17 Unusual Places to Stay in the UK for a Holiday to Remember

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From a 1970s private jet to a castle you get all to yourselves, these are 17 unusual places to stay in the UK, with prices and booking tips.

Sleeping in an old Pullman railway carriage in West Sussex is still one of my favourite UK stays. It’s proof that where you sleep can be the best bit of a weekend away, and you don’t need to get on a plane to find somewhere you’ll talk about for years. If you’re planning a UK staycation, I’ve got your back in this post with some of the most unusual places to stay in the UK!

What I love about all of these places is they’re so unique. Some people really go to town on their homes, don’t they!? I mean, there’s a flat up in Edinburgh that’s like an old-fashioned castle as soon as you step through the door. Or there’s the pimped out 70s private jet that’s now a plane-themed Airbnb stay. Sometimes unique isn’t enough to describe these staycations.

What I love about a UK staycation is it’s like your home away from home. You get to stay in some truly stunning locations without having the stuffiness of a hotel. You get to do what you want, when you want. Now that’s my kind of holiday.

So, if you’re looking to get away for a couple of nights, check out some of the coolest hotels you can stay at. This really is the definitive list for quirky accommodation in the UK, so go wild with it.

From cute castles to houseboats to futuristic glamping pods, if you’re looking for a weekend to remember you’re guaranteed to find it here.

Unusual places to stay in the UK at a glance

Short on time? Here’s every stay at a glance, grouped by country. Just tap a name to jump straight to it.

Things to know before you book

Book early. The quirkiest stays in the UK get booked up months in advance. The Old Railway Station opened its 2027 diary in September 2026, so it pays to get in early for weekends and school holidays.

Check the minimum stay. Lots of these places have a two or three-night minimum stay, especially at weekends. The Jet Star adds a £50 surcharge if you only stay for one night.

Kids and dogs. AirShip 2, Ash Tree Howf and Old Smock Mill are adults only, and the Old Railway Station doesn’t take children under 10 overnight. Dogs are welcome at the Castle Gatehouse, the Jet Star, the Blue House on the Beach and the Four Sisters Boatel.

Getting there. Most of these places are remote, and that’s the whole point. If you’d rather travel by train, the two Edinburgh stays are the easiest. The Old Railway Station and the Castle Gatehouse are a taxi ride from Pulborough and Cheltenham Spa stations.

Steps and stairs. Windmills, castles and treehouses aren’t built with easy access in mind. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, ask about the Station House Lower Room at the Old Railway Station. It’s all on one level.

Compare prices. Another option when planning your trip is CozyCozy. This site compares all the top accommodation providers for the best deals around, so it can be a great way of saving some money.

Unusual places to stay in England

The Old Railway Station, Petworth, England

Where: Petworth, West Sussex
Sleeps: 2 per room, with 8 rooms in Pullman carriages and 2 in the Station House
Good to know: breakfast is included, there are no under-10s overnight and the nearest station is Pulborough

The Old Railway Station is without a doubt one of my favourite places to stay in England. As the name suggests, this is an old railway station that’s since been converted into a hotel. It sounds pretty cool, right?

The old waiting room is now the breakfast area. The platform is an outside terrace perfect for afternoon tea in the summer. But best yet, the old Pullman carriages are the bedrooms.

You can also eat in Princess Ena, a 1906 Pullman carriage that’s been restored as the station’s restaurant. It’s open to non-residents too, with dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Fridays and Saturdays.

Going to sleep on an old train carriage was such a cool experience. You can read all about my experience of staying at the Old Railway Station here. I can’t recommend this place enough.

If you’re staying here, my guide to the best places to visit in the South Downs has plenty of ideas for days out in Arundel and Amberley.

The Blue House on the Beach, East Sussex, England

Where: Camber Sands, near Rye
Sleeps: 8 in 4 bedrooms, with 3 bathrooms
Good to know: dog friendly

If you’re looking for a UK Airbnb that’s right on the beach, then let me present to you the Blue House on the Beach. Situated on the miles of sandy beach in Camber, this place is perfect for a bit of a beach break.

