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.

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Donan castle, Scotland, UK by Andrew Urquhart / License: Creative Commons

At the start of 2013, The Office of National Statistics reported that international tourism to Scotland has risen to 2.3million. Also in 2011, over 6.9 million trips were made to Scotland by both domestic and international tourists according to a report by the Great Britain Tourism Survey. These figures are indicative of Scotland’s growing popularity among holidaymakers.

There is so much to do and see in Scotland. Due to a rising visibility in blockbuster films, Scotland has begun to attract visitors of all ages and from all over the world. If you are thinking about visiting Scotland here are some of the top attractions that the country has to offer:

Scottish Highlands and Northern Islands

The word ‘rugged’ takes on a new meaning when you visit the Scottish Highlands, believed by many to be the heart of Scotland’s craggy character. From Britain’s deepest lake in Loch Ness to its highest peak on Ben Nevis, the Scottish Highlands offers you visions of crumbling castles and heather covered moors. Recently, James Bond’s latest film “Skyfall” showed the Highlands, especially Glencoe, in all of their chiselled beauty to a worldwide audience. Fort William is a must see due to its centuries of history intermingled with the latest outdoor activities. Many claim that Fort William is the outdoor capital of the world and a walker’s paradise due to its scenic walks, mountain bike tracks, and challenging ski slopes. 2013 has also been declared as the Year of Natural Scotland and many special events have been organised to highlight Scotland’s natural beauty. Whiskey enthusiasts can find a range of traditional distilleries in the Scottish Highlands such as the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest producers of single malt Scotch whisky.

Glencoe, Scotland, UK by Thierry Gregorius / License: Creative Commons

Outer Hebrides

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles for the amazing number of eagles, whales and dolphins that can be found on the 119 islands, out of which only 5 can really be called inhabited. The HebCelt music festival on the Isle of Lewis in July, is one of the most popular summer attractions in the Outer Hebrides. This year’s line-up includes Van Morrison, The Travelling Band and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Edinburgh and Glasgow

For history lovers, these two major Scottish cities offer visitors glimpses into Scotland’s turbulent history as well as containing fantastic shops, museums, art galleries and stunning architecture. Don’t miss the historic Edinburgh Castle and Glasgow’s wide range of shops in the city centre. In the summer, art and comedy fans can experience the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which features a wide range of acts as well as a cascading firework show and spectacular music from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In 2014, Glasgow will be the destination of choice amongst sports enthusiasts as the city will be host to the Commonwealth Games.

View of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh / License: Creative Commons

Golf Holidays

Scotland is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, the Fife town of St. Andrews is commonly known as the Home of Golf. The old course built before 1574 is considered sacred by the true golfers. In 2014, Scotland will be an unmissable destination for golfers due to the prestigious Ryder Cup tournament at the PGA Centenary Golf Course at Gleneagles in Perthshire. There are many other famous golf courses to see in Scotland, including the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club.

Fiona writes for LHH Scotland, leading provider of luxury self-catering accommodation across Scotland.

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Inverness, Scotland, UK by Phillip Capper

From a vibrant city feel through to miles upon miles of natural beauty and a number of fantastic examples of Scottish history, it’s the latter two where Inverness and the surrounding area really excels – and there are five reasons why.

1. It’s home to River Ness

The most famous ‘Ness’ in Scotland is without doubt Loch Ness, but there are many out there who believe River Ness – a river that flows from the loch – is much more worthy of a visit.

With banks lined by beautiful buildings, from hotels with wonderful views through to St Andrew’s Cathedral, it’s also home to a staggering amount of wildlife.  Known for its salmon, you can also regularly see seals, house martins and diving birds, with the latter alone making a visit worthwhile.

2. You can stand upon an actual battlefield

In 1745, the final pitched battle was fought at Culloden, when William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland proved victorious over the Jacobite forces of Charles Stuart, instantly stopping any continued attempts to overthrow the House of Hanover.

Combining an exhibition of the battlefield with a great audio tour, Culloden Battlefield is a short drive out of Inverness city centre but is well worth the journey.  Plus, if you’re a member of the National Trust, you get free entry.

