Quirky accommodation you can get to by train
Are you already planning next year’s holidays? We certainly are.
And we’re looking for unusual places to stay.
For many of us, travel is about having new experiences. Trying different travel methods and staying in unusual types of accommodation can be as much a part of our holiday enjoyment as visiting new places.
Luckily for those of us who like to be different from the crowd, quirky holidays are available in abundance, even if you want to travel by train. Our train network makes sustainable holidays easy and there are some wonderfully unusual holiday lets right here in the UK. From castles to treetop huts, the UK has an amazing range of different types of holiday accommodation. And to really switch up your travel experience, you can choose to leave your car at home and turn your trip into a holiday by train.
Read on for our list of quirky holidays in the UK you can get to by train.
Train holidays with unusual holiday accommodation in the UK
1. Danescombe Mine near Calstock – Cornwall
Source: Landmarktrust.org
If the idea of staying in a mine sounds a bit damp and dark to you, think again. Danescombe Mine near Calstock is the engine house of a former mine, now converted into one of the more unusual holiday accommodations in the UK. Nestled into woodland and surrounded by abandoned mine shafts, you’ll feel surrounded by history but have all the home comforts you need for a relaxing break, including a log burning stove.
Walking time from train station? 30-minutes
Dog-friendly? Yes (additional charges)
Good to know? This holiday property has steep stairs with open sides and treads
What is there to do? Listen to the stream from the outdoor deck, walk through the woods to visit Cotehele House, head to Calstock to enjoy a pub lunch and admire the viaduct.
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2. Kingswear Castle near Dartmouth – Devon
Source: Landmarktrust.org
Perched on rocks at the entrance to Devon’s beautiful River Dart Estuary, Kingswear Castle must be one of the most romantic holiday stays in the UK. It’s eight miles to Paignton and the nearest mainline train station but cross the platform at Paignton to hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and you’ll be able to complete your journey in old-fashioned style to Kingswear station. Then it’s just a refreshing 40-minute walk along the South West Coast Path to your castle.
Nearest train station? Kingswear (from Paignton)
Walking time from train station? 40 minutes
Dog-friendly? Yes (additional charges)
Good to know? This property has steep and narrow spiral staircases
What is there to do? Walk along the South West Coast Path, dine on the roof terrace, catch the ferry from Kingswear over to Dartmouth then enjoy the local sustainable fish and unlimited chips at The Rock Fish.
3. The LV14 SULA Lightship – Gloucester
Source:sulalightship.com
We’ve all heard of lighthouse stays but how about enjoying a weekend away on a historic Lightship? LV14 SULA makes an impressive landmark at Gloucester Docks and is the only light vessel in the UK you can stay on board. This bright red boat might look utilitarian on the outside but inside those metal panels and rivets you’ll find a small kitchen, comfortable lounge and two luxurious cabins. You’ll also be able to enjoy river life from the Bow Deck and Sun Deck and take advantage of the concierge service.
Nearest train station? Gloucester
Walking time from train station? 25 minutes
Dog-friendly? No
Good to know? The Sun Deck has a steep staircase and is not suitable for children
What is there to do? Discover the history of Gloucester Docks at the National Waterways Museum, walk a section of the Severn Way, enjoy independent dining at Gloucester Food Dock.
Source: National Trust
Nearest train station? Shrewsbury
Walking time from train station? 30 minutes
Dog-friendly? No
Good to know? This property has steep winding stairs
What is there to do? Visit Shrewsbury Castle, take a boat tour on the River Severn, enjoy impressive pizza at Dough & Oil.
5. Eggesford Treetops Treehouse – Devon
Source: foxandhoundshotel.co.uk
With its woodland walks and the popular Tarka Line Grill, Eggesford station in North Devon is a destination in its own right. Even better news is that just a five-minute walk away, you’ll find the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel and their famous luxury treehouse. The oak tree that houses this stunning structure is said to be over 350 years old but the accommodation you’ll find inside is warm and modern with a wood-burning stove, comfy seating and a copper bath to add to the uniqueness of your stay.
Nearest train station? Eggesford
Walking time from train station? Five minutes
Dog-friendly? Yes
Good to know? There are steps between the two bedrooms, 2 children under 12 stay free.
