Published on Feb 22, 2025 5 min read

Discover the Most Unique and Unusual Hotels Across the UK

Advertisement

The United Kingdom has many amazing and unusual hotels that provide unique experiences for travellers looking for more than a typical hotel stay. These unique hotels, like treehouses in Scottish woods and a converted jail in Wales, provide fun and different experiences for guests.

Whether you love adventure or want a unique place to relax, the UK has some of the most interesting and unforgettable places to stay. Let's take a look at some of the best options.

Stay in a Historic Windmill at The Windmill Hotel (England)

For a unique and charming experience, consider staying at The Windmill Hotel in Norfolk, England. This hotel is housed in a converted windmill, which has been carefully restored to retain its historical charm while offering modern comfort. The windmill's upper floors offer a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing and peaceful getaway.

The rooms are cozy and offer a quaint, rustic feel, making them a great option for anyone looking to experience something a little different. The Windmill Hotel is a perfect mix of history, charm, and comfort.

Stay in the Lighthouse at The Old Lighthouse (Wales)

A special place to stay in the UK is The Old Lighthouse in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This converted lighthouse is a peaceful and lovely place to relax, offering great views of the coast. Staying in a lighthouse lets you relax and enjoy the sea's beauty with modern comforts.

The lighthouse has been turned into a small hotel with well-decorated rooms, including some in the tower. The rural area is perfect for stargazing, beach walks, and finding local animals. It's a good choice if you're looking for a peaceful vacation by the sea.

Sleep Among the Trees at The Treehouse Hotel (Scotland)

For a truly unique experience, book a stay at The Treehouse Hotel in the Scottish Highlands. This hotel consists of multiple luxury treehouses located deep in the forest, offering guests a peaceful getaway that feels like a true escape from everyday life. Each treehouse is built high above the ground, giving you the feeling of living on the treetops.

The Treehouse Hotel is not just about being in nature; it also offers modern amenities like ensuite bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, and even hot tubs on some of the properties. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who still wants the comfort of luxury, staying in one of these treehouses will give you the best of both worlds.

Experience Royalty at Thornbury Castle Hotel (England)

If you've ever dreamed of living like royalty, Thornbury Castle Hotel in Gloucestershire, England, is the perfect place for you. This castle is now a hotel and offers a truly royal experience. Guests can sleep in rooms that were once part of the grand Tudor castle, surrounded by tapestries, antique furniture, and large open fireplaces.

Staying at Thornbury Castle feels like stepping into history, and guests can enjoy an authentic experience with medieval-style feasts, large banquet halls, and even a chance to walk around the castle grounds. The hotel's romantic atmosphere and stunning setting make it a top choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in British history and luxury.

Stay in a Converted Prison at The Malmaison Hotel (Oxford)

For an unforgettable, slightly eerie experience, consider staying at The Malmaison Hotel in Oxford, which was once a prison. The hotel is housed in a former Victorian prison, and some of the original features—such as the iron bars on the windows and the original cell doors—have been preserved, giving guests a true sense of being behind bars, albeit more comfortably and luxuriously.

Rooms here offer modern amenities and stylish interiors, and the building itself provides a fascinating history. You can even book a guided tour of the old prison while staying at the hotel to learn more about its past. The unique combination of history and luxury makes this a memorable place to stay.

Sleep Inside a Converted Airplane at Aero Hotel (England)

Another unusual option for those who love aviation is Aero Hotel, located in a converted Boeing 727 airplane. This extraordinary hotel, located in the English countryside, offers guests a chance to sleep inside an aircraft that has been transformed into a fully functional hotel room. The airplane is surrounded by a peaceful landscape, allowing you to relax in a unique setting while enjoying the comfort of modern amenities.

Rooms in the airplane feature plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, and even a small kitchenette, providing everything you need for a comfortable stay. For aviation lovers, this is one of the most unusual and memorable hotels in the UK.

Experience a Floating Hotel at The Floating Hotel (England)

For those seeking a stay that is literally "on the water," consider The Floating Hotel located in Falmouth, Cornwall. This floating hotel is a luxurious vessel moored in the harbor, offering an amazing view of the water and the surrounding landscape. Staying on a boat provides a unique experience, as you can enjoy the gentle sway of the ocean while surrounded by luxury.

The rooms are designed with comfort in mind, offering guests an unforgettable stay with modern features like king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, and large windows that let in natural light and offer stunning views of the harbor.

Conclusion

The UK offers a variety of unusual hotels that provide travelers with unique and memorable experiences. Whether you're looking to sleep in a treehouse, a former prison, or even a floating hotel, these accommodations offer something out of the ordinary for anyone seeking a distinctive getaway. By choosing one of these unusual stays, you'll not only enjoy the beauty of the UK, but you'll also create lasting memories that go beyond the usual hotel experience.

Advertisement