England's rich history, diverse landscapes, and innovative hospitality sector have given rise to an extraordinary array of unique accommodation options. From medieval castles to futuristic treehouses, there's something to captivate every traveler's imagination. These distinctive lodgings offer more than just a place to rest your head; they provide immersive experiences that become an integral part of your journey.
Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, England's unconventional stays cater to all preferences. You'll find yourself transported to different eras, surrounded by nature, or marveling at ingenious architectural designs. Let's explore some of the most captivating and unusual places to stay across this historic land.
Historic castles and fortresses as luxury accommodations
England's landscape is dotted with ancient castles and fortresses, many of which have been transformed into luxurious accommodations. These grand structures offer a unique blend of medieval charm and modern comfort, allowing you to live like royalty during your stay.
Warwick Xastle's medieval glamping experience
Warwick Castle, with its rich history dating back to William the Conqueror, offers a truly immersive medieval experience. The castle's grounds host a glamping village where you can stay in lavishly appointed medieval-style tents. Each tent features king-sized beds, rustic wooden furniture, and period-inspired decor.
As night falls, you can gather around the communal fire pit, share stories, and enjoy entertainment reminiscent of medieval times. The experience extends beyond accommodation, with exclusive access to some of the castle's attractions after hours, giving you a chance to explore this historic fortress without the daytime crowds.
Leeds Castle's Maiden's Tower bed & breakfast
Often referred to as the "loveliest castle in the world," Leeds Castle in Kent offers a range of unique accommodation options. The Maiden's Tower, a 16th-century stone building, has been converted into an exclusive bed and breakfast. With just five bedrooms, it provides an intimate and luxurious experience.
Each room is individually designed, blending historical features with modern amenities. Guests of the Maiden's Tower enjoy after-hours access to the castle grounds, allowing for romantic evening strolls through the beautiful gardens. The experience of waking up to views of the ancient castle and its moat is truly unforgettable.
Amberley Castle's opulent suites in west Sussex
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs, Amberley Castle offers a luxurious retreat within 900-year-old walls. The castle has been meticulously restored and converted into a high-end hotel, featuring 19 opulent bedrooms and suites. Each room is uniquely decorated, combining medieval architecture with contemporary comforts.
Guests can dine in the Queen's Room, a 12th-century room featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling and an open fireplace. The castle grounds include beautiful gardens, tennis courts, and even an 18-hole putting course, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation in a historic setting.
Eco-friendly treehouses and forest retreats
For those seeking a closer connection with nature without sacrificing comfort, England offers a variety of eco-friendly treehouses and forest retreats. These unique accommodations blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, providing a sustainable and immersive experience.
The woodman's treehouse in dorset's crafty camping
The Woodman's Treehouse in Dorset is a testament to innovative design and sustainable luxury. This self-contained treehouse is perched high in the canopy of an old oak tree, offering a private and secluded retreat. The structure features a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern amenities, including a hot tub on the deck, a sauna, and even a slide for a quick descent to the forest floor.
Inside, you'll find a fully equipped kitchen, a copper bath with a view of the woodland, and a revolving woodburner to keep you cozy. The treehouse's eco-friendly features include composting toilets and solar panels, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Chewton glen's luxury treehouses in New Forest
Chewton Glen, a luxury hotel on the edge of New Forest National Park, offers a unique treehouse experience. These elevated suites are built on stilts, high among the trees, providing stunning views of the surrounding woodland. Each treehouse is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring energy-efficient systems and locally sourced materials.
The interiors are spacious and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in. Guests can enjoy private terraces with hot tubs, complimentary breakfast hampers delivered through a secret hatch, and all the amenities of a five-star hotel, all while feeling immersed in nature.
Blackberry wood's unique tree spheres in Sussex
Blackberry Wood Camping in Sussex offers a truly unique treehouse experience with their Tree Spheres. These futuristic, globe-shaped structures are suspended among the trees, providing a cozy and intimate space for two. The spheres are equipped with a double bed, seating area, and even a small kitchenette.
