10 of the Most Unusual Places to Stay in the UK

It’s no secret that I’m a complete sucker for unique and wacky accommodation.

For me, where you lay your head for the night is such an integral part of travelling.

Whenever I travel, I always make it a priority to stay somewhere that is an experience in itself, whether that means staying at a glamping site or a quirky hostel/hotel.

It’s like going on holiday to two places at once: a cool accommodation and the actual destination itself.

But you don’t need to travel abroad to stay somewhere unusual…

In fact, some of the world’s best glamping sites can be found in the lil’ ol’ UK.

So to celebrate the fact that I have not one but TWO glamping trips lined up for May (which I am stupidly excited about, let me tell you), I thought I’d share with you 10 of the most unusual places to stay in the UK, from treehouses to converted double-decker buses! 

1. Loveland Farm

Hartland, North Devon

How could I write a piece on glamping and not include our incredible stay at Loveland Farm last May?!

Loveland Farm is an eco-retreat hotel in North Devon that offers both pods and tipis (new to 2017!) in their six acres of land.

The luxurious interiors of the geodesic pods, combined with the farm’s emphasis on sustainability and green technologies, make for the ultimate glamping experience!

2. The Woodman’s Treehouse

Holditch, Dorset

The Woodman’s Treehouse is (imho and based on what I’ve researched on the interwebs) the UK’s coolest and most luxurious treehouse.

I don’t know where to start with this place, so I’ll just list all the features it boasts: a slide, rope bridge, hammock, outdoor shower, hot tub and sauna, a free-standing copper bath, a wood-fired pizza oven and BBQ, and a rotating fireplace.

It’s safe to say you could stay here for a week and not get bored, discovering all the treehouse’s nooks and crannies.

3. Apple Camping Jet Star

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

One of the most peculiar places to stay in the UK has got to be Apple Camping in their converted Jet Star plane.

Originally carrying up to nine passengers, the aircraft was built in the 1970s and still has its original features intact, such as a lit bar area, cockpit with Xbox and games (because who doesn’t want to pretend to fly their own plane?!), and a first-class ship cabin for a double bedroom. 

4. Longlands Safari Lodges

Coulsworthy, North Devon

Don’t we all just wish we could jet off to South Africa for a week?

Well, for most of us, that just isn’t realistic…

But you can still get half the experience of a safari by staying in a safari tent at home.

There are many safari glamping locations across the UK but one of the best ones is Longlands in North Devon.

These lodges are beautifully secluded in a private valley, surrounded by woodland, streams and a flowing private lake with waterfalls. Idyllic? I think so.

5. Old Smock Mill

Cranbrook, Kent

If you’re looking for romance, look no further than Old Smock Mill in Kent.

Set within luscious green grounds and in close distance to no fewer than five National Trust properties, the location has plenty to offer.

And it only gets better as you enter the accommodation, where you’ll find all kinds of surprises and luxuries!

The interior oozes rustic charm, from its original beams and scrubbed floorboards to its painted brick walls and eclectic furniture.

And let’s not forget about the spiral staircase and roll-top bath…

This place just keeps getting better, eh?! 

6. Finn Lough

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

I recently visited Northern Ireland and I already want to return asap…

Maybe it has something to do with this amazing holiday resort? Who knows!

 Finn Lough offers a variety of luxurious places to stay, but by far my favourite type of accommodation is the bubble domes, found deep into the forest. 

With 180° transparent walls and a transparent roof, there’s no better way to feel fully immersed in the beauty of nature than in this dome.

It’s also the perfect place to try a spot of stargazing once darkness falls – the in-bubble telescope will help you out with that!

The interior decor is also sleek and minimalistic: the perfect recipe for an A* Instagram photo.

7. The Bunker

Sennen, Cornwall

Would you normally associate a former WWII operations bunker with luxury and peace? Probably not.

But that’s exactly what The Bunker has to offer!

This holiday retreat is only a ten-minute drive from the famous Land’s End, making it an ideal base for you to explore everything Cornwall has to offer.

You could even take a short ferry or flight over to the Mediterranean-looking Isles of Scilly for the day.

The Bunker sleeps up to six people so it’s perfect for an alternative family holiday or a getaway with friends.

8. Elmley Nature Reserve Shepherds Huts

Sheerness, Kent

If you’re looking to visit somewhere with an abundance of nature and wildlife, Elmley Nature Reserve is the place to be.

In fact, it’s the only National Nature Reserve in England that you can spend the night in, making it a real safari experience. (Sorry, Longlands!).

You don’t even need to leave your hut to be immersed in nature… 

Hares, owls, birds of prey and wading birds can be seen from each shepherd’s hut, while you snuggle up in luxurious comfort.

Elmley really is a one-of-a-kind off-the-grid experience!

9. Pigeon Door Double Decker Buses

Ryton, Shrewsbury

Ever fallen asleep on a bus and missed your stop?

Well, now you can pay to do that.

Except you’ve got nowhere else to be, making the experience slightly less stressful.

Pigeon Door has three converted double-decker buses you can stay at: one sleeping up to five people and two sleeping up to six, all complete with their own private garden and outdoor hot tub for added luxury.

Inside each bus, you will find three heated bedrooms on the top deck and a fully equipped kitchen and lounge on the lower deck.

Separate from each bus there’s a private bathroom and shower!

10. Jack Sparrow House

Falmouth, Cornwall

Outlandish Holiday’s Jack Sparrow House is something right out of a fairytale or a Tolkien novel.

Although the house looks too small for even a hobbit, it comprises one comfortable room with a mezzanine double bed and seating/kitchen area, so you’ll have everything you need.

The surrounding area is almost as magical as the accommodation itself (if that’s even possible!). the Jack Sparrow House boasts a privileged hilltop spot overlooking Falmouth Bay and the Lizard Peninsula.

 

So, where’s the most unusual place you’ve ever stayed at? Do any of these crazy accommodations take your fancy?

Let me know in the comments below – I am always looking for inspiration (the crazier, the better) for my next trip!

This post was sponsored by travelcast.tv, an exciting new video platform, and was inspired by Host Unusual, but as always all opinions are my own.