England took my breath away with its hotel scene, and I’m not talking about fancy chains. On my last trip, I stayed in a converted lighthouse on the Devon coast where I fell asleep to crashing waves and woke up to seagulls practically tapping on my window. The owner served homemade scones every afternoon, and I’m still dreaming about that clotted cream.
The best places in England go way beyond your standard accommodations. From castle stays in Yorkshire, where I felt like actual royalty, to converted double-decker buses in the Lake District with views that made me gasp, these spots are destinations themselves. After traveling from Cornwall to Northumberland and everywhere in between, I’ve collected the most unusual, character-filled hotels that’ll make your English adventure something to brag about for years to come.
Best Unique Stays in England
Looking to discover unique places to stay in England? Beyond the typical accommodations, the country offers plenty of distinctive options waiting to be explored. Relax at Augill Castle, a charming retreat with historic elegance. Experience the adventure of Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, offering safari-style accommodations. Unwind on Burgh Island, known for its Art Deco hotel and stunning coastal views.
| Hotel | Neighborhood/Town | Best For | Hotel Prices | Walkability | Vibe |
| 1. Augill Castle | Cumbria’s Eden Valley | Families, Castle Experience | $$ | Moderate | Grand yet Homey, Countryside |
| 2. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve | Folkestone, Kent | Wildlife Enthusiasts, Families | $$ | High (within reserve) | Exotic, Safari-like |
| 3. Sunborn London Yacht Hotel | Royal Victoria Dock, London | Business Travelers, Luxury Seekers | $$ | High | Glamorous, Maritime |
| 4. Burgh Island | South Devon Coast | Mystery Fans, History Buffs | $$ | Low (tidal island) | Art Deco, Nostalgic |
| 5. Bodmin Jail Hotel | Bodmin, Cornwall | History Enthusiasts, Thrill Seekers | $$ | Moderate | Historic, Atmospheric |
| 6. Hard Days Night Hotel | Cavern Quarter, Liverpool | Beatles Fans, Urban Explorers | $$ | High | Musical, Sophisticated |
| 7. Malmaison Oxford | Central Oxford | History Buffs, Urban Explorers | $$ | High | Historic, Luxurious |
| 8. Nymetwood Treehouses | Dartmoor, Devon | Couples, Nature Lovers | $$ | Low | Secluded, Romantic |
| 9. The Millennium Tower | Deansgate, Manchester | Urban Sophisticates, Business Travelers | $$ | High | Modern, Urban |
| 10. Wagon in the Woods | Shropshire Countryside | Digital Detoxers, Nature Lovers | $ | Low | Rustic, Peaceful |
| 11. Belle Tout Lighthouse | Beachy Head, East Sussex | Coastal Enthusiasts, Photographers | $$ | Low | Dramatic, Panoramic |
| 12. Quarry Walk Park | Staffordshire | Adventure Seekers, Outdoor Enthusiasts | $ | Moderate | Active, Outdoorsy |
Whether you’re into history, adventure, or coastal charm, here are 12 of England’s most exceptional places to stay!
1. Augill Castle
Want to live like a lord without dealing with stuffy butlers or pretentious rules? Augill Castle in Cumbria’s Eden Valley delivers exactly that experience for around £212-249 per night. This Victorian castle sits perfectly between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, so you’re basically getting two national parks for the price of one stay.
The 13 individually designed rooms feature four-poster beds and claw-foot tubs, but what I loved most was the honor bar system where you mix your own cocktails. It’s like being a guest in someone’s incredibly fancy home rather than a formal hotel. The castle offers free WiFi and parking, plus there’s a tennis court and 15 acres of grounds to explore.
Recent guests consistently rave about the beds being ridiculously comfortable and the breakfast being exceptional. The communal dining experience happens Wednesday through Saturday (they serve light bites other nights), and it’s actually pretty fun meeting other guests. Penrith is just 15 minutes away for restaurants, while Kirkby Stephen offers charming market town vibes. I found the castle strikes that perfect balance between grandeur and homey comfort that’s honestly hard to find anywhere else.
2. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Craving an African safari but can’t handle the 8-hour flight with kids in tow? Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve near Folkestone delivers Kent’s most exotic overnight experience for around £350+ per night. You’ll wake up to lions roaring and rhinos grazing at this 600-acre reserve that’s home to over 900 animals.
The themed lodges are absolutely incredible – Lion Lodge puts you literally next to the pride with picture windows, while Tiger Lodge and Wolf Lodge offer equally thrilling encounters. Your stay includes golf buggy access to explore the reserve, daily safari tours, and entrance to both Port Lympne and Howletts Wild Animal Park. The Bear Lodge glamping is perfect for families, with 19 tents overlooking the countryside.
