LifecanbetoffI’ve previously advocated the Benefits of the Staycation. Now I’m going to set out my favourite unique staycation locations in England.
7 Unique Staycation locations in England
What do I mean by unique staycation? Well, these are your shepherds huts, lodges, boats, cabins, glamping pods or containers. Unusual and unique locations for your holiday.
They are places that offer luxury on natures doorstep, a break from the crazy world outside and offer something a little different to your typical hotel or cottage.
The Lake, Cornwall
As far as unique staycation locations, this container on Bodmin Moor is pretty out there!
Settled on the edge of a lake and former quarry, nestled on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, The Lake is completely off-grid.
A former shipping container that has been converted tastefully into comfortable and luxurious self-catering accommodation.
Solar panels power the lighting and charge points, superb insulation helps the woodburner warm the space in any weather, and water for cleaning is pumped directly from the lake.
Once The Lake has been unlocked by owners, Rupert and Fran, they will show you around and leave you to enjoy your off-grid unique staycation.
With just the livestock and ponies grazing the moor as your neighbours, you’ll be left in peace to enjoy the tranquillity of the moor.
Why not add the hire of a rowboat for the duration of your stay and enjoy some time on the lake?
Book your stay at The Lake with Canopy and Stars
Loose reins, Dorset
Loose Reins near Blandford Forum, Dorset offers the opportunity to stay in authentically styled ranch cabins or lodges, that will transport you to your favourite Western movie without getting on a plane.
Leave the daily grind behind and immerse yourself in beauty, peace and adventure.
Allow yourself to get back to nature and explore the fantastic area on the doorstep, toast marshmallows over the fire, watch the sunset and the stars rise and snuggle down in front of the log burner.
A truly spectacular way to escape your worries and relax and settled in a beautiful southern county.
Jessie the Shepherds Hut, Castlemans Holidays
Approached down a meandering pathway Jessie the shepherds hut, is nestled quietly and comfortably between the crab apple and cherry trees and overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Sussex countryside.
With seating areas inside and out, fire pit and board games, your break away in Jessie is kitted out for all weathers and seasons.
Jessie has been very tastefully and thoughtfully converted making the most amazing use of the space available. The cosy double bed folds up into the wall and with a shower and loo inside you don’t have to brave the elements!
Cook up a storm in the well-equipped kitchen or Sue and her family will be more than happy to recommend local eateries, places to walk, or even the best windsurfing spots.
Jessie is my kind of camping! With all the mod-cons and absolute luxury you’d expect in a top-notch hotel, but tucked away in this unique little shepherds hut.
Castlemans also has holiday cottages if you need more space!
The Campervan Hire Company
Why limit yourself to a fixed location?
The Campervan Hire Company gives you the choice of VW T5 or T6 camper van hire, their Somerset location leaves them ideally situated for exploring the South West coastline, taking yourself across the border to Wales (when Welsh Government lockdown allows) or take yourself further afield.
The vans are wonderfully converted, providing you with all the essentials you need, a solar-powered fridge (so you don’t have to worry about hook-up), two double beds, gas hob and sun (or rain) canopy.
There’s even a chemical toilet for hire (who knew those existed, not me)!
With years of camping experience themselves, Mel and her husband can help you with campsite or route recommendations and are more than happy to help you with any questions you have about #vanlife.
Campervans present a bargain way to explore what Britain has to offer, the beauty of them being the ability to take yourselves off where you want and when you want (bookings permitting of course!).
Don’t limit yourself, create your own adventure!
Lion Lodge, Kent
Well, we’ve done an authentic western cabin – how about a safari?
Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is one of several “wild stays” available at the Reserve.
Offering guests the opportunity to literally, sleep with the lions! The first of its kind, the lodge is set within the lion’s natural habitat. Inside it is uniquely styled as a Manhattan loft.
When you look out the large windows, you’ll be amazed at what you see!
The Aspinall foundation is dedicated to returning captive-bred animals to protected wilderness areas and reserves worldwide. It is through park visitors and short break profits that allow this conservation work to continue.
Unsurprisingly, bookings are limited at Lion Lodge and no doubt go quickly!
Rufus’s Roost, Baxby Estate, North Yorkshire
We all dreamt of having a treehouse as a kid right?
Well now, you can holiday in one as an adult!
Rufus’s Roost in North Yorkshire is what you might call the ultimate treehouse!
The super luxury treehouse comes with a cosy log burner, large outside verandah with log-fired hot tub and plenty of things to keep you entertained from movies to board games to just sitting on the verandah enjoying the peace of the Yorkshire moors beyond.
Rufus’s Roost is fully booked for 2020 but you can book for 2021 holidays.
They do however have other options on the estate available. Which leads me nicely onto my next, and last unique staycation location.
Ecopods, Baxby Estate, North Yorkshire
Baxby Estate has really taken their holiday diversification portfolio to the next level.
With Rufus’s Roost treehouse, Hobbit Houses and Ecopods available to book for your stay in the beauty of North Yorkshire.
The Ecopod is fitted with proper beds for ultimate comfort. As an eco-pod they don’t have electricity. Cook over the campfire, stargaze and get back to basics in one of these ecopods.
Where will you take your unique staycation?
Or more to the point, which one will you choose first? There are also some great family friendly options available.
Peace out!
Jangles x
Please note, all booking, prices and availability must be checked with the individual venues. This will apply to facilities.For example, if they are dog-friendly accommodation or capacity.
Omg so many fantastic places to stay at within the UK
Who knew there could be so much choice.
Love the idea of the lake stay and of course who wouldn’t want to be woken up by a lion in the morning; beats a cockerel any day!
Amazing places! If we get the weather there is no where better!
They are aren’t they! I also think sometimes the changeable weather is part of the fun, I’d much rather enjoy a blustery day on a quiet Cornish beach than a crammed summer one!
I’m in love with your blog!
We’ve been looking for staycation locations for the summer holidays, but I have to say I had no idea that places like this existed in England. I love the idea of lion lodge.
I’ve subscribed and I can’t wait to read more from you!
https://www.racheldowning.co.uk
Wow this is amazing I never knew such places existed, My fiancée would love Bodmin Moor he likes lakes , nature and no people. I wouldn’t mind the lion lodge myself. We just need the weather to co-operate now.
The Lake on Bodmin is definitely off grid and away from it all. Its central for some Cornwall adventuring too!
Oh wow, these are such amazing places! Especially the Lion Lodge. I’d love to stay there some day.