For a while in the 2010s, staycations were in a slump. The ease (and low cost) of hopping on budget flights to European beaches meant that the UK was just not the place to be. That changed in 2020, when we were all forced to stay on this island and make the most of it.
Turns out, there’s actually quite a lot of impressive stuff here in the UK, if you know where to look. Luckily, you won’t have to look much further than this, because two British holiday rentals have just been voted amongst the best in the entire world.
Hotel management company eviivo enlisted four expert judges to help craft its rankings, measuring each rental based on ‘Wow factor,’ ‘Originality,’ and ‘Innovation’ – and the results are in. In no particular order, both Kilmartin Castle in Scotland and the Earth and Moon Conkers in Wales claimed spots in the top ten.
Kilmartin Castle, which is just over two hours north of Glasgow, is a luxury retreat which has been gathering quite the reputation over the past few years. First, it won eviivo’s ‘Best Place to Stay’ award in 2022. Then it was featured on BBC show ‘Scotland’s Great Escapes’ last year and named fourth best place to visit in the world by the New York Times. For good reason, too – its interior is like Grand Designs meets Disney’s ‘Brave’, with trendy wallpapers set aside seventeenth century brickwork.
Kilmartin sleeps up to ten, and there’s even a wild swimming pond if you’re crazy enough to try outdoor swimming in Scotland. At £1,000 a night it’s probably not cheaper than going abroad, but nothing makes you feel less like royalty than airport delays, so maybe it’s worth it. Book your stay at Kilmartin Castle here.
For the more budget-minded among us, the Earth and Moon Conkers might be more your style. Designed by former engineers, a stay in one of these spherical pods is essentially camping without the rubbish bits. You’ll have access to a warm, cosy bed, running water, and a working shower. You’ll also be tucked away into the Welsh countryside with beautiful views and a pizza oven. Because who couldn’t be without an on-site pizza oven?
Although there was initially only one pod at Earth and Moon Conkers, a second conker has been added to the landscape thanks to increased demand. Now you have your pick of the original copper-red ‘Earth’ pod or the brand new silvery ‘moon’ version.
Stays start at a much more reasonable £150 a night, although they book up fast so you might want to get yours booked as far in advance if possible. And when you do go, they stress that this is a BYOPT situation (bring your own pizza toppings), so that’s something to keep in mind. You can book your visit to Earth and Moon Conkers here.
Staycations with Time Out
We know about good holidays. If you’re currently planning your next UK break, we’ve got you covered. Why not try one of our favourite things to do in the country, or embark on one of these top rated Great British road trips? For something a bit more out there, have a look at these cool islands scattered across England, or check out these haunted places you can visit.
Did you see that two UK cities are officially the cheapest in the world for expats?
Plus: All the winners of the British Pie Awards 2024.
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