The design of these tree spheres allows for 360-degree views of the surrounding woodland, creating a magical atmosphere, especially at night when you can stargaze through the windows. The site also offers other quirky accommodations, including converted helicopters and buses, making it a paradise for those seeking unusual stays.
Coastal lighthouse stays and seaside cottages
England's extensive coastline is home to numerous lighthouses and charming seaside cottages, many of which have been converted into unique accommodations. These stays offer breathtaking ocean views and a chance to experience life on the edge of the sea.
Belle tout lighthouse B&B in east Sussex
Perched atop the dramatic white cliffs of Beachy Head, Belle Tout Lighthouse offers a truly unique bed and breakfast experience. This decommissioned lighthouse has been lovingly restored and converted into comfortable guest rooms, each with its own character and stunning views of the English Channel or the South Downs.
The most spectacular feature is the lantern room at the top of the lighthouse, which has been transformed into a lounge area where guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the coastline. Watching the sunset from this vantage point is an unforgettable experience. The lighthouse's isolated location also makes it an ideal spot for stargazing on clear nights.
Whitby's West Pier Lighthouse apartment
In the historic town of Whitby, famous for its association with Bram Stoker's Dracula, you can stay in a converted lighthouse apartment. The West Pier Lighthouse offers cozy accommodation spread over five floors, connected by a spiral staircase. The apartment features modern amenities while retaining much of its original charm.
From the top floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Whitby Harbor and the North Sea. The location is perfect for exploring the town's Gothic Abbey, enjoying fresh seafood, or taking long walks along the Yorkshire coast. Staying here allows you to experience the rhythms of a working harbor and the charm of a traditional English seaside town.
The Lookout at Lepe Country Park, hampshire
For a more contemporary coastal experience, The Lookout at Lepe Country Park offers a unique stay right on the beach. This modern, eco-friendly building is designed to withstand coastal weather conditions and provides uninterrupted views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
The Lookout features floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious deck, and direct access to the beach. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and bird watchers, with the country park offering diverse habitats and wildlife. The accommodation's minimalist design ensures that the focus remains on the stunning coastal scenery outside.
Underground bunkers and cave dwellings
For those seeking truly unusual accommodations, England offers a selection of underground stays and converted cave dwellings. These unique spaces provide a one-of-a-kind experience, blending history, geology, and modern comfort.
Carnglaze Caverns' underground lake chamber in cornwall
Carnglaze Caverns, a former slate mine in Cornwall, offers a truly subterranean experience. While not a conventional overnight stay, the caverns host occasional special events where guests can spend the night in the Underground Lake Chamber. This ethereal space features a crystal-clear underground lake illuminated by soft lighting, creating a magical atmosphere.
During these events, guests can enjoy acoustic performances, storytelling sessions, or simply the serene ambiance of the cave. While facilities are basic, the experience of sleeping underground in a space shaped by both natural forces and human industry is unparalleled.
The Rockhouse Retreat in Worcestershire
The Rockhouse Retreat in Worcestershire offers a unique opportunity to stay in a hand-carved cave dwelling. This 800-year-old cave house has been sensitively restored to create a comfortable and stylish retreat that blends ancient and modern elements. The cave features a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and even Wi-Fi, all while maintaining its connection to the surrounding woodland.
Guests can enjoy the private terrace overlooking the wooded valley, take walks in the secluded 3-acre woodland, or simply relax in the peaceful atmosphere of this ancient dwelling. The Rockhouse provides a rare chance to experience a form of habitation that has been used by humans for thousands of years, with all the comforts of the 21st century.
Malator Earth House in Pembrokeshire coast national park
While technically in Wales, the Malator Earth House deserves mention for its innovative design and stunning location. Often referred to as the "Teletubby house" due to its grass-covered roof, this eco-friendly dwelling is built into the side of a hill overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast.
