10 of the Most Unusual Places to Stay in the UK

It’s no secret that I am 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 blahdy 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

8. Elmley Nature Reserve Shepherds Huts

Sheerness, Kent

9. Pigeon Door Double Decker Buses

Ryton, Shrewsbury

10. Jack Sparrow House

Falmouth, Cornwall