With so much history and diverse natural landscapes to explore in the UK, there’s no better way to see more of the country than by making your trip even more memorable with one of these unique places to stay in the UK.
With the trend for domestic travel and UK breaks increasing, now is the perfect time to try out some of these quirky UK stays for the ultimate unusual breaks UK-side to tell your friends about!
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Unusual Stays in the UK
Scotland Treehouse Getaway
If you’ve always wanted to experience staying in a treehouse this absolutely stunning property is perfect! This Scotland treehouse has an amazing outdoor deck with beautiful luxury interior furnishings, heating, log burning stove, bespoke kitchen and space for 2 guests.
Located just one hour from Glasgow, this location is perfect to explore the city but is also immersed in nature, so you can really unwind and relax. It’s also great if you’re looking for unique UK stays before venturing on to explore more of Scotland on your trip.
Cotswolds Country Cottage Stay
This quintessential English country cottage is a uniquely English experience and is perfect if you’re looking for cool places to stay in England as it’s a gorgeous converted barn.
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds and just a short drive from the beautiful Cotswolds villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters and Stow-on-the-Wold.
The cosy barn is perfect for romantic weekend breaks in the UK, located on private property, the Georgian barn is your own space, with modern conveniences, vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. There is a nearby pub, perfect for an afternoon drink or evening meal.
This is a great base for a weekend exploring the Cotswolds or check out there alternative unique places to stay in the Cotswolds for more inspiration.
Idyllic 17th Century Lake District cottage
If you’re looking for quirky places to stay in England, this stunning 17th Century cottage in the heart of the Lake District is perfect for unique holidays stays in the UK.
Located just a short distance from Ullswater with panoramic views of Blencathra, the Mungrisedale fells and the Helvellyn fells, the outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying the summer sun with a glass of wine, while the cosy dark wood, exposed beams and wood burning fire is perfect for the chilly autumn and winter months.
This is the ideal base if you want to spend some time exploring the Lake District National Park and with space for 2 guests, it’s great for romantic trips to spend some time together.
Rustic Industrial London Loft
This epic London loft is perfect for a weekend break in London and is undoubtedly a a great option if you’re looking for cool places to stay in England that will make your trip memorable.
Located right near Broadway Market, between London Fields and Victoria Park, this converted shoe factory is perfectly situated for exploring London on a budget while also giving you all the luxury amenities like a cinema and Sonos in this totally unique loft.
With the exposed brick, wooden features and iron staircase, plus the cosy decor throughout, this is the perfect mix of contemporary comfort and rustic, quirky accommodation to make your trip special.
If you’d like to see more London lofts and accommodation inspiration, check out these cool places to stay in London.
A-frame cabin in Cambridgeshire
This is a great option for unique one night stays in the UK. In the heart of Cambridgeshire, this cute A-frame wooden cabin is tucked in the woods and with 20 cabins to choose from, you’re almost guaranteed to be able to book one.
Nearby Grafton Waters’ amazing water sports facilities are perfect for adventurous weekends, or the location in the countryside means plenty of walks and fresh air for a countryside weekend escape.
Each two story cabin can sleep 5 guests, perfect for UK unique stays for the whole family.
Epic Ski Chalet-style cabin - West Yorkshire
For unusual getaways UK-style, how about this amazing Ski Chalet style cabin in West Yorkshire? WIth a rustic feel but modern amenities, it sleeps 4 - perfect for family or couples getaways.
The cabin offers views of the river and beyond, with a large deck, private hot tub and sauna!
If you’re looking for unusual romantic weekend breaks in the UK, this is the perfect option, located in West Yorkshire, you can explore the beautiful surrounding countryside or just stay indoors and enjoy your secluded getaway with a tranquil view.
Epic Luxury Log Cabin with hot tub - Scottish Borders
If you’re looking for unique places to stay in England, this is top of the list. This stunning log cabin on the England-Scottish borders sleeps 4 guests - perfect for a family holiday or a fun, quirky UK getaway with friends.
Unusual places to stay, UK, hot tub on-site? This log cabin has it all and with an interior and exterior that looks like a cabin straight out of the Canadian mountains, it really does promise to be one of the most amazing places to stay in the UK.
With open plan kitchen, log fire, modern fully equipped kitchen, stunning deck with a firepit and hot tub.
Secluded Peak District cabin and hot tub
This remote UK cabin with a hot tub is perfect for unusual short breaks and quirky weekend breaks in the UK.
