UK Staycations
Months of lockdown has left us craving a travel getaway, and with the possibility of a spring staycation on the horizon, now is the time to get planning. To immerse yourself in the beautiful British landscape, consider opting for something a bit more special. From a lighthouse in Cornwall to a converted wagon in a Herefordshire field with an outdoor hot tub, the UK is full of unique gems with incomparable views. Here, we’ve rounded up the quirkiest staycations to book across the UK.
Unique Staycations
Scilly Isles Shepherd’s Hut
Isle of St Mary’s
Situated in a private verbant garden on the Isle of St Mary’s, the largest of the Scilly Isles, this romantic shepherd’s hut is one makes for an enchanting escapes. During warm spring or summer days, you can relax in the hammock and enjoy lunch on the picnic table, while in the evening, you can curl up in front of the wood burning stove and have dinner in the cosy dining nook before calling it a night in the plush double bed.
Ancient Castle above the River Tweed,
Scottish Borders
A suite of rooms in Neidpath Castle, a dramatic, historic castle where Mary Queen of Scot’s once stayed, this might be one of the romantic getaways in the Scottish Borders. The suite of rooms includes an elegant private living room with roaring fireplace, an elegant dining area and large bedroom with antique four poster bed. Comfortable and luxurious, staying in the rooms also allows you to explore the rest of the castle at your leisure.
Hinterlands Converted Bus,
Cumbria
Tucked in a remote corner of the Lake District, this converted school bus, with a VW camper bedroom on the roof, was previously travelling across America before semi-permanently settling in Hinterlands National Park. Moved every few weeks, the bus allows you to truly disappear into nature, but with the benefits of an Aga, hot shower, cosy bedroom and even a private wood-fired hot tub. Original details such as the driver’s door sit alongside modern conveniences including WiFi and an impressive sound system.
Galaxy Wagon,
Herefordshire
This old wagon may look rustic from the outside, but within its wooden frames are bright, cosy furnishings, complete with a wood burning stove for cool evenings. From the worn leather to the soft double bed tucked into its own section, the wagon is the perfect place to relax and recharge. With sprawling views across the Herefordshire countryside, the wagon is named for its stunning night skies, which you can enjoy from the deck or alfresco hot tub.
Buck’s Coppice Cabin,
Dorset
A taste of Scandi style in the middle of Dorset, this striking country cabin is buried in the Dorset woodland and sits right on the edge of a private lake that you can dive right into. Sat in the middle of a Site of Scientific Interest with sliding doors opening right onto the lakeside deck, the minimalist, stylish cottage is sometimes visited by deer and otters. Inside, the interiors are tranquil and understated, but with top quality fittings, including the chef-worthy kitchen.
Sally Port Lighthouse Cottage,
Cornwall
Sitting on the furthest point of Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, this converted lighthouse was the location for the 1980s children’s television programme Fraggle Rock. Now, the lighthouse’s Sally Port Cottage has been converted into a cosy getaway with incomparable sea views, just steps from the beach. Be warned — the lighthouse is a working one with an electronic fog signal, so earplugs are provided to help guard against the noise.
The Woodsman’s Treehouse,
Dorset
A far cry from childhood treehouses, this rustic-meets-contemporary cabin up in the trees comes complete with hot tub, sauna and outdoor shower. Totally secluded, the sustainably built treehouse is a relaxing haven, with a huge bed, leather armchairs and indulgent bathtub tucked inside the textured wood cabin. While the deck is fitted with the grown-up treats, which also include a woodfired pizza oven and BBQ for outdoor cooking, there’s also a slide to satisfy your inner child.
The Harpy Houseboat,
London
For a London staycation, this houseboat offers views that even the most seasoned Londoner will not have experienced at any hotel. From the cosy bed or wraparound deck, you can take in uninterrupted, postcard views of Tower Bridge, the iconic London landmark. Spread over two decks, the four cabin houseboat blends the traditional with the modern, with antique furniture paired with top tier amenities including a Sonos/Bose sound system.
