10 Strange and Unique Hotels in the UK
Ever wanted to stay a night in a castle, cathedral or a prison cell?
Check out 10 of the strangest and most unique stays in the UK below.
Like what you see? Order bespoke travel maps from me by visiting my page.
11 Places • ago
Free
Weird and wonderful places to stay in the UK
🛏️ 1. Amberley Castle
A Castle
Arundel, West Sussex
Amberley Castle
@josieproto
Fancy living like royalty for a weekend? Get a taste of how the other half live and step into a piece of history at the majestic Amberley Castle, a quirky hotel with parts that date back to the 12th century. See all the impressive trappings you might expect, like suits of armour and grand fireplaces, while feeling pampered in luxurious rooms and a modern restaurant.
There's also 12 acres of glorious grounds to discover at the unusual hotel, which boasts tennis courts, a croquet lawn and even an 18-hole putting course. As a Relais & Chateaux hotel, foodies will adore the gourmet offerings, which have been awarded AA Red Stars and AA Rosettes.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 2. Treehouse Hotel
A Treehouse
Central London
Treehouse Hotel London
@josieproto
This leafy hotel may be in central London, but all the greenery ensures that it feels far away from its urban backdrop (which does, admittedly, feature Hyde Park). The quirky treehouse theme is created with the help of repurposed objects, snacks to pack away into your backpack (or even lunch box) and nostalgic music.
For the best views, head up to the Nest, a rooftop bar and terrace with 360-degree views of the city. Both Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are within walking distance (the hotel is an excellent pet-friendly choice for dog owners).
Add to
Details
🛏️ 3. Canterbury Cathedral
A Cathedral
Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel
@josieproto
Did you know that you can sleep in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts? Home to the incredible Canterbury Cathedral and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey - the oldest church in the English-speaking world - there's also a comfortable and affordable hotel in the grounds to get you up close and personal.
A wonderfully unusual hotel to spend your nights in the city, the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge offers cathedral views from most of the rooms and hearing the bells toll next door is rather magical. Set in the peaceful grounds of the cathedral, the quirky hotel is homely, with its spacious terrace and cosy library lounge.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 4. Georgian House Hotel
A Wizards Lair
Pimlico, London
Georgian House Hotel
@josieproto
This light, bright and chic boutique hotel has a secret room hidden underground. The Wizard Chambers offer a magical stay in the capital, and are concealed on the hotel's lower ground floor. They're reached via a portrait-filled passageway bathed in candlelight, complete with stained glass windows, stone arches, cauldrons, velvet-clad four poster beds and wood burning stoves.
The Georgian House Hotel also offers Wizard Afternoon Teas as a mystical feast of goodies including smoking salmon sandwiches, eye of newt scones, lemon cursed tart and head-popping chocolate lollipops complemented with either Bottomless Bubbles or a Wizard’s Cocktail or Mocktail potion of frozen crystals, druid's water and ancient red fairy dust. This is a quirky hotel experience that's brilliant for both big kids and little ones alike.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 5. Port Lympne Hotel
A Safari Park
Hythe, Kent
Port Lympne Hotel
@josieproto
When a safari holiday abroad feels out of reach, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent offers the next best thing. Giving you a touch of the exotic with a twist, the unusual hotel is set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the top of the Port Lympne reserve, which houses rhinos, tigers, gorillas and other amazing creatures.
All profits from the hotel go to the conservation of the reserve and guests get exclusive access before and after visiting hours on the golf buggy included in the stay.
Add to
Details
Port Lympne Reserve Giraffe Cottage
@josieproto
When a safari holiday abroad feels out of reach, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent offers the next best thing. Giving you a touch of the exotic with a twist, the unusual hotel is set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the top of the Port Lympne reserve, which houses rhinos, tigers, gorillas and other amazing creatures.
All profits from the hotel go to the conservation of the reserve and guests get exclusive access before and after visiting hours on the golf buggy included in the stay.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 6. Malmaison Oxford
A Prison
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Malmaison Oxford
@josieproto
For something completely different, check into the Malmaison Oxford for a night in a prison. Now a more luxurious place to rest your head, the hotel's 95 rooms and suites were once basic cells.