Tucked away in the rocks at the top of Eagle Tor in the Peak District, this stunning cabin truly feels like you’re hidden in the mountains, with huge windows and a glass ceiling, perfect for stargazing. The outdoor shower and Japanese style wood-fired hot tub proves how secluded this getaway is, you won’t see another human in sight.
Without a doubt one of the most unusual places to stay in the UK and perfect for a getaway in the Midlands, you could easily stay in the cosy cabin for a whole weekend. But if you do want to explore, there are plenty of things to do in the Peak District around you.
Glamping Pod
Another cute and secluded place I’ve enjoyed staying at and a great option if you’re looking for fun places to stay that are also cheap places to stay in the Cotswolds.
Located in the south of the Cotswolds and just a short drive from Bath and the famous Cotswold village of Castle Combe, this cute pod is in a tiny village and although located in someone’s large back garden, it’s completely secluded in it’s own private walled garden, it’s self-check in and feels very secluded - we didn’t see the property owners for our entire stay!
There’s all the kitchen utensils we need, with fridge, microwave and toaster, plus wifi. There’s also a BBQ and fire pit with free wood!
The Hobbit House in East Sussex
This is the ultimate in quirky places to stay in the UK - a hobbit house!
Located in East Sussex in a secluded, idyllic location, it will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Hobbiton!
Funky places to stay in the UK don’t get better than this unusual UK accommodation, complete with a wood burner, fully equipped kitchen and living space, and modern fixtures and fittings this is a perfect surprise for couples who love Lord of the Rings!
Check out these other quirky places to stay in Kent and Sussex for inspiration!
Stay in a Scottish Castle
Spectacularly located on a Private Scottish Estate, the stunning Dunskey Castle is really a bucket list experience and one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland.
This unusual overnight stay allows you to rent out the entire castle for groups of up to 42 with its 21 bedrooms! Unique holiday stays in the UK don’t get more epic!
Located in the highlands, this is the perfect unique holiday accommodation to add to a Scotland road trip, or even a weekend break from Glasgow!
Eco-treehouse hideaway in the Midlands
Combining luxury unusual places to stay and sustainability, there are six unique treehouses stays located in this countryside village in Lincolnshire.
Perfect for unusual weekend breaks in the UK, this self catering accommodation in the UK is all about a rustic chic accommodation, located on the edge of a lake with modern conveniences, a sunken bath tub and a private terrace to make your stay even more special.
With plenty of things to do in the Midlands, the quaint nearby village, rowing boat to take out on the lake and tranquil setting make this one of the most unique places to stay in the UK.
I’ve linked two of these quirky Lincolnshire Airbnbs below!
Romantic Castle on the Scottish Borders
Stay in Mary Queen of Scot's chamber at Neidpath Castle in a once in a lifetime getaway if you’re looking for amazing places to stay in the UK.
Explore the whole castle then enjoy the stunning four-poster bed, roll-top bath and open fire in your beautiful rooms!
Definitely one of the most unusual hotels in the UK, you can book dinner here and a completely boutique stay with amazing views and only one hour from Edinburgh.
Unique Bridge Cottage over a River in the Highlands
Cool places to stay in the UK don’t get more unique than staying on a bridge over a river!
With a stone spiral staircase, exposed timber beams, four-poster bed and a beautiful rural location over the River Ardle. Built in 1881, these original features make it a completely unique holiday stay in the UK and Scotland.
Not far from the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, this is the perfect base for exploring the best of the Scottish Highlands.
Secluded Cornwall Lodge
This light and airy lodge is a stunning romantic UK break on the north coast of Cornwall.
With a beautiful deck overlooking the countryside and ocean, a modern interior with 2 bedrooms and modern kitchen living space.
This unusual holiday accommodation is perfect for relaxation, seclusion and being close to nature for couples looking to escape to Cornwall. Or check out these other unique places to stay in Cornwall for more inspiration.
Luxury Treehouse Retreat - East Sussex
The perfect option if you’re searching for luxury romantic weekend breaks in the UK, this treehouse in East Sussex brings luxury and nature together in one place.
Sleeping 4, with two ensuite bathrooms, a luxury copper bath tub, full kitchen, BBQ and private terrace accessed by a spiral staircase to enjoy warm evenings with a glass of wine in the treetops.
There’s also a wood burner for those chillier evenings. The vaulted ceilings and exposed beams made this treehouse feel huge and definitely a unique treehouse stay in the UK.
Check out this list of more options for unique places to stay in Kent and Sussex.
Wales treehouse stay
This stunning treehouse is similar in many ways to the property listed above, except that it’s in Wales, so perfect if you live in Wales or are looking for quirky holiday accommodation in Wales, UK.
