An unusual place to stay should offer more than a conventional room with an eccentric name.
The most memorable properties change the shape of the trip. Guests may climb a spiral staircase inside a cliff-top tower, sleep in a railway carriage, cross to a tidal island, wake in the canopy of an oak tree or spend several nights within a restored medieval castle. The building becomes part of the destination rather than somewhere used only between days out.
Novelty alone is not enough. A converted vehicle can look wonderful in photographs but feel cramped after the first evening. A remote lighthouse may provide extraordinary views while requiring guests to carry supplies, accept weak phone signal and adapt to severe weather. The strongest stays are honest about these compromises and use design, setting and history to create an experience that remains worthwhile after the initial surprise.
This guide brings together 30 of the best unusual places to stay in the UK. It includes historic landmarks, treehouses, boats, railway accommodation, cabins, castles and architecturally distinctive hotels across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Some entries are full-service hotels, while others are self-catering buildings or individual glamping properties. Prices, access arrangements and minimum stays vary substantially. Check the operator's current information before booking, particularly where ferries, tides, stairs or off-grid facilities affect the visit.
How we selected the UK's best unusual stays
Our editorial assessment considered:
- Originality: The accommodation should offer an experience that cannot be reproduced easily by an ordinary hotel.
- Integrity: Historic buildings and conversions should preserve the qualities that make them distinctive.
- Comfort: Novelty should not excuse poor beds, impractical bathrooms or unclear facilities.
- Setting: Coast, woodland, mountains, islands and urban architecture should contribute meaningfully.
- Sense of place: The stay should connect with its region rather than feel like a transportable themed unit.
- Practical honesty: Access, weather, stairs, self-catering and isolation should be explained clearly.
- Quality of restoration or design: New work should complement the original structure or landscape.
- Memorability: The accommodation should shape the story of the trip.
- Range: Options for couples, families, groups and adventurous solo stays.
- Geographical balance: Strong choices from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Historic towers, castles and landmark buildings
1. Astley Castle, Warwickshire
Location: Astley, Warwickshire
Type of stay: Contemporary holiday accommodation built within the ruins of a medieval castle
Best for: The UK's most architecturally accomplished unusual historic stay
Astley Castle is not a conventional castle conversion.
Rather than rebuilding the ruined structure to imitate a complete medieval residence, the Landmark Trust inserted modern brick, timber, glass and concrete within the surviving walls. Old and new remain visibly separate, allowing guests to understand both the history of the ruin and the ambition of the restoration.
Large windows look across the moat and surrounding landscape, while stone fragments and open sections of wall remain part of everyday life inside. The accommodation sleeps a group rather than operating as a hotel with individual rooms.
The building is unusual because the architecture is intellectually interesting as well as dramatic. Guests are not staying in a theatrical version of a castle but inside a serious response to decay, conservation and modern use.
Why it stands out:
Astley Castle is the strongest example in Britain of a historic ruin given a convincing new life without disguising what was lost.
Good to know:
This is self-catering group accommodation with fixed arrival patterns. Historic surroundings and split levels require careful accessibility checks.
2. Clavell Tower, Dorset
Location: Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Type of stay: Four-storey circular cliff-top tower
Best for: A secluded architectural stay above the Jurassic Coast
Clavell Tower stands high above Kimmeridge Bay on the Dorset coast.
The circular building was constructed in the nineteenth century and later moved away from the eroding cliff edge before being restored as holiday accommodation. Its stacked floors and spiral circulation create a completely different rhythm from a cottage or hotel room.
Views across the bay and surrounding coast are the main event. Weather can make the tower feel either serene or intensely exposed, and the walk between parking and accommodation forms part of the arrival.
Why it stands out:
Few UK stays combine such a recognisable solitary building with a nationally important coastal landscape.
Good to know:
The tower involves multiple levels and many stairs. Guests need to carry belongings along the access route and should prepare for strong weather.
3. The House in the Clouds, Suffolk
Location: Thorpeness, Suffolk
Type of stay: Former water tower disguised as a house above the village
Best for: Large groups wanting one of Britain's most recognisable eccentric buildings
The House in the Clouds rises above Thorpeness with a conventional-looking house placed improbably high in the air.
The structure was created to disguise a utilitarian water tower serving the purpose-built holiday village. Today, it operates as large self-catering accommodation with rooms distributed through the tower and extensive views from the upper levels.
Thorpeness adds context through its boating lake, whimsical architecture and planned-resort history. The house makes most sense as part of that wider experiment rather than an isolated novelty.
Why it stands out:
It is one of Britain's most distinctive inhabited landmarks and creates an unforgettable silhouette above the Suffolk coast.
