Wonderfully quirky hideaways for weekends in the country
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Visit England
Fancy a weekend in the country? Hotels and cottages are so last year. If you want to really escape, book yourself something completely different. From a gypsy caravan to a converted chapel, the UK is bursting with quirky places to stay - you just have to know where to look. Whether you want a romantic place for two or some family-friendly fun, there's something as individual as you are here...
Quirky hideaways for weekends in the country
- Camp out in a Welsh tipi<p> There's organic fare and holistic therapies galore at this alternative country campsite, and geeks will love it too: it's right next to the Centre for Alternative Technology. Four tipis and a yurt are set within 40 acres of a large organic farm deep in the Dyfi Forest. Prices range from £195 - £369 per tipi for two nights (sleeps two). Visit <a href="http://www.responsibletravel.com/accommodation/590/dyfi-forest-tipi-and-yurt-accommodation" target="_blank">responsibletravel.com</a></p> <div> </div>
- Count sheep in a shepherd's hut in the South Downs<p> On the doorstep of three major trails – The South Downs Way, Wayfarer’s Walk and Monarch’s Way, are these beautifully decorated "wriggly tin" Shepherd’s huts that are completely off-grid. Step back into a simpler way of life, but with added, charming touches like soft linens and enamel and copper kitchenware.</p>
- Take in the country air in Dorset<p> Decamp to Dorset for a few days and the kids will love you. Toasting marshmallows on a fire pit, visit the local sights - which include Corfe Castle - and a cosy night in your caravan. From £275 for three nights in four-berth caravan. Visit <a href="http://Www.happydaysrv.co.uk">happydaysrv.co.uk</a></p>
- Hop off to the Hobbit House<p> A circular cob and cordwood roundhouse set in a traditional Cornish orchard, this odd little place is bursting with comfort inside. Think sheepksin rugs, recycled glass bottles in the walls and a roof made for stargazing. The <a href="http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/cornwall/plan-it-earth/hobbit-house" target="_blank">Hobbit House </a>has a living turf roof for insulation - so you really do feel like you're living with nature.</p>
- Sleep in a quirky chapel<p> Nestled in the trees of Walcot Arboretum and only accessed by a small track, this funny little <a href="http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/shropshire/walcot-hall/the-chapel" target="_blank">converted chapel </a>offers an airy open-plan interior with natural wood decor. Explore the beautiful arboretum, chase farm animals or play the organ. From £65 per night. Sleeps four.</p>
- Snooze a weekend away in a belle tent in Ireland<p> These <b><a href="http://www.teapotlaneluxurycamp.com/" target="_blank">hand-crafted belle tents</a></b> in Ireland's North Leitrim are beautifully furnished with king size beds, luxurious linens and wood burning stoves. There are also two restored county cottages on the 5 acre woodland site, and plenty of hammocks and safe hiding places to keep children entertained. From £28 per person per night (sharing). Open all year round.</p>
- Get back to nature in an ecopod in Scotland<p> The <a href="http://goglamping.net/united-kingdom/ecopod-boutique-retreat-argyll/">Ecopod Boutique Retreat</a> is a luxury bubble in thee middle of a forest, with terrific views of the surrounding countryside of the west coast of Scotland. Kitted out with all mod cons including a hot tub on the deck, this is one for luxury lovers. are greeted with a hamper of local produce. From £450 for a short break.</p>
- While away some time in a worker's wagon<p> A road worker's living wagon from the 1900s, this has been extensively renovated and re-located in a pretty nut orchard - and it's all just an hour away from London. The traditional green and yellow livery is still intact, and Ransoms also has a separate kitchen hut, a compost loo, a fire pit and best of all the pub is only a stones throw away. <a href="http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/kent/the-nut-plat/ransoms" target="_blank">Ransoms</a> costs from £65 per night and sleeps two.</p>
- Wander off in the Wye Valley<p> <a href="http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/cedar-falls " target="_blank">Cedar Falls</a> is perfect for anyone who wants to hide from the world. Tucked within an ancient woodland setting is a lovely Swedish-designed cabin with a big comfy loft room (perfect for kids). Outside, there are miles of ancient woodland as well as amicro-brewery to explore. From £80 per night, sleeps four. </p>
