Updated May 2026
With great northern cities to explore, some of England’s finest countryside to discover and wonderful little coastal towns to peruse, it’s no wonder that Yorkshire attracts millions of tourists each year. There’s no shortage of hotels, B&Bs, campsites and holiday cottages across the region, so visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to stay. Sometimes, however, it’s good to try something a little different, and we’ve scoured the county for some of the most unusual places to stay in Yorkshire.
If you’re planning a visit to God’s Own County and bored of bog-standard accommodation, read on for our pick of the quirkiest hotels and most unconventional self-catering options around.
Quirky Accommodation and Unusual Places to Stay in Yorkshire…
The Enchantment Chamber, York
44 Cocoa Suites, Navigation Road, York YO1 9AE
Harry Potter fans, rejoice. Located within the historic city walls of York and a short stroll from The Shambles is a self-catering accommodation option with a truly magical twist. The Enchantment Chamber is an authentic wizarding world bed chamber featuring a four-poster bed, a cosy open fireplace and an eclectic array of magical trinkets and treasures. Created by people who are as passionate about the wizarding world as they are about hospitality, this extraordinary place to stay will ignite imaginations and deliver an unforgettable experience in Yorkshire’s most beautiful city.
Helmsley Garden Railway Carriage, Helmsley
1 Bondgate, Helmsley, York YO62 5BW
An Airbnb with a real difference. Situated in the picturesque market town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire, this charming converted railway carriage was built in 1887 and ran between York and Scarborough until 1905. The Helmsley Garden Railway Carriage includes all the expected self-catering facilities alongside decor that pays warm homage to the era in which it was built. Cosy, intimate and bursting with Victorian charm, this gorgeous conversion is one of the most romantic unusual places to stay in Yorkshire.
Skipwith Station, Selby
York Road, North Duffield, Selby YO8 5DE
The Old Derwent Valley Light Railway line closed in 1985 after providing transport for the local agricultural community for more than 70 years. You can now book a truly unique self-catering break at Skipwith Station – a must for transport lovers and one of the most unusual places to stay in Yorkshire. The original train carriages have been lovingly restored to provide comfortable and characterful holiday accommodation from which to explore this beautiful part of the county. Still very much a traditional train on the exterior, inside they’re surprisingly homely and luxurious.
Swinton Park, Ripon
10 Swinton Road, Swinton, Ripon HG4 4JH
Swinton Park is a 32-bedroom luxury castle hotel set in 200 acres of parkland. The Grade II listed building dates back to the 17th century and, as the ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family, it features grand decor and lavish furnishings that give guests a genuinely unique stately home experience. You’ll really feel like Lord or Lady of the Manor when you kick your shoes off in one of their sumptuous suites.
For those who prefer to get a little closer to nature, The Swinton Estate also offers wonderful glamping experiences at the Swinton Bivouac, with spectacular views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside and accommodation options including tree lodges and meadow yurts. Quirky accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets.
Shepherd’s Delight, South Stainley
The Forge, South Stainley, Harrogate HG3 3LZ
Situated in its own woodland in a five-acre field, this traditional shepherd’s hut sleeps two and is ideal for a romantic, rural getaway. The wonderfully peaceful location means you’re unlikely to encounter any visitors beyond the local deer, rabbits, squirrels and pheasants. The hut itself is insulated with sheep’s wool and features a wood-burning stove, with a good supply of logs and cooking equipment provided so you can heat the space and prepare those romantic meals for two. Outside, there’s a bespoke hot tub, an outdoor shower and a BBQ with seating. Perfect whatever the season.
Dale Farm Treehouse, Hunmanby
Bartindale Road, Hunmanby, Filey YO14 0JD
Revisit childhood memories by booking a short break in this adult-sized treehouse! Nestled in woodland on the grounds of Dale Farm near Filey, this fun and unique retreat can accommodate two guests plus a dog. The raised cabin features a comfy bedroom, a real shower, a private toilet and a quirky outdoor kitchen area. Spend your nights cosied up in this treetop hideaway and your days exploring the miles of sandy beaches that line this glorious stretch of the Yorkshire Coast.
North Shire, Saltburn
Liverton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 4TJ
If you’re looking for somewhere truly unique to stay, look no further than North Shire. This fantastic site is situated on a family farm in the spectacular North York Moors, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The location itself is stunning, but the accommodation on offer here is genuinely awe-inspiring – not just one of the most unusual places to stay in Yorkshire, but one of the most magical in England.
Unwind in your very own Hobbit Hole by booking a stay at Shire House, marvel at the eclectic interiors of Le Petit Chateau, make memories in the medieval-style Groundkeeper’s Cottage, or unleash your inner wizard with a stay in the Dorm Room Cottage – designed to replicate the castle turret dormitory from the Harry Potter films. There really is nothing else quite like it.
Bothy Lodge, Brandesburton
Starcarr Lane, Brandesburton, Driffield,YO25 8RU
The Bothy is a romantic, secluded cabin nestled in the beautiful grounds of Burton Lodge Guest House in East Yorkshire. Set across two acres of immaculate gardens, this charming little retreat is ideal for honeymooners and those seeking a quiet couples getaway. Guests have exclusive use of a private hot tub, and a full English breakfast, cooked fresh each morning and consistently praised in reviews, can be enjoyed in the main guest house. A genuinely lovely escape in the heart of rural East Yorkshire.