Good to know:
The accommodation is designed for groups and contains numerous stairs. Review bedroom and bathroom distribution before organising a multi-generational stay.
4. The Pineapple, Dunmore Park
Location: Near Airth, Falkirk
Type of stay: Eighteenth-century garden pavilion topped by a giant stone pineapple
Best for: Architectural eccentricity and a peaceful Scottish garden setting
The Pineapple is among the most exuberant follies in Britain.
Its enormous carved fruit rises above a classical pavilion overlooking a walled garden. The holiday accommodation sits within the lower part of the building, allowing guests to live beneath one of Scotland's strangest architectural statements.
The interior is simpler than the exterior suggests, and the experience depends more on the building, garden and surrounding landscape than luxury facilities.
Why it stands out:
Few places allow guests to sleep beneath a monumental stone pineapple created as a serious work of eighteenth-century architecture.
Good to know:
The property is self-catering and part of a landscape visited by the public. Review heating, room layout and garden access before booking.
5. Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire
Location: Roch, near St Davids
Type of stay: Restored Norman castle with contemporary interiors
Best for: A small luxury castle stay near the Pembrokeshire coast
Roch Castle rises abruptly above the surrounding landscape.
Inside, modern glass, clean lines and contemporary furnishings contrast with thick historic walls and the vertical form of the tower. The restoration avoids filling every room with imitation medieval decoration.
Accommodation is limited, creating an intimate atmosphere. The coast, St Davids and Pembrokeshire walking routes provide reasons to build a longer trip around the castle.
Why it stands out:
Roch combines authentic castle architecture with one of the boldest contemporary interiors among Welsh historic stays.
Good to know:
The vertical layout involves stairs. Check current dining arrangements because the property does not operate like a large conventional hotel.
6. Mingary Castle, Ardnamurchan
Location: Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan
Type of stay: Restored medieval coastal fortress with a small number of suites
Best for: Remote history and sea views on Scotland's western edge
Mingary Castle occupies a rocky site above the Sound of Mull.
The fortress has been restored as an intimate place to stay and dine, with suites created within the medieval structure. Sea, wind and the castle's defensive position remain present throughout the visit.
Reaching Mingary requires commitment. Ardnamurchan's roads and ferry connections make the journey slower than the map suggests, but the remoteness is central to the appeal.
Why it stands out:
It offers one of the rare opportunities to stay inside a genuinely remote medieval Scottish coastal fortress.
Good to know:
Plan transport, meals and fuel carefully. This is a small historic property rather than a facilities-heavy resort.
Lighthouses, islands and coastal outposts
7. Old Light, Lundy
Location: Lundy, Bristol Channel
Type of stay: Former lighthouse and keepers' accommodation on a remote island
Best for: A complete escape from mainland routines
The Old Light stands on Lundy, an island reached by scheduled ship or seasonal flight arrangements.
Accommodation within the lighthouse complex allows guests to experience a landscape governed by sea, weather and the island's small community. Mobile reception can be weak, supplies are limited and arrivals depend on transport conditions.
Lundy has no conventional resort infrastructure. Its appeal lies in walking, wildlife, dark skies, the pub and the unusual experience of living temporarily within a remote island settlement.
Why it stands out:
The journey, island and lighthouse combine to create one of the UK's most complete departures from ordinary travel.
Good to know:
Read Lundy's transport and luggage rules carefully. Guests should bring appropriate food and clothing and accept that weather can alter plans.
8. Tibbetts, Lundy
Location: Lundy, Bristol Channel
Type of stay: Remote watch house with built-in bunks and no electricity
Best for: A genuinely off-grid island experience
Tibbetts stands far from Lundy's village in one of the island's most isolated positions.
The building retains a purposeful interior and original-style built-in bunks. There is pumped water and a shower but no electricity, turning the stay into something far closer to a historic outpost than modern glamping.
On clear nights, the position provides exceptional darkness and wide horizons. In poor weather, guests need to be comfortable with isolation and simple facilities.
Why it stands out:
Tibbetts is one of the most genuinely remote and minimally serviced bookable buildings in the UK.
Good to know:
This is not luxury accommodation. Carrying supplies, managing without electricity and walking in difficult conditions are part of the experience.
9. Belle Tout Lighthouse, East Sussex
Location: Beachy Head, near Eastbourne
Type of stay: Lighthouse bed and breakfast on the South Downs coast
Best for: A shorter lighthouse experience with dramatic cliff-top views
Belle Tout stands between Beachy Head and Birling Gap.