- Settle into a converted camper van in Hertfordshire<p> The <a href="http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/hertfordshire/guilden-gate/the-coppice-woodland" target="_blank">Coppice Woodland,</a> near Cambridge, offers a converted old VW camper van and bell tent to make a family-friendly camp on an organic smallholding. There's a timber hut which houses the compost loo and kitchen, there's a hot tub that looks like a wok, and a two-hole golf course as well as lots of games spaces scattered around. From £75 a night. Sleeps four.</p>
- Get some R&R in a converted railway carriage<p> Nestled in the Severn Valley, the "retired" <a href="http://www.coalportstation.com/" target="_blank">Coalport Station </a>offers accommodation in two beautifully converted railway carriages. Located within the Iornbridge Gorge (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site), you'll be a world away from modern life. This little gem perfect for wildlife lovers: look out for owls, buzzards, deer and badgers can all be found, and your bang smack next to the riverbank, which is teeming with life too...</p>
- Float in the clouds in Suffolk<p> There’s a fairy tale quality to this holiday property in Suffolk. Once a water tower that was used by the nearby holiday houses, now it has been converted into a five-bedroom house, with a mixture of twin and double bedrooms. Right at the top is a galleried games room with pool and table tennis tables. And yes, just as you’d imagine, the views from the top of the House in the Clouds are superb.</p>
- Stay in a vintage caravan in Devon<p> In a sleepy meadow in Devon, three lovingly restored gypsy caravans together comprise the <a href="http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/vintagevardos " target="_blank">Vintage Vardos</a>. Perfect for a large group or a couple of families who want to holiday together, these quirky retreats provide a memorable way to experience life on the farm. From £198 per night. Sleeps 12.</p> <p class="p1"> </p>
- Perch on the coast at Clavell Tower<p> Overlooking one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in Kimmeridge, Dorset, Clavell tower has enchanted visitors since its construction in 1830, including writers like Hardy and PD James. The four-storey tower has a circular balcony and sublime views. A four-night stay starts from £388, visit <a href="http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/clavell-tower-6222#tabs=1" target="_blank">thelandmarktrust.org</a> for details.</p>
- Climb the tower in Sandringham<p> This renovated Victorian water tower sits on the edge of the Royal estate in Sandringham and you can try to catch a glimpse of some Royalty from the look-out that's nestled in the tree-tops at the tip of the tower. The two-bed Appleton tower starts from £463 for four nights. Book with <a href="http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/AppletonWaterTower" target="_blank">unusualhotelsoftheworld.com</a>.</p>
- Weigh Anchor at Spitfork Fort<p> Play at being a commander of your very own sea fort at Spitbank off the coast of Portsmouth. <a href="http://www.spitbankfort.com/exclusive-use-spitbank0/4-days-of-luxury-package/" target="_blank">Spitbank Fort's</a> four-day luxury package includes an opportunity to explore the Isle of Wight and learn about the history of the British Navy. Tot of rum followed by chilled champagne and canapés in the Victory Bar and a RIB speedboat ride around the forts anyone? From £399 per person per night, including food, wine, and entertainment.</p>
- Make a PitStop in Herts<p> Step back in time at <a href="http://www.the-pitstop.net/home" target="_blank">PitStop</a> near Bishop's Stortford, a period hotel decked out like a fifties diner complete with themed bedrooms and a Morgan sports car for rent. Guests can stay in the Edwardian, Art Deco, sports car or Indian Raj style rooms, from £170 for a two-night stay.</p>
- Catch the train to Dent Station<p> At <a href="http://www.dentstation.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">Dent Station</a>, on the Settle-Carlisle line, your holiday starts as soon as the train pulls onto the platform. The highest mainline station in England is home to a delightful grade II listed renovated property, which can sleep six guests. The waiting room has been transformed into a lounge and what was the ladies waiting room is now a huge kitchen. A seven-night stay starts from £700. </p>
