Known for its rolling hills and rich history, Yorkshire in England is a fantastic holiday destination for families, couples and solo travellers. I may be slightly biased as I am from North Yorkshire, but the history and scenery is some of the most interesting in the country and the people are well known for being some of the friendliest.
Yorkshire is a must-visit destination in Northern England. To make your trip to Yorkshire even more memorable, why not stay in a unique hotel or holiday home?
From a hobbit house to a lighthouse, a windmill to a bus, here are 12 examples of the most unique accommodation in Yorkshire!
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The Chapel of Rock – Harrogate
Price per night: from £766 (minimum 3 night stay)
Sleeps: up to 10
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For a special occasion or large gathering with family or friends, this old church decked out in a rock and roll theme is one of the most unique – and coolest – accommodation rentals in Yorkshire.
With a duke box and a huge array of various quirky knick-knacks such as traffic lights, a robot, vintage bikes, historic signage, a piano and much more, guests will not be able to stop talking about (and indeed exploring) the treasure trove of eclectic collectables.
If you do manage to pry yourself away from the Chapel of Rock, historic spa town Harrogate has plenty of things to do. Must-dos include afternoon tea at famous Bettys, a visit to the Turkish Baths and the beautiful gardens and waterfalls of RHS Garden Harlow Carr. There’s also the beautiful town of Knaresborough nearby.
The Windmill – Scarborough
Price per night: from £100
Sleeps: 1 – 5 (multiple rooms available)
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For any travellers looking for unusual accommodation in Yorkshire, The Windmill is a great choice. This 18th Century mill is located in Scarborough, one of Yorkshire’s most popular seaside resorts.
Each room at The Windmill combines a modern living room and kitchenette with a tastefully furnished bedroom. The property is hidden away in a quiet street but provides beautiful views of the North Sea.
The Windmill is just a few minutes walk away from Scarborough’s town centre. Some of Yorkshire’s best beaches are nearby as well. If you fancy a day trip, Scarborough Train Station provides services to some of the best places to visit in Yorkshire like Leeds and York.
Camp Katur Glamping – Carthorpe
Price per night: from £105
Sleeps: 1 – 8 (multiple huts, tents and pods available)
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Yorkshire is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes. And the best unique accommodation in Yorkshire should make the most of these views. That’s where Camp Katur Glamping comes in.
Camp Katur is nestled within a 250-acre site in North Yorkshire. Whether guests are part of a family group or travelling solo, a variety of tents and domes are available to suit any taste. Most plots feature outdoor seating and some even come with hot tubs.
The site also has several communal areas, including a beer garden and campfire areas. The Camp Hill Estate is packed with exciting activities like bushcraft experiences and an outdoor gym. Camp Katur Glamping is close to several local hotspots, including the charming historic city of Ripon.
Vanguard Lighthouse Cottage – Whitby
Price per night: from £250
Sleeps: up to 5
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As far as unique accommodation in Yorkshire goes, staying at a lighthouse takes some beating. Although guests can’t stay in the Whitby Lighthouse itself, the site has a gorgeous holiday cottage – Vanguard.
Vanguard Lighthouse is perched right on the cliff next to the 13-metre automated lighthouse. The property is dog-friendly and provides easy access to the beach. For a bit more privacy, guests can also relax in the lovely walled garden.
Vanguard Lighthouse is also just a few minutes away from the historic town of Whitby. The town boasts the ruins of the iconic St. Hilda’s Abbey and plenty of quirky shops and restaurants. Other picturesque areas, such as Robin Hood’s Bay, are also nearby.
Helmsley Garden Train Carriage – Helmsley
Sleeps: 1 – 4
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This cosy, charming converted railway carriage easily qualifies as unusual accommodation in Yorkshire. Situated in the beautiful small town of Helmsley, this property provides a quiet retreat for couples or solo travellers.
The carriage is beautifully decorated with eclectic period furniture and still retains the atmosphere of the Golden Age of railway travel. It’s also tucked away in a gorgeous courtyard garden along with a small cottage.
