Boasting nearly eight million rentable locations across more than 100,000 cities in 220 countries, it’s no surprise that Airbnb has become the go-to site for sun seekers, city-break tourists and backpackers looking for cheap and unique accommodation around the world.
Launched in 2008 to help tourists break free of boring chain hotels, and to help homeowners make some extra cash from their spare rooms, the range of accommodation on offer has since grown rapidly to include everything from medieval castles to a UFO pod. There’s something for everyone.
Homeowners in the UK haven’t been left behind in the race to provide a new generation of travellers with eye-catching and memorable places to stay either. If you own a property and are looking to let, you may want to read about how to prepare your home before listing on Airbnb. Similarly you may also wonder whether it’s best to let furnished or unfurnished properties.
Here, we look through our pick of the best and unique UK Airbnb locations.
A railway carriage by the sea
If you’re looking for fantastic sea views, a totally unique place to stay, and are a bit of a railway nut, you can’t do much better than booking a stay in this converted 1908 railway carriage.
Perched on the clifftop overlooking Cardigan Bay in Aberporth, Wales, the carriage sleeps four guests, fits a woodburner, a fully equipped kitchen and even has an authentic wood-panelled 1930s dining room.
The carriage even has its own garden and veranda, offering uninterrupted views of Europe’s largest dolphin colony that lives year round in the bay opposite.
An historic Scottish castle
According to the Airbnb website, the company now lists more than 2,000 castles to rent across the world, and more than just a few of these can be found in the UK.
Dairsie Castle, 15 minutes outside St Andrews in Scotland, is our pick of the UK’s castles and, sleeping 14 people for £1,345 a night, is probably one of the most luxurious and ostentatious party spaces you could ever hope to find.
Guests at the castle have six bedrooms to choose from, six acres of grounds to explore, the aptly named “Great Hall” to eat in, and even a gallery packed with artwork and antiques to marvel at.
A Grade II listed windmill
Another find is this seven-storey Grade II listed windmill, and winner of a Tripadvisor award, houses seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, a swimming pool and a viewing platform from which you can survey the Norfolk countryside.
The accommodation is split between the Old Mill and the attached house, with the mill holding three bedrooms and the spectacular dining room, with the four other rooms in the house.
There’s plenty to do nearby, aside from visiting us of course, including trips to Oxburgh Hall, Boudicca’s Iceni village, and local breweries, golf courses and adventure playgrounds.
A 16th century thatched cottage
This chocolate box cottage, the oldest in its Hampshire village, exudes charm from every angle. Its thatched roof and white picket fence present a quintessential cosy front, while the rear reveals an A-frame house with an airy kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden.
It was once home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who famously christened and crowned Queen Elizabeth II. The cottage is full of quirky surprises and eccentricities, including a spiral wooden staircase leading to the main bedroom.
You’ll find so many historic details like the wooden beams and an inglenook fireplace with a wood burner, which have been smartly preserved alongside modern updates. The quaint theme extends outdoors with pear trees in the garden and the idyllic village of Ropley just a stone’s throw away.
Vineyard Hollow at Oastbrook Vineyard (Hobbit House)
Looking like something out of Lord of the Rings, this Sussex countryside Earth house can be found in the heart of the Oastbrook Vineyard.
Hobbit fans will feel like they’re in New Zealand with this location’s whimsical interiors, big open lounge, dining and kitchen area and a bedroom with an en suite on either side of the property.
By booking in advance you can even join one of the afternoon vineyard and wine tasting tours, before purchasing a bottle to take back to your hot tub.
Wannies Retreat, converted train carriage
One for the train lovers, this converted train carriage in Northumberland on a working farm can sleep up to five people across its two bedrooms.
This picturesque place to stay also comes with access to a BBQ, a viewing platform, a hot tub and a fire pit, so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
What’s more it’s only an hour’s drive from both Alnwick and Newcastle Castle, so you can enjoy local history during your stay – you just can’t use the train carriage itself to get you to your destination.
Treehouse in East Sussex
Let your inner child enjoy the thrill of staying in this modern-themed treehouse in sunny East Sussex. The circular den is perched amongst the trees giving it a perfect picturesque feel to your stay.
It’s also a superb place to visit during the winter with its wood-burning style stove and outdoor seating area giving you a chance to snuggle up under a blanket and stargaze.
Inside the treehouse you’ll find all the mod-cons we use on a daily basis and it’s even powered by solar lighting. Being only 45 minutes away from the M25, free onsite parking and nearby activities, including a scenic deer park, also gives this property bonus points in our eyes.
Airship in Scotland
Yes, you read that correctly. An airship in Scotland is available to rent. You can escape to a glass-pannelled property that not only looks like something out of Star Wars, but it’s sustainably built and overlooks the beautiful Scottish lakeside.
Unlike Star Wars though, this airship is free from light pollution and is in a secluded spot, making it the perfect place to get away from everything.
It offers a stylish modular living space, a compact kitchen, and a super-soft Queen-sized bed. The interior blends futuristic chromes and alpine woods, while both ends of the airship provide heart-warming views of mountains and lochs, stretching as far as the Isle of Mull.
The Blue House in Camber Sands
The Blue House, a stunning luxury beach house accommodating up to eight guests, is situated on the expansive sandy beach of Camber, near Rye. It boasts top-tier finishes, including a custom kitchen, Apple TV, lavish beds and sofas.
You can enjoy a variety of activities such as water sports, dune excursions and unwinding on the deck. Alternatively, cozy up by the log burner and take in the magnificent views during the colder months.
UFO-styled flying saucer
Perhaps the oddest option in our list, this UFO-styled flying saucer in Pembrokeshire, Wales, will transport you to a place of solitude as you look to get away from the stresses of everyday life.
This cosmic haven will make you feel like you’re a galaxy far, far away. Prepare for out of this world feasts in the cabin’s dining area, with a dedicated wardrobe for your space gear. A separate outdoor cooking station with gas hobs is perfect for more elaborate intergalactic cuisine.
Entertainment that’s light-years ahead awaits with an onboard monitor dedicated to classic 1980s arcade games, obviously including Space Invaders and Defender. For futuristic convenience, the craft’s hatch operates via remote control, and an emergency escape hatch ensures peace of mind during your extraterrestrial stay.
Insuring a holiday home
If you’re looking to rent your holiday home, you’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance before listing your property on Airbnb. At Adrian Flux, we offer comprehensive holiday home insurance to suit your needs. We also offer bed and breakfast insurance and holiday let insurance.
If you’re worried about the possessions you keep in your second home, there’s our contents insurance too that will help put your mind at ease.
Call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you to find out more.
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