbished to welcome guests. Its enormous kitchen, triple height lounge and location close to the beaches and sand dunes of Crosby make it a great place to escape with a group of friends.

Slide 24 of 40: For true isolation, head to the deserted private island that is No Man's Fort, located in the Solent. As well as having its own lighthouse, cabaret bar and laser tag arena, the fort has incredible views across the water, 23 individually-decorated bedrooms and plenty of opportunities for water sports and boat rides. Read our review here.

Military fort, Solent

For true isolation, head to the deserted private island that is No Man’s Fort, located in the Solent. As well as having its own lighthouse, cabaret bar and laser tag arena, the fort has incredible views across the water, 23 individually-decorated bedrooms and plenty of opportunities for water sports and boat rides.

Slide 25 of 40: If you’re a railway enthusiast, you’ll love staying at Platform 1, Castle Howard Station, a former train station and Grade II-listed building that’s now an apartment perfect for a quirky holiday. The building, which once welcomed Queen Victoria as she arrived to take a train journey, can sleep a family of four and even comes with a welcome basket of local provisions so you can get on with exploring the beautiful scenery. 

Former train station, North Yorkshire

If you’re a railway enthusiast, you’ll love staying at Platform 1, Castle Howard Station, a former train station and Grade II-listed building that’s now an apartment perfect for a quirky holiday. The building, which once welcomed Queen Victoria as she arrived to take a train journey, can sleep a family of four and even comes with a welcome basket of local provisions so you can get on with exploring the beautiful scenery.

Slide 26 of 40: Prison is the last place we all want to end up, but if you head to the alternative Penny Rope Prison Cell Chamber in Margate, Kent you’ll be paying for the privilege. Hidden in the cellar of a Grade II-listed Georgian property is this little bedchamber with a realistic prison cell theme. However, rather than getting yelled at by guards, you can enjoy cosy bunk beds, a private garden and Wi-Fi.  Now read our guide to the best places to visit on the Kent coast

26/40 SLIDES © One Off Places

Prison cell, Kent

Prison is the last place we all want to end up, but if you head to the alternative Penny Rope Prison Cell Chamber in Margate, Kent you’ll be paying for the privilege. Hidden in the cellar of a Grade II-listed Georgian property is this little bedchamber with a realistic prison cell theme. However, rather than getting yelled at by guards, you can enjoy cosy bunk beds, a private garden and Wi-Fi.

Slide 27 of 40: If you want a retreat in the heart of nature, book a stay at The Boathouse at Storrs Hall. Set in the Lake District, you’ll stay right on the shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy great views across the water in a private woodland setting. If you’re not the glamping type, you’ll like the contemporary interiors, with a huge spa shower and steam room, underfloor heating and an iPad-controlled mood-lighting and sound system. There’s also a hot tub, fire pit and even Hunter wellies for wet days out.

 

Luxury boathouse, Cumbria

If you want a retreat in the heart of nature, book a stay at The Boathouse at Storrs Hall. Set in the Lake District, you’ll stay right on the shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy great views across the water in a private woodland setting. If you’re not the glamping type, you’ll like the contemporary interiors, with a huge spa shower and steam room, underfloor heating and an iPad-controlled mood-lighting and sound system. There’s also a hot tub, fire pit and even Hunter wellies for wet days out.

Slide 28 of 40: There’s something magical about being surrounded by trees, and especially so when it’s in an Enid Blyton-esque tree lodge. The enchanting timber lodges at Swinton Bivouac can sleep up to seven people, with beds arranged over three tiers that can be accessed by ladders. With gorgeous views of rolling meadows, plenty to do in the surrounding areas such as horse riding and fly fishing, and even a takeaway service available, this is a great place to ditch the iPad and get back to nature.

 

Tree lodge, North Yorkshire

There’s something magical about being surrounded by trees, and especially so when it’s in an Enid Blyton-esque tree lodge. The enchanting timber lodges at Swinton Bivouac can sleep up to seven people, with beds arranged over three tiers that can be accessed by ladders. With gorgeous views of rolling meadows, plenty to do in the surrounding areas such as horse riding and fly fishing, and even a takeaway service available, this is a great place to ditch the iPad and get back to nature.

Slide 29 of 40: The saying that good things come in small packages is true at The Rambleshack in Coldingham, Scotland. The cute pods sleeps two on the sofas that convert into a cosy double bed at night. There’s also a DVD player, satellite TV and internet access, but chances are you’ll be too busy enjoying the beach at Coldingham Bay, the fishing village of St Abbs or a pint at the village pub to use anything electronic.

29/40 SLIDES © Nanny Sue Lets

Garden pod, Berwickshire

The saying that good things come in small packages is true at The Rambleshack in Coldingham, Scotland. The cute pods sleeps two on the sofas that convert into a cosy double bed at night. There’s also a DVD player, satellite TV and internet access, but chances are you’ll be too busy enjoying the beach at Coldingham Bay, the fishing village of St Abbs or a pint at the village pub to use anything electronic.

Slide 30 of 40: Lord of the Rings fans should make a beeline for a Hobbit House at Hillcroft Park in Cumbria. These pint-sized properties are perfect for families, sleeping two adults and two children. They’re equipped with a light, heater and electric socket, carpet and a bed, though guests need to bring their own bedding to the Shire. 

 

Hobbit house, Cumbria

Lord of the Rings fans should make a beeline for a Hobbit House at Hillcroft Park in Cumbria. These pint-sized properties are perfect for families, sleeping two adults and two children. They’re equipped with a light, heater and electric socket, carpet and a bed, though guests need to bring their own bedding to the Shire.

 

 

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