LET’S face it, we’re all sick of the sight of our own living room right now – but there are plenty of quirky UK holiday homes available for a change of scenery this summer.
Whether it’s a castle, windmill or even a hobbit home – we’ve rounded up a bunch of properties that guarantee an unforgettable holiday – from £7 per person a night.
21
Though no one can travel anywhere at the moment, there is a hope travel will be back to normal by the summer thanks to the vaccine rollout, so there’s plenty of scope for booking a staycation later in the year.
People can sleep on a four-poster bed in a grand castle, take up residence in a vintage horse box or even spend the night in a former train carriage – and all of the properties are less than £41 a night.
Here’s our pick of the best alternative accommodation options around the UK, from a gatehouse to an oast house.
Skeen Castle, Aberdeenshire – from £7pppn
21
21
Skene House Cottage is an annexe in the grand Skene Castle, west of Aberdeen – with deals from £7pp a night.
The property has vast grounds, bedrooms with four-poster beds and wood-burning fires.
You’re close to the beaches of the Aberdeen Coast and the wilds of Royal Deeside, with the restaurants, bars, pubs and shops of Aberdeen also nearby.
Keen golfers will be spoilt for choice with a number of courses nearby including Royal Aberdeen – the venue for the 2014 Scottish Open.
Watermouth Castle, Devon – from £17pppn
21
21
Inside the mid-19th century Watermouth Castle are seven separate apartments, including Bassett apartment, named after the family who originally built the castle.
There’s room for four guests – with deals from £17pp a night – who get access to an indoor heated swimming pool, a museum and a choice of activities.
Outside, the castle’s 50-acre estate has landscaped gardens.
Union Windmill, Angelsey – from £16pppn
21
21
Union Windmill is a Grade II listed windmill in Angelsey- with deals from £16pp a night.
It dates back to 1780 and the owners have renovated and built modern extensions to the tower, which now has three bedrooms with room for six guests.
Expect plenty of quirky touches in this property. There are no doors separating each level, but a winding staircase that takes you up the floors, with rooms that get narrower the higher up you go.
The lighthouse is within easy reach of historic market towns, castles, beaches and the local pub.
Strathy Point Lighthouse, Northern Highlands of Scotland – from £17pppn
21
21
Strathy Point Lighthouse sits on a promontory on the north coast of Scotland, with widlife including dolphins, whales and seals in the water below.
Up to five people can stay – with deals from £17pp a night – in the The Principal Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, which promises uninterrupted views all round and modern rooms with nautical decor.
The surrounding hills, lochs, cliffs and rocky outcrops are great for walkers, but you can equally stay cosy and enjoy the wild and dramatic scenery from inside.
Thornsdale Oast, Sussex – from £14ppn
21
21
Why not stay in your very own oast house in Sussex? Thornsdale Oast was originally designed for drying hops as part of the brewing process, but now is a rural hideaway with room for ten.
The house -which has deals from £14pp a night – is found at the end of mile-long lane in the countryside, has a living room with an open fire and a games room complete with snooker table.
It’s also pet-friendly, with lots of great walks on the doorstep.
Nearby is the picturesque town of Rye, as well as Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Camber Sands and Camber Castle, plus the Chapel Down vineyard is close if you fancy a wine tasting.
Railway Carriage Two, Suffolk – from £9pppn
21
21
Railway Carriage Two was the largest carriage on the now defunct Mid Suffolk Light Railway.
It has room for six people – with deals from £9pp a night – and an open plan living and dining room which retains the original look and feel of the carriage.
Guests are right in the heart of the Suffolk countryside and get access to a children’s play area and the owner’s own heated swimming pool in the summer, as well as a hot tub and sauna.
Chestnut Cottage, Yorkshire – from £10pppn
21
21
Originally the gatehouse to the Grade I listed Sewerby Hall, Chestnut Cottage may appear small, but don’t be fooled – it actually has room for six people, with deals from £10pp a night.
Guests are right on the doorstep of the Sewerby Hall Estate and Gardens, worth a visit for its historic interiors, and in the grounds are landscaped gardens, woodland walks and a zoo with penguins and lemurs.
Children will love the adventure playground and nine-hole pitch ’n’ putt golf course.
The beach is a short walk away and you can hop on model land train to take you to the clifftop town of Bridlington.
St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Isle of Wight – from £41pppn
21
21
Landward Cottage is one of three cottages in St Catherine’s Lighthouse, with deals from £41pp a night.
The property is just ten-minute’s drive from the popular coastal resort of Ventnor on the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight.
Originally the home of a lighthouse keeper, the space has been totally renovated, with two bedrooms (one with a king size bed) for four people, plus a private courtyard.
Not only are you right by the coast, there’s also a great real ale pub a short walk away.
Vintage Horse Box, Somerset – from £17.50pppn
21
21
This Vintage Horse Box has been made into a campervan and motorhome that sleeps four people – with deals from £17.50pp a night.
Inside there’s a light, bright living space and a walk-in shower with luxury bath products. Guests can fire up the barbecue and unwind on the outdoor lounge set.
Tucked away on a three-acre field, there’s plenty of Somerset countryside to explore.
Hobbit Hideaway, Moray Scotland – from £22.50ppn
21
21
If you’ve ever wanted to experience life as a hobbit, this is your chance – with deals from £22.50pp a night.
The purpose-built Hobbit Hideaway is an eco-home made from straw bales, round-wood, stone, earth and clay.
With its spiral roof and ramshackle interiors, it has bags of charm and things to entertain, including free unlimited wifi, a JVC bluetooth speaker, and a large selection of books and games.
Guests are provided with fairtrade beverages, reusable cups, bottles and bags and can help themselves to the fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables from the garden, where they can also dine al fresco using the barbecue and cosy up at the firepit.
If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue.
