As lockdown eases up, a lot of us will be in different minds about how quickly we get “back to normal”. The government guidance has been sketchy at best and it’s not always clear what we can and can’t do. So I know a lot of us are feeling like we probably aren’t going to travel abroad this year. Even if we’re allowed to. It just feels a bit weird going from complete self-isolation to getting on a plane with it’s recycled air and close proximity to strangers.
If you can relate to this new-found plane-fear, then you’re also likely going to be doing a good ol’ staycation in 2020. And now is a fab time to plan one, especially seeing as the hotels/hospitality industry has opened up this week!
Despite the fact that as Brits we tend to jump on a plane at every opportunity, we do actually have a lot of cool places in the UK (read my round-up of the best UK breaks if you need some inspo). And with the COVID-stress I feel like a lot of us are going to be resorting to Airbnbs and rentals for our holidays. It just feels a little safer, y’know? You can clean it yourself, you don’t interact with too many people, and you have everything you need right there.
So on my quest to find interesting things to do this summer, I thought I would put together a list of some really cool and quirky Airbnbs that I’d love to stay at. I mean you could always find a standard Airbnb for your UK break, but why would you when you could stay in a Treehouse / Beach Hut / Windmill?!? Am I right or am I right?
Oh and if you’re new to Airbnb, use this referral link to get £25 off your next home booking!* (Terms apply)
10 Quirky Airbnbs in the UK
A Windmill in Kent
If you want a romantic weekend away with your beloved, the Old Smock Windmill in Kent is super cute and romantic. It has all the amenities you need (aka a big bath and a terrace) and is surrounded by countryside. It’s also in the vicinity of pubs, which is always welcome.
Scandi Lodge with Hot Tub in Cornwall
If you’re thinking of taking a UK break this summer, chances are your first thoughts are CORNWALL. Because, well… it is dreamy isn’t it? (Read about my last adventure to Cornwall over here.) Well why not make it even better with a Scandi Lodge complete with pool and hot tub! Wonderful. The big windows even look over a paddock with ALPACAS. Even better. Oh and if you fancy saving this one for an Autumn/Winter escape, this place has a wood-burning stove, which I think would be just lovely. It sleeps 6 so could be a great escape with some family or friends (social bubbles permitting).
A Quirky Den in the Lake District
If you like cosy spaces, hygge and an open fire, you’ll love The Den in the Lake District. It’s small and only has a kitchenette, with separate bathroom facilities, but it’s just so cute, with an actual indoor BBQ station. It’s a bit like glamping, but is very cool for a couple of nights. It’s also on the cycling lane to the lakes so bring your bikes!
A Beach Hut in Camber
How do you fancy waking up on the beach? The Blue House in Camber is a very dreamy, luxury beach hut that sleeps 8 guests. It has a terrace to relax on and is literally the closest you could possibly get to the sea. You will have to fight your friends for the room overlooking the beach though – THOSE VIEWS. Bonus points for roll-top baths.
A Treehouse in the Woods
There’s something magical and whimsical about staying in a treehouse. Maybe it goes back to your inner child, desperate for a den in the trees? But yes, treehouse stays are goals, and Hoots Treehouse in Mayfield, is particularly cute. It has a big, dreamy terrace, a cosy log burning fire and all the modern amenities you would want. There’s also a loft area that could sleep 2 children if you want a nature-filled family escape.
A Very Quirky Caravan in Devon
I love little finds like this. Those super quirky stays that just feel like such an adventure. Out of all of the Airbnbs on this list I think this one is the most “me”. The Bluebird Penthouse is a retro caravan in Devon with a Land Rover outside that has been converted into a hot tub! How cool is that? It’s got total American trailer park in the fifties vibes and is surrounded by countryside. I can’t even. Excuse me whilst I go book a stay…
A Stay in a… Private Jet?
I mean, if anything, The Jet Star is unique. This nine-seater plane from the seventies has most of it’s original features, including a lit-up bar area, but now has a cabin built onto the back for you to stay in. Shower block and kitchen are separate, but it’s worth it to play flight games on the xbox in the cockpit I think. This plane sleeps 2 people in the double bed, but has another small bed and sofa if you wanted to bring kids. Pretty cool, huh?
A Double-Decker Bus in Wales
How about staying in a converted double-decker bus?! Weache Bus in South Wales looks like such a cool stay, and ideal for any kids with a penchant for buses. It sleeps 4, has all the amenities you could want, a lovely fire pit area and is surrounded by 22 acres of nature reserve. Great for a family adventure! If you’re travelling as a couple, also check out the host’s other property in the nature reserve, a converted house-boat called Mr Imp – very cosy!
A Houseboat in Cambridge
Talking of houseboats… If you’re after a quirky escape on the water, this boutique houseboat in Cambridge looks lush! It’s decorated to a high standard with hardwood floors throughout and a full-size bath. It’s also located in your own private mooring with decking area and table, so you can dine al fresco! Pretty cool, huh?
An Airship in the Scottish Highlands
Have I saved the best ’til last? Quite possibly. This Airship property is a dreamy getaway for 2 with epic views of the Scottish Highlands. The dragonfly windows let you take in all this nature, as well as a beaut view of the stars. What could be more romantic? It’s a unique stay with a scandi-meets-futuristic interior, ship-like portholes and a cute kitchenette. If you’re looking for a quiet break and to get back to nature, this is a lovely option to do so.
Ahhhhh writing this post has made me so excited to book some UK-based adventures this summer! We don’t need to go abroad to have a good time, everything we could possibly need is here (y’know except the weather…).
Let me know if you end up booking any of these Airbnbs, I’d love to know how you get on!
Head on over to my Instagram for regular updates on my staycation plans, millennial motherhood and life in general.
Total Blogger Transparency: This post contains an affiliate/referral link in the intro. All photos featured belong to the Airbnbs hosts but I have got permission to use them for this article.
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