Our top 10 most unusual places to stay in the UK

You don’t follow the crowd in your everyday life, so why would you want to holiday like everyone else?

Whether you’re looking to hide away with your other half or bring the whole gang together, we’ve done the research for you and scoured the UK for the most unusual places to stay.

We think it’s important to celebrate the uncommon, the eccentric and the off-the-beaten-track, so if you want to chill out in a yurt, reconnect by glamping or unwind in a cosy cabin, here’s our pick of unusual self-catering accommodation that’s as unique as you are.

Best for hiding with a loved one

Beaulieu River View

Where? Beaulieu, New Forest

Sleeps 2

Standing proud on stilts and overlooking the river and woodland in the New Forest National Park, this highly Instagrammable cottage is the perfect place for a proposal, a honeymoon or just getting away from it all.

Hang out in the open-plan living area where you can throw open the sliding doors to let the light stream in as you flop on the sofa. Dine alfresco under the stars on the decking area and when it’s time for bed, don your complimentary gowns and slippers and curl up on the memory foam mattress. When you’re feeling like an adventure, roam the untamed grounds or take to the water from the small jetty that’s available to hire.

Debenham Mill

Where? Debenham, Suffolk

Sleeps 2, plus 1 dog

Close to Constable country, there’s no location more appropriate than this 19^th-century mill for a getaway surrounded by gorgeous greenery.

The quirky circular accommodation blends beamed ceilings and brickwork with contemporary touches for a truly luxurious hideaway. Snuggle up in front of the wood burner with a glass of wine or relax in the hot tub while you watch the stars come out. Recharge your batteries on the sunny balcony with your morning coffee while enjoying the countryside views as far as the eye can see. Then head out to explore the charming Suffolk Heritage Coast (23 miles) or Framlingham Castle (9.5 miles) – the inspiration for Ed Sheeran’s Castle on the Hill.

Peony Cottage

Where? Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds

Sleeps 2

While the outside might look like a traditional Cotswold cottage, step inside and you’ll discover a super-chic interior that’s perfect for a romantic break away from it all.

Dramatic watercolours create an opulent feel and there’s a selection of books for every taste if you want to do nothing but hide and read in front of the wood burner. There’s nothing more relaxing than a bubble bath and here you don’t have to share with your loved one; there’s two side-by-side slipper baths for bathing in style. We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to leave the cottage, but if you feel like exploring, you can walk the historic Fosse Way or head to the cultural hotspot of Cheltenham (22 miles) – although the lovely cafes and restaurants within a mile of the cottage might be far enough for some.

Butterfly Meadow Yurt

Where? Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons

Sleeps 2

Set in a private orchard, this lovely yurt offers the perfect glamping break where you can unplug and unwind.

Chill out on the deck chairs and listen to the sounds of the birds while you take in the countryside, then get stuck-in making a delicious dinner from the wood-fired pizza oven in the al fresco kitchen. As the sun goes down, light the log burner and sink into the beanbags, soak in the roll-top bath and then curl up in the handmade double bed. When you want to get back to civilisation, Hay-on-Wye – offering bliss for bibliophiles – is 12.5 miles away.

Best for hiding with friends

The Beach Huts

Where? Chichester, Sussex

Sleeps 4

Get a group of friends together and head to this eco-friendly beach hut, set on a private farm in Sussex.

Sunbathe in the garden or enjoy a meal overlooking the surrounding countryside, then head inside to relax in the stylish living space. If you’re feeling active, practise your serve on the shared tennis court or take a splash in the indoor swimming pool. Fancy the night off cooking? Head to the local thatched pub, just metres away, for some traditional food and drink. Or explore the nearby pretty towns and villages, perfect for coastal walks and beautiful views.

The Hoe Cottage

Where? Lynton, Devon

Sleeps 4

With the decor looking like every interior design photo you’ve ever pinned on Pinterest, this beautiful stone-built cottage is perfect for hiding away in the treetops of North Devon.

Situated in the beautifully remote Exmoor National Park, there’s no need to even step outside your front door if you don’t want to; the cottage comes complete with its own wine cellar and pizza oven. You can tuck in on the balcony and enjoy dinner by the sea or admire the views from the long table in the dining room. Set over three floors, the two plush bedrooms both have en-suite bathrooms with plenty of opportunity for pampering. When the weather’s rough, snuggle up in front of the log burner and when you want to explore, the South West Coast Path runs close to your doorstep.

Sugar Loaf Skies

Where? Brecon Beacons, Wales

Sleeps 6, plus 1 dog

Bear Grylls eat your heart out – this safari tent offers the ultimate glamping experience, although the only wild animals you’ll encounter are the chickens, sheep and alpacas on the owners’ farm.

Surrounded by the rolling Monmouthshire countryside, this tent has three surprisingly roomy bedrooms and a wood burner for those chillier evenings. The outdoors is yours to explore – roam the acres of meadows, dine under the stars on the picnic benches or chill out in the hot tub. When you hear the call of the modern world again, you can head to Abergavenny (5.5 miles away) or Monmouth (12.5 miles).

Best for hiding with the whole gang

The Beautiful Bunkhouse

Where? Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons

Sleeps 14

Indulge your inner child with a break in this converted chapel, complete with bunk beds and an indoor slide.

Get some well-deserved headspace, whether you’re hunkering down in the chic open-plan living area or striding out around the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Get in touch with nature by renting a canoe or kayak, or zip around the countryside on a Vespa, hired from the owner. And if you find you’re too cosy to cook, meals can be pre-ordered and delivered throughout your stay. Need some cultural stimulation? Highbrow hotspot Hay-on-Wye is only 5 miles from the property.

The Light House

Where? Bude, Cornwall

Sleeps? 8, plus 2 dogs

Mixing Scandi-chic with seaside charm, this coastal home in North Cornwall is perfect for budding beach-bums and wannabe wave-catchers.

Leave the car for a few days while you explore all that Bude has to offer. Learn to surf on the long sandy beach or grab a pasty and a cream tea in the town (you’re in Cornwall so jam first, obvs). When you fancy crashing out for the evening, there’s four comfy bedrooms and four stylish bathrooms in this beachside pad, built by a couple whose own home was featured on Grand Designs. A lockable wetsuit facility and an outdoor shower are handy for those who are stoked about surfing while if you prefer dry land, you can chill out on the balcony and take in the sea views. 

Earth Ship

Where? Loch Leven, Perth and Kinross

Sleeps 7, plus 2 dogs

Located on a working beef and sheep farm, you can get back to nature in this eco-property surrounded by stunning Scottish countryside.

Collect chickens’ eggs and, in spring, help feed the lambs on the farm. Then retreat to your wood-clad haven where you can take in the peaceful countryside views over Loch Leven from the hot tub. In the evening, stargaze from your terrace then spend a cosy night snuggled in front of the wood burner. Walkers and hikers will love the serenity and solitude of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, while culture-chasers can head to Fife, Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh, all within 30 miles.

With so many unique places to stay to choose from, don’t you think it’s time you did something a little different? Make this year the one where you head off the beaten track; book your short break now.