The lighthouse has been converted into a small bed and breakfast, allowing guests to sleep within a famous coastal landmark without the logistical commitment of reaching an island. Different rooms make use of the circular structure and sea-facing position.
The cliffs and South Downs provide exceptional walking, though wind and exposed edges require care.
Why it stands out:
It combines genuine lighthouse character with relatively straightforward access from south-east England.
Good to know:
The building's shape limits conventional room layouts. Review stairs, bathroom arrangements and the exact view of each room.
10. West Usk Lighthouse, Newport
Location: St Brides Wentlooge, near Newport
Type of stay: Historic lighthouse bed and breakfast beside the Severn Estuary
Best for: A characterful lighthouse stay within reach of Cardiff and Newport
West Usk Lighthouse sits on low-lying land beside the Severn Estuary.
Its circular architecture, lantern room and estuary outlook create a distinctive overnight stay without the isolation of a remote headland. The surrounding landscape is industrial, tidal and open rather than conventionally picturesque.
The property has long operated as small-scale accommodation and is best approached for personality and history rather than hotel-style uniformity.
Why it stands out:
West Usk provides Wales's most accessible lighthouse stay and a very different coastal landscape from the country's cliff-top resorts.
Good to know:
Check current room availability and event use directly. The setting is reached along rural roads and can feel isolated after dark.
11. Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Cottages, Shetland
Location: Sumburgh Head, Shetland
Type of stay: Former lighthouse keepers' accommodation at a major seabird site
Best for: Wildlife, weather and the far-northern coast
Sumburgh Head sits at the southern edge of Shetland Mainland.
The lighthouse cottages place guests beside cliffs used by seabirds and within a landscape exposed to the North Atlantic. Puffins and other wildlife are seasonal, but weather, sea views and the sense of distance remain year-round.
The cottages provide a more independent stay than a hotel, and travel to Shetland requires advance planning.
Why it stands out:
Few UK properties allow guests to stay within an active heritage lighthouse complex beside such an important wildlife site.
Good to know:
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Flights, ferries and local conditions can be disrupted by weather.
Treehouses, cabins and woodland structures
12. Treetops Treehouse, Devon
Location: North Devon
Type of stay: Multi-level treehouse built around an ancient oak
Best for: A luxurious treehouse that still feels connected to the tree
Treetops is arranged across several levels around a mature oak.
Timber walkways, a copper bath and elevated living spaces create a strong sense of being within the canopy rather than inside a cabin placed on stilts. The property can accommodate a couple and children within specified age arrangements.
The design provides considerably more comfort than childhood treehouse memories while retaining enough irregularity and woodland exposure to feel adventurous.
Why it stands out:
It balances architectural ambition, comfort and genuine treetop character more successfully than most luxury treehouses.
Good to know:
Treehouse access and balconies require supervision with children. Check current pet, age and occupancy rules.
13. Chewton Glen Treehouses, Hampshire
Location: New Milton, Hampshire
Type of stay: Luxury treehouse suites within a country-house estate
Best for: Treehouse novelty with full hotel service
Chewton Glen's treehouses sit above a wooded valley within the estate.
They provide private terraces, large windows and accommodation designed for couples or families, while guests retain access to the hotel's restaurants, spa, cookery school and grounds. This removes many of the practical compromises associated with remote woodland cabins.
The experience is more polished than rustic. Guests are staying in highly serviced elevated suites rather than living off-grid among the trees.
Why it stands out:
The treehouses offer one of the UK's strongest combinations of unusual architecture and complete luxury-hotel infrastructure.
Good to know:
They sit apart from the main house, so every restaurant or spa visit involves travelling across the estate. Confirm room layout and child suitability.
14. The Fish Treehouses, Cotswolds
Location: Farncombe Estate, near Broadway
Type of stay: Elevated woodland suites on a large rural estate
Best for: A relaxed treehouse break with walks and an informal hotel nearby
The Fish has created treehouse accommodation within the Farncombe Estate.
The units provide elevated decks, large windows and private facilities while remaining connected with the hotel's restaurants and wider estate. The atmosphere is less formal than Chewton Glen and particularly suited to guests who want woodland walking and privacy.
Some treehouses are designed for couples, while others accommodate families, making exact unit selection important.
Why it stands out:
The Fish provides a convincing treehouse experience within an estate that welcomes muddy boots and outdoor-focused stays.
Good to know:
Accommodation is spread across a hillside estate. Check transport, gradients and distance from breakfast or dinner.
15. Starling Spa Treehouse, Devon
Location: Near Crediton, Devon
Type of stay: Private spa treehouse with sauna, hot tub and outdoor bathing
Best for: Couples wanting a wellness-led woodland hideaway
Starling Spa Treehouse turns a woodland stay into a private spa experience.
