The 20 quirkiest places to stay in Britain

Looking for lodgings with a difference? Then have a look through our guide to the most unusual accommodation in Britain.

1) Romany Caravan, Black Mountains, Wales

Experience rural Wales from a traditional gypsy caravan
Blaentrothy Cottages

Feed your inner bohemian with a stay in one of Wales’ kookiest accommodation options – a gypsy wagon. The lovingly restored 1940s vardo may be on the snug side, but its charming interiors – rich woods painted with bright swirls, goose down duvets and a coal-burning Queenie stove – totally make up for it. Set amongst the bucolic meadows of the Monmouthshire countryside, it’s a romantic retreat if ever there was one.

 FOR ALL YOUR BOOKINGS, RESERVATION AND TICKETING

CALL US ON 0803470898.

EMAIL US ON info@linksandtours.net & bookings@linksandtours.net

Best for: Rural escapes, a couples’ getaway.
2) West Usk Lighthouse, Newport

As well as quirky, West Usk Lighthouse is spacious and scenic

One of Britain’s most unusual lighthouses, West Usk retired from service in 1922 and has since found a new job as a cosy bed and breakfast. Located at the junction of the Severn and Usk estuaries, the lighthouse has six nautically-themed rooms, a hot tub and great views.
Best for: Romantic retreats, family holidays, walking holidays.
3) Appleton Water Tower, Sandringham, Norfolk

This defunct water tower is now fit for a king

A stone's throw from the Royal Sandringham Estate, this Victorian water tower has been converted into lodgings that are fit for a king. Looking out over the tree tops, this regal residence sleeps four and has great walking trails nearby. The downstairs kitchen has a farmhouse feel and the third floor bathroom offers the best panoramas in the area.
Best for: Escapism, hiking holidays, family breaks.
4) Llancayo Windmill, Usk, Monmouthshire

Family holidays are a breeze in this converted windmill

Nestling in rural Monmouthshire, this converted windmill is perfect for group holidays or family sojourns. Located near the Brecon Beacons, there are a range of adventure sports available locally, such as climbing, hang gliding, hiking and mountain biking. This Welsh wonder can accommodate up to 12 guests and one pooch.
Best for: Group holidays, family breaks, outdoor adventure.
5) Freston Tower, Ipswich, Suffolk

Let your hair down like Rapunzel at Freston Tower

This six-storey Tudor folly offers vertical living in the heart of rural Suffolk. Boasting sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and nearby River Orwell, this unique property has two twin bedrooms, a kitchen and a snug on the top floor, all of which are linked by a steep spiral staircase. For the best views in the house, head to the roof terrace.
Best for: Novelty family breaks, couples getaways.
6) Big Green Bus, Lewes, East Sussex

The Big Green Bus takes glamping to the next level

Since retiring from service in the nineties, this West Midlands commuter bus has been converted into a three-bedroom space that accommodates up to six guests. The bus has been featured on the Channel 4 show, George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, and is seeing out its retirement on a campsite in rural East Sussex. Believe it or not there’s a kitchen, wetroom and even a lounge complete with log-burning stove.
Best for: Glamping holidays, novelty family breaks, a rural retreat.
7) Martello Tower, Aldeburgh, Suffolk

This ex-military fort is now a palatial holiday home

Built to protect Britain from a marauding Napoleon, today the historic Martello Tower is rented out as a unique holiday property. Located on the pebble beach at Aldeburgh, this extraordinary, nautically-themed building has two twin bedrooms, cosy living areas and beautiful views along the coast.
Best for: Family getaways, romantic breaks.
8) Hampton Court Palace, Richmond-upon-Thames, London

Off with his bed! Stay at Hampton Court, Henry VIII's old gaff

It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, but few visitors realise that Hampton Court Palace offers overnight stays. And what a stay it will be, sleeping in a sprawling Tudor palace that Henry VIII once called home. There are two apartments available; Fish Court and The Georgian House, which sleep six and eight respectively.
Best for: History buffs, Henry VIII admirers.
9) The Witchery, Edinburgh

Scotland's Wtichery is known for its opulent décor

Indulgent, ostentatious and operatic, the nine individually-dressed sleeping quarters at The Witchery combine aristocratic artistry with utmost luxury. Its restoration from crumbling Royal Mile building to devilishly decorated den of decadence comes courtesy of its generous four poster beds, extravagant furniture and resplendent roll-top baths. It also has a remarkable, wooden-walled restaurant on-site.
Best for: Honeymoons, Hogmanay, city breaks.
10) St Pancras Clock Tower, King’s Cross, London