Helmsley is one of my favourite villages to visit in Yorkshire. Local sights include a lovely church, stunning walled gardens, and Helmsley Castle. The carriage is also just a few minutes walk from the entrance to the North York Moors National Park.
Double-Decker Bus – Withernsea
Price per night: from £150
Sleeps: 2 – 5
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Unusual accommodation in Yorkshire comes in many shapes and sizes, but a double-decker bus might just take the cake. Affectionately known as “Daisy Decker”, this holiday home is surrounded by gorgeous green fields and a lovely little garden with a deck.
The old passenger seats have been turned into a series of comfortable living areas, all with outstanding views. Situated in the Hollym Holiday Park, this property is ideal for exploring further afield.
Hull is the closest city, approximately 40-minutes away by car. Seaside towns like Withernsea are easily accessible and plenty of picturesque cycling trails are nearby.
The Goods Wagon – Harrogate
Price per night: from £120
Sleeps: 1 – 2
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Thoughtfully restored to retain as much of its original heritage as possible, this steam train carriage is the ultimate in quirky rentals in Yorkshire. Whether a train fanatic or just looking for somewhere to stay that is completely unusual, the Goods Wagon is a super cool getaway for young to old.
Despite being small, there’s everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. There’s no compromise on facilities including a bathroom, fully fitted kitchen with an electric hob, TV and a deck overlooking the old railway line.
Located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the geological wonder of Brimham Rocks, (one of the best National Trust’s in North Yorkshire) is just a short drive away.
Littondale Country & Leisure Park Chalets – Skipton
Price per night: from £59
Sleeps: 1 – 2
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Nestled within the Yorkshire Moors, these cute little chalets are ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat.
Littondale’s chalets are fantastic for couples or individual travellers. Each one really leans into the shepherd hut style, with one comfortable bed, a sofa, and basic amenities. Every pod has its own outdoor seating area so guests can breathe in the fresh Yorkshire air.
Littondale is an ideal base for anyone hoping to explore the famous Moors. Within driving distance are beautiful locations like Malham (the Malham Circular Walk is not to be missed) and many fantastic waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales such as Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss.
Craven Shepherd’s Hut – Appletreewick
Price per night: from £160
Sleeps: 1 – 2
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Foodies and beer lovers will adore this fantastic shepherd’s hut: the property is tucked away within the grounds of the Craven Arms pub in Appletreewick.
This shepherd’s hut combines charming rustic looks with a cosy atmosphere. The log-burning stove keeps everyone warm, while the windows look out across the green landscape of the Dales. Guests can also enjoy some breathtaking hiking trails just outside their door, all across the Yorkshire Dales.
There are plenty of enjoyable attractions nearby such as Bolton Abbey, Grimwith Reservoir, and Parcevall Hall Gardens.
Shire House – Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Price per night: from £250
Sleeps: 1 – 6
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This quirky, eclectic holiday let is perfect for die-hard Tolkien fans. The Shire House is styled to look just like a hobbit house, creating a magical atmosphere for any Yorkshire holiday.
The Shire House is surrounded by lush, rolling fields and is one of several themed properties on the North Shire site. The property includes a dazzling garden and a homely, rustic design. Inside, guests will find luxurious furnishings and a roll-top bath.
Fancy going on an adventure? Shire House is just eight miles away from the nearest beach and is also close to places like Westworth Reservoir.
This property also has a Mad Hatter’s Hut, a Unicorn Hut, Ground Keepers Cottage from Harry Potter and tonnes of other magical themed properties to rent!
Rufus’s Roost Treehouse – York
Price per night: from £1,400
Sleeps: 2 – 6
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Even among the most unique accommodation in Yorkshire, Rufus’s Roost really stands out, especially for those who love the forest. This wondrous woodland retreat is perched amid the trees of Baxby Manor, near York.