A sauna, hot tub, outdoor shower and bathing spaces allow guests to spend most of the visit within the property. The elevated structure and surrounding trees provide privacy, while the interior is designed as a luxury retreat rather than simple glamping.
This is most suitable for couples who intend to use the accommodation as the destination.
Why it stands out:
Few UK treehouses combine private thermal facilities and canopy-level living with the same degree of seclusion.
Good to know:
Check access, child policy and fire-use instructions. Outdoor facilities remain exposed to seasonal weather.
16. North Shire Hobbit House, North Yorkshire
Location: Liverton, North Yorkshire
Type of stay: Fantasy-inspired earth-sheltered holiday accommodation
Best for: Families and fantasy enthusiasts
North Shire provides themed accommodation inspired by fantasy literature and rural storybook architecture.
Rounded doors, earth-covered forms and handcrafted interiors create a playful experience that works particularly well for families. The property is not a film set or officially connected with a major franchise, so expectations should centre on creative interpretation rather than exact reproduction.
The North York Moors and coast provide a useful wider setting for the stay.
Why it stands out:
It offers one of Britain's most convincing family-oriented fantasy accommodation experiences.
Good to know:
Review current unit names, occupancy and intellectual-property disclaimers. Themed spaces may be compact and deliberately rustic.
Railway, vehicle and transport conversions
17. The Old Railway Station, West Sussex
Location: Petworth, West Sussex
Type of stay: Former railway station with bedrooms in Pullman carriages
Best for: A refined railway stay with historic atmosphere
The Old Railway Station preserves a rural station and several former Pullman railway carriages.
Guests can sleep within converted carriage compartments while breakfast and public spaces use the original station building. The experience retains enough railway detail to feel authentic without requiring the rough conditions of a museum sleeper.
Petworth, the South Downs and nearby historic estates provide reasons to stay for more than one night.
Why it stands out:
It is the UK's strongest small hotel experience built around genuine Pullman railway accommodation.
Good to know:
Carriage rooms are naturally narrower than conventional bedrooms. Review access, bathroom layout and platform routes.
18. The Sidings Hotel, North Yorkshire
Location: Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York
Type of stay: Railway-carriage hotel and restaurant beside an active rail line
Best for: Dedicated railway enthusiasts
The Sidings uses converted railway carriages for bedrooms and dining.
Its position beside a working railway creates an immersive transport atmosphere that differs from accommodation using an isolated decorative carriage. Guests should actively enjoy trains, because railway noise and movement are part of the identity.
York and the surrounding countryside are within easy reach.
Why it stands out:
The Sidings is one of Britain's most complete railway-themed hotels rather than a single converted carriage in a field.
Good to know:
Check current room operation and noise expectations directly. The format may not suit light sleepers.
19. Blackberry Wood, East Sussex
Location: Streat, near Brighton
Type of stay: Woodland campsite with converted vehicles and imaginative glamping units
Best for: Playful vehicle conversions and informal group trips
Blackberry Wood is known for accommodation created inside unusual vehicles and structures.
Depending on current availability, guests may find converted buses, cabins and other imaginative units spread through woodland. The atmosphere is informal and closer to creative camping than a boutique hotel.
The site works well for couples, families and small groups comfortable with rural facilities and outdoor living.
Why it stands out:
Blackberry Wood offers one of England's broadest collections of playful converted accommodation within a single woodland site.
Good to know:
Facilities differ substantially between units. Check private bathroom, cooking, heating and access details for the exact property.
20. Brooks Vintage Horseboxes, Bristol
Location: Bristol
Type of stay: Rooftop accommodation inspired by vintage horseboxes
Best for: An unusual city stay close to Bristol's old city
Brooks Guesthouse created elevated rooftop rooms styled around vintage horseboxes.
The units provide an unexpected form of glamping above an urban guesthouse rather than in a field. Guests retain access to central Bristol, markets, restaurants and attractions while sleeping in a compact and unusual structure.
The experience is more about design and location than transport history.
Why it stands out:
It brings vehicle-inspired accommodation into the heart of a major city rather than requiring a rural glamping trip.
Good to know:
The rooftop units are compact and may involve stairs. Check current availability and bathroom arrangements.
Unusual hotels and urban conversions
21. Malmaison Oxford
Location: Oxford
Type of stay: Hotel within a converted Victorian prison
Best for: A dramatic historic city hotel
Malmaison Oxford occupies part of Oxford Castle's former prison.
Cells and prison galleries have been adapted into bedrooms and public spaces, preserving iron walkways, heavy doors and the unmistakable institutional structure. Modern rooms soften the experience without erasing the building's previous use.