What makes this place special beyond the obvious animal factor is knowing your money supports real conservation work. I couldn’t believe watching giraffes from my private terrace as the sun came up – it felt surreal being in England. The Garden Room Restaurant serves excellent food using local Kent produce, and Canterbury and Dover Castle are both easy day trips. For families wanting something genuinely unforgettable, this creates memories that photos can’t even capture properly.
3. Sunborn London Yacht Hotel
Ever fantasized about yacht life but don’t have billionaire-level cash? Sunborn London yacht hotel in Royal Victoria Dock makes those dreams happen for around £132-245 per night. This gleaming 108-meter superyacht stays permanently moored, so you get all the glamour without seasickness.
The 138 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views of Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena. Executive rooms include private balconies that honestly make for killer Instagram content. The Sundown Bar transforms into one of East London’s most photogenic cocktail spots at sunset, while Lands End Restaurant serves excellent cuisine with trained sommeliers.
Located just minutes from ExCeL Centre and Custom House DLR Station, you’re incredibly well-connected to central London. I was impressed by how the yacht maintains that luxury yacht feel while offering hotel-level service. The Emirates Air Line cable car is right there for panoramic city views, and the emerging Docklands food scene gives you plenty of dinner options. Recent guests consistently mention the friendly staff and spacious rooms, though some note the yacht’s age (a newer one is apparently coming). For couples seeking London luxury with a unique twist, this delivers that superyacht lifestyle without the actual yacht ownership headaches.
4. Burgh Island
Ready for an Agatha Christie murder mystery experience without the actual murder? Burgh Island Hotel off Devon’s south coast transforms into your private Art Deco paradise twice daily when the tide cuts you off from the mainland. Rates start around £310+ per night for this genuinely iconic experience.
This gleaming white 1929 Art Deco landmark becomes completely isolated at high tide, accessible only by the quirky “sea tractor” – basically a Land Rover on stilts that drives through the waves. The 25 individually decorated rooms celebrate famous guests like Christie herself and Noel Coward, maintaining authentic 1930s glamour with period furniture and classic cocktails.
What I found magical about this place is how the isolation forces you to slow down and embrace the old-world pace. The Pilchard Inn dates back to 1336 and serves proper pub food, while the main hotel requires black tie for dinner twice a week. The natural Mermaid Pool offers sea swimming, and Bigbury-on-Sea beach stretches right outside. Salcombe and Dartmouth are easy drives for exploring South Devon’s coastal charm. This isn’t just accommodation – it’s like stepping into a time machine where mobile signals barely work and GPO Bakelite phones add to the authentic 1930s atmosphere.
- Read next: 12 Must-See Places in Devon, England
5. Bodmin Jail Hotel
What if your next hotel stay came with genuine ghost stories and a side of fascinating crime history? Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall transforms an 18th-century prison into luxury accommodations for around £259+ per night. This isn’t just clever marketing – you’re literally sleeping in beautifully converted cells where three original prison cells now create one spacious room.
The 70 boutique rooms maintain atmospheric stone walls and original architectural details while adding rainfall showers and Egyptian cotton bedding. I was honestly impressed by how they’ve preserved the jail’s haunting atmosphere without making it feel grim. The complimentary minibar is stocked with Cornish treats, plus there’s air conditioning (which I’m sure the original inmates would’ve appreciated).
Built in 1779 and closed in 1927, this place held everyone from petty thieves to murderers, and allegedly hosted the Crown Jewels during WWI. The Chapel Restaurant occupies the former prison chapel with its soaring Gothic ceiling, while the Champagne Bar sits where prisoners once met their fate. Bodmin Moor stretches right outside for hiking, while Padstow and the Eden Project make excellent day trips. The jail also runs paranormal tours if you’re brave enough to explore after dark.
6. Hard Days Night Hotel
Beatles fanatic whose partner thinks your obsession has gone too far? Hard Days Night Hotel in central Liverpool delivers sophisticated tribute to the Fab Four without crossing into cheesy territory. Rates start around £59-150 per night, making it surprisingly affordable for a Beatles-themed boutique experience.
This Grade II-listed Victorian building houses 110 individually designed rooms featuring unique Beatles artwork commissioned specifically for the hotel. Each room displays custom Fab Four artwork while maintaining genuine luxury with Hypnos beds and interactive LCD screens. The Lennon Suite includes a white grand piano and private balcony, while the McCartney Suite showcases Paul memorabilia with stunning Liverpool skyline views.
Located literally around the corner from the legendary Cavern Club, you’re in the heart of Liverpool’s Beatles Quarter. Albert Dock, Liverpool One, and Mathew Street are all within walking distance. The hotel’s Blakes Restaurant serves excellent modern British cuisine surrounded by original Beatles artwork, while Bar Four creates killer cocktails in stylish surroundings. I found the hotel strikes that perfect balance between honoring Liverpool’s musical heritage and delivering genuine boutique luxury – even Beatles skeptics would struggle to find better accommodation in the city center.
