Plush hotels and coastal holiday cottages make great staycation destinations. But, sometimes it’s refreshing to try something a little different. Perhaps you’re planning a surprise getaway for someone special, or you’d like to escape on your own to relax and recharge for a few days?
If you’d like to stay somewhere quirky without compromising on your creature comforts, read on for six of the best quirky staycations in the UK.
1. Airship 2, Scotland
Perhaps one of the most unusual places to stay in Scotland, AirShip 2 is a cool, insulated aluminium pod, designed by Roderick James.
With dazzling views over the Isle of Mull, the AirShip is a cross between a spaceship and something out of a James Bond film. The pod has curved glass windows at either end, offering panoramic views of the countryside.
The AirShip is a perfect place to stay if you enjoy peace and quiet – it’s also set on four acres of private land. It’s a great spot for keen walkers, artists, or anyone who wants to get away from everything and stay somewhere completely different.
2. Head Over Hills, West Sussex
Head Over Hills sits among the rolling hills of the South Downs and mixes rustic holidaying with modern luxury.
If you’d like somewhere in the east of the country to unwind, Head Over Hills could be your perfect solution – it has a sundeck, a wood-fired hot tub, and a meditation pod, as well as panoramic views of the countryside and a nearby bluebell wood to walk in.
Guests can rent bikes from the holiday home’s host – the South Downs is a great place to explore on four wheels.
Head Over Hills doesn’t just provide a retreat-style holiday. If you’d like to take your wellness more seriously, the host can put together a bespoke package of activities – pilates, yoga, and sound baths are just a few extras that you can pay for.
You can even take a class in vegan cookery, photography, or art. There really is a lot of flexibility and the host works hard to give you the break you need.
3. Riverside Chronicles, Hampshire
A retreat set near the River Avon, Riverside Chronicles sits right on the edge of a lake and is surrounded by a forest, giving you a remote and wholesome holiday setting.
The wooden cabin is rustic and right in the middle of nature, promoting relaxation and a break from normal life. It’s also a perfect spot to start that book you’ve been meaning to write. Plus, the cabin’s adjoining is great for eating and drinking as the sun goes down over the lake.
Riverside Chronicles is a far cry from a posh hotel, but its rustic charm is ideal for those looking for an unusually quiet staycation.
4. Vintage 1960s Airstream, Oxfordshire
If you fancy a quirky staycation in Oxfordshire, this vintage campervan will give you a flavour of American camping.
Refurbished to a high standard, the Airstream has a curved double bed, a sofa area, and a bathroom with shower. You can also enjoy a TV with Netflix and a mini kitchen containing everything you’ll need for your break.
The campervan is parked in the peaceful town of Banbury, close to local pubs.
5. The Crow’s Nest, Isle of Wight
The Crow’s Nest is a romantic, luxury treehouse – of a sort – overlooking the sea.
The Nest is a wooden cabin that sits high up in the Ventnor seafront hills, with predictably wonderful views out over the sea. The cabin is purpose-built and has cedar bi-fold windows along two of its sides. In the warmer months, guests can open all the doors and let the sunshine and fresh air flood in. A private south-facing balcony means that you can eat and drink outside, sunbathe, or watch the sunset.
The Crow’s Nest is a luxury property – it has a king-sized bed, rainfall shower, smart TV, WiFi, and a full-functional kitchenette. When you arrive, your hosts will welcome you with speciality teas, coffee pods and hot chocolate, as well as a selection of snacks.
6. Larkrise Camber, Sussex
Set only minutes from Camber Sands and three miles from Rye, this contemporary holiday home is beautiful.
From the outside, what strikes you first is the black cladding around the building. Inside, you’ll find spacious, open-plan accommodation with three bedrooms, an upmarket lounge area with a big sofa and a smart TV.
The kitchen area is also built to a high standard and has a full range of quality appliances including a dishwasher, two under-counter fridges, and a walk-in pantry.
