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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An old sandstone building with a medium tower at one end

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 Bodmin Jail Hotel

Bodmin, Cornwall, England

Lock yourself up in a characterful Cornish landmark that's steeped in history and creative imagination, with elegant design features, dog-friendly rooms, and a gourmet restaurant in the gothic chapel!
Sleeps: Varies
Bedrooms: 70 rooms
From £197 / night

The Carriage Ely

Coveney, Cambridgeshire, England

Two elegant and luxurious retreats with private hot tubs, housed in a beautifully restored GWR train carriage for a first-class break in the tranquil Cambridgeshire countryside.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1 per carriage
From £159 / night

Old Higher Lighthouse Branscombe Lodge

Portland Bill, Dorset, England

Leave everyday life far behind in this heartwarming cottage, romantically positioned by an 18th century lighthouse on Dorset's Jurassic Coast.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £536 (7 nights)

Thirlestane Castle

Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland

An exquisite 16th century castle nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Thirlestane is the ultimate castle experience.
Sleeps: 2-16
Bedrooms: 8
From £230 /night

ARC Painswick

Painswick, Gloucestershire, England

A Grade II-listed retreat with a heated outdoor pool for the ultimate in large-group breaks, beautifully restored by a renowned team of architects and secluded in the heart of the "Queen of the Cotswolds".
Sleeps: 24
Bedrooms: 9
From £2,900 /nt

Unimog Army Ambulance

Friskney, Lincolnshire, England

A thrilling stay in a cosily-converted rescue vehicle parked on a Linconshire lake, in a rural area that boasts picture-perfect views of gorgeous Lincolnshire.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £70 /night

The Control Tower B&B

Walsingham, Norfolk, England

A restored Control Tower B&B bursting with history, period art deco features and furnishings on a former North Norfolk airfield.
Sleeps: 2 per room
Bedrooms: 4
From £125 / night

Sprat & Winkle

Horsebridge, Hampshire, England

A seriously elegant train carriage, beautifully secluded on its very own platform in Hampshire's scenic Test Valley.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £550 (7 nights)

Longships

The Lizard, Cornwall, England

A sumptuous, white-walled lighthouse cottage, featuring dramatic Cornish clifftop views and endless coastal walks.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £323 (2 nights)

The Engine House

Porthtowan, Cornwall, England

A characterful, TV-featured retreat that's steeped in Cornish heritage, Grade II-listed and perfectly located in the heart of ‘Poldark country' with stunning ocean views.
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 3
From £743 (3 nights)

Toll Bridge Cottage

Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales

A characterful, dog-friendly hideaway that’s rich in historic charm and peacefully set alongside the Mawddach Estuary for a tranquil escape with shimmering views.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £132 / night
Interior shot of Seabank Selsey featuring converted train carriages
New Year's Eve availability remains- but it won't last for long, so be quick!

Seabank Selsey

Selsey, West Sussex, England

Prepare for a first-class holiday at stunning Seabank - a railway carriage retreat on the southernmost point of West Sussex.
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
From £400 (2nt)