7. Malmaison Oxford
Want bragging rights for sleeping somewhere more rebellious than your most adventurous friends? Malmaison Oxford delivers exactly that experience, transforming a Victorian prison that housed inmates until 1996 into one of England’s most distinctive boutique hotels. Rates typically range £100-200+ per night for this genuinely unique Oxford experience.
The 95 rooms occupy converted cells where three former prison cells now create one spacious accommodation with luxurious bathrooms, mood lighting, and satellite TV. Original cell doors, barred windows, and thick walls maintain the authentic prison atmosphere while adding contemporary comfort you definitely won’t complain about. The preserved central walkways with wrought-iron stairs create an atmospheric three-story atrium that’s perfect for dramatic Instagram shots.
Located in Oxford’s city center, you’re literally minutes from Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and other architectural marvels of this university city. The Chez Mal Brasserie occupies the former solitary confinement wing (how’s that for dinner conversation?), serving excellent modern British cuisine. I loved how they’ve maintained the prison’s intimidating exterior while creating genuinely comfortable interiors. The hotel even offers packages including Oxford Castle & Prison tours, so you can learn about the building’s dark history before enjoying your very comfortable “sentence.”
8. Nymetwood Treehouses
Need to digitally detox while reconnecting with someone special? Nymetwood Treehouses in Devon deliver architectural marvels suspended among ancient oaks for around £200-300+ per night. These aren’t rustic camping shelters – they’re luxury elevated retreats with panoramic windows framing Dartmoor National Park’s rolling hills.
Two Scandinavian-inspired treehouses, Blackcap and Starling, feature superking mezzanine beds, fully-equipped kitchens, and wood-burning stoves for cozy evenings. The star attraction is definitely the massive copper bathtub on each private deck – perfect for stargazing soaks while listening to owls and other woodland sounds. Both treehouses use sustainable local materials and offer underfloor heating (because luxury shouldn’t mean suffering).
Set in 20 acres of private woodland, meadow, and apple orchard, you’re isolated enough for total tranquility yet just 30 minutes from Exeter and close to Okehampton. Dartmoor’s hiking trails begin basically at your doorstep, while Devon’s stunning beaches are within easy reach. I was impressed by the thoughtful welcome hampers filled with local treats and how the complete lack of WiFi actually felt liberating rather than annoying. For couples seeking romantic seclusion without roughing it, these elevated sanctuaries create the perfect balance of wilderness adventure and creature comforts.
9. The Millennium Tower
Dreaming of Manchester city vibes with skyline views that’ll make your social media followers seriously jealous? The Millennium Tower in Salford Quays delivers urban sophistication at new heights for around £1,095+ per month in apartment rentals (or check Airbnb for short-term stays). This sleek glass skyscraper houses luxury apartments with breathtaking panoramic views over the Manchester skyline and waterfront.
The modern apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary furnishings, and smart home technology that focuses attention on the spectacular urban landscape outside. Each unit includes fully-equipped kitchens, underfloor heating, and private balconies perfect for sunset drinks while watching the city lights come alive. The building offers 24-hour concierge service and secure allocated parking.
Located right on Salford Quays next to MediaCityUK, you’re steps from The Lowry Centre, the Imperial War Museum, and excellent restaurants. The Metrolink provides easy access to central Manchester, while Old Trafford stadium is just 10 minutes away. I loved how the tower’s position offers incredible views toward the city center, especially spectacular at night when Manchester’s skyline lights up. For urban explorers wanting luxury accommodation with killer views, this high-rise living delivers that metropolitan penthouse lifestyle.
10. Wagon in the Woods
Yearning for a digital detox that doesn’t involve sacrificing adult comforts? Wagon in the Woods in Shropshire offers nostalgic charm in a lovingly restored Victorian shepherd’s hut tucked into a private forest clearing. These authentic rolling accommodations typically cost around £150-250+ per night for this genuinely peaceful escape.
This carefully converted shepherd’s wagon combines rustic heritage with unexpected luxuries: a proper queen bed, wood-burning stove, full bathroom, and outdoor fire pit for evening stargazing. The surrounding ancient woodland creates a natural playground for wildlife spotting, with private walking trails leading to hidden streams and meadows. Thoughtful touches include lanterns hanging from branches and breakfast hampers filled with local Shropshire produce delivered discretely each morning.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, you’re just three miles from historic Shrewsbury with its medieval center and excellent restaurants. Nearby attractions include the stunning landscapes of the Shropshire Hills AONB and Ironbridge Gorge, both UNESCO sites. I found what makes this accommodation special isn’t just its uniqueness but how it genuinely encourages disconnection – the quiet helps you hear yourself think again. This is slow travel at its most rewarding, where stepping away from constant connectivity becomes part of the therapeutic experience.
