Looking for an unforgettable stay in the UK? I’ve handpicked 16 incredible Airbnbs that range from charming cottages to grand castles, each with its own unique vibe and cozy touches. Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside escape in the Cotswolds, a stone cottage in the Scottish Highlands, or a full-on castle experience in Wales, this list has something for every style and mood. From roaring fireplaces to breathtaking views, each stay offers the perfect blend of history, comfort, and charm. Ready to live like royalty or retreat to a cozy cottage? These UK gems are calling your name!
The Coolest Airbnbs in the UK: Top Vacation Rentals in 2025
Here are the best Airbnbs in the UK by category, taking into account different amenities, trip types, and budgets. The subsequent sections will cover each listing in more detail.
- Top Airbnb in the UK: Skypod Tiny House Rental
- Best Luxury Vacation Rental UK: Leicester Square London Penthouse
- Top Romantic Airbnb in the UK: Glamping Pod with a View
- Best UK Airbnb for Large Groups: Tower Bridge Home on the River Thames
- Coolest Cheap Airbnb in the United Kingdom: Incredible Castle in Wales
- Best Castle Airbnb in the UK: Balintore Castle Rental
- Best United Kingdom Airbnb with a View: Lighthouse Rental in Scotland
- Most Unique Airbnb in the UK: London Houseboat Rental
16 Best Airbnbs in the UK
If romantic condos, houses for rent, and luxury vacation rentals in the UK all sound good to you, get excited! Below are some of the most unique stays in the UK.
1. The Harpy Houseboat
- 📍 Location: Greater London, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $1,269/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 10 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Iconic Tower Bridge views, historic 1904 Customs House
- 🌟 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👧👦, design lovers 🎨, history buffs 📜, luxury travelers ✨
There’s staying in London, and then there’s staying on London. This 1904 customs houseboat, now a four-bedroom floating home, lets you wake up to Tower Bridge views from your bed. It’s like living in a postcard, but with a soaking tub, Sonos speakers, and a kitchen stocked better than most city flats.
Inside, you’ll find vintage 1920s Heal’s oak furniture, quirky art, and plush linens. All cabins are above deck, so everyone gets river views. Outside, the massive teak deck is perfect for dining al fresco while boats drift by.
When you’re ready to explore, wander over to Borough Market for fresh pastries or grab cocktails at Nine Lives in Bermondsey. I always recommend a riverside stroll along Butler’s Wharf at sunset, it’s just around the corner.
2. Castle Combe Cottage
- 📍 Location: Castle Combe, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $440/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 4 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Grade II listed, riverside garden, wood-burning stove
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples 💑, small families 👨👩👧, countryside lovers 🌳, race fans 🏁
I couldn’t write a list of the best UK Airbnbs without including this charming Castle Combe cottage. It’s a two-bedroom Grade II listed gem full of character and nestled right in one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful villages.
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The living room features a cozy wood-burning stove, perfect for chilly evenings. The modern kitchen has everything you need to cook up a storm, and the bedrooms come with comfy beds and crisp linens. The private garden, complete with a Weber BBQ and pretty views, is ideal for relaxing afternoons.
I always stop at The Villager for a pint and some hearty food, just a quick drive away. Don’t miss a walk along the By Brook or a spin around the nearby Castle Combe race circuit if you’re feeling adventurous!
3. Door to the Shore
- 📍 Location: Pitullie, Scotland
- 💵 Price Per Night: $175/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 2 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Upturned boat-style eco pod, underfloor heating, fire pit
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples 💑, glamping lovers ⛺, stargazers ✨, coastal adventurers 🌊
I can’t recommend “Door to the Shore” enough if you want a unique stay on Scotland’s northeast coast. This eco-friendly pod, shaped like an upturned boat, blends rustic charm with modern luxury.
The pod features underfloor heating, a kitchenette, and cozy bedding made for two. A wet room and smart technology add a comfortable, modern touch. Step out onto the balcony for unbeatable views of Craighaven harbour, just steps from the water.
When you visit, explore Fraserburgh Heritage Centre and enjoy a peaceful walk at New Aberdour Beach. I always stop by the local café for coffee before heading out to dive or watch the Northern Lights come alive.
