Unique places to stay in South East England

25th March 2022

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Have you ever noticed that the experiences you remember the best are the ones that were out of the ordinary, different from the norm, unusual, or a little bit quirky?

Fill your memories to the brim with our unusual and unique places to stay in South East England and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Stunning eco-break just 10-minutes from Canterbury, Kent

Whisk your favourite people away for an unforgettable and environmentally friendly luxury break to the unique Bumble Barn on Great Field Farm B&B. Sit back and enjoy the idyllic countryside views as the sedum roof, infra-red underfloor heating and smart sensors work their magic around you. And with plenty to see and do in the local area including river tours, museums, Canterbury Cathedral, jet skiing, beach days or festivals, you can be sure that your break away in Bumble Barn is a memorable one for years to come.

Sleeps up to 6. From £770 for 3 nights. Self-catering or B&B available.

Historic luxury. Two secret hideaways in the centre of Oxford

Greyfriars Hideaway offers two newly restored 17th Century Listed properties. Hyper-luxury meets stunning original features just metres away from Oxford Castle. Step off the bustling street into your private courtyard, a peaceful eden of flowing water and vibrant plants. Each property has expansive bedroom suites, kitchen, dining and sitting room spaces, picturesque views and French doors opening onto the courtyard. A wide array of concierge services available should you wish to arrive by helicopter, hire a private chef or arrange a bespoke sightseeing tour.

Sleeps up to 12. From £2,800 for 3 nights.

A little waterside luxury in Bournemouth and Poole

If you do like to be beside the seaside, then the Bournemouth Beach Lodges are for you. Step out onto your private raised deck just above the promenade and enjoy uninterrupted views of glorious sand, sea, and skies. Just footsteps away from the powdery sands of award-winning Bournemouth Beach these innovate little lodges sleep up to 4 adults, 2 children and 2 dogs. Kitted out with kitchenette, WC and shower, the Bournemouth Beach lodges are the perfect way to spend a sandy-toes, summer break with family and friends.

Sleeps up to 4 adults and 2 children. From £350 for 4 nights.

Or if you prefer your waterside accommodation a little more spacious why not stay at The Houseboat: an award-winning, architecturally unique property set in a peaceful part of Poole Harbour. With inspirational floor to ceiling views and natural light aplenty, spend lazy summer days on your private pier and with a tranquil beach just steps away from the front door. Head out and explore the local water sports, pubs, restaurants, and shopping just a short walk away.

Sleeps up to 10. From £1,333 for 3 nights.

An eco-friendly, sustainable family holiday to remember at Tapnell Farm, Isle of Wight

Stay in Tom’s Eco Lodges at one of the Isle of Wights leading attractions. Enjoy home comforts in a stylish glamping Safari Tent, take in spectacular sea views in the exclusively designed Geo domes, or sit back on the private deck of your Eco Pod and enjoy the best sunsets on the island. In the day let the kids run wild at Tapnell Farm Park, make a splash in the Aqua Park, or get a kick out of the brand-new Football Golf Course. When it’s time for refreshments the family and dog friendly bar and restaurant, The Cow, is ready to take your order.

Sleeps between 2 and 10. From £120 per night, depending on accommodation choice. Discounted ferry travel available.

Fantastic luxury glamping opportunities near Maidstone, Kent

Kits Coty Glamping is a family run, 5-star luxury glamping site in Aylesford, Kent. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty this multi award-winning site offers 3 spacious bell tents for glamping with a difference. Go wild in the African Safari themed tent, enjoy the mystique of Arabian nights in the Moroccan themed tent or get groovy with your friends in the 6-bed Festival themed tent. A perfect fun glamourous camping experience for families, couples, and small groups within easy reach of Leeds Castle and Chatham Dockyards.

Sleeps up to 6, whole site can be booked for exclusive use. From £85 per unit per night.

Or glamp like a Knight in comfort and style at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent. Lounge in the four-poster bed, luxuriate on crisp cotton bedding and snuggle in furry throws. Cook your feast on the cast iron griddle over an open fire as you look up at the same stars the Knights of old looked up at.  All within the grounds of the stunning Leeds Castle which is steeped in history and bursting with fun activities.

Sleeps up to 4. From £135 per unit per night. Includes free entry to Leeds Castle and the grounds during your stay.

Treetop luxury at Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Nestled on the edge of the New Forest the famous Chewton Glen Treehouses are spectacular in any season. These opulent self-contained Treehouses have a kitchenette and an excellent room service menu. Wake up with your luxury breakfast hamper on your treetop terrace surrounded by breath-taking views, soak away your worries 35 feet above the ground in the outdoor hot tub and cosy up by the wood burner after a busy day of relaxing. Those wishing to leave the lofty serenity can indulge in the award-winning spa, restaurants and Chewton Glen grounds just below, as well as the abundant nearby attractions ranging from cathedrals to world-famous monuments to family-fun attractions.

Sleeps between 2 and 12. From £1,350 per night

Unforgettable experiences in Chichester, West Sussex

Stay at The Goodwood Hotel, recognised as one of the best hotels in the country, and experience a unique offering of exhilarating experiences, world-famous events, and award-winning dining. Whether it’s wandering the 12,000 acres of beautiful Estate grounds, reaching thrilling speeds on the racetrack, enjoying aerial views from the skies, tasting organic, sustainable delights in the Farmer Butcher Chef restaurant, or finding your breath with yoga on the lawn, Goodwood has experiences for all to enjoy.

From £130 per night.

Get up close and personal with nature in your own off-grid yurt in Hampshire

Set in 100-acres of ancient woodland in the South Downs National Park, Adhurst Yurts offer a unique wilderness experience with home comforts. Learn foraging, fly-fishing, fire-building, shelter-building, pottery and more. Zip-line through the trees and then hone your survival senses on a guided nature walk. Cook up a storm in your safari kitchen or take a peaceful stroll to one of the local pubs close by before relaxing in a hot bath or spiral shower.

Sleeps up to 6. From £445. Open April to October. Discounts for multi-yurt bookings.

A couple's rural delight in the Chilterns

A pretty detached cottage The Hedgerow at Wainhill is the perfect place for couples looking for an idyllic rural retreat in the heart of The Chilterns. Stylish and cosy, with its own fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower cabin, private dog proof garden, parking, and access to heaps of local attractions close by - including Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Waddesdon Manor and the Ridgeway National Trail.  A stay comes complete with the complimentary use of “Alice” a1950’s vintage English Eccles caravan, providing the perfect space to sit back and do absolutely nothing! 

Sleeps up to 2.  From £155 per night.  Open year round, dogs welcome.

Crime, TV and English Wine Connoisseurs

Featuring as Sherlock Holmes’ residence in the 2015 movie Mr Holmes, starring Ian McKellen and Lord Snowdon's country retreat in The Crown on Netflix, Wickham Manor is not short of a few famous links.  Located in the grounds of the award-winning Charles Palmer Vineyard, near to the ancient town of Winchelsea, East Sussex, it now offers two accommodation wings.  The larger wing the William Penn Wing has two large doubles and a small twin room with private entrance, parking and garden area, ideally for families, the smaller Tudor Wing has two large bedrooms, with king sized four poster beds, one overlooking the sea.

Sleeps up to 4.  From £225 per night, for 2 nights.