11. Belle Tout Lighthouse
Ever dreamed of being a lighthouse keeper with modern luxuries and wine service? Belle Tout Lighthouse perched on the chalk cliffs of Beachy Head in East Sussex makes those dreams reality for £220-310 per night. This decommissioned 1834 lighthouse offers circular rooms with 360-degree vistas of the English Channel and South Downs National Park.
The uniquely designed themed rooms like Captain’s Cabin, Old England, and Keeper’s Loft incorporate authentic maritime elements while providing contemporary comforts. Each evening, guests gather in the communal lounge for complimentary drinks before climbing to the spectacular Lantern Room – the lighthouse’s crown jewel offering panoramic views. The isolation creates a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away from nearby Brighton’s vibrant energy.
Walking trails lead directly from the lighthouse along the spectacular Seven Sisters cliffs to charming Eastbourne. The lighthouse’s fascinating history includes being physically moved 17 meters back from the eroding cliff edge in 1999 – quite an engineering feat. I found myself mesmerized by the constantly changing light on the water throughout the day, from sunrise coffee to sunset wine in the Lantern Room. For photographers, nature lovers, or anyone seeking dramatic coastal scenery with unique accommodation, this lighthouse delivers genuinely illuminating experiences that showcase England’s stunning southern coastline.
12. Quarry Walk Park
Looking for an adventure base that won’t involve fighting over bunk beds? Quarry Walk Park in Staffordshire hits the sweet spot where luxury safari tents and wooden pods sit on the edge of a reclaimed limestone quarry. These stylish accommodations cost around £100-200+ per night and blend outdoor living with essential modern comforts: proper beds, private bathrooms, and fully-equipped kitchens.
The unique landscape offers immediate access to watersports on the quarry lake, mountain biking trails through Cannock Chase Forest, and climbing experiences on the former quarry walls. The contrast between active days and evenings spent around your private fire pit creates that perfect vacation balance of adventure and relaxation. Each accommodation comes with outdoor seating areas and BBQ facilities for al fresco dining.
Located near the Peak District National Park and historic Lichfield with its magnificent three-spired cathedral, this base provides excellent options for both adrenaline seekers and culture enthusiasts. The on-site restaurant sources ingredients from local Staffordshire farms, creating memorable meals after days of outdoor activities. I was impressed by how the site has transformed an industrial landscape into a beautiful recreational space while maintaining its unique quarry character. For groups wanting comfortable accommodation with built-in adventure activities, this delivers that perfect combination of outdoor thrills and indoor comforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Places to Stay in England
Are you looking for more content about where to stay in England? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about England’s most unique hotels.
What is the nicest area of England?
The term “nicest” can vary depending on what you’re looking for. For history and architecture, you can’t beat the charm of cities like Oxford and Bath. If you’re a nature lover, the Lake District offers stunning landscapes and serene beauty. For a seaside experience, Cornwall’s picturesque beaches and quaint towns are hard to top. Each area has its unique appeal, so the “nicest” really depends on your personal interests.
Are hotels expensive in England?
Hotel prices in England vary widely depending on location and time of year. In major cities like London, hotels can be quite pricey, especially in central areas. However, there are always budget options available. In smaller towns or rural areas, you can find more affordable accommodations. It’s always a good idea to book in advance and look for deals or off-season discounts to save money.
Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in England?
Airbnb can often be more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays or if traveling in a group. You can find a range of options, from shared rooms to entire homes. Prices vary greatly based on location and the type of accommodation. Airbnb also offers unique stays like countryside cottages or city apartments, which can provide a different experience from traditional hotels.
What is the best time of year to visit England?
The best time to visit England depends on what you want to do. For the warmest weather and outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn (May to September) is ideal. However, this is also the peak tourist season. For fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons – April to early May or September to October. Winter can be cold and days are shorter, but it’s a great time to experience England’s cozy pubs and festive markets.
What is the most-visited free attraction in England?
The British Museum in London is one of the most-visited free attractions in England. It’s renowned for its extensive collection that spans over two million years of human history. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies. It’s a must-visit in London for anyone interested in history and culture. Remember, while entry is free, donations are always appreciated.
Final Thoughts on England’s Unique Places to Stay
In wrapping up, I have to say, my personal favorite among these unique stays in England has to be the Belle Tout Lighthouse. There’s something truly magical about sleeping in a lighthouse, with panoramic views of the sea and cliffs. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, stunning scenery, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
If you’re planning a trip to England, I highly recommend considering one of these unique accommodations. Whether it’s the historical charm of Bodmin Jail Hotel, the natural beauty of Nymetwood Treehouses, or the quirky allure of The Millennium Tower, each place offers an unforgettable experience. Remember, booking in advance is key, especially for these popular spots.
Don’t hesitate to explore the local areas – England is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Happy travels, and may your stay be as memorable as the adventures you’ll have!