Central Oxford is immediately accessible, making the property useful as a city base as well as a novelty stay.
Why it stands out:
It is Britain's strongest full-service prison conversion and allows guests to experience the original cell-block architecture directly.
Good to know:
Some rooms show much stronger prison character than others. Confirm whether the selected category occupies a converted cell or a more conventional part of the hotel.
22. Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall
Type of stay: Luxury hotel built within a historic prison
Best for: Architectural drama and a base for inland Cornwall
Bodmin Jail Hotel transforms historic prison wings through large glazed atriums and bedrooms formed from former cells.
The scale is more monumental than Malmaison Oxford, with stone walls and long galleries remaining central to the design. Modern bathrooms and spacious interiors create a sharp contrast with the building's original purpose.
The location is inland, making it a useful base for Bodmin Moor and both Cornish coasts.
Why it stands out:
It is one of the UK's most ambitious adaptive-reuse hotels and preserves the overwhelming scale of a historic jail.
Good to know:
The architecture can feel dark or emotionally heavy for some guests. Review the room category and historical interpretation before booking.
23. Sunborn London
Location: Royal Victoria Dock, London
Type of stay: Permanently moored yacht hotel
Best for: A floating London hotel with dock views
Sunborn London is a large yacht permanently moored beside ExCeL in the Royal Docks.
Bedrooms, restaurants and public rooms use the conventions of a luxury vessel while operating as a fixed hotel. The dock setting provides water views and access to east London's transport network.
It does not offer the movement or intimacy of a small boat stay, but the scale allows conventional hotel service.
Why it stands out:
Sunborn is London's most substantial floating hotel and offers a maritime setting without leaving the city.
Good to know:
The yacht does not sail. Check ExCeL event schedules because they influence local activity and room prices.
24. The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
Location: Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Type of stay: Theatrical historic suites within buildings beside Edinburgh Castle
Best for: Maximalist interiors and an atmospheric city celebration
The Witchery uses dark panelling, tapestries, antiques and richly layered interiors to create some of Britain's most theatrical hotel suites.
Each suite is different and designed as a complete environment rather than a standard bedroom with decorative accents. The location near Edinburgh Castle places guests directly within the Old Town.
The style is intentionally intense. Those who prefer light, minimal rooms may find it oppressive, while others will consider that atmosphere the entire reason to stay.
Why it stands out:
No other UK city accommodation commits so fully to historic romantic theatricality.
Good to know:
Suites occupy historic buildings with stairs and varied layouts. The Old Town can be noisy during festivals and peak weekends.
25. Hotel Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Location: Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Type of stay: Hotel within an Italianate fantasy village on a Welsh estuary
Best for: Architecture, colour and access to Portmeirion after day visitors leave
Hotel Portmeirion sits within the extraordinary village created by architect Clough Williams-Ellis.
Staying overnight changes the experience because guests can explore the piazza, woodland and estuary after the main daytime crowds have departed. The village's domes, façades, towers and visual tricks create a setting unlike anywhere else in Britain.
Accommodation also extends to Castle Deudraeth and self-catering village rooms, each providing a different relationship with the site.
Why it stands out:
Portmeirion is Britain's most complete inhabited architectural fantasy, and staying overnight reveals a quieter side unavailable to ordinary visitors.
Good to know:
Confirm whether the room is in Hotel Portmeirion, Castle Deudraeth or another village building. Distances and atmosphere differ.
Caves, bubbles and waterside stays
26. Rockhouse Retreat, Worcestershire
Location: Near Bewdley, Worcestershire
Type of stay: Luxury dwelling created within a sandstone cave
Best for: A private cave stay with modern comfort
Rockhouse Retreat occupies a hand-cut sandstone cave in rural Worcestershire.
The interior combines exposed rock with a fitted kitchen, bathroom, heating and carefully designed living space. Outside, woodland and private grounds reinforce the sense of seclusion.
Unlike a cave-themed room, the structure is genuinely formed within rock, giving the temperature, acoustics and walls a physical quality that cannot be reproduced decoratively.
Why it stands out:
It is Britain's strongest luxury cave accommodation and one of the country's most distinctive private stays for two.
Good to know:
The property is self-catering and secluded. Check access, mobile signal and current arrival arrangements.
27. Finn Lough Bubble Domes, County Fermanagh
Location: Near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Type of stay: Transparent forest domes designed for sky and woodland views
Best for: Stargazing and an immersive Northern Irish forest stay
Finn Lough's bubble domes place beds beneath transparent sections of structure within woodland.
