Looking for unusual places to stay on your own, with family or a group of friends? From glorious glamping to cool cottages and dog friendly stays, these are the top five unique and unusual places to stay from Love Basingstoke.
- 1. The Retreat at Silchester Farm is a stunning collection of recently refurbished barn buildings. Sleeping up to 14 people, the accommodation can be booked as a complete package, making it ideal for family gatherings or a group retreat. Each room has been lovingly decorated and furnished with locally sourced – or created – furniture and furnishings. No two are the same, but they all help to tell the story of Silchester Farm and its love of local and personal. The rooms all share an open living area and kitchen space, so should you want to, you can be entirely self-sufficient or for a real treat book a private dining party.
- 2. You will find cute little vintage styled wooden pod cabins filled with curiosity and character and two huge six-meter bell tents at Hollington Park Glamping. A family and dog friendly site set in a magical clearing of 10 acres of private ancient woodland, with many beautiful walks and trails in the area, plus a local nature reserve and board walk. Children and animal-loving adults can book a petting appointment with its resident bunny, Indian runner ducks and chickens. There is an undercover chillout and eating area and firepits, and each pod has its own decked outside eating area with sunbeds to enjoy the great British sunshine!
- 3. One for adults only, a unique shepherds hut, Cedar Tree, offers quality accommodation for two with access to an outdoor swimming pool when heated from May to September. The hut has access to large attractive gardens and private access to a paved patio with table and chairs – perfect for al fresco dining to enjoy unspoiled country views of the North Hampshire Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The hut is located in Cole Henley, near Whitchurch and set in the grounds of Peak House Farm, a 120-year-old farmhouse which also provides B&B accommodation.
- 4. Looking for a dog friendly stay so you can share your experience with your canine companion? Dogs are very welcome in the garden bedrooms at The Watership Down Inn. Located in Freefolk, nestled at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are a total of seven stunning bedrooms situated across the original inn which dates from the 1800s and in an annexe in the gardens. If you can pull yourself away from the award winning pub, there is lots to do locally including the home of Bombay Sapphire gin where you can go behind the doors of the famous distillery, local walks, fishing and a 10 minute drive will take you to a local stargazing point.