3. Plodda Falls is stunningly beautiful

Said to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Scotland, although a popular attraction, Plodda Falls is  visited nowhere near as much as many of the other natural attractions in the country.  A perfect destination for a peaceful and tranquil trip when you’re staying in Inverness, you’re almost guaranteed to be blown away by the natural spectacle.

Inverness reflects in the Ness, Scotland, UK by Imaohw

Whilst the bridge that allowed you to walk across the top of the 150 foot high waterfall has been removed in recent years, it has been replaced with a fantastic viewing platform, allowing you to take in the breathtaking waterfall from a position that you simply can’t do with many others around the world.

4. You can go dolphin watching

It might sound more like daytrip more typical of a tropical destination, but you can actually regularly see dolphins – and other aquatic wildlife – if you take a short drive outside of Inverness to a place called Chanonry Point.

With a lovely beach and a much adored lighthouse, there are some who say they have visited Chanonry Point a few times and not seen dolphins, but there are many, many more who have witnessed the dolphins frolicking close to the shore on a regular basis.

Dophin at Chanonry Point, Scotland, UK by EmPemm

Definitely worth a trip, as aside from the fact it’s extremely likely you’ll see some of nature’s most wonderful animals simply having fun, the whole area is beautiful.

5. Inverness Castle is nothing short of awe-inspiring

Situated on a wonderful cliff top position (and obviously a strategic one when it was actually in use), the views looking from – and to – Inverness Castle make it one of the most charming and unspoilt castles in the country.

Whilst the actual castle itself isn’t open to the public, the grounds of the red sand stone building are and a visit is very much advised, if not purely to get a photo in front of this wonderful Inverness landmark.

As a city, Inverness might be popular and there’s no doubt it has something to offer most, but its attractions might seem like anything other than relaxed and laid back at first.

However, with just a little research you can come across a range of such sights and attractions, with the five here really just a small amount of those you can sample easily in and around Inverness.

Matthew Bettoli writes for holiday cottages Inverness provider Cottages and Castles.

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Old Town

Many of the buildings of the Old Town date back to the 1500s and surround some of Edinburgh’s most important landmarks. As with most cities it grew around the castle which sits on the rocky crag of an extinct volcano at the top of the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland, UK by Ian Cooper

If you look at the layout of the streets, you will see similarities to the old quarters of other European cities, with claustrophobic alleyways (known as a close) and streets weaving between the buildings. Because of the space restrictions caused by the lay of the land, Edinburgh’s Old Town has some of the earliest examples of high rises, some of which reaching 15 storeys.

As you wander this part of the city, because it’s built on such a steep hill, streets that run parallel, and only yards apart will be at different levels and connected by steep narrow stair cases and closes.

When you look at the old town and wander the narrow streets you can see where JK Rowling drew much of her inspiration.

New Town

By the 18th century overcrowding in the Old town became more of a problem so in 1766 a competition was run to find a winning design. Local architect James Craig won with a logical grid design which was more common in Glasgow over on the west coast.

The New Town was a huge success and was quickly expanded, but the grid design was abandoned for one that was more picturesque like the Old Town.

It’s an interesting point of curiosity among residents that the area called New Town was planned only 102 after the official seal naming New York city.

Edinburgh Castle

There is archaeological evidence that suggests there were human settlements here around 900BC and as a fortified position there are historical references to Din Eidyn – fortress on the rock – dating back to 600AD. It has been the site of some of the most important conflicts in British history.

Edinburgh fontain and castle, Scotland, UK by Paul Boxley

It was captured in 1296 by Edward I of England, then retaken by one of Robert the Bruce’s generals in 1314, the year of the Scottish victory over the English at Bannockburn near Stirling. After the overthrow and execution of Charles I in 1650, Oliver Cromwell invaded and once again Edinburgh Castle was captured and the Crown, Sword, and Sceptre of Scottish royalty were quickly taken away an buried to protect them from Cromwell.

At the foot of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarchy.

It’s a city that’s full of mystery and creepy alleys, and there’s even a haunted hotel in Edinburgh, as well as the eerie Mary King’s Close beneath the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh is a wonderful city full of amazing history, architecture and one or two ghosts of revolution.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to http://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-edinburgh

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Isle of Lewis, Scotland / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Monroe

The Edge of the Land

The Isle of Lewis is at the north westernmost tip of Scotland and one of the larger of Scotland’s Western Isles. Lewis isn’t really an island. It’s attached at its southern tip to Harris. These islands are the centre of Scotland’s Gaelic speaking culture. Crofting communities lived here until well into the 1970s.

