Newly Added

New to Host Unusual: Church Glamping, Woodland Surprises, and a Scenic World War Two Bunker

3 November 2023

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a stay-surprise! Noticeable among our newly-added retreats is the pairing of magical woodland with dwellings you just wouldn’t expect to find there.

What do we mean, exactly? Well, you could jump aboard a lovingly-restored, dog-friendly boat nestled not on shimmering water, but amongst rolling Norfolk countryside.

Or head for enchanting French Alpine woodland and savour jaw-dropping views of the Aravis mountain range… from the gleaming comfort of a mirrored retreat that resembles a carefully-landed spaceship!

But if woodland surprises aren’t for you, how about bedding down in a nice reliable building instead? Somewhere like a medieval church, nestled in an ancient Essex village and boasting fascinating historic artefacts – like a church organ said to have belonged to the ‘English Mozart’.

You could also choose to cosy up in an authentic slice of history: a restored World War Two bunker with original features and spectacular views of a designated Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Explore these unusual holiday finds – and many more besides – in our latest collection of conversation-starting retreats.

Main image: The Transmitter Bunker, Dorset
Author: Nina Jervis

The Woodland Boat

Hingham, Norfolk, England
A lovingly-restored dog-friendly vessel, complete with an al fresco hot tub and plenty of dry-land luxuries, beautifully secluded on a working stud farm in rural Norfolk.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£170 / night

Champing Berden

Berden, Essex, England
Sleep over in a mesmerising medieval church, soothingly set in a Domesday Book-listed Essex village with beautiful rural views.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 6
From
£55/adult/night

The Transmitter Bunker

Ringstead, Dorset, England
A pet-friendly, Grade II-listed hideaway from World War Two, rich in quirky character and secluded in a Dorset AONB with incredible sea views.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£733 / week

Tree House Retreats

Midhurst, West Sussex, England
Escape the everyday in the most beautiful way, in a luxurious, dog-friendly treehouse set amongst ancient estate woodland at the heart of the South Downs National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 per treehouse
Sleeps: 4
From
£250 / night

Bowland Escapes Iron Age Roundhouse

Preston, Lancashire, England
Take a fun-filled trip back in time, with a quirky stay in an ancient retreat set in the heart of the Forest of Bowland and Ribble Valley.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 5
From
£60 / night

Bambu Indha

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A natural boutique escape that encapsulates the beauty and spirit of Bali to blissful perfection, with jaw-dropping eco-retreats, home-grown cuisine, and sensory experiences to rejuvenate your soul.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£256 /night

Les Voltes

Barberà de la Conca, Catalonia, Spain
A magical, warmly welcoming eco-retreat with a retro rooftop chillout space, secluded in a vibrant, heritage-rich wine village for an authentic (and delicious!) taste of Spanish life.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£95 / night

Thorney Mire Woodland Retreat

Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England
Watch red squirrels play in the trees, from lovingly-created havens set amongst three magical acres of ancient woodland in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2
From
£115 / night

The Tower

Whaley, nr Bolsover, Derbyshire, England
A vibrant, stylishly converted water tower set amongst six beautiful acres of Derbyshire countryside, close to the ancient castle-town of Bolsover for a fairytale escape.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£480 (2 nts)

Gra Houseboat

Limehouse Marina, London, England
Step aboard a luxury 70-foot vessel with high-end fixtures and fittings, moored in the beating heart of London for tranquil river views and close proximity to city hotspots.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£280/ night

Capel Cartref

Cwm-twrch Isaf, Powys, Wales
A warmly welcoming family and dog-friendly haven, filled with home comforts and peacefully positioned in a Welsh riverside village close to the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£900 / week

Mayen Estate

Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of Scottish Highland hot tub retreats for couples and families on a sweeping, heritage-rich estate surrounded by 900 acres of peaceful nature in the Deveron Valley.  
Bedrooms: 1-3
Sleeps: 6
From
£200/night

Wilson Island

Wilson Island, Queensland, Australia
Get lost among pristine white sands, diamond-like seas, and incredible marine life, in a private adults-only hideaway on the breath-taking Great Barrier Reef.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£677 /night

Champing Limpenhoe

Limpenhoe, Norfolk, England
Relax and recharge in a divine haven that dates all the way back to the 12th century, beautifully situated in a rural village within Norfolk Broads National Park.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 4
From
£55/adult/night

The Island Oxfordshire

Witney, Oxfordshire, England
A spectacular private island retreat with indoor games and an Arctic spa hot tub, dreamily set between Oxford and the Cotswolds in the midst of a vast, shimmering water-skiing lake.
Bedrooms: 10
Sleeps: 22
From
£3,500 (4nt)

Champing Lewes

Lewes, East Sussex, England
A historic haven for non-conformist worship, close to the Norman castle and Saxon lanes of Lewes with soothing sea views and the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 6
From
£55 / night

Windmill On The Farm

Burscough, Lancashire, England
Discover an 18th century Lancashire retreat with original features and cosy accommodation spread across six circular floors, surrounded by picture-perfect rural views
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£809 (7 nts)

Azul Nomeolvides

Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Azul is an award-winning eco-retreat with a stylish collection of off-grid A-frame cabins, beautifully surrounded by Mayan jungle wildlife on the shores of Lake Bacalar.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£547 (2 nts)

Golden Circle Domes

Selfoss, Southern Region, Iceland
Watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the cosy comfort of a luxurious glamping dome, magnificently located in one of Iceland’s most naturally beautiful settings.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4
From
£525 /night

Caravan Agafay

Agafay Desert, Marrakesh, Morocco
A Moroccan desert mirage made captivatingly real Caravan Agafay offers luxurious accommodation, mouthwatering cuisine, and a chance to immerse your soul in time-honoured traditions
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 3
From
£233 / night

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