Many of us are replacing our summer holiday abroad with a ‘staycation’ this year. If you’re planning a trip within the UK we’ve found a selection of brilliant places to stay that offer a unique break for couples, families or larger groups. Check out these unusual holiday locations if you are in need of some inspiration for your 2020 getaway!

Camp Katur

Camp Katur brings various glamping experiences to North Yorkshire. Owner Kerry Roy is a lover of adventure who has taken over the beautiful Camp Hill estate to create a unique site with unusual camping-style accommodation options. The site boasts a selection of teepees, geodomes, safari tents, hobbit hides and various cabins, all within a one mile walk of the pubs in nearby villages Kirklington and Carthorpe. The 18th century estate is well located, with easy access to a number of historic market towns, including Bedale, Ripon, Thirsk and Harrogate.

Camp Katur offers a number of activities to enjoy during your stay, including yoga, craft workshops and wine tasting. It also has hot tub and sauna facilities and is nestled amongst 250 acres of woodland, with a number of scenic country walks within and outside of the grounds.

Mhor 84

If you want to head north, the Scottish motel, restaurant, bar and café Mhor 84 might just be the spot for you. Each of the rooms in this elegantly designed hotel has a retro vibe with bright pops of colour and cool vintage posters. Choose from a hotel-based double, twin or family room, or opt for one of the detached ‘Outback’ rooms which allow dogs. There’s even a two bedroom cottage on site if you really want your own space.

Mhor 84 is located within the Trossachs National Park, on the A84 leading up to the Highlands, meaning cyclists, walkers and locals alike often stop here for its comfort and convenience. If you can’t stay for the night, a visit for the food and live folk music is well worth it.

Mhor 84 is part of the Mhor collection, which also includes Monachyle Mhor to the West of Loch Voil.

Wolf Wood Treehouses

Wolf Wood boasts beautifully designed treehouses just outside of the pretty village of Bratton Clovelly, Devon. It was created by Sam and Rachel Holden, who moved to Devon with their children after discovering the perfect woodland location in 2016. The pair enlisted the help of a traditional timber framer and started building their treehouse designs in 2017 with a combination of reclaimed and locally sourced, sustainable timber.

There are now three treehouses to choose from, sleeping two to four in the beautiful 13-acre deciduous woodland. Make the most of the treetop location by opening the bifold doors or hopping in the jacuzzi. Each house is equipped with a woodburner to warm you up after a day exploring the surroundings, enjoying the local beaches, climbing a tor or visiting one of the nearby National Trust properties. On rainy days there are board games to play and books to read and the well-equipped kitchen provides the perfect space to cook up a hearty meal. If you fancy a wild meal, head out to one of the picnic and barbecue areas dotted around the woods.

Boltholes & Hideaways

A selection of unique self-catering holiday cottages in Anglesey and Snowdonia. Anglesey is a Welsh island off the mainland’s northwest coast. There is an abundance of exploring to be done on the isle, with miles of rugged headland and many quiet coves. The picturesque towns, like Menai and Beaumaris, host independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, with many offering products and produce made on the island.

If you fancy a visit to Anglesey, Boltholes & Hideaways has an excellent selection of properties to suit your needs and group size. They have dog friendly options, as well as a selection of unique and unusual stays, like Melin Y Bont windmill! Their website is a fantastic hub for all things Anglesey, with suggestions for getting active, exploring the beaches and eating out.

Moonraker Canalboats

For a  unique holiday, why not hire one of Moonraker Canalboats luxury 10ft widebeam boats. Each canal boat comes equipped with king sized beds, Jacuzzi Whirlpool baths, central heating, log burners and luxurious linens. Boats sleep two to nine people, pets are allowed, and each one is beautifully finished offering a comfortable and cosy environment for your trip.

You will board your boat at Honeystreet Wharf in Pewsey Vale, Wiltshire, a beautiful starting point for your holiday that is surrounded by stunning countryside. Once you have collected your barge you are free to explore the Kennet and Avon Canal, stretching from Bath to Reading. If you fancy a break from the water, head on land to check out Crofton Beam Engines, home to 200 year old steam engines; or Wilton windmill built in 1821. There is plenty of pretty countryside to explore, as well as historic villages that you can reach by foot, bike or on horseback. If you get hungry, there are a whole host of lovely canal-side pubs to visit, or enjoy the peace and quiet on board in your fully functioning kitchen.

The Rocks Hostel

Nestled in the mountain village of Capel Curig in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, The Rocks is a 5-star, dog friendly hostel. The accommodation is ideally located for easy travel to Snowdon, the North Wales coast and is just up the road from Betws-y-Coed, with lots of cafes, shops and restaurants to explore. Its fantastic location provides dramatic mountain views, but it isn’t just the outside that looks good.

The family-run hostel is beautifully designed, more closely resembling a boutique hotel than a hostel. The spacious kitchen is clean and can be used to prepare your own meals, there is a large dining area and a snug room with log-burner to warm you up after a day exploring Snowdonia. Dorm rooms are currently only available to be booked per room, as a single room space cannot be shared by people who are not travelling together.

Do something different!

If you want something a little different this year, one of these special spots might be just the ticket. Each of the locations listed is now open for business, taking special measures to ensure guest safety is maintained. Check out their websites to find out if a stay in a treehouse, a windmill or on a barge is the right trip for you this year!

If you want more inspiration for making the most of a staycation, read our post about classic kids games to play this summer.