If there is one country where I found a lot of quirky and fabulous places to stay it's in England. I look forward to my next trip there where I plan to explore the Northern coast of the Bristol Channel and head north to the Snowdonia National Park.
In my research on places to stay I found that England has the most unique ones per capita in the whole world! Kudos to you British innovators! I am extremely impressed and look forward to explore your country more!
1. The Enchanted Faraway Tree, Kent.
This captivating hideaway boasts a one-of-a-kind treehouse pod, complete with glass-domed ceiling, soft blankets and plush cushions, where you can fall asleep under the stars and wake up refreshed beneath a canopy of fluttering leaves. Pootle back down the paddle stairs and you’ll find a cute mini cooking range ready to fire up for breakfast. There’s a log burner too to keep you cosy and the comforting back-up of central heating (so reconnecting with Mother Nature is an absolute breeze). The magic continues outside in the secluded garden with a twin open-air shower to get you ready for the day and a wood-fired hot tub to help you unwind at the end of it. There’s a BBQ for dining alfresco too plus a fire pit for toasting marshmallows as you toast your own good fortune for finding such a brilliant bolt hole.
2. Wolf Wood Treehouses, Bratton Clovelly, Devon.
The ultimate combination of luxury and wilderness – Wolf Wood Treehouses are located in the heart of a secluded 13-acre woodland in a hidden valley, to the North of Dartmoor and just outside the pretty Devon village of Bratton Clovelly. There are currently three treehouses by the names of Black Wolf, Stargazer, and the Lookout, all beautiful, and worth every penny with fairy tale shabby chic flair.
There are a number of picnic and barbecue areas dotted around the woodland so you can while away an evening sitting by the fire as night closes in.
The small river that meanders along the bottom of the valley is a great place to dip your toes, skim stones and watch the birds – keep an eye out for the kingfisher. If ours are anything to go by, it’s also a great place for the children to build bridges, dams and dens, or even take a little dip.
3. Owls Lookout at North Hill Farm, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire.
A perfect base for Harry Potter Studios and other Greater London attractions or just relax and enjoy the country setting. North Hill Farm offers a use of Frisbee golf course on site. For those looking for that extra special time, there is a beauty salon in the main B&B, with many treatments and pampering sessions available to book.
4. The Lost Meadow Treepod, Cornwall.
Staying at Lost Meadow Treepod means quite literally living in the forest for a couple of days, thanks to your suspended bedroom that hangs among the branches. It’s a wild experience, feeling the gentle movement of the small, dark space and curling up in sleeping bags when the chill of surrounding night air kicks in. In the morning you climb down the steps and head through the woods to the loo, shower and water point. It’s a few minutes away, but if you tread quietly you might see the deer out grazing as you go or kingfishers hunting on the stream that runs right past the treepod. Below the tent is a kitchen hut and a fire circle with a grate, so you can get adventurous with breakfast if you like, or just make a quick cup of coffee and get going with a day exploring Cornwall.
5. Star Castle Hotel, Hugh Town, Isles Of Scilly.
Located on St Mary's, the largest island in the Isles of Scilly archipelago, Star Castle Hotel is just a short 5-minute walk from Hugh Town. Nestled on the Garrison, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi for all guests, a heated indoor swimming pool, complimentary golf and tennis.
In the mornings a breakfast buffet is available in the restaurant, as well as an a la carte cooked breakfast. Evening meals are also available with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood from 2 to 5-course menu options each evening which change on a daily basis.
Guests can retreat to the dungeon bar before or after dinner for a Scillonian real ale and a wide variety of wines and spirits.
6. The Island, Newquay, Cornwall.
Private islands don’t get more private than this. The Island, dramatically set in the sea above Newquay’s Towan Beach, is approached by a private suspension footbridge, has swaying palm trees and even comes with its own flag that guests can raise. As well as the breathtaking setting and panoramic views of the Atlantic, the interiors are pretty swish: it sleeps six in spacious bedrooms, with all the mod cons and stylish interiors. It even has a bar and games room.
7. The Boathouse at Storrs Hall Hotel, Newby Bridge Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria.
If you want a retreat in the heart of nature, book a stay at The Boathouse at Storrs Hall. Set in the Lake District, you’ll stay right on the shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy great views across the water in a private woodland setting. If you’re not the glamping type, you’ll like the contemporary interiors, with a huge spa shower and steam room, underfloor heating and an iPad-controlled mood-lighting and sound system. There’s also a hot tub, fire pit and even Hunter wellies for wet days out.
Nant, which means brook or spring in welsh and refers to the small brook that runs past this cottage, is a two bedroom self catering barn conversion in Dyffryn Ardudwy. Its difficult for me to be objective when describing Nant as its the larger of the two self catering cottages that we let out ourselves here on the farm. But I hope you'll agree when I say they're nicely furnished and decorated.
Champing (TM), coined by the Churches Conservation Trust, or Church camping is the newest hot trend in traveling England and the whole of UK actually. There is nothing short of a pleasurable and spritual stay! Enjoy an exclusive Champing™ stay at historic listed St Peter's Church, the only surviving building of the long-gone village of Wolfhampcote in rural Warwickshire.
10. Black Moon, St. Ives, Cornwall.
Indulge in windswept decadence and panoramic views of St Ives Bay from this opulent retreat by the sea with outstanding ocean views. Black Moon is a holiday home primed for pure indulgence of every sense.
Perfectly situated on Cornwall's secluded Bamaluz Beach, the open plan living area comes complete with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open out to St. Ives Bay, showcasing truly magnificent panoramic views of the sea and the renowned Gwithian lighthouse.
*I couldn't find a video of Black Moon but here's a recent video of St. Ives from the first week of April, 2020.