Unusual (and Awesome) Places to Stay in the UK

Alyssa Hollingsworth | February 22, 2016

The UK is well-known for its charming B&Bs, and perhaps infamously known for its cramped hotels (especially in London). But if you want a quirky, unique lodging experience, there are plenty of fantastically eccentric places to choose from.

Read on to hear some of my favorites!

1. Victorian Mansions

Are you a fan of the Brontes? Does The Young Victoria make you cry? Do you enjoy ghost stories and brooding stone houses?

Well, you’re in luck, because the UK has no shortage of Victorian mansions for you to visit, and there are plenty where you can even stay overnight.

Elliott Brown

For a luxurious night, there’s the Royal Exeter Hotel located in the seaside city of Bournemouth. It’s centrally located, with a seven mile strip of beach right outside the doors.

If you believe a good Victorian mansion must come with some ghosts, be sure to visit the Craig-y-Nos Castle Hotel in Powys, Wales. Built in 1843 by a family said to be cursed, this has operated a T.B. hospital, an opera diva’s mansion, and a home for the elderly. It’s considered Wales’ most haunted castle, and there are Ghost Tours every evening.

Though it’s a bit of a smaller mansion, YHA’s Hathersage Hostel is a lovely place to stay centrally located to the Peak District (and several Bronte, Austen, and Robin Hood sights). The staff are fabulous and the house is comfy, mostly frequented by families and hikers.

Alyssa Hollingsworth / Own Work

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