This treehouse sleeps two, perfect for a couple’s quirky weekend break in Wales, with vaulted wood beam ceilings, an open plan living area, modern kitchen, ensuite bathroom and private deck. Plus this treehouse comes with a wood-fired hot tub and amazing views.
Located in the Brecon Beacons, this is a perfect option if you want to enjoy hiking and outdoor adventure in the day, followed by some relaxation and luxury in the evening.
Definitely one of the most unique Airbnb places in the UK to experience.
Medieval Scottish Castle Stay
Ever wanted to stay in an actual medieval castle in Scotland? The stunning Barns Castle is located in the Scottish Borders, just 45 minutes from Edinburgh and perfectly situated in the countryside for long walks and bike rides.
The castle is like a mini castle, with 1 bedroom and beds for up to 4 guests. The authentic features of stones floors and walls, huge roaring fires, steep spiral staircase and wood beams have all been retained, alongside all the modern conveniences you need with a full bathroom and kitchen.
The pinkish hue of the castle also makes it quirky, perfect tucked in the trees it looks almost idyllic and a perfect option for a completely unique Airbnb stay in the UK.
Quirky Stay in a Church in Wales with hot tub
With miles of views, close to Snowdonia, this cosy converted church is the perfect place to return to after a long day of hiking, biking, climbing, open water swimming, sailing, canoeing or any other outdoor activity you can think of in this stunning part of Wales.
With epic vaulted ceilings, beautiful interiors and a hot tub, this is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in the UK on this list!
Perfect for quirky overnight stays in the UK, or those looking for unusual holiday destinations the UK has to offer, this cottage is a unique way to experience and explore the beautiful country of Wales.
Woodland glamping in the treetops - East Sussex
If the luxury treehouses are a bit pricey for you but you’re still looking for that treetop experience, this glamping in the trees is the perfect option for a weekend away in the UK with the bonus that it’s an affordable unusual place to stay in England too!
Tucked in the top of an oak tree in 50 acres of woodland, you’ll have a peaceful deck which catches the sunshine among the leaves, plus a real fire to cook over, a wood-fired hot tub, open air shower and a pub just 10 minutes walk away.
Immerse yourself in nature in this unique accommodation, with a cosy outdoor area to enjoy the sun, a book, some music and a drink or two.
The Pigsty - Winchester
Far more luxurious than it’s name suggests, The Pigsty is a dome-shaped unusual accommodation in the south of England, with a king sized bed, roll top bath, chic rustic decor and a deck to enjoy the sunshine.
Although located on a working farm, the Pigsty is tucked away in a secluded corner with its own access, breakfast is included on your first morning and you can get fresh roasted coffee beans throughout your stay, roasted right there on the farm!
This is the perfect funky place to stay in the UK if you’re looking to escape the rat-race your you’re also close enough to Winchester to enjoy the benefits of the city, the pubs and restaurant and eveything there is to do there.
The Pigsty is also a great price for such a cool place to stay, great value for money and a stunningly curated space.
I hope these quirky accommodation ideas and amazing places to stay in the UK give you some inspiration for making your next UK holiday or weekend break as memorable as possible.
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Flights: I use Expedia to find great flights and the best deals all over the world, they have regular sales and offers so I always check their website. I also check CheapOair to find cheap deals on round trip flights.
Car Rental: I love the customer service I've always gotten and the variety of options with Rental Cars. But for short notice rentals, I've been using Expedia for the last year, they always seem to have great one-day rates or last-minute rates from the main rental companies.
Accommodation: I prefer the flexibility of booking accommodation with Booking.com so I can cancel or change my reservation without a fee or only pay on arrival for most properties. For longer or more unique stays I prefer AirBnB because you can get the long stay discount, you can also find more unique properties and book experiences with talented locals and businesses. For my budget trips, I always stay in hostels and book through Hostelworld because they have great guarantees if anything does go wrong. If you arrive and your booking is not at the property, they refund the full deposit AND give you $50 extra credit.
Tours and organised trips Although I don’t use tours that often, I do like to book local experiences or day trips once I reach my destination. For that I use GetYourGuide because it has the biggest selection and variety of tour and experience options.
Travel Insurance: I currently use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Which allows me to pay a rolling monthly fee to cover my long term travels.
My camera gear and equipment: I use a Canon 77D with an 18-135mm lens or a 50mm lens. And a DJI Mavic Mini Drone. For all my gear including laptops, tripods and more camera accessories read my travel photography gear guide.