4. Caverswall Castle Retreat
- 📍 Location: Caverswall, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $272/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 26 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Grade 1 listed castle, castle turrets with kitchenettes, billiards room
- 🌟 Perfect For: Large groups 👫, family celebrations 🎉, history lovers 📜, and castle enthusiasts 🏰
If you want a true castle experience, this Staffordshire gem won’t disappoint. With centuries of history and Grade 1 listed status, it’s packed with character and charm.
The castle sleeps up to 26 guests across 9 bedrooms, offering grand rooms and cozy turrets with kitchenettes. You’ll also find a billiards room, lounge, and a spacious dining area perfect for group gatherings. Outside, the courtyard gardens and moat create a magical setting.
Be sure to visit Alton Towers for thrilling rides, or explore the charming village of Caverswall just a short walk from the castle. For a bite, local pubs nearby offer hearty Staffordshire fare worth trying.
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5. Elm Park Barn
- 📍 Location: Keynsham, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $292/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 4 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private indoor heated pool, exclusive hot tub, valley views
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples 💕, spa lovers 🧖♀️, city explorers 🚗
When you want to split the difference between Bath and Bristol, this barn conversion with its own heated pool and hot tub hits the sweet spot. Two bedrooms sleep 4 comfortably, while the star attractions are outdoors: a large heated swimming pool, private hot tub, and stunning valley views from three different seating areas.
Superhost Gillie greets you with fizz and cake, then you can walk 30 minutes through Chew Valley to the village pub in Compton Dando for dinner. The cottage works brilliantly as a base for exploring both cities via park-and-ride buses, but honestly, you might not want to leave.
Bath is just 20 minutes away and a great spot for the Christmas Market. Bristol is 6 miles away with easy bus access to the SS Great Britain and M Shed. For day trips, I recommend Wells Cathedral and Westonbirt Arboretum in the Cotswolds.
6. Sunridge Cube 2
- 📍 Location: Plymouth, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $283/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 4 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private hot tub, 4-meter 3D home cinema, lofted ceilings, skylight
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples 💑, movie lovers 🎬, tech enthusiasts 💻, and romantic getaways 💖
Forget what you know about glamping, this futuristic cube redefines it. A 4-meter cinema screen with Dolby Atmos and Xbox One makes movie nights epic. Plus, the lofted king bed sits above 3-meter-high ceilings with a skylight for stargazing.
The cube’s grey composite exterior opens to a surprisingly spacious interior with a modern kitchen, Weber BBQ on the deck, and a private hot tub. Friendly squirrels often drop by from the surrounding trees, and the Nespresso machine keeps you caffeinated between hot tub soaks.
You’re perfectly positioned for Salcombe Coast beaches and Dartmoor National Park adventures. I often suggest visiting Dartmoor for hiking adventures and Salcombe town for waterfront dining and boutique shopping.
7. Cozy Luxury Cottage
- 📍 Location: Isleornsay, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $893/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 6 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private island, 4 king bedrooms with en suites, boat-only access
- 🌟 Perfect For: Adventurers 🧭, couples & friends 🍷, nature lovers 🦭
If you’re dreaming of a truly unique Skye getaway, this private island cottage is it. Four king bedrooms with en suites, a bright living room, and a kitchen overlooking Isleornsay Village make it a perfect retreat for families or friends. You’ll love the peaceful setting and stunning ocean views.
Wildlife lovers will find plenty to admire, from seals to seabirds right outside your window. Access involves a short boat ride and a rocky shoreline walk, so pack light and get ready for adventure.
For a taste of local life, stop by the Am Praban pub just across the shore. The nearby Duisdale Hotel serves up excellent meals too. Whether you’re exploring or relaxing, this spot is a rare find on Skye.
8. Gothic Folly
- 📍 Location: Honiton, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $1,300/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 16 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Moroccan indoor heated pool, rooftop hot tub with panoramic views
- 🌟 Perfect For: Large families 🎉, celebrations 🎂, groups who love unique stays and coastal adventures 🌊
If you’re planning a big family gathering or celebration, this hilltop Fort in East Devon should be on your list. It sleeps 16 across eight bedrooms and combines farmhouse comfort with castle-style quirks. The Moroccan-inspired indoor heated pool and rooftop hot tub are perfect for relaxing after a day exploring.
Inside, the giant kitchen table is a natural hub for meals and laughs, while cozy lounges invite you to unwind by the log fire. The eclectic decor offers plenty of surprises and charm throughout the house.
