Have you ever found staying in the same hotels or bed and breakfasts uninspiring? Whilst standard hotels offer great comfort and convenience, they aren’t particularly exciting! If this is the case, you will love these quicky places to stay overnight in the UK.
In today’s world of holidaying, you can find some truly bizarre and unique accommodation. Forget about stopping in a hotel – why not stop in a double-decker bus, a shepherd’s cabin, or an old castle tower? Yes, that’s right – it is possible! We have scoured the web and found some amazing and quirky places you can stay in the UK for your next adventure.
1. The Old Snowdon Ranger Station – Rhyd Ddu
Snowdonia National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK. It has a captivating landscape, and of course the epic Mount Snowdon – the tallest mountain in the UK. If you enjoy breath-taking scenery, and long walks in the outdoors, this is the place to go!
To make your stay that much more memorable, why not stop at the Old Snowdon Ranger Station in Rhyd Ddu? As the name suggests, this accommodation was once the train station building. It has been lovingly restored and modernized and offers a comfortable and cosy experience.
In terms of location, it sits at the starting point of the Old Rangers path – one of the routes that leads to the summit of Mount Snowdon. For the ardent hiker, there could not be a better base of operations! Also, it sits on an active line than travels to Caernarfon. I have stopped at the Snowdon Ranger Station and I can vouch for its quality and superb location – its also exciting to stop in a building that has so much history.
2. The Sky Den Treehouse – Northumberland
From railway stations to treehouses! Isn’t it every child’s dream to have a treehouse? Well, now you can go one step further and stop overnight in one! The Sky Den Treehouse is an amazing accommodation and has also been featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces!
Aside from being famous, the Sky Den treehouse is a fantastic place to stay. It is truly unique and one of the top quirky places to stay overnight in the UK. The treehouse has a modern interior and is incredibly comfortable. Also, during mild weather, you can actually open the roof for an unobstructed view of the skies!
In terms of location, the treehouse sits near Kielder Water & Forest Park. This is an amazing place to stay and has many opportunities for hiking, walking, and water sports. If you want to enjoy an active holiday in a unique location, this is a brilliant place to stay!
3. Pods at Castlerigg Hall – The Lake District
Camping is not for everyone – it can be a daunting task trying to pitch a tent, and coping with sometimes colder conditions. Luckily, there is a great alternative, and in our list of quirky places to stay overnight in the UK. We are talking about camping pods!
A basic definition of these pods is a wooden tent. Although, they are much better than a tent, as they usually have storage, beds, and some even have a kitchen unit! If you want to experience a more rustic holiday, but not have the effort of pitching a tent, the pods at Castlerigg Hall camping park could be a perfect choice.
These pods are located within a beautiful camp ground and you have access to the amenities which include shower and toilet blocks. The campsite is also located near Castlerigg which is not far from Keswick, and the beautiful Derwent Water. For more Lake District inspiration, you can check out our post on family walks in the Lake District!
4. Shepherds Cabin – Norfolk
Keeping a similar theme, we move to Norfolk, and the beautiful Wayfarer’s Woods near East Ruston. Here you can find the Wayfarer’s Wood shepherds cabin. This is not a camping pod, but it has a similar theme, but is also much better equipped.
This is a converted shepherd’s hut on wheels that is secured in a pitch within a beautiful field. There is a neatly mown pathway to your front door, and outside there is seating where you can enjoy meals in fine weather.
What can you expect inside from this unique accommodation? It oozes charm and offers a cosy space that includes a double bed, kitchenette with sink and hob, a hold-out table, and plenty of other accessories and charm. When staying here, you also have access to a toilet and shower, and the hosts provide you with an amazing welcome breakfast! What more could you want?
In the local area, you are surrounded by some amazing walking trails, and just 15 miles from popular coastal destinations like Cromer.
5. The Boathouse – Whitby Harbour
Have you ever fancied staying in a boathouse in the harbour of a popular English seaside town? No? Well take a look at The Boathouse. This amazing property is located just a few steps from the Whitby Lighthouse and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. You literally get to walk across a gangplank to stay in this property – how cool is that?
Inside, it is fully furnished across two floors and has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Also, there is a large balcony terrace outside so you can see amazing views of the harbour! If you love Whitby, and want to immerse yourself in the town, then this is the perfect location!
You are literally a few minutes’ walk from the 200 steps up to the Abbey, the shops, and the piers. Also, Whitby is in a great location in itself on the East Coast of England. There are some fantastic coastal towns like Robin Hood’s Bay, Sansend, and Scarborough all in close proximity.
6. Martham Mill Windmill – Norfolk
Norfolk is mainly associated with the Norfolk Broads – a haven where you can enjoy boating excursions and a relaxed pace of life. It is also associated with windmills! Therefore, next up on our list of quirky places to stay overnight in the UK is the Martham Mill Windmill!
Yes, you can stay in a converted windmill! This amazing place also comes with access to a dayboat that you can use to cruise along the Martham Broad National Nature Reserve. What could be a better way to spend your holiday?
The windmill is bursting with charm and the rooms are spread across several floors. There is also an extension at the back of the windmill. The ground floor features an open-plan living area that has comfortable seating. Also, in the extension, you can find a toilet and shower. It has everything you need, an the tranquil setting next to the River Thurne will provide some amazing memories. On the ground floor, you can even see the original wheel mill that would turn to produce grain from this historic building!
7. Bertam’s Hotel – Bideford, Devon
What springs to mind when you think about Devon? A double-decker bus? Ok maybe not… But this is what you get when stopping at Bertam’s Hotel! Bertam’s Hotel is actually a huge red double-decker bus! Yes, you can stay in an actual bus – don’t worry, its fully furnished and is incredibly homely and comfortable.
This is an amazing accommodation and you can’t get much more unique and quirky! It has been lovingly decorated and the style is listed as having an Agatha Christie theme. It looks retro, but it also looks fantastic!
Inside, you have a double bed upstairs, an on-board shower, a twin bedroom, and a large living area. You wouldn’t believe all of this can fit inside a bus! Guests also have access to a hot tub, and you also have llamas for neighbours! The bus is located in Hartland which is a town in the northern region of Devon. Here you have great access to the coast.
8. The Tower at Glanusk Park – Powys
As a young boy, I always dreamed of living in or owning a castle! That may not be a reality sadly, but it pleased me to find The Tower at Glanusk Park. This is a folly i.e., a castle that was never meant to be a castle. It has now been converted into an amazing holiday accommodation – yes, you can stop in the guard tower of a castle and bridge!
The tower is located over the River Usk, and within Glanusk Estate. This is a gorgeous parkland and the surrounding area in the Brecon Beacons has some amazing scenery.
Inside, you can find a double bedroom, a bathroom, a dining area, and a lounge. It has been finished to a high degree of quality, and the views from the tower windows across the river are fantastic. Why not make your childhood dreams come true and stop inside an actual castle?
Do Something Different and Stay in one of These Quirky Accommodations!
Holidays are meant to be memorable. Part of that memorable experience is the accommodation you stop in! Why not take a walk on the wild side and consider one of these quirky places to stay overnight in the UK? As you can see, there is some truly fascinating and unique places to stop. You don’t have to be confined to a hotel!
I have personally stayed at the Old Snowdon Rangers Cabin and camping pods before. These were both fantastic experiences, and the uniqueness of the accommodation really did make a difference! For the adventurous, I would recommend trying some of these places out, or looking for your own unique holiday experience!