The experience is designed around watching the sky, weather and trees while retaining privacy between units. Some bubbles include additional living or bathing facilities depending on category.
The wider resort setting and Fermanagh landscape give the stay more depth than a standalone transparent tent.
Why it stands out:
Finn Lough provides Northern Ireland's most recognisable unusual accommodation experience and one of the UK's leading transparent dome stays.
Good to know:
Visibility of stars depends on cloud and season. Review privacy, temperature control and exact facilities for the selected dome.
28. The Raft at Chigborough, Essex
Location: Chigborough, near Maldon
Type of stay: Floating cabin on a private fishing lake
Best for: A secluded waterside escape with a rowing-boat arrival
The Raft floats on a private lake at Chigborough Farm.
Guests reach the cabin across the water, immediately separating the stay from an ordinary lakeside lodge. The covered deck, compact living space and wood-fired hot tub keep attention on the lake rather than surrounding attractions.
The property can accommodate a couple with additional space for older children under the operator's current rules. Its outdoor facilities and over-water setting make the experience feel adventurous despite the relative accessibility of Essex.
Why it stands out:
It is one of England's clearest examples of accommodation that genuinely floats rather than merely standing beside water.
Good to know:
The current operator advises that children must be at least eight. Review boat access, outdoor bathroom arrangements, pet restrictions and cold-weather practicality before booking.
29. Dairsie Castle, Fife
Location: Dairsie, Fife
Type of stay: Restored Scottish castle available for group accommodation
Best for: Families and groups wanting an entire castle rather than one hotel room
Dairsie Castle is a restored historic building in the Fife countryside.
Rather than dividing the property into a conventional hotel, the castle is generally experienced as an exclusive-use or group stay. Towers, stonework and individual rooms allow guests to inhabit the building more fully.
Its location provides access to St Andrews, the Fife coast and central Scotland.
Why it stands out:
Dairsie allows a group to use a complete Scottish castle as a shared home rather than remain confined to one themed bedroom.
Good to know:
Check current booking format, minimum stay and event rules. Historic stairs and room distribution may not suit every guest.
30. The Radio Room, Lundy
Location: Lundy, Bristol Channel
Type of stay: Tiny island building associated with Lundy's communications history
Best for: A compact stay within Lundy's extraordinary island community
The Radio Room is one of Lundy's collection of highly individual restored properties.
Its small scale creates a very different experience from the Old Light or larger island houses. Guests remain close to Lundy's village facilities while sleeping within a building connected with the island's working history.
The real attraction is Lundy itself: wildlife, walking, isolation, the pub and the absence of ordinary mainland traffic.
Why it stands out:
It turns a small functional island building into a memorable base without overwhelming the experience of Lundy.
Good to know:
Transport, luggage and supplies follow Lundy's specific arrangements. Check the property's exact facilities and occupancy before committing.
Other unusual UK stays worth considering
Further distinctive options include:
- Castle Cottage and Castle Keep accommodation on Lundy
- Millcombe House on Lundy
- Old Light Cottage on Lundy
- Shore Cottages on Lundy
- The Martello Tower at Aldeburgh
- The Water Tower at Kennington
- The Egyptian House in Penzance
- The Gothic Temple at Stowe
- The Banqueting House at Gibside
- Robin Hood's Hut in Somerset
- The Ruin at Hackfall
- The Pigsty near Robin Hood's Bay
- The Tower at Trellech
- Culloden Tower in Yorkshire
- The Landmark Trust's converted follies and gatehouses
- Houseboats in London, Bath, Bristol and Brighton
- Converted lifeboat stations
- Windmill accommodation in Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent
- Twr y Felin Hotel in St Davids, built around a former windmill
- Converted chapels in Wales and northern England
- Warksburn Old Church in Northumberland
- Former railway stations and signal boxes
- The Railway Carriage at Brockford
- Caboose and carriage stays in Yorkshire
- Shepherd's huts on working farms
- Converted double-decker buses
- Converted American school buses
- Horsebox accommodation
- Helicopter and aircraft glamping units
- Airstream caravans
- Geodesic domes in Wales and Scotland
- Tree tents and suspended woodland pods
- Kudhva cabins in Cornwall
- The Sett in Devon
- Nymetwood Treehouses
- Lost Meadow Treepod in Cornwall
- Treehouses at Ramside Hall
- Treehouses at Lanrick in Perthshire
- Treehouses at Fernie Castle
- Cabins at Inverlonan in Argyll