The Jurassic Coast is less than 30 minutes away, with seaside towns like Seaton, Lyme Regis, and Beer close by. Be sure to stop by Otter Brewery for a pint and enjoy a meal at the fantastic local pub in Seaton to experience the best of the region.
9. The Hunting Tower
- 📍 Location: Chatsworth, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $503/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 4 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: 16th-century tower, panoramic views, historic spiral staircase
- 🌟 Perfect For: History lovers 🏰, romantic getaways 💫, nature walkers 🌿
I had to include The Hunting Tower on this list. This unique 16th-century building sits high above Chatsworth House, offering stunning park views and a real sense of history with its spiral staircase and castle vibes.
The tower has two bedrooms and a compact but well-equipped kitchen and living area. It’s ideal for couples or small groups looking for a quiet, historic getaway. Keep in mind, the staircase makes it better for older kids and adults.
When you’re here, don’t miss wandering the Chatsworth House Labyrinth just a 9-minute walk away or grabbing a bite in the nearby village of Edensor, where local pubs serve up hearty fare with a view.
10. Balintore Castle Kitchen Wing
- 📍 Location: Angus, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $489/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 6 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Restored castle kitchen wing, vaulted ceilings, resident chef
- 🌟 Perfect For: History buffs 🏰, romantics ❤️, heritage travelers 🧳, off-grid adventurers 🌿
You know that childhood dream of staying in a real castle? This 1860 Scottish fortress makes it happen, complete with a passionate Highland Laird host who’s been restoring it since 2007. The kitchen wing sleeps 6 across three bedrooms with full self-catering facilities, plus resident chef Ryan can prepare meals in the castle restaurant.
David the owner gives fascinating tours of the ongoing restoration, sharing stories about bringing this “crumbly round the edges” castle back to life. Fair warning: you’ll drive on rough single-track roads to reach it, but that only adds to the authentic Highland experience.
Glamis Castle is 10 miles away for more castle exploring, and Glenshee skiing is 25 miles away. I always recommend dinner at Airlie Arms in Kirriemuir or Armstrong’s Bar & Restaurant in Glamis. The Drovers Inn in Memus serves excellent traditional Scottish fare.
- Read next: Best Airbnb Rentals in Scotland
11. Stunning Shepherd’s Hut
- 📍 Location: Gwynedd, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $192/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 2 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Sea and mountain views, private hot tub, fire pit, fenced yard
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples 💑, solo adventurers 🌿, nature lovers 🌊
After a day conquering Snowdon, soaking in a hot tub overlooking the sea and mountains feels like the ultimate reward. This cozy shepherd’s hut on Carol and Ned’s 25-acre smallholding comes with friendly farm animals, complimentary marshmallows for the fire pit, and fresh eggs from their chickens.
The compact but well-equipped space includes a kitchenette, shower, and balcony for alfresco dining. It’s perfect for couples, with an electric hot tub that heats instantly and a fire pit stocked with all the wood you need.
You’re just 45 minutes from Snowdon, 30 minutes from Cader Idris, and 25 minutes from Portmeirion, the charming Italian village. For thrill-seekers, Zip World and Bounce Below adventures are close by too.
12. Stargazer Glamping
- 📍 Location: Ross-on-Wye, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $433/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 8 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: 65m² Lotus Mahal tent, private wood-fired hot tub
- 🌟 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👧👦, luxury campers ✨, nature lovers 🌿, group getaways 🎉
I couldn’t leave Stargazer Glamping off this list of standout UK stays. Located in the stunning Wye Valley on the Herefordshire border, this spot blends boutique luxury with a playful, nature-filled vibe. The huge Lotus Belle Mahal tent sleeps eight across four bedrooms and feels more like a stylish country-house hotel than a typical glamping site.
Inside, you’ll find cozy beds, soft robes, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. The wood-fired hot tub and giant fire bowl make evenings magical, while hammocks and day beds invite you to unwind. It’s perfect for families or groups craving fresh air and comfort.
Nearby, explore Goodrich Castle, sip cider at Westons Cider Mills, or try outdoor fun at Symonds Yat West Leisure Park. I always grab a pizza from the communal oven and relax by the honesty bar, which is a highlight every time!
