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 hobbit house, 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 you just want to live out your ‘Lord of the Rings’ dream. Who wants ordinary, right?!
So without further ado, here’s our list of fave unusual places to stay in the UK.
Fairytale Cottage, Suffolk
Sleeps: 2
Rental period: 3+ nights
Price from £130pppn for a weekly stay
This cottage looks like it’s been plucked straight from a magical storybook – it’s nestled into a woodland, overlooking a meadow… the perfect romantic hideaway. It’s serving us real cosy winter vibes as there’s no electricity, so at nighttime everything has to be done by candlelight (and you can snuggle up on the sofa by the open fire) but it’s also great for summer with its alfresco dining space and lakes nearby for rowing and paddleboarding.
Pip House, Sussex
Sleeps: 4
Rental period: 3+ nights
Price from £44pppn for a weekly stay
Ever wondered what it would be like to live in the Shire, or do you know someone who is a Lord of the Rings nut? This little house looks like it’s come straight out of the movie set, with the local craftsmen building it into the hill behind. One thing that’s different to the film? You get your own private hot tub overlooking the countryside, and you don’t have to battle a giant dragon.
The Suffolk Farmhouse, Suffolk
Sleeps: 12
Rental period: 3+ nights
Price from £93pppn for a weekly stay
Looking like it’s been dreamed up from a romantic novel from the Jane Austen days, this farmhouse is a dream for family stays (pets are welcome, too!). The interiors are warm and homely, with original beams and an inglenook fireplace, so it really feels like a home-away-from-home. It’s surrounded by acres of land which are a haven for local wildlife – particularly birds – with gorgeous wildflowers and a lake you have access to, with paddleboards, rowing boats and Pashley cycles available to use at no extra charge. We are LIVING for the idea of a picnic on a rowing boat.
The Gardener’s Cottage, Suffolk
Sleeps: 6 – 12
Rental period: 3+ nights
Price from £104pppn for a weekly stay (based on 6 people)
The fireplace of this cottage absolutely steals the show – inspired by the mythical ‘Green Man’ (aka wild man of the woods) a giant face is carved into the chimney, turning this charming cottage into a quirky bolthole in the woodlands. Uniquely styled, with gothic design features and cute interiors, you’ll feel like you’re living in a real life fairytale.
Towerhouse Castle, Ireland
Sleeps: 10
Rental period: 2+ nights
Price from £46pppn for a weekly stay (subject to 13.5% tax)
On the outside, this 16th-century towerhouse looks like somewhere that could play house to Rapunzel. We’re sure that if Rapunzel was locked up in this castle though, she wouldn’t feel as bad because the interiors are so homely and cosy (there’s also some lovely original medieval features, too!). Walk up the stone steps to the top of the five-storey property and look out over the rolling Irish countryside. And even though it’s in a rural location, it’s only a short walk to the local village, which is home to a handful of great traditional pubs!
Aikwood Tower, Scottish Borders
Sleeps: 10
Rental period: 2+ nights
Price from £32pppn for a weekly stay for 10 people (currently the property owners are offering a reduced rate for a smaller group of 6 from one household).
Live out your medieval dreams in this 500-year-old castle set in the heart of the Ettrick Forest! It may have been lovingly refurbed 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!
Warbleton Oast House, Sussex
Sleeps: 11
Rental period: 3+ nights
Price from £31pppn for a weekly stay
Sure, an Oast house may not have belonged in a fantasy film or fairytale, but it’s definitely an unusual place to stay. The location of the house will allow you to step back in time too, as East Sussex is home to historic abbeys, battlefields, medieval villages and stately homes. Back at the Oast, there’s plenty of space for roaming around, including 3 games rooms, a snug, and a large lawned area with a pond!
Brixham Manor House, South Devon
Sleeps: 16
Rental period: 3+nights
Price from £42pppn for a weekly stay
This Edwardian house is serving us some serious Gatsby vibes, with its landscaped gardens, magnificent interiors, and its all-important panoramic views out over the water. There’s also a pool, but let’s be serious – being in the UK, it’s best to keep those heated and indoors! There’s so much to keep you occupied indoors, with its snooker room, table tennis, fully-equipped gym and sauna.
Kirkliston Castle, Edinburgh
Sleeps: 24
Rental period: 2+nights
Price from £162pppn for a weekly stay
Fancy yourself as a Lord, Lady, Prince, Princess, or Royalty? Pretend to be whoever you want in this grand castle, only 20-minutes from Edinburgh. The stunning and stylish interiors match up to the grandiose exteriors, and you won’t be able to help ooh-ing and aah-ing. With 32 acres of private grounds, there’s so much to explore, but if you just want to stay indoors you’ve got a marble lounge, bar, piano room and orangery. Talk about living how the other half live!
Greenwich Hall, London
Sleeps: 14-24
Rental period: 3+nights
Price from £57pppn for a weekly stay
If you’d rather not travel to South Devon for the Gatsby-like holiday home further up the list – but still want those same vibes – then this magnificent property in South East London will do the trick. Swap the pool for a gym, sauna and cinema room, and the coastal views for the half acre garden and summer house. Not only that, you’ll have a grand piano, 2 open log fires, an orangery and a library! We’re also totally in love with its interior styling.
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