Rye Windmill

10 Unusual Places To Stay in the UK

Despite being such a tiny island country we have such a huge wealth of diverse and frankly, exciting places to visit on our hollibobs or weekends away. So let’s move away from the generic hotels and boring B&Bs and let’s seek out the unusual places to stay in the UK. Because travel is too short-lived to worry about the mundane.

10 Unusual Places To Stay In The UK

10 Unusual Places To Stay In The UK

Old Railway Station

1. The Old Railway Station – Petworth, West Sussex 

This one is definitely for the train geeks like myself and is top of my unusual places to stay in the UK. All of the guest rooms at this hotel are in converted Edwardian train carriages, all situated at an old railway station. The old waiting room is now the guest lounge and the platform makes for the summer breakfast area. Petworth is a beautiful quiet village and the seaside is just 30 minute drive away.

titanic houseboat

2. Titanic Houseboat – Liverpool

Unlike its namesake this boat is still floating. The Titanic houseboat is a modern and unusual way to enjoy your time in Liverpool. You hire the whole boat and it sleeps up to 9 people. It’s moored right in the centre of Liverpool dock so you’re right in the centre of the ‘happenings’.

Ettington Park

3. Ettington Park Hotel – Alderminster, Warwickshire

A luxury gothic hotel set in 40 acres of woodland, this hotel looks both sumptuous and inviting. Apparently, this hotel is haunted which would make this super fun to visit at Halloween. But if you’d like to go any other time of year there is plenty of activities to enjoy at the hotel or you can drive 10 minutes down the road to Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

The Little Hide

4. The Little Hide – York

Because glamping is here to stay. The Little Hide is a luxury, adults-only pod-style campsite. Go old-school and hire one of their bell tents, or choose one of their wooden huts for some home comforts in a camping setting. All options include beds and bedding so you just rock up with your essentials and enjoy the fresh air of Yorkshire.

star castle hotel

5. Star Castle – Isles of Scilly

The thought of staying in a castle is pretty exciting as it is. Heading over to the Isles of Scilly, just off the South coast of Cornwall is equally exciting. But this castle is the shape of a star! Yes, these things are important. Star Castle is a 16th-century castle now converted into a family-run hotel complete with swimming pool, tennis courts and free golf. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly so you can bring your pooch.

Bressay Lighthouse

6. Bressay Lighthouse – Shetland

Quite possibly one of the most remote places you can stay in the United Kingdom, the Bressay Lighthouse has two self-catering cottages and each sleeps 6. The Shetlands Islands offer a unique place to visit off the coast of Scotland. With an abundance of wildlife and miles of coastline the islands are great for walkers. With the local population being outnumbered by birds, it would be a fascinating place to stay.

Spring Park

7. Spring Park – Launceston, Cornwall

A small but perfectly formed quirky holiday campsite featuring a collection of vintage caravans (wagons) and a couple of huts (barns). This family-run business offers personal service, high attention to detail and all in a beautiful  rustic setting in Cornwall. This is definitely one for the style and vintage lovers out there.

majestic bus

8. The Majestic Bus – Brecon, Powys

A lovingly converted Bedford Panorama bus that sleeps up to 4 people (you’re welcome to bring others with their own tent to pitch outside). The Majestic bus is a quirky as it gets. It’s located 5 miles away from the Hay-on-Wye (famed for its literary festival) and set in unspoilt countryside. A great getaway in Wales.

G and V Hotel Edinburgh

9. G&V Royal Mile Hotel – Edinburgh

This stylish boutique hotel is situated right in the heart of all the goings-on in Edinburgh. With an emphasis on design, the hotel features a cocktail bar and spa. Each room has its own Nespresso machine and ipod docking station. It’s bright, colourful and fun. Definitely a place to stay if you’re feeling indulgent.

Rye Windmill

10. Rye Windmill Bed and Breakfast – Rye, East Sussex

A grade II listed windmill and one of the most famous landmarks in Rye. Situated on the river and close to all that is quaint and perfectly English in East Sussex, this windmill is … well, it’s a windmill! Who wouldn’t want to stay in a windmill?! Apart from the novelty aspect, this is a four-star B&B so you will be well looked after and can enjoy a well-deserved break.


Phew! What a list of interesting and unusual places to stay in the UK. I’ve had so much fun researching this list that I now have an increased wanderlust to explore my country even more (read about our challenge here).

If anything I hope this list inspires you to look beyond your usual chain hotel of choice (not knocking them though, we do love those too) and find somewhere a little more ‘ooooh’ to stay on your next UK outing.

Happy travels!