Unusual Accommodation Ideas In The UK

Pineapples, prisons, lighthouses, castles and train stations…   what do all these things have in common? Somewhat surprisingly, they are all examples of quirky holiday accommodation in the UK. Yes, that’s right, you could book your own prison cell for the night, take in the view from a towering lighthouse or book yourself into a pineapple.

Sound nutty? Read on to learn about some of the most unusual places to stay in the UK. Feeling fruity? Book yourself into a 75-foot pineapple! At Dunmore Park, near Stirling in Scotland, guests can bed down in a giant pineapple-shaped stone folly, which was built for the earl of the region back in the 18th Century, when pineapples were considered the height of tropical sophistication. Rooms can be booked through The Landmark Trust.

Dunmore Pineapple, Scotland, UK by giannandrea

For a romantic stay that is a little less off the wall, how about a night in a lighthouse cottage? There are over 30 lighthouse cottages in the UK that have been converted for use as holiday lets and all enjoy incredible sea views, wonderful proximity to wildlife and a feeling of being alone in a rural retreat. Perfect for snuggling up to a partner on a chilly night with a bottle of wine.

Not lofty enough for your tastes? How about spending your holidays in a windmill? In Cley Village, Norfolk, a windmill has been transformed into a wonderfully romantic place to stay, with four-poster beds, log fires, hidden rooms and viewpoints that are perfect for bird watching. There are six bedrooms, making it a good choice for holidays with friends or family.

Cley Windmill, Norfolk, UK by Martin Pettitt

A night in a prison may sound like most people’s idea of a night out gone very, very wrong, but here in the UK a night in the cells can actually be a pleasure. Just check in to Malmaison Hotel in Oxford, a 19th-Century former correctional facility that now offers all the mod-cons that one could ask for, including a cocktail bar, flat-screen TVs and an acclaimed restaurant. To compare cottages take a look at this site.

Many original features, such as the metal prison landings, have been preserved, giving an almost eerie feel to the place. The prison-turned-plush-hotel lies in the grounds of Oxford Castle, whose history stretches back to 1701.

Malmaison – Oxford Castle, England, UK by Douglas Neiner

For less lavish accommodations, the scary-sounding House of Correction in Folkingham, Lincolnshire, offers limited-frills lodging for up to four in a building that is part of a former prison.

For something a little more fun, the Treehouse in Somerset is a wonderful place for small and big kids alike. Located in a rural Somerset idyll, it makes a great romantic retreat, with a wood stove and a spiral staircase leading to a comfy double bed and a vintage-style roll top bath.

There’s even a hot tub outside and in this remote setting guests are unlikely to be troubled by onlookers.

Treehouse in Somerset, England, UK by treehouseholidays.com

To really escape the madding crowd, head to Dent Station in Yorkshire. This Grade II-listed building is not open for overnight visitors (but exclusive accommodation can be booked in advance) and is four miles from the nearest village.

As unusual accommodation options go, spending the night in a train station is up there with the best of them and the views over the Yorkshire Dales are second to none.

Also in scenic Yorkshire, the Temple Flooy in Swinithwaite is an 18th-Century landmark and was built to allow local ladies to watch their men on fox hunts.

The expansive views take in mile after mile of glorious Yorkshire countryside and the two-room folly has its own kitchen, along with a balcony and a host of original features.

Written by John a Traveller and writer in the UK. He has written for many reputable publications including The TravelSupermarket Site.

Tags: bottle of wine, chilly night, cley, cocktail bar, correctional facility, cottages in the uk, flat screen tvs, four poster beds, holiday accommodation, landmark trust, lighthouses, log fires, mod cons, prison cell, romantic place, rural retreat, scotland uk, sea views, train stations, windmill

Category: Travel Tips, United Kingdom