Quirky places to stay across the UK
Buses, churches, boathouses, or spend the night in jail…?
Climb aboard a double decker bus for a holiday with a difference. No need to worry about traffic jams, as it’s parked up in Ditchling on the edge of the South Downs. Settle down in this retro Routemaster with a double bed on the top deck, and modern additions of a kitchen and shower. WWW.COOLCAMPING.COM
Check in at the Old Chapel in Marlborough, Wiltshire, now a two bedroom holiday home. Modern open plan living with a wood burning stove, bedrooms under the eaves and French doors opening onto a gorgeous garden. Perfect for a romantic getaway, and pets are welcome. WWW.COOLSTAYS.COM
Prefer to head for the coast? Book into the Boathouse, in Whitstable, Kent which is luxury all the way. Skylight windows, a spiral staircase and beautifully decked out with upcycled and antique furniture and that all important balcony for sea views. WWW.COOLPLACES.COM
A beach hut is another ideal summer escape. While you can’t spend the night in most traditional beach huts, you can at Bournemouth Beach Lodges. These are beach huts gone glam!
Built over two levels with a kitchen and bathroom and you can wake up overlooking sandy beaches. WWW.COOLSTAYS.COM
Spending a night in jail may not sound like a relaxing holiday, but wait till you check into Bodmin Jail Hotel. The cells date back to the 18th century and retain their weathered stone walls, but now house bedrooms with free standing baths. And you’re allowed out for meals, so head for the restaurant in the prison’s old chapel. WWW.BODMINJAILHOTEL.COM
Cley windmill in Norfolk is a B&B with stunning views across the North Norfolk countryside. There’s six bedrooms in the mill, and lots and lots of stairs! And if you want the top floor, there’s even a step ladder. Choose from the Wheat Chamber, Barley Bin, or Miller’s room with all rooms
individually decorated. WWW.COOLPLACES.COM
If you fancy a city break, head for the historic Albert Dock in Liverpool where you can stay in a Yellow Submarine. This psychedelic floating bolthole is actually a converted narrowboat. Go back in time to the Swinging ’60s where Beatles’ gold discs decorate the lounge, alongside the Mod scooter from Quadrophenia – and it sleeps eight with three big cabins. WWW.BEDSONBOARD.COM