Top 10 unusual places to stay in the UK

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. Supernova, Sussex

Sleeps: 10-13

Prices from: £142pppn

This super contemporary spaceship that landed on Earth is the glorious Supernova, a gorgeous modern mansion split into two parts that featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. Comprising striking designs, triple-height ceilings with floating balconies, a tennis court, hot tub and fabulous natural swimming pond, your party of up to 13 will be mesmerised by a stay here. Enjoy dinners together in the unique dining space or head out to explore the beauty of nearby Bosham Harbour and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

2. Dartmoor Tea House, Devon

Sleeps: 12

Prices from: £60pppn

Like something from the pages of a storybook, the perenially pretty Dartmoor Teahouse is a unique home that fuses British and Asian influences due to the owners’ Shanghai tea trade connections. 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.

3. New England Mansion, Hampshire

Sleeps: 8-15

Prices from: £133pppn

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported across the ocean! New England Mansion resembles exactly that, a gorgeous wood-clad mega-home that would be perfectly placed in North America but is actually found in rural Hampshire. An indoor pool, state-of-the-art sauna, games room, large lawns and outdoor decking ensure up to 15 guests are merrily entertained for the whole stay.

4. Daffodil Cottage, The Cotswolds

Sleeps: 2

Prices from: £84pppn

This mushroom-like mini-home is perfect for two to get away from it all. Set in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, this quintessential cottage provides 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.

5. C17th Castle, Somerset

Sleeps: 16

Prices from: £124pppn

How many can truly say they’ve stayed in a fortress?! This impressive military marvel sits on a hilltop overlooking the Bristol Channel and 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!

6. Whitby Gatehouse, Yorkshire

Sleeps: 4

Prices from: £33pppn

This Georgian-style gatehouse looks fit for a park ranger from the days of horses and carriages… but this elegant home for four is actually newly built. Set on the estate of Airy Hill Manor, you’ll have parkland views that frame Whitby Abbey in the distance. It’s just a short stroll into the town of Whitby too where you can explore the streets that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, take a stroll around the pretty harbour and indulge in the town’s thriving foodie scene.

7. Northiam Oak Barn, Sussex

Sleeps: 4

Prices from: £32pppn

Boasting cavernous living spaces and stunning ancient beams, this majestic barn conversion is the perfect stay in the heart of the High Weald AONB. A family of four or two couples will enjoy making this a home-from-home, with dinners out on the patio and cosy evenings by the log burner. You can also explore the pretty village of Bodiam or head toward the coast for the historic town of Rye and nearby Camber Sands, a favourite spot for day-trippers from London in need of vitamin sea.

8. Barons Tower, Scottish Borders

Sleeps: 10

Prices from: £32pppn 

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!

9. Kirkliston Castle, Edinburgh

Sleeps: 24

Prices from: £162pppn

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 lives!

10. Greenwich Hall, London

Sleeps: 14-22

Price from: £51pppn

It’s giving… Great Gatsby vibes. In the lovely London suburb of Greenwich, this gorgeous home provides you with a gym, sauna, cinema room, and views to 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. You’d be a beautiful little fool not to stay here!

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 properties 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!