Unusual Places to Stay, UK & Europe

Discover Unusual Places to Stay with One Off Places

One of the biggest appeals of quirky accommodation is the sense of adventure it brings. Staying somewhere unexpected immediately adds excitement to your trip, whether you're waking up to panoramic sea views from a cliff-top lookout tower or enjoying a peaceful evening in an off-grid cabin surrounded by nature. Unique places to stay allow you to step away from everyday routines and experience a destination from a completely different perspective.

Stay Somewhere Unusual

Choosing unusual accommodation is about more than simply finding somewhere to sleep. It's about creating experiences, discovering hidden gems and making memories that last long after the holiday has ended. Whether you're searching for a romantic retreat, an adventurous family break or a peaceful countryside escape, unique places to stay offer something far more rewarding than a standard getaway.

If you're looking to stay somewhere different, here at One Off Places you'll find an inspiring collection of quirky accommodation, off-grid escapes, treehouses, castles, cabins and other unique holiday rentals.

Use the property type filter to pinpoint the holiday that suits your style.

Why Book an Unusual Place to Stay?

Five great  reasons to book an unusual place to stay:

1. Create memorable experiences
A unique place to stay instantly makes a holiday more memorable. Whether it’s sleeping in a treehouse, a tiny house or a tower, unusual accommodation turns an ordinary break into something people will talk about for years.

2. Escape everyday life
Unusual stays often encourage guests to slow down and disconnect from busy routines. Off-grid cabins, woodland retreats and remote shepherd’s huts offer peace, quiet and a chance to recharge away from screens, traffic and crowded hotels.

3. Enjoy something more personal
Many quirky places to stay are independently owned and thoughtfully designed with character and individuality. Unlike chain hotels, they often reflect the personality of the owners and the local area, making for a more authentic experience.

4. Bring adventure to your holiday
Part of the excitement comes from staying somewhere unexpected. Climbing into the unique skybed in this Forest of Dean treehouse, watching the sunset from the deck of this 1947 GWR Brake Van in Herefordshire or waking up in an off grid woodland retreat in Devon adds a sense of adventure that standard accommodation rarely offers.

5. Perfect for romantic breaks and special occasions
Unique accommodation creates an atmosphere that feels special from the moment you arrive. Whether it’s a romantic weekend, anniversary, birthday or surprise getaway, unusual places to stay make celebrations feel far more meaningful and memorable.

Most Popular Unusual Places to Stay on One Off Places

• Vintage American Airstream caravan in Devon
• Fairytale chateau in southern France
• Converted water tower in Lanzarote
• Dutch houseboat on a river in Suffolk
• Waterfront hideaway in the Scottish Highlands used in a famous film
• Former observation post on the SW Coast Path in Devon
• Grade II listed country hall in Northumberland
• Boutique Castle Hotel in Poland
• Treehouse in Devon with a moving indoor / outdoor copper bathtub
• Former printworks in the Peak District
• Converted horsebox in Suffolk
• Luxury geodesic dome in Somerset

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are unusual places to stay suitable for families?
A: Yes! Families are increasingly embracing unique holiday accommodation. Children love the novelty of sleeping somewhere completely different, whether that's a converted army truck in Norfolk, a Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage on the North Coast 500 route or a mountain retreat in France with its own treehouse. These memorable experiences often become the stories that families talk about for years afterwards.

Q: Are unusual places to stay suitable for a romantic getaway?
A: Romantic escapes are another reason many travellers seek out unusual places to stay. An off grid coastal eco cabin in Devon, a GWR Victorian railway carriage in Somerset or a 700 year old medieval gatehouse in Herefordshire creates a setting that simply can't be replicated in a standard hotel room. The unique surroundings encourage guests to slow down, switch off from daily life and reconnect with each other.

Q: I'm interested in history.  Do you have unusual accommodation options which would be suitable?
A: Yes! For those who love history and character, converted buildings are a fascinating alternative to standard holiday rentals. Former railway stations, windmills, churches and historic country houses have all been transformed into remarkable holiday accommodation. These one-of-a-kind properties allow you to immerse yourself in the stories of the past while enjoying all the comforts of comfortable holiday accommodation.

Q: What sort of thing should I book if I love the great outdoors?
A: Across the UK and Europe, there is a huge variety of unusual holiday accommodation on offer. Glamping breaks continue to attract travellers who want the outdoors experience without sacrificing modern luxuries. Think luxury safari tents, shepherd's huts, yurts and eco-pods complete with wood-fired hot tubs and cosy interiors.

Q: Do you have unusual places to stay outside of the UK?
A: Yes. While we specialise in distinctive and characterful properties across England, Scotland & Wales, we also feature unique stays throughout Europe for those looking to explore further afield.

Q: How do I book an unusual place to stay?
A: Simply browse our listings, select your property, and follow the online booking process. Most properties offer instant booking or a direct enquiry option for a hassle-free experience.