Quirky and Unusual Hotels in the UK

For most travellers, all that is required from a hotel room is comfort and affordability. However, for some more adventurous holidaymakers, the hotel room can be a destination all of its own. 

Across the UK, there are unique hotels looking to satisfy your wanderlust with an overnight stay that stands out from the crowd. Accommodation options, large and small, that offer something unique and special. Join CrossCountry as we explore the top quirky hotels to visit on a staycation. 

Bodmin Jail Hotel

100 years ago, the stark stone walls of Bodmin Jail were the last place you’d think of for a relaxing night away from home. But today, plush, stylish rooms have replaced dingy cells to create Bodmin Jail Hotel. 

This unique place to stay has interwoven the building’s dark past with modernity and whimsy. There are three experiences to choose from, allowing you to check in as a prisoner, a warden, or a governor. 

As a prisoner, you’ll be treated to a historically inspired ‘Prisoners Meal’ at long wooden tables, as well as expert-led tours through the storied halls. 

As a warden, you’ll begin your dive into the past with a governor’s drinks reception before exploring the ghostly history of the jail. 

Finally, at the height of luxury, you’ll enter Bodmin Jail as a governor. This experience includes a private ghost tour, a seven-course tasting menu, and VIP treatment from start to finish. 

Bodmin Jail Hotel is accessible by bus from Bodmin Parkway, which is on the CrossCountry network. Looking to explore the UK’s spooky history? Make sure to consider Bodmin Jail Hotel for a spine-chilling ghost walk. 

Fingal

Fingal Hotel is another quirky accommodation option with a rich history. Located in Edinburgh, the luxury floating hotel once transported lighthouse keepers to their watchpoints. In 2019, the ship welcomed its first guests looking for a unique and intriguing experience. 

Fingal’s luxury suites hold on to their maritime legacy with headboards decorated with map contours and Davy lamps adorning the walls. The Lighthouse Restaurant offers a curated menu of fresh fish, foraged ingredients, and local beef against the backdrop of Leith Docks. 

To reach Fingal from Edinburgh Waverley, you can walk to St Andrew Square and catch the tram. CrossCountry runs trains to Edinburgh from all over the UK, including Glasgow Central, Sheffield, and York. 

The Chocolate Box Hotel

Five minutes from the beach in Bournemouth, amongst more run-of-the-mill hotels and B&Bs, is The Chocolate Box Hotel. This unique place to stay is themed around sugary decadence, with chocolate-themed rooms and delicacies delivered to your door. The hotel offers three packages to enhance your stay, with the most luxurious including a bouquet of flowers and a chocolate fountain. Perfect for a romantic staycation! 

The Chocolate Box Hotel is close to some of Bournemouth’s best beaches and tourist attractions, including the Oceanarium and the pier. It’s the perfect place to book a stay if you’re looking for a distinctive holiday experience. 

CrossCountry services trains to Bournemouth station from locations such as Oxford and Reading. If you’re a true chocoholic, discover more decadent chocolate experiences to enjoy. 

Hotel Football

If you’re travelling to Old Trafford to watch a game, a special accommodation option is Hotel Football. The hotel offers stadium-view rooms, many of which are co-designed by former United players, that offer retro souvenirs and sports channels on every TV. Their family rooms are the ultimate treat for footy-mad kids, with themed snacks and décor. 

Café Football offers a fun and exciting menu with playful twists on culinary favourites, including Messi Fries, Garnachos, and the delicious Fans Feast Pizza. At this quirky accommodation, you can enjoy every minute of match day. 

From Manchester Piccadilly, hop on a tram to Pomona, and Hotel Football is a twelve-minute walk from there. CrossCountry services trains to Manchester from locations like Leamington Spa, Wolverhampton, and Birmingham New Street. 

Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel

A wonderfully weird place to stay, the Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel is an ode to the spooky history of York. The award-winning hotel offers an immersive experience from start to finish, blending witchcraft, magic, and myth into your stay. There are five mesmerising rooms to choose from, including an apothecary and a historic train station, complete with a Victorian-era sleeper carriage. 

The tiny hotel is conveniently located close to some of York’s top attractions, like Shambles Market and Barley Hall. Amidst the eerie charm of one of the UK’s most haunted cities, Hocus Pocus offers an essential experience into a fantastical and dreamy realm. 

If you’re travelling to York by train, hop on a CrossCountry service from stations like Durham and Derby. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a fourteen-minute walk to the hotel. 

West Usk Lighthouse

West Usk Lighthouse in Newport, South Wales, was built in 1821 and played a role during the First World War, remaining operational until the 1960s. By the 1980s, however, it had fallen into disrepair. Today, the lighthouse is a Grade II listed building and has been thoughtfully renovated into an intriguing and unique place to stay. 

Your adventure to Wales can be embellished with waterside views, a private terrace, and a hot tub right next to this historic and beautiful lighthouse. It’s the perfect location for a relaxed and tranquil break. 

West Usk Lighthouse is a twenty-minute drive from Newport station, with plenty of taxi services available. CrossCountry runs trains to Newport from locations such as Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads. 

The Cube

The Cube is one of the most unique features of the Birmingham skyline, with its bold and futuristic facade. It was designed by Ken Shuttleworth, the mastermind behind The Gherkin in London, and was inspired by the look and feel of a jewellery box. 

The Cube Hotel can be found high in the sky, offering unparalleled views of Birmingham and luxurious rooms. The building is also home to a retro bowling alley and three restaurants, promising delicious food and drink. There’s also a rooftop terrace available for relaxing in the sun. 

The Cube Hotel is an eleven-minute walk from Birmingham New Street and provides easy access to some of the best things to do in Birmingham. You can travel to Birmingham with CrossCountry, just hop on a train from areas like Cambridge and Leicester. 

Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly. 

If you’re planning to visit a quirky 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.