13. Boutique Studio Escape Pod
- 📍 Location: Beer, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $174/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 2 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Walk to the beach, private garden setting, full kitchenette
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples 💑, beach lovers 🏖️, weekend escapes 🌿
Sometimes the best getaways come in small packages, and this boutique studio pod in historic Beer proves that point perfectly. The compact but well-designed space includes a full kitchenette, shower suite, and smart TV, plus you get free parking right next to the pod.
Louise, your host, lives nearby and is brilliant at local recommendations. The pod sits at the bottom of her garden with views over fields and fishing boats, giving you privacy while keeping help close by. It’s ideal for couples wanting a proper retreat without the fuss.
Beer Beach is a 5-minute walk (10 minutes back up the hill!), featuring a fresh fish shop and boat rentals. The fishing boat owner lives next door, making trip planning simple. Branscombe Beach is a 5-minute drive, while Seaton Tramway is just 3 minutes away for scenic coastal rides.
14. Luxury Country Cottage
- 📍 Location: Whitby, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $526/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 12 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: 1800s flour mill, stream through grounds, 5 ensuite bedrooms
- 🌟 Perfect For: Large families 👨👩👧👦, group celebrations 🎉, history enthusiasts 🏛️
Multi-generational trips can be tricky with bathrooms, but this converted 1800s flour mill nails it with five ensuite bedrooms across three floors plus an annexe. Restored millstone beams and an inglenook fireplace with wood stove highlight its industrial past, while a stream winds through the 3/4-acre grounds adding charm.
The formal dining room seats 12 comfortably, and there’s a snug/library with Nintendo Switch and iMac for quieter moments. The secluded gardens include covered outdoor dining and parking for 5 cars, making it brilliant for large group getaways.
You can walk to Whitby Harbour along the Cinder Track, or drive 5 minutes to Whitby Beach and Whitby Abbey. I’m a big fan of the fish and chips at Magpie Cafe on the harbor, and The Station Inn in nearby Whitby is great for Yorkshire ales and hearty pub food.
15. Cozy Modern House
- 📍 Location: Belfast, UK
- 💵 Price Per Night: $254/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 4 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private 6-seater hot tub, arcade machine, complimentary mini-bar
- 🌟 Perfect For: Couples and small groups 🎉, hot tub lovers ♨️, city explorers 🌆
I couldn’t put together a list of Belfast stays without this hot-tub townhouse. It’s a modern twist on a classic shipyard worker’s home, packed with local memorabilia that adds real character.
Inside, you get two cozy bedrooms, a slick kitchen, and a private six-seat hot tub that’s perfect for relaxing after exploring the city. Plus, the retro arcade machine with over 600 games keeps things fun.
When I’m in town, I always grab coffee at Galloper’s just down the street and head to Basil’s for a tasty meal. If you love football, Crusaders’ Stadium is a quick walk away, adding a true local vibe!
16. Charming Peak District Cottage
- 📍 Location: High Peak, England
- 💵 Price Per Night: $990/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 16 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private indoor heated pool, panoramic Hope Valley views
- 🌟 Perfect For: Large families 👨👩👧👦, group celebrations 🎉, multi-generational trips 🏊♂️
Large group holidays usually mean compromising on something, but these two connecting Peak District cottages with their own heated indoor pool change that equation entirely. Eight bedrooms sleep 16 across both properties, with an adjoining door on the top floor for easy mingling, plus panoramic views over Hope Valley and Castleton.
The private indoor pool is the star feature (kids never want to leave!), while the large garden and multiple living spaces give everyone room to spread out. Sophie the host is brilliant and always available for local tips.
I always recommend the Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill and a trip to Ladybower Reservoir for stunning views. Take a stroll down to Hope Village to enjoy the local pubs and shops, but be ready for the uphill walk back.
Coolest Airbnbs in UK: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Have you ever stayed in a unique vacation rental in the UK? Let me know in the comments or on Insta, as I’m always looking to add to this round-up of the best UK Airbnb rentals!
Looking for more unique destinations in Europe? Check out these places:
– Top Airbnb Accommodations in Scotland
– Best Vacation Rentals in Ireland
– Coolest Airbnb Stays in Europe
– Most Unique Hidden Gems in Europe
– Top Airbnbs in the South of France
– Best Airbnb Stays in Switzerland
– Top Unique Vacation Rentals in the World
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