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15 Unique Places to Stay in the UK for 2023
From a Bond-themed windmill to a romantic shack in the woods, check out these unusual holiday ideas
For something different to the typical staycation, we've selected our favourite unique stays to book in 2023. Far from the average luxury hotel and providing a twist to typical holiday accommodation, these unique places to stay come in all shapes and sizes.
Maybe you're looking to celebrate something big with a group, or searching for somewhere romantic to whisk away your other half. Well, these cool places to stay are sure to impress your travel companions.
From unusual conversions by the sea to quirky country pads for feeling at one with nature, we've got you covered with our amazing ideas. Far from the standard rental or five-star hotel, these unique places to stay allow you to sleep in remote log cabins in the woods, converted chapels and even your own pub.
Whether you're scrolling for the ideal break with mates, to impress a partner or find some peace on a solo break, you'll want to browse these unique places to stay in the UK.
We've rounded up some of the most unusual rentals and hotels to book in 2023, from cool pads that sleep two to sprawling houses for groups of 18.
Head Over Hills, West Sussex
Nestled in the rolling hills of the South Downs by Amberly Wild Brooks, slick Head Over Hills is a rustic, modern and luxurious home. An amazing spot to slow down and spend time with your loved ones, the unique rental offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, a meditation pod, a sundeck and private bluebell woods - we can’t think of a better place to unwind in West Sussex.
While here, you can head out to the hills to explore the impressive scenery (bikes are available to rent), before coming home to soothe your aching muscles in the wood-burning hot tub.
Sleeps: 10 + pets welcome
Available from: Plum Guide
Price: Two nights from £2,550
Larkrise Camber, Sussex
Set just minutes from dog-friendly Camber Sands and three miles from Rye, this unique place to stay in Sussex is striking from the outside and impressive inside. With black cladding enveloping the building, unusual furnishings and stunning lighting, Larkrise Camber has a den-like feel for a break with mates.
Bean bags, board games and the bi-fold doors leading out to the secluded beach garden for BBQs are other things to love about about the rental. There's also a chill-out area in a separate cabin that can double up as a cinema room, plus a hot tub.
Sleeps: 6 + 1 dog
Available from: Booking.com
Price: One night from £798
Old Bell Hotel, Wiltshire
For a hotel that is reputed to be the oldest in England – it first opened its doors in 1220 – the Old Bell in the picturesque village of Malmesbury in the Cotswolds is looking very good on it. This may well be because, since it was taken over by Texan owners Kim and Whit Hanks in 2021, the hotel has a maximalist makeover that is outrageously charming and full of character. There’s incredible wallpaper everywhere – even on the ceiling – and eccentric ornaments on every surface (Whit’s background is in antiques).
The Old Bell has 34 rooms on-site, plus other beautifully restored self-contained properties nearby – and plans for more – and is excellently served by two bars and its own fine-dining restaurant, Abbey Row, from which executive chef Leigh Evans serves inventive, seasonal dishes. It’s the Medieval and the modern in perfect sync. Words: Miranda Collinge
Sleeps: 2 - 3 in bedrooms
Available from: Booking.com
Price: One night from £135
Vintage 1960s Airstream, Oxfordshire
A cool place to stay in Oxfordshire, this 1960s Airstream allows you to experience the over-engineered version of American camping. Renovated to a high standard with a curved double bed, a lazy sofa area and a stylish wet room with a hot shower, this unique stay has all the modern essentials too.
There's the TV with Netflix, a Bluetooth speaker, oven, toaster and BBQ. Plus, it sits in the quiet village of Banbury near the local pub and is close to Blenheim Palace.
Sleeps: 2
Available from: Airbnb
Price: One night from £150
Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey
With a private beach and superb views over the Isle of Anglesey's Menai Strait, Chateau Rhianfa is a Grade II listed country house of dreams. The Victorian villa is as striking inside as it is outside, with its opulent decor, four poster beds and plush furniture.
You can book a room, suite or cottage overlooking the strait and Snowdonia, and when you're not holed up, there's a tennis court, sauna and hot tub to entertain you. Wine tasting in the cellar, private beach access and three acres of grounds to stroll are other highlights at this grand country house hotel.
Sleeps: 2 to 6 in guest rooms or cottages
Available from: Booking.com
Price: From £141 per night
Wood Shack, Brecon Beacons
Looking for a unique place to stay that will impress her? The Wood Shack is a former writer's cabin with all the credentials for a cosy, romantic escape that feels truly off the beaten track. If getting away from it all in the woods is your thing, this quirky rental will do the job nicely.
Hidden in the Brecon Beacons, the log cabin is one for getting back to nature, with private woodland to explore, a hammock by the stream to relax and listen to the birds, plus incredible trails from the doorstep. You'll find many items made by the owner from a native ash tree, giving a unique touch to the rural staycation spot.
Sleeps: 2 (no dogs)
Available from: Holidaycottages.co.uk
Price: Seven nights from £525
The Crow's Nest, Isle of Wight
It looks like a heavenly view from a beach house but this unique rental is more like a luxury treehouse nestled high into the cliffside. The cedar cabin overlooks the beach in Ventnor and has bi-fold windows along two sides that open up your room, so it's just you, the sea and the horizon.
The space for two is mostly made of an open-plan room with a king-sized bed overlooking the sea, with a Nespresso machine, fluffy robes and the large balcony with sun loungers to complete the hotel-style experience.