Finished to the highest standards with a bespoke kitchen, luxurious beds and sofas, it is an ideal escape for a coastal retreat. The views from the master bedroom over the beach are so dreamy!

It sits right on the foreshore, so you walk across the sand from the car park to get to the front door. Rye is close by, and you’ll find it alongside Hastings and the Seven Sisters in my guide to the best places to visit in East Sussex.

Old Smock Mill, Kent, England

Where: Benenden, Kent
Sleeps: 2
From: £210 a night midweek, with a 2-night minimum
Good to know: adults only because of the steep staircases, and no pets

Old Smock Mill featured on Channel 4’s Extraordinary Escapes, and it really is as cute as the pictures. The best thing to do here is get yourself a bottle of fizz, sit on the decking and drink in the views of the countryside.

Everything is designed to make you unwind from the moment you walk in. There’s a really beautiful king size double bed and each room is designed to maximise the space of the windmill while retaining all its charm and character.

Butley Priory, Suffolk, England

Where: Near Woodbridge, Suffolk
Sleeps: up to 11 in the Priory, or 47 across the estate
Good to know: it’s also used as a wedding venue on some weekends

I absolutely love the look of this place. The Priory sleeps up to 11, and with three more houses on the estate there’s room for 47 in total. So, if you’re looking for some unique UK accommodation for a large group then this is a fantastic option. You can find Butley Priory deep in the beautiful countryside of the Suffolk coast.

Built as the gatehouse to an Augustinian priory founded in 1171, with its fabulous stone vaulted arches, huge fireplaces and enormous bedrooms, the very fabric of the building is steeped in romance and history. However, over the years it’s been lovingly updated to give it a more modern touch.

Shepherd’s Hut, Wells-next-the-Sea, England

Where: Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Sleeps: 2

If you’re looking for somewhere really cute to tell your friends and family about, then check out the Shepherd’s Hut in Norfolk.

Located on a campsite with your own private space (you’ll also have access to all the main campsite amenities), the hut is its own private paradise away from it all. One of the best bits is the wood burner which is perfect for when it gets cooler in the evenings. This heats up the hut so quickly and makes everything all warm and toasty.

You can check out some of the other best Airbnbs in Norfolk here.

Castle Gatehouse, Sudeley Castle, England

Where: Winchcombe, Cotswolds
Sleeps: 4
Good to know: two dogs are welcome for a fee, there are lots of steps and the nearest station is Cheltenham Spa

Who wants to stay in their own private castle with beautiful gardens to boot? Of course you do! You’ll find this place on the edge of the grounds of Sudeley Castle, which has almost 1,000 years of history and is one of the top places to visit in Winchcombe.

As for the Castle Gatehouse itself, it is a pet friendly property that comfortably sleeps 4 guests in 2 en-suite bedrooms. The Gatehouse is split into two wings, accessed by separate doors. It really is as grand as it sounds.

Your stay includes free entry to Sudeley Castle and Gardens during the castle’s open season. Just bear in mind the two wings aren’t connected inside, so whoever’s in the left wing will be popping outside to get to the kitchen.

You can check out some of the best Cotswolds Airbnbs here for a few others like this one. Sudeley isn’t the only quirky stay in the area either, as I’ve rounded up the best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds, including one with its own treehouses.

Floating Treehouse, Dorset, England

Where: Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
Sleeps: 2

This is a truly amazing floating tree house set in a spectacular private location in Dorset. Yes, you read that right, this is a floating treehouse!

One of the things I love about this place is there’s no WiFi or anything like that. The whole point is to have a bit of a digital detox and enjoy being in the countryside. It’s a simply incredible and unique space for a UK romantic getaway.

The toilet and showers are just outside the treehouse, which is all part of the fun.