The converted Victorian prison became a hotel in 1996 and many of the original features remain. The rooms are luxurious, with power showers, digital TVs and 24-hour room service.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 7. The Bell in Ticehurst
A Fairy Inn
Ticehurst, East Sussex
The Bell in Ticehurst
@josieproto
If an unusual country escape is on the agenda, you can't beat The Bell in Ticehurst for a whimsical hotel experience. Decor leans towards the eclectic, with top hat lamps, cuckoo clocks, floor-to-ceiling stacks of books, and neon signs. There are seven bedrooms in the hotel and four rustic lodges in the garden.
One bedroom even has a silver birch tree in the middle of the space. Eschewing room numbers, each of The Bell’s guest rooms has its own distinctive name, from “The Benefit of the Doubt” to “Smile of Memories”. For all its quirks, the hotel is warm, stylish and welcoming (dogs included), with locally-sourced delicious food. Truly magical.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 8. Portmierion
A Mediterranean town
North Wales
Portmeirion North Wales
@josieproto
Have you every stayed at a spot on its own private peninsula where accommodation is spread between the hotel, its own castle, and brightly-coloured village houses? Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth in North Wales is like a mini resort, surrounded by acres of woodland gardens and sandy beaches, and just 21 miles from Snowdonia National Park.
You can discover the Mediterranean pastels of Portmeirion village by foot with the Wales Coast Path. Built in 1925 by notable architect Clough Williams-Ellis, the colourful collection of bright houses are often referred to as the Venice of Wales. Adults and children alike will be amazed by the quirky buildings and their intriguing past, and enjoy exploring the exotic Japanese garden.
The rooms are located at either The Portmeirion Hotel, Castell Deudraeth, or in the village rooms and suites. They're brightly decorated, each with a unique design and all the essentials you need for a mini-break.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 9. Snooze
A 70s Themed House
Kentish Town, Brighton
Snooze
@josieproto
Quirky hotel Snooze is an explosion of '70s chic and memorabilia, including framed vinyl covers, old gig posters, vintage fairground signs and retro wallpaper.
Set in the heart of Kemptown in Brighton, it's ideal for scouring the area's antique and vintage emporiums, and it's just a five-minute walk to the seafront. Riotous, fun, and funky, it's calling your name if you're a bit of an old rocker.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 10. Sunborn
A Yacht
Thames River, London
Sunborn London
@josieproto
For a themed hotel with a difference, it’s hard to beat a night aboard a super-yacht afloat in the Thames, which is precisely the premise of Sunborn. The boat-turned-hotel is moored near Canary Wharf at Royal Victoria Dock.
The 10,000-square-metre vessel has the feel of a glamorous ocean liner, with tasting menus and a bar on the deck for cocktails with a view out across London’s Docklands – the panorama includes the O2, formerly the Millennium Dome.
Add to
Details
Meet the Creator
Hi! 🖐🏼
My name is Josie, though lot's of my friends call me peanut. I am an enthusiastic traveller, adventurer and I love outdoor sports and recreation. I surf, climb, hike and will let nothing get in my way when trying to find new hidden gems across the UK and further.
I am just starting out on my thatch.com journey and would love any support you can give!
Check out my instagram @josieproto to see what else I get up to in my spare time (spoiler, I work at an exotic animal rescue, so load up on cute animal videos there)!
Happy Thatching!
If you like this guide or discover new places to visit through it, consider leaving a tip below!
*Thatch.com take 10% of proceeds*
🌞 Thanks very much, from Josie! 🌞
* * *
CURATED BY
🌲 Climber, surfer, hiker, wild swimmer, wildlife rescuer, van lifer, car camper, camping enthusiast, right-to-roamer, small-business-lover... the list is endless. But if you're in the market for something adventurous and exciting... I'm you're go to!
🏄🏼♂️ An avid adventurer, traveller and enthusiast of all things small and cosy. I have travelled extensively across the UK. I was born and raised in West Sussex, moved to Norfolk and Cambridgeshire at 18 and I spend a lot of my time in the Lake District and North Wales. Some newer adventures have taken me down to Devon, Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
🧗🏼♂️ I have also travelled to Dubai, Crete, Berlin. Krakow, Alicante (and surrounding areas), Barcelona, the south of France, Italy, Baltimore, New York, Belgium, Oman, Abu Dhabi, and more!
📚 Take a look at my sample guides and request a bespoke one for an upcoming trip. I specialise in finding you the best places for your adventurous activities, where you can hire gear and how to tailor the adventure to your abilities. Hidden foodie gems are my favourite, and I am always up for helping you in a brand new area.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
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Read more about places in this guide
10 Strange and Unique Hotels in the UK
Ever wanted to stay a night in a castle, cathedral or a prison cell?