Sleeps: 2
Available from: Airbnb
Price: One night from £274
Langley Barn, Gloucestershire
Fans of the colour orange, this pad is for you. Built in 1799, the impressive Cotswold stone barn was recently converted by celebrated architect Henning Stummel to create a modern space with a deep appreciation for its rich history. Bold hues are found throughout Langley Barn and the main living area was designed to preserve the original, exposed green oak timbers.
There's a piano room with a wood-burning fire for cosy evenings and each bedroom is reached via individual staircases off the living space. Its location? The unique place to stay is between charming Cheltenham and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, so you have plenty to see and do during your trip.
Sleeps: 8 + pets welcome
Available from: Airbnb
Price: Three nights from £1,021
Ocean Vessel, Hampshire
Straight out of a Bond movie, this swanky holiday home is unlike anythings else on the south coast. It's designed to make you feel like you're on a superyacht, flooded with natural light, featuring a large curved sofa in the living room and boasting nautical touches.
The unique villa can host up to 14 people for a luxe, laidback stay, so it's one worth checking out if you're planning to entertain a group. Its crowd-pleasing, curved kitchen and sleek bar are perfect for whipping up a round of cocktails, while outside, the private deck is great for sundown drinks and watching the boats pass in and out of Port Hamble. There's also a bubbling Jacuzzi and fully-equipped gym.
Sleeps: 14
Available from: Plum Guide
Price: Two nights from £1,443
Ty Camlad, Powys
This 16th century Welsh barn conversion sits in the owner’s three acres of private grounds in the village of Churchstoke. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a warm wood-burning stove to relax around with a drink, this rental for two is great for couples planning a getaway in the country.
At Ty Camlad, you can explore the nearby hills or drive to the market town of Bishop’s Castle, home to a thriving selection of restaurants and shops. Inside, there are vaulted ceilings and uninterrupted views of the Camlad Valley, as well as a roll top bath and sumptuous seating with views.
Sleeps: 2 (no dogs)
Available from: Sykes Holiday Cottages
Price: Seven nights from £694
Bond Island Windmill, Norfolk
This unique place to stay offers views over the Norfolk Broads. Bond Island Windmill is a 300-year-old converted windmill. It combines historic features with modern comforts and is furnished to reflect both the location and film theme throughout, with splashes of 007 here and there.
A special place to call home for a few days, you'll find 360-degree views of the natural surroundings, fishing off the private mooring, plus outdoor dining spaces and a bar. If you're looking for a place to celebrate an occasion, this one has everything you need for a memorable get-together.
Sleeps: 5 + 2 dogs (£20 per dog)
Available from: Holidaycottages.co.uk
Price: Three nights from £1,720
The Old Church House, Devon
How would you like to have your own pub for a few nights? This unique place to stay is the perfect quirky stay for a big group. The Old Church House is a Devonshire inn, located in Torbryan, and is ideal for a fun staycation with all of your mates.
You can relax in the old bar lounge by the fire as you work your way through a fully stocked bar of ale, lager and cider – poured straight from the tap, of course. There are snugs, a snooker room, darts alley, spacious beer garden, as well as comfy bedrooms to complete the experience.
Sleeps: 24 + 2 dogs (£20 per dog)
Available from: Sykes Holiday Cottages
Price: Seven nights from £2,994
Kub House, Hertfordshire
You can’t not surprise someone with this one-of-a-kind house that sits deep in the Hertfordshire countryside. Kub House is located between the market towns of Berkhamsted and Tring, just 40 minutes from London Euston, making it one to consider if you want to get out of the capital for a few days.
The unique holiday rental has its own gated parking and a private path to the front door, where oak floors, a galley-style kitchen and sleek black worktops await. While here, you can make the most of the high stools and table that give a framed view of the garden – you might even spot a deer or two. Evenings are best finished around the fire pit, where you can stargaze with a drink in hand.
Sleeps: 2 (no dogs)
Available from: Sykes Holiday Cottages
Price: Seven nights from £502
Piper House, Lincolnshire
Want a unique place to stay with a tennis court? Of course you do and this rental has one. The unusual conversion is spacious enough for 18 people, near the town of Stamford, and has a few quirky touches, including a yoga studio and film posters on the walls. There are great communal spaces for socialising in the peaceful location: Piper House sits in a tranquil village so it's more of a place to relax than party.
The setting is as rural as it gets, with fresh air, open fields and far reaching views to soak up. Red Kites often nest in the meadow and are worth looking out for too.
Sleeps: 18
Available from: VRBO
Price: One night from £730
Keiss Harbour House, Caithness
If you've always wanted to experience one of Scotland's greatest road trips, the North Coast 500, Keiss Harbour House is an excellent base. The unique pad in the village of Keiss, 10 miles south of John O'Groats, has a great hall-style dining room with vaulted ceilings, a wooden table that seats up to 16 people, and grand seating areas with armchairs, an open fire and a wood-burning stove.
There's a wine fridge and underfloor heating at this unique beach house that's stylishly decked out in tartan and featuring antlers on the walls. If you ever get bored inside, you can check out the village pub, head to the beach and watch the fishermen in the harbour who will sell you fresh crab and lobster right off their boats.
Sleeps: 12
Available from: VRBO
Price: One night from £275
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