This incredible treehouse looks like a wizard’s castle, complete with turrets and a winding boardwalk path to the entrance. The property is kitted out with luxury amenities and furnishings, including a hot tub, a large outdoor balcony, and a secret den for the kids.
Rufus’s Roost is just a 35-minute drive from York, one of the county’s most historic cities. Guests can also explore the 700-year-old Baxby Manor estate.
Swinton Bivouac Lodges & Yurt – Masham
Price per night: from £155
Sleeps: 1 – 6 (multiple options available)
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Few places provide a more exciting getaway than Swinton Bivouac. This 20,000-acre estate has plenty of glamping options, including yurts.
The Swinton Bivouac Estate in the Yorkshire Dales is packed with activities such as horse-riding, falconry, and plenty of biking trails. Each plot provides a relaxing off-grid experience. But for any guests seeking luxury, there’s also a country club and spa nearby.
Swinton Bivouac is close to urban centres like Masham and Ripon. The local area is full of stunning sites such as the Druid’s Temple – an ancient stone circle.
Wesleyan Chapel – Danby
Price per night: from £160
Sleeps: 1 – 2
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Exquisitely refurbished and updated, this extremely cute Victorian Methodist Chapel built in 1853, offers a historic yet surprisingly modern rental property.
Although bright and colourfully decorated, there are still nods to its former life throughout the interior such as a pew bench.
Located in Danby surrounded by peaceful fields and dry stone walls, the beautiful Danby Dale can be explored on foot or by bike right from the door. The idyllic setting of the Wesleyan Chapel proves to be perfect for a weekend of digital detoxing for a couple or peace-seeking solo adventurer.
Still looking for more unique accommodation in Yorkshire?
How about these…
Heading to The UK Soon? Don’t forget these essentials!
Flights: compare and search using Skyscanner
Accommodation: hotels to hostels, glamping to apartments I always use Booking.com
Tours: to search and compare the best group tours and activities worldwide (with up to 20% off), use Viator
Visa: don’t forget to check the entry requirements for the passport you are travelling with
Inspiration: Lonely Planet’s guide to Great Britain or Lonely Planet’s guide to England
MORE POSTS ABOUT YORKSHIRE:
This is such a great selection of quirky places to stay in Yorkshire! I’d like to try them all but a restored lighthouse or a chapel would be at the top of my list. Daisy Decker & a retired train carriage also sound like fun! I enjoyed this article! Thanks for some great ideas!
Thanks Linda! I know, some really fun places in little olde Yorkshire!
I must admit that I think of charming country inns when I think of accommodations in Yorkshire. So it was great to see all these interesting spots to stay that were quite a bit different. I have always wanted to try clamping. And sleeping in a windmill or lighthouse sounds exotic! The Daisy Decker is just too cute.
Exactly! They aren’t exactly the first places you think of, but will certainly be more memorable than a B&B or a country inn!
Oooh, my family would love The Chapel of Rock – Harrogate. That looks so comfy, charming and full of nostalgic things! Such a cool post!
Same! It’s one of my favourites on this list, I just need to find an excuse to get a group of friends together!!
Wow, These are some amazing accommodations in Yorkshire! I would love to try any of these options out!
You found some pretty interesting places to stay. I like the glamping ‘bubble’ although staying in a lighthouse would be fun. And the shire house exudes LOTR.
This is truly awesome! I always wanted to sleep in a windmill or a yurt, nevertheless, it would be a hard pick, the double-decker bus, and the train also look super nice, great list! thanks for putting this together
A wonderful post about wonderful Yorkshire! I lived there and only ever stayed in pretty boring business hotels when travelling. I think that chapel will be my preferred place to stay if and when I visit!
My grandma lives in Lancashire so I will definitely be checking out some of these when I go back to the UK!
These all look sooo fun! I am tempted by the windmill and the Chalets in Skipton (because I love Skipton!) But the bus has to be the most fun- what a cool idea for accomodation!!
Wow! These accommodations look fantastic and creative! I would definitely wanna visit the shepherd’s house if I have time in the future.