Historic Retreats

Fort Leicester

Historic Retreats Accommodation Types

A castle surrounded by Scottish HIghland countryside

Castles & Follies

Relive history and stay in a fairytale castle or folly; a fun experience for the family or a romantic break for two. From Gothic chateaux or Scottish castles to ancient fortresses and follies, booking a holiday in a venue steeped in intrigue and tradition will not disappoint.
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Black grand piano forte inside a religious chapel with ornate red and gold religious paintings on the domed ceiling

Churches & Chapels

Find your own sanctuary and divine setting with a stay in a beautifully converted church or chapel. Once consigned to parsons and vicars, these incredibly historic and ancient venues now offer a chance to holiday out of the ordinary.
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Brick and sandstone entrance archway to Palmers Folly a Grade II-listed building on Holkham Estate, Norfolk.

Gatehouses & Tollhouses

Book a stay in a converted Gatehouse or Tollhouse and get an added dose of fascinating history. As gateways to buildings of significance, many of these unusual buildings have been renovated and modernised to provide an unforgettable holiday experience.
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Chillingham Castle looking 'moody' at twilight with dark sky and orange clouds

Listed Buildings

These stunning properties all have one thing in common, they are edifices deemed to be of architectural or historic interest and national importance and subject to protection. Stay in a listed space with Host Unusual.
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Towers & Forts

Ever thought about indulging your regal side with a stay in a medieval tower or fort? Embark on a magical mystery (or should that be 'history') tour with Host Unusual. Browse our range of majestic and quirky accommodation options that are sure to impress.
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All Historic Retreats

The Old URC

Penrith, Cumbria, England

Take a pew in a divinely-restored, Grade II-listed 17th century church with expansive and soul-stirring rural views, peacefully secluded in a ‘hidden gem’ Lake District village close to Ullswater.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £108 /nt

RAF Wainfleet - The Tower

Friskney, near Skegness, Lincolnshire, England

Stay in a history-steeped, uniquely iconic Lincolnshire landmark and quirky helicopter, fit for wartime heroes and offering superlative countryside views.
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
From £195 / night

Camillia Boatel

Edinburgh, Scotland

A sustainable, bespoke-crafted lime-green haven, rich in hotel-suite comfort and permanently docked just minutes away from Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile.
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 3
From £350 / night

North Elmham Chapel

North Elmham, Norfolk, England

A jaw-droppingly palatial Victorian retreat, dog-friendly and divinely nestled in an ancient Norfolk village that's surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms: 5
From £2,584 (4 nights)

Samaritan Tank

Friskney, Lincolnshire, England

A former battlefield staple, jaw-droppingly restored and beautifully positioned on a lake, for peaceful, nature-steeped views of rural Lincolnshire.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £70 /night

Sumburgh Lighthouse

Shetland Isles, Scotland

Shetland's Sumburgh Lighthouse offers gorgeous self-catering accommodation, breath-taking views, and even a slice of television fame - all combining for that truly memorable stay.
Sleeps: 5
Bedrooms: 3
From £553 / week

The Lakeside Viewing Gallery

Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire, England

A centuries-old thatched retreat with a mesmerising mix of original features and modern luxuries, surrounded by serene open water and lush woodland in Sonning Eye.
Sleeps: 12
Bedrooms: 4
From £700 / night
10% discount for stays of 4 nights +, 20% discount for stays of 7 nights +

Quarry Hill Church

Strangford, County Down, Northern Ireland

An award-winning conversion that blends cherished heritage and design-led luxury, for a captivating stay in a timeless Irish village.
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms: 5
From £600 / 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.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £166 night

Fog Signal Building

Dungeness, Kent, England

A romantically unspoilt building steeped in historic charm, set on the wildly windswept Dungeness coast.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £654 (2 nts)

The Folly at Old Melrose

Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland

A charming retreat for two, surrounded by woodland and birdsong on a historic Scottish Borders estate by the tranquil River Tweed.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £595/week

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.
Sleeps: 5
Bedrooms: Open plan
From £60 / night