The capital, Stornoway, is the only sizeable town in the Western Isles. Seals sometimes visit the harbour, especially when the fishing boats come in on Thursdays and Fridays. Responsible travel is vital on Lewis where the community keeps a strict observance of Sunday worship. All businesses are closed on this day.

Stay in a crofter’s cottage and explore the countryside and isolated beaches. Uig Beach on the south west of the island is the largest beach in Lewis. Tolsta Beach at the northern tip is famous for its “bridge to nowhere”, an unfinished bridge that was supposed to link the area to Ness, a village community at the northernmost tip of Lewis.

Tolsta beach, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, UK / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Iain and Sarah

There are prehistoric Neolithic sites in the centre of Lewis. The Callanais Standing Stones are carved out of the pale grey Lewis gneiss and arranged in the shape of a Celtic cross. Eleven other stone circles are dotted around this neighbourhood. These are some of the most impressive megaliths in Europe and far more spectacular than Stonehenge.

After you have visited the castles, museums and shopping centres in Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow, it may be time to get away from it all. Scotland has the perfect location for a castaway, although this will be in some comfort. If you are looking for an unusual place to stay, try the Rua Reidh Lighthouse in Wester Ross at the entrance to Loch Ewe on the mainland.

Rua Reidh offers a view over the Highlands scenery, the Isle of Skye and Western Isles over the sea. It was built by a cousin of the writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. Wander around the countryside and see golden eagles, dolphins, deer, otters and seals. There are guided tours to see the wildlife and rock climbing courses for those who feel energetic.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse, Wester Ross, Scotland, UK / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ms.akr

View From the Slopes

Try Scotland’s Central Highlands for exhilarating skiing holidays. Aonach Mor, about two miles north east of Ben Nevis, offers some of Scotland’s longest lasting snow. It’s possible to ski here until well into May. This is the best area for off-piste skiing and snowboarding.

The north face of Ben Nevis is popular for gully skiing. These are steep skiing descents between 45 and 60 degrees and can be even more challenging than this in continental Europe. The best time for this sport is between March and mid-May.

Corrie Sneachda, further north in Inverness-shire, is a glacial formation with steep sides. This offers the ultimate in extreme skiing. Responsible travel is recommended here as a number of skiers and mountaineers have been killed tackling the steep sides of the corrie.

Enjoy your stay in Scotland from the wonders of its wilderness and extreme sports to its thousands of years of cultural heritage.

AUTHOR BIO
Fiona Blake writes regularly on skiing holidays for a range of travel websites and blogs. She is also a specialist guide to the Western Isles.

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Those who are adventurous enough can make their way up to the Loch Skeen. The picturesque views of the area surrounding the peaceful loch are worth the almost hour-long walk it takes to reach.

Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland, UK by Leon Pettit

Within the park, you will also find an earthwork fortress that dates back to the Iron Age. Known as Tail Burnt, the old fort was built upon a hill that has become known over the years as the Giant’s Grave.

If you are really up for an adventure, then you will need to bring your hiking boots because the trip up the side of White Coomb is a treacherous one. You may need to make your way through a herd of wild goats that live along the slopes of the hill. But the adventure is worth the effort as you stand over Tail Burn Gorge and simply admire the beauty that is the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve.

Since not everyone is willing to take the long and tiring trek up to the top of White Coomb, there is a visitor’s center which comes complete with a CCTV system. From the center, you can watch over the nest of a Peregrine Falcon and even see the entire Tail Burn Gorge. Most of all is that the visitor center offers a state of the art interactive system that will help you to learn more about the nature preserve as well as its long and colorful past.

There’s a reason why so many people over the years have made their way to the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve. The picturesque views of the valley, gorge and loch are definitely one of the biggest reasons to visit the area. Enjoying a peaceful day in the wilderness and a chance to become closer with Mother Nature is another popular reason that so many have visited the park to date.

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