Discover unique accommodation near Koivu’s Kent HQ.
Travel is tricky again this year, isn’t it? But luckily there are wonderful places to stay around the UK. Perhaps now is a great chance to explore an area you’re not familiar with.
Being based in the beautiful south-east of the UK, we thought we’d share some of the more unique places to stay in this region. From treehouses to a concrete tower here are just a handful of ideas for your UK staycation this summer.
And don’t be surprised if there is quite a lot of wood involved in the construction of some these cool getaways! We do love wood!
Free Range Glamping, Edenbridge, Kent
https://www.freerangeglamping.co.uk/
Imagine going completely off grid to stay at an organic dairy farm where you can step out of your yurt or shepherd’s Hut to watch the cows being milked. That’s what you’ll find at Bore Place Farm. With wooden flooring, elegant latticework walls and even a transparent crown for stargazing, we love these little yurts, there’s even have a safari-style outdoor kitchen, a firepit (perfect for marshmallow roasting!) and a private composting loo. What more could you need?
Oh, and did we mention the magnificent views across Kent’s Eden Valley?
Rankin’s Farm, Linton, Kent
More glamping? Yes, but forgive us but we just loved them both. This time based on a 400-year-old farm beside a 30-year-old plum orchard. In fairness this is true glamping, no roughing it in sight. All pods are en suite with heated towel rails no less, they even have underfloor heating, hobs, sinks, fridges, pots, pans and everything else you’ll need for a stay on site. You’ll also have sole use of a firepit for BBQs and campfires and shared use of the “Blistering Beast”, their amazing wood burning pizza oven. You can enjoy WiFi throughout the site, though you don’t have to use it if you’d rather put the electronic devices away for the week and truly get back to nature.
Blackberry Wood, Ditchling, East Sussex
Want something different from glamping? How about a treehouse? Situated in the South Downs National Park only 10 miles from Brighton, you won’t just have the choice of a stunning log cabin and two incredible treehouses called Higgledy and Piggledy, there’s also a gypsy caravan as well as a converted Wessex helicopter and even a 1964 Routemaster double-decker London bus – it doesn’t get more unique than that. Facilities here are pretty ‘back to basics’ but you will find hot showers and flushing toilets so it’s not all bad.
Knepp Safaris, Horsham, Sussex
At Knepp you’ll find one of the largest rewilding projects in the UK, which is just one of the reasons we love it. But if you have kids over 12 and looking for something a bit different for your UK staycation, Knepp is the place. Home to incredible safaris across 3,500 acres, with amazing free roaming wildlife. You can choose from camping pitches in lush meadows or any one of the shepherd’s huts, bell tents, luxurious yurts or even a new treehouse nestled in a mature Oak, with a viewing platform built four feet off the ground.
Snooze, Brighton
Billed as “Brighton’s funkiest boutique hotel”, if you know how much we love bright colour combos you won’t be surprised we’ve picked this one. With it’s cool, cosy vintage-inspired style and laid back beach vibes, if you fancy heading down to the south coast this summer, a few nights in this great value little place could be just the ticket.
It even won the quirkiest place to stay in the UK award in 2016.
Freston Water Tower
http://www.theconcretecastle.co.uk/
If you’ve spent time in Ipswich, it’s likely you’ve spotted the old Freston Water Tower. Refurbished and brought back to life from a derelict state after a number of years, this prominent local landmark is now known as The Concrete Castle. It’s a 7-storey tower, sleeping 9-18 people in 9 bedrooms and complete with an entertainment floor and with seating area on the roof. If you fancy a big celebration with family or friends in a picturesque coastal location, this could be it. One thing’s for sure – you won’t have stayed anywhere like it before.
We’re taking a break for our own staycation in August. You’re welcome to get in touch with us in the meantime but we may not reply until we return.