Strange and Wonderful Places in the UK

It might be one of the world’s most popular destinations, but for many travellers there is a strange and quirky side to the UK that’s yet to be discovered. Think you know all there is to know about holidaying in the UK?  Well, forget Big Ben and the Changing of the Guard and take a look at these weird and wonderful British destinations and attractions which are just waiting to be explored.

Mongolia in Devon

Devon might be best known for its seafood restaurants and beaches but a new style of getaway is now welcoming travellers from across the world. Head to the 30-acre Cuckoo Down Farm, near Ottery St Mary and you can experience life like Genghis Khan – with a few extra creature comforts.

Guests can expect spacious double beds, with Mongolian inspired rugs, cushions and carpets. You might be camping, but with a shower on hand and plenty of space in your personal yurt you’ll never be wanting for comfort.

Mongolia, Devon, UK

Bus station on the Shetland Islands

Consider yourself a connoisseur of all things quirky? Then why not head to this truly unique bus shelter located on the remote Shetland Islands. Originally used by just three local children, the shelter was badly damaged in a storm in the late 1990s. When Bobby Maculay, a local schoolboy complained of the chill when waiting for the school bus, the council updated it.

Then some strange things started happening. The bus station was slowly transformed to include a range of unexpected creature comforts, like a television, a wicker sofa and even a stuffed parrot. This is certainly a bus station with a twist.

Unst Bus Stop, Shelter Islands, UK by Anne Burgess

Narrowest street in Exeter

Want a quirky fact to impress your friends with? What about having explored Britain’s smallest street, located in Exeter? Parliament Street (formerly Small Lane) dates back to the 14^th century and measures just over 60cm at its tiniest point.

Keep an eye out for a miniature doorway, which is the former home to the independent newspaper, The Exeter Flying Post.

Parliament Street, Exeter, UK by J Morley

House in the Clouds in Thorpeness

Some of the best accommodation experiences are the ones that you can’t wait to tell your family and friends about. House in the Clouds in Thorpeness, England is just that sort of accommodation, offering guests all the usual creature comforts with a dash of altitude.

Located several stories high and situated on beautiful private acreage, this fascinating home away from home includes a dishwasher, fridge, freezer and television. The building was designed for a children’s book author and today still exudes a mystical and creative feeling.

House in the Clouds, Thorpeness, UK by Martin Pettitt

Sleeperzzz in Scotland

Ever wanted to journey through the Scottish highland on a beautiful first class train? Well now you can do just that, with a slightly quirky edge.

Sleeperzzz in Pittentrail offers accommodation in three carriages from an old railway car. There are bikes on hand to explore the beautiful local townships and stunning natural scenery.

With all three carriages named after Scottish whiskies, they are the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a local tipple after a hard day of sightseeing. Best of all Sleeperzz is also surprisingly easy on your wallet.

Ecopod in Scotland

Ecopod offers quirky and fun accommodation, whilst allowing guests to also do their bit for the environment. With views over the stunning west coast of Scotland, the Ecopod features innovative technology to lower every guest’s carbon footprint. You also can enjoy a fun goodie bag on arrival, including hand-dived scallops, locally brewed beers, hand-made chocolates and Scottish malt whisky.

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about travel and accommodation.

Tags: big ben, bus shelter, bus station, connoisseur, creature comforts, cuckoo, devon devon, devon uk, double beds, genghis khan, ottery st mary, parliament street, quirky side, schoolboy, seafood restaurants, shetland islands, strange things, uk bus, wicker sofa, yurt

Category: Travel Tips, United Kingdom