Not all holiday homes were created equal, and that’s particularly true of this list of unusual places to stay in the UK. Delve into your very own fantasy world, whether you’re staying in a fortress, a barn, a princess castle or a cottage that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook.
These are great choices if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or big get-together. Who wants ordinary, right?!
So without further ado, here’s our list of favourite unusual places to stay in the UK.
1. Dartmoor Tea House, Devon
Like something from the pages of a storybook, Dartmoor Teahouse is a unique home that fuses British and Asian influences. Furnished with plush items and cool artwork, with gorgeous landscaped gardens and an irresistible pool in its own separate poolhouse, your group will happily live in comfort, style and privacy in this characterful hideaway.
2. Daffodil Cottage, The Cotswolds
This mini-home is perfect for two to get away from it all. Set in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, Daffodil Cottage has everything you could need for a romantic break – cosy furnishings, a large garden, access to walks, villages and the all-important country pub. When you’re done with a day’s exploring, retire back to the cottage and put your feet up in front of the charming log burner.
3. C17th Castle, Somerset
How many can truly say they’ve stayed in a fortress?! C17th Castle is an impressive military marvel on a hilltop overlooking the Bristol Channel. It has been lovingly converted from its days protecting the waterway to hosting groups of up to 16 discerning guests. The octagonal keep is surrounded by 8 turrets that house bedrooms and living spaces, and there’s also a pool and sunken patio ideal for a barbecue. You surely have never stayed in anything else that quite resembles C17th Castle!
4. Culver Down Manor, Isle of Wight
Perched on a clifftop with views that could make a postcard blush, Culver Down Manor is an art-deco gem from the 1920s, brimming with charm. From the grand entrance with its old-world boot cleaner to the sprawling lounge with a 22-seater dining table, this mansion is like stepping into a stylish time capsule. With room for 14 guests and five kids, plus gardens and a pond straight out of a Gatsby party, it’s the perfect spot for a seaside escape.
5. Barons Tower, Scottish Borders
Live out your medieval dreams in Barons Tower, a 500-year-old castle set in the heart of the Ettrick Forest. It may have been lovingly refurbished and modernised inside, but the renovation has remained sympathetic to the castle’s original charm and features. Relax and dine in the Great Hall, get a good night’s rest in the bedroom on the top floor (accessed by its very own staircase), wander the gorgeous walled garden, or play a spot of croquet on the designated croquet lawn. You can even go salmon fishing nearby!
6. Inglethorpe Folly, Norfolk
Inglethorpe Folly is a striking 18th-century retreat in Norfolk’s peaceful countryside. Once a carriage house, it now blends historic charm with modern comfort. Inside, guests enjoy an open-plan kitchen, lofty sitting room, and elegant bedrooms, including a Tower Room and master suite. Outdoors, relax in the oval pool, grotto, or hot tub, with tranquil gardens for al fresco dining. Perfect for families or groups, it’s a memorable escape offering character, history, and serenity in a uniquely picturesque setting.
7. Greenwich Hall, London
In the lovely London suburb of Greenwich, Greenwich Hall provides you with a gym, sauna, cinema room, and views of the river from the half-acre garden and summer house. Not only that, you’ll have a grand piano, two open log fires, an orangery and a library! We’re also totally in love with its interior styling. Up to 14 guests can stay in the main house, with an additional six in the cottage on the grounds.
8. The Water Tower, Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
Few places can make a weekend in Norfolk feel quite so ceremonious. Standing high above the Sandringham Estate, The Water Tower is not merely a curious place to stay, but a Victorian landmark with royal service in its bones. Built in 1877 to supply fresh water to Sandringham House, it has since been transformed into a wonderfully unusual retreat for two – part architectural delight, part romantic hideaway, part private brush with Royal history.
9. Tregaron Manor, Wales
Tregaron Manor brings a grandeur rural Wales: an eighteenth-century Georgian estate with 4.5 acres of grounds, woodland, and mountain views. Inside are seven bedrooms, generous living spaces and proper country-house comforts; outside, a 40-foot heated pool, garden room, barbecue and pizza oven make summer gatherings feel wonderfully lord-of-the-manor.
10. Windermere Gothic Mansion, Lake District
Windermere Gothic Mansion feels like a wonderfully improbable place to gather 36 people: a Grade II-listed Victorian Gothic house on the edge of Lake Windermere, complete with turrets, grand staircases and enough rooms to lose a relative in. Between the cocktail bar, library, cinema room, games room and children’s den, it has all the drama of a country-house weekend – with the Lake District waiting outside.
So which of our unusual places to stay in the UK takes your fancy? There’s surely something in this roundup to suit every taste, but if you’re not done browsing, check out all our holiday homes in the UK and have a look around on Oliver’s Travels. Then when you’ve settled on the holiday home of your dreams, get in touch with our concierge team to add on any fabulous extras!