Hiding in plain view - a secret room in St Pancras Clock Tower

Hidden inside the clock tower of Sir George Gilbert Scott’s beautifully fashioned, but long since closed Midland Grand Hotel, is this wonderfully designed, loft-style apartment. With exposed brickwork, soaring ceilings, wrought iron staircases and an extensive library, the whole flat oozes New York charm in a very, traditional English edifice.
Best for: City breaks, longer stays.
11) Spitbank Fort, Portsmouth, Hampshire

This former fort in the Solent is now a luxury hotel

Built in 1878 to protect Portsmouth from an invasion, Spitbank Fort became an unlikely location for raves when it was abandoned by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. Today the fort is home to a luxury nine-bedroom hotel, three restaurants, an open-air pool, sauna, wine cellar and games room. Accessed by boat, if you’re looking to get away from it all, this is hard to beat.
Best for: Escapism, private parties, romantic breaks.
12) Hobbit House, Luxulyan Valley, Cornwall

Cornwall's Hobbit House brings 'Middle Earth' to Britain 

You don’t have to be a short and hairy mythical being to get your own piece of Tolkien’s middle-earth. The Hobbit House in Cornwall is actually quite accommodating for those of all heights, with room for five full-sized guests. Located on the super-green ‘Plan-it-earth’ reserve, the circular hut features an outdoor living roof, and an indoor skylight for stargazing.
Best for: Families, Lord of the Rings nerds.
 13) Tree Tent, Bodmin, Cornwall

This tree tent is probably not one for sleepwalkers

After a long day of hiking, wouldn’t you like to skip the less-than-enjoyable tent-pitching and climb right into bed? Well at Lost Meadow Tree Tent you can literally climb right in. The compact mid-air bedroom has two single beds and 20 private acres for guests to explore. The circular pod hangs a cool 3m (9.10ft) off the ground.
Best for: Nature lovers, height-junkies, adventure types.
14) House in the Clouds, Thorpeness, Suffolk

This is probably the second best thing to sleeping on a cloud
Karen Roe / Creative Commons

So you’re heading on holiday, you’ve got loud kids in tow and maybe even your in-laws… if only there was somewhere you could all have your own space. House in the Clouds in Suffolk is the answer to your wishes: six floors, with five bedrooms, a game room, drawing room and 67 stairs to separate you from the other guests. Bliss.
Best for: Family breaks with barriers, rural holidays.
15) Treetops Treehouse, Chulmleigh, Devon

Your childhood treehouse got a major upgrade
Canopy and Stars

If you never had the joy of a treehouse when you were younger, then a night here will more than make up for it. Built around the branches of a 250 year old oak, Treetops Treehouse has two double rooms, which comfortably accommodate four guests in wooded luxury.
Best for: Young and the young at heart.
16) Raft at Chigborough, Maldon, Essex

Not what you pictured when you heard raft, huh? 

So you like the idea of a holiday on the water, but you’ve watched Titanic too many times to consider a cruise. Then how about this rustic, two-story raft? Floating on a lake in Essex, this unique property is close to the scenic countryside and is great for birdwatchers.
Best for: Birdwatchers, relaxing holidays on the water.
17) The Chapel, Walcot Hall, Shropshire

The Chapel's renovated interior is both homely and original

The idea of sleeping in an old chapel might seem a tad eerie, but there’s nothing unnerving about this former sanctuary. Renovations have made The Chapel an idyllic retreat for those wanting a little peace and quiet. The two-bedroom holiday home is located amongst the English oaks and chestnuts of Walcot Arboretum.

Best for: Hiking holidays, escaping to Mother Nature.
 18) House in the Sea, Newquay Bay, Cornwall

Sleep with the fishes - or close enough - at House In The Sea

Private house? Check. Private island? Check. On the beach? Check. As if that wasn’t enough, this opulent abode comes with its own private gardens, bar and sunbathing deck. Accessed via a suspension bridge, this Bond-esque retreat sleeps up to six guests and one well-behaved pooch.
Best for: Luxury family breaks, romantic sojourns.
19) Loveland Pod, Bideford, Devon

Romantic and eco-friendly, Loveland is a top-pick for couples
www.lovelandfarmcamping.co.uk

The Pod at Loveland farm has everything you need for a romantic holiday, and nothing you don’t. Though the exterior looks a little like something from outer space, the giant domed tent is cosy, with a large king-sized bed, wood-burning fire and two fold-out sofas. There is an outdoor kitchenette, shower and toilet, all of which have splendid views.
Best for: Lovebirds, birdwatchers, young families. 
20) Fernie Castle Treehouse, St Andrews, Fife

Life like Tarzan, albeit in unbridled luxury
Neil Blackburn

Fernie Castle should really be on this list twice; once for its awesome hotel – which is housed inside a 450 year-old castle – and again for the eccentric Treehouse suite, which is propped up by six huge sycamores. Luxury abounds inside this lofty room, which accommodates two in wooded opulence.
Best for: Eccentric mini-breaks, nature lovers.