Check out 10 of the strangest and most unique stays in the UK below.
Like what you see? Order bespoke travel maps from me by visiting my page.
11 Places • ago
Free
Weird and wonderful places to stay in the UK
🛏️ 1. Amberley Castle
A Castle
Arundel, West Sussex
Amberley Castle
@josieproto
Fancy living like royalty for a weekend? Get a taste of how the other half live and step into a piece of history at the majestic Amberley Castle, a quirky hotel with parts that date back to the 12th century. See all the impressive trappings you might expect, like suits of armour and grand fireplaces, while feeling pampered in luxurious rooms and a modern restaurant.
There's also 12 acres of glorious grounds to discover at the unusual hotel, which boasts tennis courts, a croquet lawn and even an 18-hole putting course. As a Relais & Chateaux hotel, foodies will adore the gourmet offerings, which have been awarded AA Red Stars and AA Rosettes.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 2. Treehouse Hotel
A Treehouse
Central London
Treehouse Hotel London
@josieproto
This leafy hotel may be in central London, but all the greenery ensures that it feels far away from its urban backdrop (which does, admittedly, feature Hyde Park). The quirky treehouse theme is created with the help of repurposed objects, snacks to pack away into your backpack (or even lunch box) and nostalgic music.
For the best views, head up to the Nest, a rooftop bar and terrace with 360-degree views of the city. Both Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are within walking distance (the hotel is an excellent pet-friendly choice for dog owners).
Add to
Details
🛏️ 3. Canterbury Cathedral
A Cathedral
Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel
@josieproto
Did you know that you can sleep in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts? Home to the incredible Canterbury Cathedral and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey - the oldest church in the English-speaking world - there's also a comfortable and affordable hotel in the grounds to get you up close and personal.
A wonderfully unusual hotel to spend your nights in the city, the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge offers cathedral views from most of the rooms and hearing the bells toll next door is rather magical. Set in the peaceful grounds of the cathedral, the quirky hotel is homely, with its spacious terrace and cosy library lounge.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 4. Georgian House Hotel
A Wizards Lair
Pimlico, London
Georgian House Hotel
@josieproto
This light, bright and chic boutique hotel has a secret room hidden underground. The Wizard Chambers offer a magical stay in the capital, and are concealed on the hotel's lower ground floor. They're reached via a portrait-filled passageway bathed in candlelight, complete with stained glass windows, stone arches, cauldrons, velvet-clad four poster beds and wood burning stoves.
The Georgian House Hotel also offers Wizard Afternoon Teas as a mystical feast of goodies including smoking salmon sandwiches, eye of newt scones, lemon cursed tart and head-popping chocolate lollipops complemented with either Bottomless Bubbles or a Wizard’s Cocktail or Mocktail potion of frozen crystals, druid's water and ancient red fairy dust. This is a quirky hotel experience that's brilliant for both big kids and little ones alike.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 5. Port Lympne Hotel
A Safari Park
Hythe, Kent
Port Lympne Hotel
@josieproto
When a safari holiday abroad feels out of reach, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent offers the next best thing. Giving you a touch of the exotic with a twist, the unusual hotel is set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the top of the Port Lympne reserve, which houses rhinos, tigers, gorillas and other amazing creatures.
All profits from the hotel go to the conservation of the reserve and guests get exclusive access before and after visiting hours on the golf buggy included in the stay.
Add to
Details
Port Lympne Reserve Giraffe Cottage
@josieproto
When a safari holiday abroad feels out of reach, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent offers the next best thing. Giving you a touch of the exotic with a twist, the unusual hotel is set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the top of the Port Lympne reserve, which houses rhinos, tigers, gorillas and other amazing creatures.
All profits from the hotel go to the conservation of the reserve and guests get exclusive access before and after visiting hours on the golf buggy included in the stay.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 6. Malmaison Oxford
A Prison
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Malmaison Oxford
@josieproto
For something completely different, check into the Malmaison Oxford for a night in a prison. Now a more luxurious place to rest your head, the hotel's 95 rooms and suites were once basic cells.