What is there to do? Explore Eggesford Forest, watch for kingfishers next to the River Taw, treat yourself to a meal at the Fox and Hounds Hotel.
6. Dent Station – Yorkshire Dales (Cumbria)
Dent station is on the historic Settle Carlisle line and if you arrive from Leeds, you’ll travel through Blea Tunnel, cross the famous Ribblehead Viaduct and enjoy unique Fell views. This isn’t a holiday destination for the gregarious, Dent station is the highest mainland station in England and a steep walk from anywhere. Which of course, puts it near the top of the list of train holidays in the UK. With a lounge that was once the station waiting room and a bedroom in the ticket office, the Dent station self-catering accommodation really is right on the platform. Which means you won’t need to walk very far when you get off your train.
Nearest train station? Dent
Walking time from train station? Along the platform
Dog-friendly? Yes (max 2 dogs, charges apply)
Good to know? Dent station is nowhere near Dent village. It’s a very steep walk back up to the station from Cowgill, the nearest village.
What is there to do? Take a circular walk across Dent Fell and under Arten Gill Viaduct (boots, map and compass advised), enjoy the views over Dentdale from the patio, relax in front of the open fire.
7. Portmeirion Village - Gwynedd, Wales
Source: portmeirion.wales
The holiday cottages at Portmeirion might not be unusual inside but their bright colouring and fanciful architecture gives away their original status as a folly village, created to enhance rather than detract from the landscape around it. Designed and built by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion’s Italianate architecture and unique colour palette are world famous and make it one of those places you either love or hate. Did the architect succeed in planting the vibrant hues of the Mediterranean into a coastal location in rainy North Wales? We’ll leave it up to you to decide.
Nearest train station? Minffordd
Walking time from train station? 25 minutes
Dog-friendly? No (only assistance dogs are permitted at Portmeirion)
Good to know? Portmeirion has plenty of steps and is very hilly.
What is there to do? Watch dawn break over the mountains, enjoy a steam train ride on the Ffestiniog Railway (from Minffordd station), take close-up photos of the estate’s whimsical architectural features.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.
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8. Windmill Apartments, Scarborough - North Yorkshire
Source: scarborough-windmill.co.uk
Set on the beautiful Yorkshire coast, Scarborough is famous for its sandy beaches and family-friendly tourist attractions. Perhaps Scarborough’s most unusual holiday accommodation complex is the Scarborough Windmill. With two apartments in the windmill itself, you’ll be able to choose from the larger lower accommodation or the smaller top apartment, which has the advantage of a balcony with a sea view. Whichever you choose, you’ll be within a short walk of Scarborough’s beaches, entertainments and train station.
Nearest train station? Scarborough
Walking time from train station? Five minutes
Dog-friendly? No
Good to know? Both windmill apartments have steep sets of steps
What is there to do? Take a stroll along the England Coast Path, enjoy a ride on one of Scarborough’s two cliff lifts, take in stunning views at Scarborough Castle.
9. Canal boat holiday from Falkirk – Stirlingshire, Scotland
Source: ABC boat hire
The UK has a river and canal network of over 4,500 miles but Falkirk Canal Base must be one of the most exciting places to start your canal holiday because it is home to the famous Falkirk Wheel boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world and joins the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal 35 metres above. From Falkirk you can take a leisurely trip either west to Glasgow or east to Edinburgh. For the inexperienced, this would make a great first canal boat holiday as the routes are either lock-free or managed by Scottish Canal staff, leaving you free to enjoy your slow journey through Scotland.
Walking time from train station? 45-minutes (waterside walk)
Dog-friendly? Yes (on selected boats)
Good to know? Everyday boat tasks require a certain level of fitness.
What is there to do? Cycle or walk along the towpath, relax at canal-side pubs, snuggle inside your beautifully appointed floating home.
10. Railway carriage stay in St Germans – Cornwall
Source: oneoffplaces.co.uk
This railway carriage holiday accommodation is perfect for any train buff. Right next to pretty St Germans station, you’ll have the choice of four beautifully appointment carriages, one fully accessible and two with wheelchair ramps to the lobby. Only a short drive to the coast and sitting on the impressive River Lyner, St Germans is the Cornish village that tourism almost forgot. Expect peaceful days train watching and relaxing inside or outside your unique railway home from home.