- Eagle Brae log cabins in the Highlands
- Kabn Company cabins in Scotland
- The Bothy Project's architectural bothies
- Off-grid cabins in the Cairngorms
- Converted crofts on the Scottish islands
- Glamping pods beside dark-sky parks
- Shepherd huts in Northumberland National Park
- Stargazing cabins near Kielder
- Sky Den in Northumberland
- The Hilly Hut in the Borders
- Converted blackhouses in the Outer Hebrides
- Lighthouse cottages at Corsewall
- Keeper's cottages near Mull of Galloway
- Cantick Head lighthouse accommodation in Orkney
- Eshaness lighthouse accommodation in Shetland
- Bressay lighthouse accommodation
- Carraig Fhada lighthouse cottage on Islay
- Portpatrick lighthouse and harbour stays
- Cabins and pods on Loch Fyne
- Floating accommodation on Welsh reservoirs and lakes
- Caban Casita and other design cabins in Wales
- Red Kite Tree Tent in Powys
- Fforest Farm domes and cabins in Ceredigion
- Epic Retreats cabins where currently bookable
- Nantseren stargazing accommodation
- Graig Wen wagons near Eryri
- Slate landscape cottages in north Wales
- Converted signal boxes near Welsh heritage railways
- Portmeirion village suites
- Château Rhianfa on the Menai Strait
- Ballygally Castle in County Antrim
- Killeavy Castle Estate
- Belle Isle Castle in County Fermanagh
- Crom Castle cottages
- Blackhead Lighthouse accommodation in County Antrim
- Rathlin Island accommodation
- Glamping domes beside the Causeway Coast
- Forest cabins in the Sperrins
- Shepherd huts near Strangford Lough
Some are individual holiday lets whose availability, management or names can change. Verify the current operator rather than relying on an old directory listing.
Best unusual stays for different trips
Best overall unusual place to stay
Astley Castle offers the strongest combination of architectural significance, historical atmosphere and genuinely comfortable group accommodation.
Best unusual stay for couples
Clavell Tower and Rockhouse Retreat provide exceptional privacy. Treetops Treehouse is better for couples who want woodland luxury.
Best unusual stay for families
The House in the Clouds, North Shire and Portmeirion offer the strongest mix of imagination, space and nearby activity.
Best unusual luxury stay
Chewton Glen's treehouses combine distinctive accommodation with full hotel service. Roch Castle offers the stronger historic building.
Best off-grid stay
Tibbetts on Lundy is the clearest choice for guests genuinely willing to live without electricity.
Best unusual stay in Scotland
The Pineapple is the most eccentric building, while Mingary Castle provides the most dramatic complete setting.
Best unusual stay in Wales
Roch Castle leads for architecture. Portmeirion offers the broader destination, while West Usk provides the clearest lighthouse experience.
Best unusual stay in Northern Ireland
Finn Lough's bubble domes provide the most distinctive and established experience.
Best railway stay
The Old Railway Station at Petworth offers the strongest combination of genuine Pullman carriages and comfortable hospitality.
Best lighthouse stay
Old Light on Lundy creates the most complete adventure. Belle Tout is easier for a short break.
Hotel, glamping or self-catering landmark?
Full-service unusual hotel
Provides reception, housekeeping, restaurant and ordinary hotel support within an unusual building.
Malmaison Oxford and Bodmin Jail Hotel fit this category.
Individual serviced accommodation
A small number of suites or rooms operate with some hospitality but limited communal facilities.
Roch and Mingary castles follow aspects of this model.
Self-catering landmark
Guests book the complete building and manage food and daily routines themselves.
Most Landmark Trust properties operate this way.
Glamping or cabin stay
Accommodation is private but may involve outdoor routes, compact bathrooms or communal site facilities.
Resort-based unusual room
A distinctive unit sits within a conventional hotel or estate.
Chewton Glen and the Fish treehouses provide this balance.
The format affects everything from packing and meals to privacy and cost.
Questions to ask before booking
- Is the property an entire building or one room?
- Is food provided?
- Is there a private bathroom?
- Is electricity available?
- How is the property heated?
- Is mobile reception reliable?
- Is Wi-Fi available?
- How far is the parking?
- Must luggage be carried?
- Are there steep stairs?
- Is the property suitable for children?
- Are pets accepted?
- Does access depend on tides or ferries?
- Is bedding included?
- Is there a minimum stay?
- Can groceries be delivered?
- Is the water drinkable?
- Are shops or restaurants nearby?
- What happens during severe weather?
- Is travel insurance advisable?
Unusual accommodation often requires more preparation than a hotel, even when the interior is luxurious.
Accessibility and unusual buildings
Historic towers, lighthouses and treehouses frequently present physical barriers.
