Traditionally, England is renowned for its scenic countryside and historic city life, for its superb shopping and its relaxing spa breaks. A better-kept secret (but just as easy to discover) is that England is peppered with a great variety of unusual places to stay. From a quirky town hotel to a storybook country hideaway, we’ve found a selection that is sure to stir the imagination…
If history is your passion, you could spend a weekend or longer self-catering at Pekes Manor (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Lewes/Self-Catering/115032/Pekes.htm) in beautiful Sussex, which tells a story dating back to William the Conqueror. You can stay in the Manor itself, which sleeps up to 18, or choose from one of the smaller properties on the grounds, including the Gate Cottage, and a traditional Oast House for which the area is famous.
The Granary (www.ntopsearch.com/VisitEngland/en-GB/Details.aspx?contentID=561057&IndustryType=9&IsSearchFormAccommodation=True) is situated in the grounds of the owner's working turf and arable farm this first floor property has been converted from the granary to make an ideal base for walking, cycling, riding and birdwatching.
Or if you’d prefer to be waited on in unusual surroundings, then perhaps Oxford’s Malmaison (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Oxford/Hotel/488262/Malmaison-Oxford.htm) would be more your style. A converted prison, it has retained many features, such as the original cells, door and bars. Whatever your crime, you’re sure to enjoy doing time at this lovely boutique hotel.
Staying with buildings famous for both their beauty and their function, The Windmill Hotel (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Scarborough/Guest-Accommodation/77955/The-Windmill-Hotel.htm) in Scarborough offers 9 ensuite rooms around a courtyard and two apartments within the Grade II-listed windmill building itself, which is over 220 years old.
Or finally, if you’ve always wondered what it would be like to roam, then The Old Forge (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Totnes/Guest-House/70504/The-Old-Forge.htm) at Compton Abbas in Dorset offers a traditional Gypsy Caravan, carefully restored and complete with breathtaking views across open countryside.
Wherever you are in England, you're never far from one of its castles, some of which you can stay in. Caerhays Castle (www.ntopsearch.com/VisitEngland/en-GB/Details.aspx?contentID=833973&IndustryType=1&Location=South+West+England&Latitude=0&Longitude=0&Adults=2&pName=castle&Sort=6&IsSearchFormAccommodation=True) is situated on the south coast of Cornwall and is perfect place to stay with its secluded beaches, a sheltered valley and extraordinary gardens full of rare plants.
