Whacky accommodation and unique apartments and homes are becoming more popular with UK holidayers, especially staycationers.
New data from Airbnb found that bookings for unique spaces – think treehouses, UFO-themed homes and refurbed double-decker buses – have increased by over 113% since 2019.
It also found that total earnings for unique stays were higher than for regular listings in 2021, with such homes raking in £134 million in the UK and nearly $1 billion globally.
From fairytale castles to houseboats, unique stays are for everyone, coming in handy not just for family getaways, but also for themed celebrations and romantic breaks, and more and more are cropping up in the UK, with Stoke-on-Trent taking the top spot for trending destinations for unique stays this summer.
Top 10 trending destinations for unique stays in the UK
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Scarborough
- Cardiff
- Paignton
- Isle of Lewis
- Bideford
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Birmingham
- Newtown
- Southampton
The most popular homes for a unique UK getaway
The Willow, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Not one for camping?
This luxury glamping experience, set in the remote Welsh countryside, is ideal for a family getaway.
With three beds, the beautifully designed cabin sleeps four.
Book now for £140 a night on Airbnb
Unique and Secluded AirShip, Drimnin, Scotland
Suitable for two guests, this secluded spaceship-themed home in Scotland is ideal for a relaxing romantic getaway.
Perfect for a night spent watching Star Treck under the moon.
Book now for £165 a night on Airbnb
UFO ‘Futuro style Flying Saucer’, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Another spaceship, this home on a campsite in South Pembrokeshire sleeps four.
It has a monitor for gaming classic 80’s games like space invaders and defender and an remote-controlled hatch for getting in and out.
Cooking facilities are in a different part of the campsite.
Book now for £194.5 a night on Airbnb
The original Spice Bus, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
This bus speaks for itself, right?
With space for three guests, this bus is perfect for a girls getaway or even a small hen do.
Book now for £220 a night on Airbnb
Luxury Remote Kabin, East Meon, England
Situated in England’s beautifully tranquil countryside, this remote log cabin offers views over the Meon Valley.
A place to unwind and relax – with an outdoor bath, I must add – this stay is ideal for couples and sleeps only two.
Book now for £160 a night on Airbnb
Dollarbeg Castle, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Sleeping six, this grand Scottish castle is perfect for a fantastical family getaway.
With cinema room, tower and with private rooftop terrace, as well as sprawling grounds, you won’t be short of things to do rain or shine.
Plus, the bedrooms are seriously fit for royalty.
Book now for £372 a night on Airbnb
Fairytale Castle, Portpatrick, Scotland
With 25 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms and 16 beds, this fairytale castle is ideal for an extravagant birthday getaway or wedding trip.
It’s pricey, but it’s also huge, with 2000 acres of private glen walks, forests, three beaches, two lochs, walled and woodland gardens, a maze, and two waterfalls.
You’ll also be looked after by a dedicated team and can book an all-inclusive option.
Book now for £1,125 a night on Airbnb
The Tree Tent, Somerset, England
Sleeping two, this quaint treehouse in Somerset is an absolute gem.
This suspended spherical structure strung between two trees offers a chance to reconnect with nature and escape adulthood – and with a fully equipped kitchen.
With no wifi or data access, this place is perfect if you want to switch off.
Book now £156 for a night on Airbnb
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