Are you looking for somewhere to stay, but tired of the staying in standard looking cottages and basic hotels? Then why not try something new and escape to one of these unusual places for a night or two.
The UK is full of wonderful, quirky, electric properties from converted windmills, domes in the middle of the woods, cabins on a nature reserve, and even your very own island. Spice up your staycation and stay somewhere exciting and different and trust me you won’t be disappointed when you visit any of these places.
Elmley Nature Reserve, North Kent
Elmley is a 3,300-acre estate situated on an island in the Thames. They do have cottages available, but why not try out one of their shepherd huts, Bell tents, or The Salt Box. Each of their accommodation has its own individual charm but are all designed to create a perfect hideaway. Their shepherd huts and The Salt Box offer windows for walls so you can wake up to the sunrise and go to sleep watching the stars. They also have a very plush king size bed, an indoor and outdoor shower to experience, and spectacular views of the water and countryside that surrounds you. These stylish and indulgent accommodations are the only places in England where you can spend a night in a National Nature Reserve, so if you want to disappear from the world for a night or two and spend quality time with a loved one, then this is the place for you.
Finn Lough, Northern Ireland
Ever fancied sleeping under the stairs in your own perfect little bubble? The head to Finn Lough, as you can stay overnight and be surrounded by nature in one of their breathtaking forest domes. You can treat yourself to one of their Premium Domes which offer more spacious interiors and lots of luxurious extras including a roll-top bath overlooking the forest, for the ultimate night away. They also have an incredible spa but unlike traditional ones, Finn Lough‘s is a private, self-guided trail. It flows through a series of forest rooms that take you through five cabins which include a floatation room, aromatic sauna, hot tub, and relaxation room.
fforest, Wales
If you are looking for a taste of the simple life, then head to Fforest. They have 3 sites across Wales featured on a farm, by the coast, or in a town. All locations have a mixture of accommodation types to suit all requirements and levels of comfort. Their accommodation has been custom designed and built by themselves to ensure you get the best comfort, best views, and best experience of the location. They also combine ethically sourced materials, period pieces, and local craft to create relaxed, comfortable, and inspiring spaces for you to enjoy. Head to the farm and stay in a dome or garden shac. If you fancy a retreat by the sea, then visit their coastal location for a night in a cabin or dome.
Hudnalls Hideout, Gloucestershire
With uninterrupted vistas through the tree canopy to the stunning Wye Valley is a luxury and secluded adults-only treehouse. Hudnalls Hideout is set within a 2-acre private wood, making it the perfect place to escape for a romantic retreat. It’s full of cosy features and Scandi charm for the perfect setting to connect with one another and relax. Soak in the copper roll-top bath, unwind on the terrace with a glass of wine or cosy up by the fire. The best feature though has to be the breathtaking bedroom up the stairs with an amazing A-frame floor to ceiling viewing window where you can do a spot of stargazing.
Kudhva, Tintagel
If you are looking for somewhere to digitally detox, expand your mind, and raise your happiness levels, then look no further as this is the vision of Kudhva. They are a campsite with a difference and offer their guests a chance of the simple way of living, totally off-grid and in beautifully curated spaces. They offer different accommodation types depending on what you are looking for too. Kudhva are unique architectural cabins that are off-grid hideouts, raised high above the ground, and stand on wooden legs with a spectacular view down to the coast. Deep in the woods, with trees growing through the deck and a babbling stream winding underneath its stilt frame you will find the Danish Cabin. Or for a truly new experience why not give one of their tree tents or tipis a go.
Rackery Retreat, Wrexham
Nestled on the North Wales-Cheshire border, lays a luxury glamping experience like no other. Rackery Retreat is home to three fully-equipped safari tents which are all set within a beautiful field away from the rest of the world. They all have a built-in kitchen and bathroom, so you are completely self-sufficient in these incredible Safari tents. If that already sounds like a dream, then wait till you see the huge decking, which is filled with candles and comfy seats and leads to the biggest, most luxurious Jacuzzi I have ever seen. We couldn’t help but spend hours just lazying around in there and watching the stars come out with a glass of fizz. Two of their tents can accommodate 4 people and the other accommodates six, so these make perfect staycations if you are looking for a luxury escape to the country with the whole family, a romantic break for a couple, or a why not hire out multiple tents for a fun holiday with a big group of friends.
To find out more about these beautiful safari tents, read my blog here.
Settle, Norfolk
Drink in the surrounding beauty in a truly tranquil spot in a private Norfolk parkland. Settle is home to three beautifully restored vintage railway carriages, a handcrafted lakeside cabin, and luxury canvas camping. Snuggle into a cosy bed and be surrounded by the noises of the countryside that surrounds you. There’s no need to skimp on comforts here either as the accommodations have a mix of beautiful built-in kitchens, an elegant WC and deluxe shower room, and the comfiest beds. The carriages have been lovingly restored and have many of their original features to give them an authentic touch. The Lakeside cabin has been handcrafted and thoughtfully designed that the hardest thing will be to decide which one to stay in. You really won’t be disappointed with these luxury, romantic, unique stays and will want to come back again and again once you have experienced it.
The Island, Newquay
Who has dreamed of staying on their very own private Island but thought this dream was only true for people like Richard Branson? Well, this dream is about to become a reality as you book your next staycation at the beautiful The Island. When you arrive, you will start your exclusive stay In style as you walk across your private suspension footbridge. With unrivalled Atlantic Ocean views, you will want to spend the whole time sitting on your elevated garden and soaking up the unspoilt view that surrounds your new home for the night. Inside the luxury continues as you have two wood-burners, your very own bar and cosy touches throughout which gives it a home from home feel.
The Windmill, Suffolk
Nestled in Suffolk’s beautiful countryside, The Windmill Suffolk is the perfect retreat for a unique and luxurious holiday. Having stood empty and deteriorating for many decades, the owners have lovingly restored the windmill back to its glory days and now takes pride of place in this spectacular landscape. Sleeping up to 4 adults, this is a fabulous getaway with a loved one or friends as you spend your days exploring the local countryside or sitting on the 4th floor terrace as you admire the surrounding views. Head to the marble and mosaic shell bathroom for more luxury, which features both a freestanding oversized oval bath and a walk-in monsoon rain shower.
Wild With Nature, Norfolk
Set within 750 acres of glorious Norfolk countryside, Wild With Nature offers a truly unique Norfolk glamping experience for anyone who wants to relax, unwind and reconnect with the natural world. Nestled amongst lakes, woods, and wildflower meadows, these luxurious huts are perfect for couples, families, and friends looking for a little outdoor adventure. There are 2 beautiful shepherd huts to choose from, and both have an ensuite bathroom, a comfortable king-sized bed, and a cosy sofa. In the warmer months, you can relax on the decking or head to your private wood-fired hot tub for an evening soak. The hut also has its own Sundowner cabin a few steps away which offers you an elevated living and cooking space, complete with a wood burner. They offer a great choice of activities, and an unbeatable countryside setting, Wild With Nature Glamping is the perfect destination for your next staycation.
For more information on unusual places to stay, check out my previous post about treehouses, Shepherd Huts, Cabins, and Glamping.
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