Nearest train station? St Germans
Walking time from train station? Two minutes
Dog-friendly? Yes (in selected carriages, charges apply)
Good to know? If you live in Devon or Cornwall, a Devon and Cornwall Railcard can save you a third of the price on local train tickets.
What is there to do? Walk down to the Quay to view the impressive St German’s Viaduct, enjoy a meal at the Eliot Arms, wave at the trains as they pass through the station.
Travel by train for a relaxing journey
The above are just a sample of the different types of holiday accommodation in the UK you can visit by train. When you holiday by train, you wave goodbye to traffic queues, crowded motorway services and car parking nightmares. All you need to do is hop on board and watch the world pass you by. Car free train journeys are an exciting way to reach your holiday destination, and you’ll be able to let the holiday fun begin as soon as your train pulls out of the station. Not only that, you’ll be doing the environment a favour by leaving your car at home.
How to find cheaper train tickets
Wherever you’re going, now is a great time to use TrainSplit to book that holiday by train.
If you’re travelling with children, our Family Train Adventures blog post has some great train game ideas.
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Planning your next trip? Buy a digital railcard with TrainSplit and enjoy instant savings on your journey. Your tickets and railcard will be conveniently stored in the app, so you’re ready to travel hassle-free.
Extend Your Stay
Love your destination? Why not stay a little longer? Book your accommodation in advance with our trusted partner and secure the best quirky stays for your trip!
FAQ: Quirky UK Stays You Can Reach by Train
1. What are some of the coolest, most quirky places to stay in the UK that I can get to by train?
Get ready to be blown away by some seriously out-of-the-box accommodations! Think a castle in Devon, an old lightship in Gloucester, or a windmill in Scarborough with amazing sea views! These fun and unique stays are just a train ride away, making them the perfect quirky destination for a holiday with a twist.
2. Which UK train journeys should I book if I want breathtaking views?
Strap in for the scenic train journeys of a lifetime! Whether you’re cruising through the towering Scottish Highlands, gazing at the picturesque Yorkshire Dales rolling by, or enjoying the dramatic Welsh coastline, these routes have views that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s not just about the destination—the journey itself is part of the magic!
3. How can I score cheap train tickets for my next holiday?
Here’s a little secret—TrainSplit is your new best friend! This app finds those sneaky split tickets that break your journey into cheaper segments. Add in booking early, grabbing a Digital Railcard (you know, the ones that save you a third on fares), and voilà—you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly adventure! Why pay full price when you don’t have to?
4. What is TrainSplit and how does it work?
TrainSplit is a smart ticket-splitting app that helps travelers find the cheapest possible fares by breaking a journey into multiple tickets without changing trains (unless your itinerary tells you to). It works automatically and provides digital tickets (where available), making train travel more affordable and convenient. The best part? No stress, just savings!
5. Can I travel to all these quirky UK stays without a car?
Absolutely! Train travel means you can ditch the car, avoid parking problems, and travel in style. Whether you’re heading to a treehouse in Devon or a castle in Cornwall, these unique stays are just a short walk from a nearby train station. Your holiday begins the moment you step onto the train!
6. Are there pet-friendly quirky stays in the UK?
Many of these quirky stays welcome your furry friends! 🐾 From the Danescombe Mine in Cornwall to the Dent Station in Yorkshire, you can bring your dog along for the adventure. Just check the pet policies before booking because each stay has its own rules—some might allow pets, others may have a small extra charge.
7. Why should I take a UK train holiday instead of driving?
Train travel is game-changing! 🚆 No more traffic jams or endless parking hassles. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, and you’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Starting your holiday on the train means you can just enjoy the ride without worrying about a thing!
8. How can I book my next quirky stay with TrainSplit?
Booking with TrainSplit is super easy! 🎉
1. Download the app (available on Google Play or the App Store).
2. Enter your travel details and let the app work its magic.
3. It will split your journey into the cheapest options—no hassle, just savings.
4. Book and get your digital tickets right away.
5. Hop on the train and get ready to explore your quirky destination!
With TrainSplit, your train holiday just got a whole lot easier and more affordable! Whether you’re exploring quirky stays or scenic train routes, it’s all about making your journey as smooth as possible. Let’s ditch the car, take the train, and make your next adventure even more unforgettable!
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