The house features a glass front that offers panoramic views of the sea, while the rear of the property is embedded in the hillside, providing natural insulation. Inside, the open-plan living space is modern and comfortable, with a central fireplace and quirky, colorful furnishings. Staying here offers a unique blend of futuristic design and harmony with the natural landscape.
Floating accommodations on rivers and lakes
England's network of rivers, canals, and lakes provides the perfect setting for unique floating accommodations. From luxury houseboats to quirky floating pods, these stays offer a tranquil water-based experience in both urban and rural settings.
The boathouse London on Regent's Canal
The Boathouse London offers a luxurious floating hotel experience on Regent's Canal. This beautifully designed widebeam canal boat combines the charm of a traditional narrowboat with the amenities of a boutique hotel. Moored in a peaceful location near Little Venice, it provides easy access to central London while offering a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
The interior features a stylish open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a comfortable bedroom. Large windows and a roof terrace allow guests to enjoy views of the canal and the surrounding area. It's an ideal choice for those looking to experience London from a unique perspective.
Riverbank glamping pods at Lee Valley
For a more nature-oriented experience, the Lee Valley Regional Park offers unique floating glamping pods. These cozy pods are moored on the riverbank, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Each pod is equipped with comfortable beds, heating, and electrical outlets, offering a perfect blend of camping and comfort.
Guests can enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the small deck attached to each pod. The location in Lee Valley provides easy access to both natural attractions and the amenities of nearby London, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Loch Tay's luxury floating cabins in Scotland
While not in England, the luxury floating cabins on Loch Tay in Scotland are worth mentioning for their unique design and stunning location. These eco-friendly cabins are built on a floating platform, offering uninterrupted views of the loch and surrounding mountains.
Each cabin features floor-to-ceiling windows, a private hot tub, and a fully equipped kitchen. The interiors are modern and comfortable, with Scandinavian-inspired design. Guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply watching the changing light on the water from their private deck.
Repurposed transport vehicles as unique lodgings
England's creative hospitality sector has found innovative ways to repurpose various modes of transport into unique accommodations. From sea forts to helicopters, these unusual stays offer a blend of nostalgia and novelty.
Spitbank fort sea hotel in Portsmouth
Spitbank Fort, one of several sea forts built in the 1860s to defend against French invasion, has been transformed into a luxury hotel in the middle of the Solent. Accessible only by boat, this circular fort offers a truly unique stay with panoramic sea views.
The fort features nine luxurious suites, each retaining elements of the structure's military history while offering modern comforts. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a rooftop hot pool, sauna, and wine cellar. The fort's isolation and 360-degree views of the sea create an unparalleled sense of escape and exclusivity.
Helicopter glamping at mains farm, Stirling
While located in Scotland, the helicopter glamping experience at Mains Farm near Stirling is too unique to omit. A decommissioned Royal Navy ZA127 Sea King helicopter has been converted into quirky glamping accommodation. The interior has been completely redesigned to include a sleeping area, mini-kitchen, and seating area, while retaining many original features.
Guests can sit in the cockpit, play with some of the aircraft's original controls, and enjoy views over the Carse of Stirling. It's an ideal stay for aviation enthusiasts or anyone looking for an unusual countryside retreat.
The old Railway Station in Petworth, west Sussex
The Old Railway Station in Petworth offers guests the chance to stay in beautifully restored Pullman railway carriages. This former country railway station has been converted into a charming bed and breakfast, with additional accommodation provided in four stationary Pullman carriages on the platform.
Each carriage has been lovingly restored to reflect the golden age of rail travel, with polished wood interiors, brass fittings, and period details. Modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay, while the unique setting allows guests to step back in time. The station's waiting room now serves as a breakfast room, completing the nostalgic railway experience.
England's diverse range of unique accommodations offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of historic castles, the tranquility of treehouses, the romance of lighthouses, the mystery of underground dwellings, the serenity of floating homes, or the novelty of repurposed vehicles, you're sure to find a stay that will make your trip unforgettable. These unusual lodgings do more than provide a place to sleep; they become an integral part of your travel experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.