Scandinavian Lodge, Cornwall, England

Where: Carharrack, Cornwall
Sleeps: 6
From: around £200 a night
Good to know: there’s a hot tub and a pool

This stunning 3 double-bedroom lodge is based on a Finnish log cabin. Set into the side of Carn Marth Hill, a World Heritage Site, this is an amazing place to base yourself and explore all Cornwall has to offer.

The living room is flooded with light from the double height windows as is the mezzanine double bedroom. The wood burning stove creates a cosy atmosphere in the evenings or for winter visits. You will enjoy the hot tub looking out over the rural landscape.

There’s a pool as well as the hot tub. The alpacas in the paddock below will happily take a bit of feed from your hand.

Carn Marth is part of Cornwall’s mining heritage, and you can head deep underground in an old mine with one of my favourite outdoor activities in Cornwall.

Check availability & latest prices now

Unusual places to stay in Scotland

The Castle Snug, Edinburgh, Scotland

Where: James’ Court, Royal Mile
Sleeps: 4
Good to know: it’s a studio, with one double bed in the bookcase and another on the mezzanine

This is basically like having your own micro-castle but inside an inner-city apartment. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, only 200 metres from Edinburgh Castle, the Castle Snug was once home to writer James Boswell.

Boswell lived here from 1773. This is where he hosted Samuel Johnson before their famous journey to the Western Isles.

What makes this place so unique is it’s been designed to look like a castle. The best bit is there’s a secret pull-out double bed hidden in a bookcase!

The Four Sisters Boatel, Edinburgh, Scotland

Where: Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh
Sleeps: 6 adults and 2 children under 10
Good to know: pet friendly

Obviously hotels and Airbnbs are 2 a penny in Edinburgh. However, if you’re looking for a really quirky place to stay in Scotland then check out the Four Sisters Boatel.

This is a 4* self-catering houseboat located right in the heart of Edinburgh. Inside the boat is a fully-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar. Obviously there’s a heavy nautical theme throughout this accommodation. You can’t ask for a better location than this, and you get to stay on a houseboat. I just love how different this place is.

It’s moored in Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal, about a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. There are now three boats to choose from, and if you stay on the Camillia or the Wee Sisters you can book a short trip along the canal.

Neidpath Castle, Peebles, Scotland

Where: Peebles, Scottish Borders
Sleeps: 2
From: £375 a night
Good to know: dinner can be served in the drawing room next to your chamber

This is another gorgeous castle up in Scotland that’s deservingly featured in my list of quirky places to stay in the UK. You’ll find Neidpath Castle on the River Tweed, just outside Peebles in the Scottish Borders. It really is as beautiful as it looks. For me, this is why I love Scotland so much.

It’s called Queen Mary’s Chamber because Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here in 1563. Book it and you get the whole castle to yourselves.

The room comes with an antique four-poster bed and an open fire that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. With centuries of history, this is a place you’ll want to tell all your friends and family about.

Ash Tree Howf, Dunblane, Scotland

Where: Braco, near Dunblane
Sleeps: 2
From: around £160 a night
Good to know: adults only, and the eco loo is at ground level

This is a remote treehouse like no other. Near Dunblane, Ash Tree Howf is built around an ancient ash tree, with 360-degree views across the Perthshire countryside to the Ochil Hills.

The best bits are inside though. Inside there is a handmade rustic king size bed and a large star / tree gazing window above the bed. This is the perfect spot to turn off all the lights and watch the stars without getting blisteringly cold outside. For me, this is one of the top quirky places to stay in the UK so if you choose this one then enjoy the fairytale feeling.

It’s part of Craighead Howfs, a small adults-only site that also has a waterside treehouse and two hobbit houses.

