By Katie Wilson
If you’re a fan of quirky accommodation, you’ll love our round-up of unusual places to stay in the UK.
From fairytale castles to a beach house on its own private island and an old American school bus with a VW camper bedroom on the roof, these are our favourites.
Unusual and quirky places to stay in the UK
Castle Trinity, Yorkshire
Ever dreamed of staying in a castle? Live out a real-life fairytale in this luxury property, which was once voted Britain’s Best Home. Castle Trinity, near the Peak District, is set in 12 acres of sprawling grounds and has a hot tub, heated indoor pool and steam room. If you’re feeling really fancy, hire your own private chef so you don’t have to lift a finger during your stay.
Sleeps up to 10 | Prices start from £5,795 a week
Book a stay at Trinity Castle on Unique Homestays here
Hinterlandes Converted Bus, Cumbria
A converted bus with a VW camper on the roof has to be one of the most unusual places to stay in the UK. What was once an old American school bus has been completely transformed to include an Aga, shower and compost loo, so it’s also eco-friendly. The bedroom is up a ladder from the main space in the VW camper, which by a feat of impressive engineering has been attached to the roof. While the wood-fired hot tub is the perfect spot for watching the sun go down.
Sleeps 2 | Prices from £100 a night
Book a stay at Hinterlandes Converted Bus on Canopy and Stars here
The Burrow, Mid Wales
Ideal for any Lord of The Rings fans, The Burrow’s rolling green roof makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into The Shire. While it blends into the landscape on the outside, inside is a very stylish affair. Expect cool, contemporary design, and a copper bath tub in the main bedroom. And when darkness falls, indulge in a spot of stargazing from the outdoor hot tub or enjoy a tipple (or two) by the fire pit. Definitely one to add to your unusual places to stay in the UK list.
Sleeps 4 | Prices from £150 a night
Book a stay at The Burrow on To Wander UK
Lion Lodge, Kent
Become part of the pride if you’re brave enough to stay in a Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Reserve, an award-winning 600-acre wildlife park on the Kent coast. Each luxury lodge features huge windows that showcase the lions and their cubs in their natural habitat.Far from a conventional zoo, the park is home to over 700 well-cared for animals. Profits from your stay also directly contribute to returning endangered animals back to the wild.
Sleeps up to 4 | Prices start from £1,200 a night
Book a stay at Lion Lodge on Host Unusual here
The Signal Station, Cornwall
This maritime home on the Lizard Peninsula was once a beacon of safety for passing ships. Now it’s the most southerly self-catering home in England. A unique coastal retreat and one of the most unusual places to stay in the UK, a highlight is the roof terrace where you can head for an alfresco breakfast, early morning yoga session, or sunset cocktails. Inside, the whitewashed walls and cosy nooks mean it’s the perfect place to curl up with a book, even if it’s stormy outside.
Sleeps up to 6 | Prices start from £2,150 a week
Book a stay at The Signal Station on Unique Homestays here
The Roundhouse, Cornwall
Another one for Tolkien fans, this Iron Age hobbit house is ideal for those who want to go off-grid for a few days, as there is limited electricity and no Wi-Fi. Set on Bodrifty Farm in Penzance, Cornwall, enjoy nights spent stargazing, which are even more spectacular due to the unpolluted skies. This truly unique venue can also be hired out to host weddings or other special celebrations.
Sleeps 2 | Prices start from £180 a night
Book a stay at The Roundhouse on Canopy and Stars here
Dragon’s Eye, Mid Wales
Another famous property, this glamping pod in Ceredigion, mid Wales, was the winner of Channel 4’s Cabins in the Wild series – and you can see why. With its curved roof and scaly steel ‘skin’, it actually resembles a wide dragon’s eye, hence the name. It’s also pretty luxurious inside, and even has room for a wood burner. Perfect for cosy nights.
Sleeps 2 | Prices start from £397 a week
Book a stay at Dragon’s Eye on Host Unusual here
Tower O’Ess, Aberdeenshire
Tower O’Ess is an 1870s listed building, originally built as an imposing gateway to the Glen Tanar Estate. And if you think it looks impressive from the outside, wait until you see inside. The luxurious tower comes with a super king-size bed, made-for-two rolltop bath, and a spectacular roof terrace overlooking the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Set within Cairngorms National Park, there is also an outdoor hot tub to enjoy.
Sleeps 2 | Prices start from £1,100 a week
Book a stay at Tower O’Ess on CoolStays here
Glamping Boat Shack, Cambridgeshire
This very unusual property was a boat in the 1940s, but has now been converted into a luxury glamping spot with adjoining shack and freestanding outdoor bath. Nestled in a private forest just 30 minutes from Cambridge, it’s the perfect off-grid retreat. Fun fact: The spectacular marine-style door on the front of the shack was engineered by the builders who worked on ‘Boaty McBoatface’.
Sleeps 2 | Prices start from £140 a night
Book a stay at Glamping Boat Shack on Host Unusual here
The Safari Tent, Glastonbury
If you want a safari experience that’s a bit closer to home, book a stay at this luxury glamping spot on Pennard Hill Farm in Somerset. The secluded safari tent sleeps up to six people and is the perfect place to feel at one with nature, not to mention having the most stunning views of the surrounding Mendip Hills. Sip drinks on the decked terrace, and when dusk falls those skies look even better filled with twinkling stars.
Sleeps up to 6 | Prices from £230 a night
Book a stay at The Safari Tent on To Wander UK here
The Island, Newquay
If it’s privacy you crave, this luxury home is perched on its very own island which can only be accessed via a suspension bridge. The ultimate beach house, you don’t have to go far to find the golden sands of Towan Beach below. In the evenings retire to the Bar Room, which comes complete with billiards table.
Sleeps up to 6 | Prices start from £1,776 for a long weekend or mid-week break
Book a stay at The Island here
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