Charming Retreats Across the UK

Escape to idyllic accommodations that are perfect for large groups looking for adventure, relaxation, or a taste of history. From historically rich castles to cozy converted barns, here’s a guide to some of the most unique stays across the UK.

Redford Farm Barns, Shropshire

Nestled eight miles from the picturesque town of Ludlow, Redford Farm Barns features two beautifully renovated Victorian redbrick barns. The larger unit comfortably accommodates nine guests, while the smaller can host four, with a charming shepherd’s hut offering space for two extra guests.

The layout is designed for communal living with an expansive open area for cooking, dining, and lounging. Equipped with two ovens and two fridges, preparing meals is a breeze. One of the highlights is a cozy former stable that now serves as a bar, complete with a woodburner, piano, and dartboard for evening entertainment.

Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the wellness area, featuring a wood-fired sauna, a cold plunge bath, and an outdoor shower. Dog owners will find a pet-friendly atmosphere, with up to five dogs allowed to frolic freely in the fenced garden and surrounding fields. Ludlow itself is a culinary haven, boasting a vibrant market with local produce available six days a week.

• Sleeps: 15
• Price: From £2,691 for three nights
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Barn Drift, Norfolk

Barn Drift has transformed a former cattle shed into a stunning eight-bedroom retreat that showcases the charm of Norfolk’s flint architecture. This remarkable property includes a spacious dining hall capable of seating up to 45, a contemporary kitchen, and an inviting drawing room with a woodburner.

Outside, three linked gardens boast olive and fig trees, roses, and a Big Green Egg for those who enjoy barbecuing. Located at the end of a rural track, it offers a serene escape, only a 20-minute stroll through marshes to the beach. Nearby, Cley next the Sea offers delis and pubs, as well as opportunities for seal spotting along the coastal path.

• Sleeps: 16
• Price: From £4,000 for three nights
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St Marks Stays, Yorkshire Dales

Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, St Marks Stays combines luxury with comfort in a grand former vicarage dating back to 1872. The house accommodates up to 16 guests across eight beautifully designed bedrooms, with six en suite options.

Modern amenities include a fully-equipped kitchen, two living rooms, and a spacious dining room, while a yoga studio doubles as a creative space. The surrounding gardens offer fire pits, egg chairs, and hammocks for relaxation, with Cautley Spout, England’s highest waterfall, just a short walk away.

• Sleeps: 16
• Price: From £1,240 for two nights
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The Sail Loft, Aberdeenshire

In the coastal village of Portsoy, The Sail Loft awaits, a charming former sail-and-rope making loft that accommodates large groups of up to 27 guests. This four-star hostel combines historical significance with contemporary amenities, including a Georgian house and cottages on-site.

With secure storage for bicycles, a wood-fired hot tub, and communal spaces designed for relaxation and socialization, it’s ideal for groups seeking both comfort and adventure. Overlooking the sandy Links Bay beach, guests can partake in coastal walks and even boat-building workshops, with opportunities to witness the stunning northern lights.

• Sleeps: 27
• Price: £1,200 for two nights
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Thirlestane Castle, Scottish Borders

For those who wish to immerse themselves in history, Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders offers the chance to rent an entire wing of one of Scotland’s oldest occupied castles. The opulent south wing includes five private apartments and spacious reception rooms, such as the striking state dining room featuring portraits by renowned artists like George Romney.

With grounds that are exclusively yours from October to April, guests can explore the woodlands and parkland surrounding the castle. The quaint market town of Lauder is just a mile away, providing ample café, shop, and pub options.

• Sleeps: 16
• Price: From £4,850 for three nights
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Milden Hall, Suffolk

At Milden Hall, a 200-hectare family farm near Lavenham, guests can embrace a Tudor-style experience in the majestic Tudor barn. With open-plan sleeping arrangements that include four-posters and doubles, the barn accommodates groups willing to embrace the period atmosphere.

Adjoining spaces like the cart lodge offer private accommodation, perfect for anyone seeking a bit more seclusion. Guests can host a traditional Tudor feast at long banqueting tables or hire a local chef to handle the meal prep.

• Sleeps: 25
• Price: Two-night weekends from £1,600
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Gupton Farm Surf Lodge, Pembrokeshire

Just a stone’s throw from some of the best surfing spots in Wales, Gupton Farm Surf Lodge offers a cozy and straightforward accommodation option. The former farmstead is situated near Freshwater West and includes a kitchen for communal cooking, a living room with a woodburner, and flexible sleeping arrangements for a maximum of 10 guests.

Surrounded by 325 hectares of farmland, guests can easily access various Pembrokeshire beaches, perfect for kayaking and coastal explorations. For those interested in learning to surf, the Outer Reef surf school is right nearby, adding an adventurous touch to this idyllic stay.

• Sleeps: 10
• Price: From £454 for three nights
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Wye Valley Bunkhouse, Powys

For a unique and delightfully fun experience, the Wye Valley Bunkhouse is set within a Grade II-listed Welsh Baptist chapel, transformed into a lively space with a contemporary twist. Features such as a spiral slide, pool tables, and table tennis create an inviting atmosphere for larger groups.

The layout includes several bunk beds along with more secluded sleeping arrangements, making it perfect for family gatherings or group outings. Located beside the River Wye, with breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and easy access to the famous Hay-on-Wye literary festival, this bunkhouse promises an unforgettable stay.

• Sleeps: 18
• Price: From £1,920 for a three-night weekend
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The Cider Press, Somerset

This luxury retreat, The Cider Press, has been converted into a 10-bedroom haven featuring expansive living spaces and top-notch amenities. With an indoor heated pool and a tennis court, guests will enjoy a wealth of luxurious pastimes.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the garden, while spacious common areas foster connections and create unforgettable memories. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a delightful welcome hamper filled with local produce, setting the tone for a comforting stay amidst the stunning Somerset countryside.

• Sleeps: 20
• Price: From £5,750 for two nights
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Dalehead Bunkhouse, Peak District

For nature enthusiasts, Dalehead Bunkhouse is a gem hidden within the Edale valley, perfect for hikers and adventure seekers. The characterful stone structure features three dormitories with bunk beds, creating a cozy, rustic atmosphere with essential amenities.

Guests can enjoy communal meals in a bright and airy dining space framed by large chapel windows that fill the area with light. Located near hiking routes to iconic landmarks like Mam Tor, this bunkhouse is a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, welcoming you to explore the stunning landscapes of the Peak District.

• Sleeps: 20
• Price: Three-night weekend from £1,268
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Papple Steading, East Lothian

Papple Steading is a rural retreat located near Haddington, just 17 miles from Edinburgh. This unique setup features a farmhouse and cottage, each accommodating eight, alongside two charming bothies.

With two hectares of grounds to explore, including a wildflower meadow, the property is perfect for group activities and relaxation. Evenings can be spent gathered around the firepit, sharing stories and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

• Sleeps: 20
• Price: From £3,987 for three-night weekends
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Calverley Old Hall, West Yorkshire

Having undergone significant restoration, Calverley Old Hall is now fully available for overnight stays, inviting guests to dive into 700 years of history. The Great Hall features stunning architecture, including a 15th-century hammerbeam roof and a newly discovered Tudor painted chamber.

Located in picturesque Calverley, just a short drive from Leeds, this hall provides an enchanting environment for those interested in heritage and history, all while offering modern comforts.

• Sleeps: 10
• Price: Three nights from £1,567
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