The converted Victorian prison became a hotel in 1996 and many of the original features remain. The rooms are luxurious, with power showers, digital TVs and 24-hour room service.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 7. The Bell in Ticehurst
A Fairy Inn
Ticehurst, East Sussex
The Bell in Ticehurst
@josieproto
If an unusual country escape is on the agenda, you can't beat The Bell in Ticehurst for a whimsical hotel experience. Decor leans towards the eclectic, with top hat lamps, cuckoo clocks, floor-to-ceiling stacks of books, and neon signs. There are seven bedrooms in the hotel and four rustic lodges in the garden.
One bedroom even has a silver birch tree in the middle of the space. Eschewing room numbers, each of The Bell’s guest rooms has its own distinctive name, from “The Benefit of the Doubt” to “Smile of Memories”. For all its quirks, the hotel is warm, stylish and welcoming (dogs included), with locally-sourced delicious food. Truly magical.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 8. Portmierion
A Mediterranean town
North Wales
Portmeirion North Wales
@josieproto
Have you every stayed at a spot on its own private peninsula where accommodation is spread between the hotel, its own castle, and brightly-coloured village houses? Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth in North Wales is like a mini resort, surrounded by acres of woodland gardens and sandy beaches, and just 21 miles from Snowdonia National Park.
You can discover the Mediterranean pastels of Portmeirion village by foot with the Wales Coast Path. Built in 1925 by notable architect Clough Williams-Ellis, the colourful collection of bright houses are often referred to as the Venice of Wales. Adults and children alike will be amazed by the quirky buildings and their intriguing past, and enjoy exploring the exotic Japanese garden.
The rooms are located at either The Portmeirion Hotel, Castell Deudraeth, or in the village rooms and suites. They're brightly decorated, each with a unique design and all the essentials you need for a mini-break.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 9. Snooze
A 70s Themed House
Kentish Town, Brighton
Snooze
@josieproto
Quirky hotel Snooze is an explosion of '70s chic and memorabilia, including framed vinyl covers, old gig posters, vintage fairground signs and retro wallpaper.
Set in the heart of Kemptown in Brighton, it's ideal for scouring the area's antique and vintage emporiums, and it's just a five-minute walk to the seafront. Riotous, fun, and funky, it's calling your name if you're a bit of an old rocker.
Add to
Details
🛏️ 10. Sunborn
A Yacht
Thames River, London
Sunborn London
@josieproto
For a themed hotel with a difference, it’s hard to beat a night aboard a super-yacht afloat in the Thames, which is precisely the premise of Sunborn. The boat-turned-hotel is moored near Canary Wharf at Royal Victoria Dock.
The 10,000-square-metre vessel has the feel of a glamorous ocean liner, with tasting menus and a bar on the deck for cocktails with a view out across London’s Docklands – the panorama includes the O2, formerly the Millennium Dome.
Add to
Details
Meet the Creator
Hi! 🖐🏼
My name is Josie, though lot's of my friends call me peanut. I am an enthusiastic traveller, adventurer and I love outdoor sports and recreation. I surf, climb, hike and will let nothing get in my way when trying to find new hidden gems across the UK and further.
I am just starting out on my thatch.com journey and would love any support you can give!
Check out my instagram @josieproto to see what else I get up to in my spare time (spoiler, I work at an exotic animal rescue, so load up on cute animal videos there)!
Happy Thatching!
If you like this guide or discover new places to visit through it, consider leaving a tip below!
*Thatch.com take 10% of proceeds*
🌞 Thanks very much, from Josie! 🌞
* * *
CURATED BY
🌲 Climber, surfer, hiker, wild swimmer, wildlife rescuer, van lifer, car camper, camping enthusiast, right-to-roamer, small-business-lover... the list is endless. But if you're in the market for something adventurous and exciting... I'm you're go to!
🏄🏼♂️ An avid adventurer, traveller and enthusiast of all things small and cosy. I have travelled extensively across the UK. I was born and raised in West Sussex, moved to Norfolk and Cambridgeshire at 18 and I spend a lot of my time in the Lake District and North Wales. Some newer adventures have taken me down to Devon, Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
🧗🏼♂️ I have also travelled to Dubai, Crete, Berlin. Krakow, Alicante (and surrounding areas), Barcelona, the south of France, Italy, Baltimore, New York, Belgium, Oman, Abu Dhabi, and more!
📚 Take a look at my sample guides and request a bespoke one for an upcoming trip. I specialise in finding you the best places for your adventurous activities, where you can hire gear and how to tailor the adventure to your abilities. Hidden foodie gems are my favourite, and I am always up for helping you in a brand new area.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Josie Proto’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Read more about places in this guide