AirShip 2, Drimnin, Scotland

Where: Drimnin, west Highlands
Sleeps: 2
From: around £160 a night, with a 3-night minimum
Good to know: adults only, dogs on request and you’ll need a car

I really can’t stop drooling over this place. Dubbed the most unusual accommodation in Scotland, the AirShip 002 is a contemporary cabin up in the Scottish Highlands.

With views across the Sound of Mull towards Tobermory, the AirShip is just gorgeous. It’s almost a cross between a James Bond lair and a futuristic space pod. The building has curved glass windows at either end providing panoramic views of the countryside. Also, the AirShip is on a 4-acre site, so as you can imagine there are some fantastic walks in the area too.

If the AirShip is booked up, try PilotHouse or the Captain’s Cabin. They’re on the same site, with the same sea views.

The Magic Bus, Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Where: Dornie, Highlands
Sleeps: 2
Good to know: there are places to eat and a shop within walking distance in Dornie

For those of you looking for the Christopher McCandless Into the Wild experience (without the ending obviously), then this is the place for you. The Magic Bus is located very near to Eilean Donan Castle, one of the top places to visit in Scotland. It’s less than half a mile from the castle, right on the road to Skye.

This place is a cosy and unique getaway for the nature-loving eco-traveller. Located on a hillside with stunning views of Loch Duich and Loch Alsh below, you can’t be more in the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands. Inside you can keep warm even in the coldest of nights with the log burner making The Magic Bus the perfect romantic winter getaway.

The Isle of Skye is a short drive away, and it’s one of my favourite UK wild camping spots if you fancy roughing it for a night.

Unusual places to stay in Wales

The Earth Conker, Powys, Wales

Where: Llanafan Fawr, near Builth Wells
Sleeps: 2
From: £150 a night
Good to know: there’s also a riverside Moon Conker on the same estate

For me this is without a doubt one of the quirkiest places to stay in the UK. It might not look it, but The Earth Conker is actually a state-of-the-art copper house that’s packed full of mod-cons.

The Earth Conker sits on a hilltop on the Red Kite Estate, an 80-acre private conservation estate in mid Wales. It’s completely off-grid, and outside you’ve got a wood-fired copper bath and a pizza oven. It doesn’t look like there’s a lot of room inside but it’s actually quite spacious and the views are just stunning.

Red Kite Tree Tents, Powys, Wales

Where: Llanafan Fawr, near Builth Wells
Sleeps: 2 per tent
From: £150 a night
Good to know: they’re on the same estate as the Earth Conker, so you can book both with friends

This is another place in Wales that’s pretty out there. You also might recognise them from George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

There are two tree tents here. The green one, Ynys Affalon, was the first tree tent in the UK, and the red one is the Dragon’s Egg, which is suspended even higher up in the canopy.

Inside the bizarre tents is a comfy bed and a cosy wood burning stove. Surrounding you is beautiful woodland, with a fire pit, outdoor kitchen and warm showers. They’re seriously fun and unlike anywhere you’ll have stayed before.

The Jet Star (Private Jet), Redberth, Wales

Where: Redberth, near Tenby
Sleeps: 4
From: £199 a night
Good to know: it costs £50 extra for a one-night stay, and it’s dog friendly

Well hello big spender! If you’re like me and can’t afford to fly on your own private luxury jet, then maybe this is the answer. The Jet Star Airbnb is a first class plane that once would’ve carried 9 passengers.

Built in the 70s, it retains most of the original features including a lit up bar. Pretty pimp, right? There’s a toilet on board, plus a private shower block just outside the plane. Also, my favourite feature is the cockpit, which has an Xbox with some flight games so you can complete the pilot dream.

The Jet Star is on Apple Camping, a farm glampsite near Tenby. If the jet’s booked up, the same site has a UFO pod and a converted Airbus A320. It’s also a short drive from the Pembrokeshire Coast, which is one of my favourite national parks in the UK.

If you love glamping as much as I do, check out my guide to the best glamping sites in Devon too.

What are some of your favourite quirky places to stay in the UK? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to this post!

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