Tucked away, often in the last place you’d look, hidden gems sit undiscovered and full of possibility. One of the joys of train travel is the easy access to some of the UK’s most unknown and underrated places, and where better to stay than in a hidden hotel to match?
Mirror Houses, Oxford
The Mirror Houses in Oxford are hidden in plain sight, with mirrored walls to camouflage themselves into the foliage and forest. These quirky quarters can be found on the grounds of Park Farm in the village of Kirtlington. Surrounded by woodland and perched by a stunning private lake, the Mirror Houses offer visitors a hot tub (or an outside bath or sauna!), a BBQ, and all the creature comforts you need. A stay here is truly unique and the perfect getaway for some real peace and quiet.
The Mirror Houses are around a forty-minute bus journey away from the centre of Oxford.
The Vault, Bristol
It can be tricky to find complete quiet in a big city like Bristol, but have you considered the serenity of an underground escape? The Vault is located under Queen Square, surrounded by great pubs and bars, and a short walk from the Bristol Old Vic. You’ll be staying in an underground oasis, with atmospheric mood lighting and underfloor heating. The open-plan space is framed by an arched stone ceiling, making it a totally unique secluded place to stay and one of the very best in Bristol.
The Vault is a luxury accommodation about a fifteen-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Queen Square, and it’s a two-minute walk from there.
High House Retreat, Darlington
High House Retreat is tucked away on a North Yorkshire farm. For the duration of your stay, you’ll get private views of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, a fire pit, and a wood-fired hot tub. Designed as a true digital detox, the repurposed storage container has no Wi-Fi or television, just great views, horses grazing nearby, and the thoughtful touches that make for a well-rounded experience, like fresh artisan bread and farm eggs waiting for guests on arrival.
The closest train station to High House Retreat is Darlington station, which you can reach with CrossCountry from nearby hubs like York and Durham. High House is a fifteen-minute taxi ride from the station.
Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay
In the sheltered beauty of Babbacombe Bay, Cary Arms & Spa feels far away from the tourist hotspot that is the English Riviera, despite being just outside Torquay. Known as ‘The Inn on the Beach’, this hidden coastal retreat mixes that nostalgic charm we all feel at the seaside with the little bit of luxury we can afford as adults, offering unique stays in restored fishermen’s cottages and stylish beachfront suites. Guests can dine in exclusive cliffside spots overlooking Lyme Bay before unwinding in the ocean-facing glass spa and hydrotherapy pool.
Cary Arms & Spa is a half-hour bus ride from Torquay station. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi and be there in just over ten minutes.
White House by the sea
Minutes from the Blue Flag beaches of Bournemouth, White House by the Sea is a stylish sanctuary made up of three self-contained spaces. It’s ideal for both romantic escapes and family getaways, offering guests privacy alongside shared luxury amenities including a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and games room. It’s the perfect option for a peaceful, secret hotel by the sea, especially as it’s completely surrounded by greenery.
The White House by the sea is a fifteen-minute walk from Bournemouth station. You can get to Bournemouth with CrossCountry from key stations like Reading and Southampton Central.
Still looking for a cool getaway that ticks all the boxes but feels special? Check out the most quirky and unusual hotels in the UK.
If you’re planning to visit a hidden gem hotel, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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