Stay Somewhere Different – The Most Unusual Places In The UK
Always wanting to be on holiday? But just can’t afford to take another week off work? Why not try a little staycation, where you get to enjoy that holiday feeling without the long travel. OK so maybe the Pina Coladas pool-side will be limited, but no airport delays…
There are so many incredible places in the UK, that we’ve pulled together the weirdest and most wonderful places around the country (we’re even talking about a night in a prison) to save you the endless browsing.
You just have to pay. We can’t do that too.
Elmley Nature Reserve
(Kent)
Elmley Nature is a pretty special place where you come for peace and to rejuvenate. Enjoy long walks around the reserve, cosy up by the firepit and wake to the view of nature. There are a variety of huts, some with bi-folding doors and outdoor tubs, to fully embrace the outdoors
This is that weekend escape place, you’ve been dreaming of.
Malmaison Hotel
(Oxford)
If Orange Is The New Black ticks all your boxes, spend the night in Malmaison. Housed in a former prison, the rooms are much more spacious than your average jail cell (converted from three adjoining cells) with allusions of the prison’s past. The lobby of A-wing is impressive.
Maybe don’t opt for this on a first couples night away…
Finn Lough Bubble Domes
(Northern Ireland)
You don’t need to travel to the Nordic region to enjoy a dome experience when there’s Finn Lough. With 180 degrees transparent walls, Finn Lough allows you to truly immerse yourself with the beauty and tranquility of nature. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of stargazing from somewhere a little more spectacular than your back garden?
A truly romantic little hideaway.
Wagon In The Woods
(Medstead)
The Wagon In The Woods is described as cosy, bespoke and self-contained, and is a perfect place to escape. With a huge window at one side, you’ll find that mornings are much brighter (no pun intended..) here. There’s also a hot tub to soak up the countryside in, and a secret bath hidden under the floorboards of the wagon. Right by the window.
Soak it all up here!
The Island
(Newquay)
Have you always dreamed of that private island life? Well, now you can! Uniquely perched on its very own island in the sea, The Island is magical and iconic. Approached by a private suspension footbridge, it’s endless breathtaking views on the outside, and gorgeous interiors on the inside. It also sleeps six, so basically invite your friends and pretend it’s your own island.
We think this might be the ultimate beach house.
St Christopher’s Hostel
(London)
It’s easy to think of hostels as your typical 6-8 per room. But St Christopher’s do things a little differently. Designed to meet the needs of the 21st century traveller, they’re the UK’s first capsule hostel. It’s certainly quirky with mood lighting to play around with and curtains for ultimate privacy, and has some of London’s greatest sights on your doorstep.
Are you as intrigued as us?
Penny Rope
(Margate)
If you’re still curious about prison life, and Malmaison didn’t have QUITE the prison feeling that you wanted, then Penny Rope offers much more of an insight. Hidden in the cellar of a grade ll listed Georgian property, it’s almost cosy and with an authentic feel and there’s no shortage of character (looking at that bed…).
Don’t want to break the law, but want to experience that life? This is for you.
The JetStar
(Pembrokeshire)
Ever dreamt of being a pilot? Whilst they’re not giving out flying lessons, you can stay in The Jetstar which originally carried up to nine passengers. It retains most of the original features including a lit up bar area, and a double bedroom in the style of a first class ships cabin. And of course, you can spend as long as you like in the cockpit.
This is up there in unusual places to stay.
The Woodman’s Treehouse
(Dorset)
Fulfilling all those childhood dreams, The Woodman’s Treehouse takes treehouses to the next level. It’s totally private, and set high up in the branches of a veteran oak. And it’s stylish. There are luxurious interiors (have you see that copper bath? AND a hot tub) and attention to detail is like no other. This is basically the ultimate retreat, so settle down for a romantic getaway.
You’ll never want to leave…
The Old Railway Station
(Petworth)
We know that waiting at a station for a delayed train isn’t your idea of fun (looking at you Southern Rail) – but The Old Railway Station is. Now converted, you can stay in one of Pullman’s railway carriages or in the main Station House itself. They’ve each been lovingly restored to accommodate all needs, and it’s a lovely little experience if your commute hasn’t truly put you off trains.
No delays on this train line!
The Witchery by the Castle
(Edinborough)
Embracing gothic opulence and over-the-top decor, The Witchery by the Castle offers the most indulgent setting. There are only 9 suites, but each are theatrical are oozing glamour and luxury, and some lavish decor! Cosmopolitan even described it as one of the seven wonders of the hotel world, which says a lot.
The ultimate romantic bolthole.
Treehouse Hideaway
(Kent)
Make like Fred and Wilma Flintstone and stay in the quaint Treehouse Hideaway. The treehouse is made up of two hexagonal pods joined together, it features lots of character of a treehouse whilst also offering a little luxury. You’ll also find a private hot tub underneath the treehouse, where you can unwind and fully embrace the experience.
Treat your other half to a night away here.
The Bunker
(Cornwall)
So you wouldn’t really think of luxury and peace with a World War ll bunker, however that’s exactly what the converted Bunker is. It’s set in glorious countryside, and only a short distance to the famous Land’s End. And once you’re cosied up inside, you’ll feel worlds away from what The Bunker once was.
Be at one with nature here.
The Starhouse
(Wales)
There’s nothing more romantic than stargazing, so when you can sleep under nature’s star studded canvas at The Starhouse, you can only imagine the added romance. Set in the mountains of Wales, the views are unbelievable if you manage to pry those dreamy eyes away from the sky above. And not only is it hand built with love, it’ll make you fall in love even more.
Go on, treat yourself!