Check:
- Number and type of stairs
- Spiral staircases
- Narrow doors
- Distance from parking
- Gravel and uneven paths
- Step-free bathrooms
- Bed location
- Handrails
- Night-time lighting
- Emergency evacuation
- Ferry access
- Accessible toilets
- External bridges or walkways
- Balcony safety
- Luggage assistance
A property may be unsuitable despite a booking platform displaying a general accessibility filter. Contact the operator directly.
Staying somewhere off grid
Off-grid stays can involve:
- Solar or no electricity
- Limited hot water
- Composting toilets
- Wood-burning heating
- Weak phone signal
- No television
- Restricted refrigeration
- Car-free access
- Water conservation
- Outdoor cooking
- Dark paths
- Weather-dependent transport
These features can create a meaningful escape when guests understand them in advance. They become frustrating only when presented vaguely.
Travelling to islands and remote properties
- Book transport before accommodation where possible.
- Allow time for disruption.
- Check luggage limits.
- Bring essential medication.
- Carry weatherproof clothing.
- Understand grocery options.
- Download travel information.
- Avoid tight onward connections.
- Check fuel availability.
- Tell someone the itinerary.
- Respect local emergency guidance.
- Bring a torch.
- Review cancellation insurance.
- Confirm winter timetables.
- Accept that weather may change the trip.
Remoteness is not a decorative feature. It has practical consequences for every part of the stay.
Getting better value
- Travel midweek.
- Share large self-catering landmarks with a group.
- Compare total stay cost rather than nightly price.
- Check cleaning and booking fees.
- Bring food where practical.
- Avoid unnecessary luxury upgrades.
- Stay outside peak summer.
- Compare minimum-stay rules.
- Book ferry travel early.
- Check heating and electricity inclusions.
- Review cancellation terms.
- Choose novelty that matches genuine interests.
- Avoid paying for a hot tub that will not be used.
- Compare hotel service with self-catering.
- Check whether the setting offers free activities.
A memorable building can provide excellent value for a group even when the headline total looks high.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most unusual place to stay in the UK?
Astley Castle is the strongest overall choice because modern accommodation has been inserted sensitively within a medieval ruin, creating an experience with architectural depth as well as novelty.
Can you stay in a lighthouse in the UK?
Yes. Options include the Old Light on Lundy, Belle Tout in East Sussex, West Usk Lighthouse and keepers' accommodation at Sumburgh Head.
Can you stay in a prison in the UK?
Yes. Malmaison Oxford and Bodmin Jail Hotel both operate within converted historic prison buildings.
What is the best unusual place to stay in Scotland?
The Pineapple is Scotland's most eccentric architectural stay. Mingary Castle offers the strongest remote historic experience.
What is the best unusual place to stay in Wales?
Roch Castle is the leading architectural choice, while Portmeirion provides the most complete unusual destination.
What is the best unusual place to stay in Northern Ireland?
Finn Lough's bubble domes are Northern Ireland's strongest established unusual accommodation experience.
Are unusual stays suitable for children?
Some are excellent, including the House in the Clouds and family treehouses. Towers, caves and off-grid huts may be unsuitable for young children.
Are treehouses open all year?
Many operate year-round, but access, outdoor bathing and heating differ. Check the individual property's seasonal arrangements.
Are unusual places more expensive than hotels?
Not always. A large self-catering landmark shared by several people can be good value, while private spa treehouses can cost more than luxury hotels.
Do unusual properties normally have Wi-Fi?
Facilities vary widely. Remote Landmark Trust buildings and off-grid cabins may have weak or no connectivity.
Final thoughts
The best unusual accommodation changes how guests experience both the building and the destination.
Astley Castle allows visitors to live within a ruin without pretending the missing walls were never lost. Clavell Tower turns the vertical movement through a solitary coastal building into part of the holiday, while the Pineapple proves that architectural eccentricity can remain delightful centuries after it was built.
Remote stays demand more. Lundy's buildings require transport planning, supplies and acceptance of island weather. Mingary Castle and Shetland's lighthouse cottages similarly reward guests willing to treat the journey as part of the experience.
Modern unusual stays work when the design responds to place. A treehouse should create a relationship with the canopy, a bubble dome should reveal the sky and a boathouse should make water present throughout the day. Decorative novelty without that connection rarely remains interesting for long.
Choose according to the experience rather than the photograph. Decide whether you want history, isolation, fantasy, architecture or private luxury, then read the practical details carefully. The best unusual stay is one whose inconveniences feel like meaningful parts of the story rather than surprises discovered after arrival.
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George Davies
Regional and city guide writer
George covers location led guides, city roundups, regional comparisons, attractions, markets, museums and practical local recommendations.