Unique UK Stays
Discover Nine Unique Places to Stay Across the UK, From Castles to Private Islands
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Millions of Brits are skipping foreign holidays and exploring their own backyard, driven by rising flight costs, weather uncertainty, and travel disruption. To meet growing demand, holidaycottages.com has ranked the UK's most extraordinary places to stay — and the list goes far beyond your average B&B, according to Cheshire Live.
From a private island to a converted double-decker bus, the nine shortlisted properties span England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each holds a five-star rating and offers something genuinely unusual — no bland hotel rooms in sight.
Castles, Chapels and a 16th-Century Ruin
History lovers are well catered for on the list. The Pink Castle in Largs, Scotland, is one standout — a fairytale-style property bookable through Rural Retreats, according to Glasgow Live. It sleeps multiple guests and comes with sweeping views of the Firth of Clyde.
Also featured is a restored 16th-century ruin in Yorkshire, brought back to life as a luxury holiday let. A Gate Lodge in Shropshire rounds out the historic options — a compact but characterful property that once guarded the entrance to a grand estate, Coventry Telegraph reported.
Windmills, Towers and a Double-Decker Bus
For travellers who want something truly offbeat, the list includes windmills and towers converted into self-catering accommodation. These properties are listed on both Airbnb and Rural Retreats, giving guests a range of booking options, according to Lancashire Live.
Perhaps the most eye-catching entry is a converted double-decker bus in Cornwall. The bus has been fitted out as a cosy holiday retreat, with all the comforts you would expect from a five-star let. Cornwall Live noted it is one of the most-shared listings on the entire holidaycottages.com platform.
A Shipping Container and a Private Island
Northern Ireland also makes the list. A shipping container in Donaghadee has been transformed into a stylish, minimalist retreat. The property sits close to the water and has earned five-star reviews for its design and location, according to Daily Post.
The most dramatic entry is a private island — the kind of stay usually reserved for millionaires. Available as a holiday let, it offers complete seclusion and is accessible only by boat. Lincolnshire Live described it as the ultimate escape for anyone wanting to truly get away from it all.
Why Staycations Are Booming Across the UK
The rise of unusual UK stays reflects a broader shift in how Brits take their holidays. Flight disruption, higher airfares, and unpredictable foreign weather have pushed more people to book at home. Demand for unique, five-star properties has grown sharply as a result, Somerset Live reported.
West View in County Durham also features on the list — a rural escape that proves the northeast of England is no longer overlooked by holidaymakers. With nine distinct properties now ranked, holidaycottages.com says the variety shows just how creative UK accommodation has become, according to Cambridge News.
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