On the Map

On the Map: Gloriously Different Stays in Gloucestershire

16 June 2021

A picture of traditional English elegance, Gloucestershire is defined by its exquisite spa and market towns, stately homes, and fresh green landscapes.

Here you can savour high tea in medieval market squares, after a day of walking through scenic Cotswold villages, or whizzing through the wildlife-steeped Forest of Dean on two wheels.

Also boasting vibrant festivals and sporting events galore, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time!

Enjoy them all to your hearts’ content, before heading back to the luxurious comfort of one of these suitably unusual retreats.

Author: Nina Jervis
Main Image: A dip in the lake at Campwell

Rainforest Chapel

Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England
Find your own peaceful sanctuary in this ingeniously converted chapel that is packed full of original features and charm in the popular Forest of Dean.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£349 (2 nights)

Forest Holidays Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Experience true luxury, encircled by unspoilt rivers, rocks and woodland, courtesy of Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean. With thrilling activities, indulgent treats and a remarkable cabin, your perfect escape awaits!
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£345 (3/4 nt)

The Hudnalls Hideout

Nr St Briavels, Gloucestershire, England
An ultra-luxurious, design-led and TV-featured treehouse-for-two, deliciously secluded amongst private woodland in the beautiful Wye Valley.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£400 /night

LV14 SULA Lightship

Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Escape to the water and enjoy a unique and scenic adult-only stay aboard a historic British Lightship, beautifully restored and enchantingly moored in the Gloucester Docks, in the Cotswolds.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£166 night

The Clock Tower Stow

Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, England
Time to relax, in a stylish penthouse apartment in a historic church, gently nestled by a village green in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 5
From
£160 / night

The Roost Retreats

Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England
Two sumptuous adults only, dog-friendly cedar cabins with a hot tub and barrel sauna, plus luxuries galore, bespoke crafted and nestled in the magical Forest of Dean.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
From
£228 / night

Latest
Posts

Swipe left
to find out more

Book That Last-Minute Summer Break: Unusual Retreats With Availability Through July and August 2026

If you’re still dreaming about getting away from it all this summer, don’t worry. We may already be in July,...

Cold Comfort: Why “Coolcation” is the Holiday Buzzword of 2026!

If you sweated your way through the ferocious, unprecedented heatwave that hit parts of the UK and Europe this June,...

Unusual – and Cool! – Stays for Sweltering Days in the UK and Europe

Summer heatwaves are here to stay. That’s great news if you’re a fan of lazy, sun-drenched holidays, but as the...

“Alex came up with the name ‘Host Unusual’ on a London bike ride!” Meet our Founders, Dawn and Alex

We put a lot of thought and detail into each of our property listings, which is only fair when you...

10 Years, 10 Tried and Tested Host Unusual Retreats!

Host Unusual was born of our genuine passion for unique holiday retreats. That means we don’t just list them, we...