Houseboat Hotels, Sheffield
Victoria Quays, Sheffield S2 5SY
Moored in Sheffield’s unique Victoria Quays, these two wide-beam static houseboats offer apartment-style accommodation and all the home comforts you could need in a genuinely distinctive setting. The boats, Laila Mai and Millie Grace, each accommodate up to four guests and are surprisingly spacious and stylish, fitted out in light oak with a double bedroom, full bathroom, well-equipped kitchen and flat-screen TV. They’re just a five-minute walk from Sheffield city centre and a short stroll from the Crucible Theatre, Lyceum and the National Videogame Museum. Guests can enjoy a full English or continental breakfast, refrigerated before arrival for preparation at their leisure. Prices start from £95 per night.
Crab Manor Hotel, Thirsk
Dishforth Road, Asenby, York YO7 3QL
Crab Manor Hotel near Thirsk offers a wonderfully varied range of accommodation within its grounds. Opt for a room in the beautiful 18th-century Georgian Manor itself, or choose from their quirky thatched lodge, Scandinavian pine cabins, stunning garden rooms and luxury suites. Each of the Manor rooms is opulently decorated and adorned with beautiful treasures and antiques sourced from around the world. They’ve also got a superb restaurant on-site – one of the best places to eat in the area.
The Windmill, Scarborough
Mill Street, Scarborough YO11 1SZ
The Windmill is, as you may have gathered, accommodation set within a 230-year-old working windmill – a Grade II listed building and one of the most unique places to stay anywhere on the Yorkshire Coast. There are two fantastic apartments in the windmill itself, both set over two floors, in a wonderfully tranquil setting. If heights aren’t your thing, two self-catering cottages in the grounds offer an equally charming alternative.
La Rosa Hotel, Whitby
5 East Terrace, Whitby YO21 3HB
This elegant period townhouse on Whitby’s West Cliff is a must for lovers of classic literature and gothic romance. Once a favourite haunt of Lewis Carroll, it faces the Abbey ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and its interiors have been designed for escapism and fantasy in every possible way. If you’re looking for unusual places to stay in Yorkshire that will genuinely stop you in your tracks, La Rosa is it. Each of the hotel’s themed rooms is individually furnished with carefully sourced antiques and vintage treasures. We’re particularly taken with Caravan, which pays homage to Romany Gypsy culture, and the top-floor Crow’s Nest which boasts spectacular harbour views.
Grays Court Hotel, York
Chapter House Street, York YO1 7JH
This luxury boutique hotel is the oldest inhabited building in the city of York and one of the most historically significant buildings in England. With the remains of a Roman gate believed to be buried on the grounds, and having been home to some of York’s most famous residents over the centuries, it’s a fascinating place to rest your head. The rooms at Grays Court are beautifully restored and decorated to complement the building’s extraordinary history, each one uniquely elegant with luxurious touches such as freestanding copper baths, four-poster beds and monsoon showers. Most rooms offer views across the neighbouring landscape gardens, the historic courtyard or York Minster.
Wainsgates Farm Huts, Roecliffe
Waingates Farm, York YO51 9NE
Waingates Farm is part of the Roecliffe Estate in the heart of North Yorkshire, and its collection of shepherd’s huts, each sleeping two, makes it a perfect choice for a rural romantic retreat. There is no shortage of beautiful walks both on and off the estate, and the huts themselves are beautifully appointed. Our favourite, Pederro, is a luxurious igloo-inspired hut, fully insulated for year-round use, with a king-size bed, a comfortable living area and a secluded private garden with rattan furniture, a fire pit and even a telescope for stargazing on clear nights. Immaculately decorated throughout and stocked with lovely little extras including waffle robes, fluffy slippers and natural bath products.
Camp Katur, Bedale
The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS
Camp Katur is a beautiful glamping site set within the 250-acre Camp Hill Manor Estate in North Yorkshire. The variety of accommodation on offer here is extraordinary, from safari tents and tipis to hobbit pods and a brilliantly retro 1980s caravan. Our firm favourites, however, are the geodomes. Each uniquely shaped structure is nestled in the woodland with a small decking area, a wood-burning stove and enormous bay windows that frame the most beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Spectacular in any season, but particularly magical in winter.
The Wensleydale Heifer, Leyburn
Main Street, West Witton, Leyburn DL8 4LS
The Wensleydale Heifer is a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and fish bar near Leyburn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Famous across the region for its exceptional food, it’s a natural choice for foodies, but the rooms are what make it one of the most unusual places to stay in Yorkshire. Each is uniquely themed and individually decorated to an indulgent standard, with beautiful Molton Brown toiletries and Egyptian linen sheets throughout. We’re particularly fond of the James Bond-themed room with its 007-inspired artwork and monochrome accessories, and the Night at the Movies room, which is a dream for fans of classic Hollywood.
RAF Sea King Helicopter Glamping Pods, Wykeham
North Yorkshire Water Park, Wykeham Lakes, near Scarborough
This one might just take the crown as the most unusual place to stay in Yorkshire – and that’s saying something given the competition on this list. North Yorkshire Water Park near Scarborough launched two converted RAF Sea King helicopter glamping pods in May 2026, and they were fully booked within weeks of going live. It’s not hard to see why.
The two aircraft, ZE369 and XZ589, spent decades carrying out daring search and rescue missions across the UK before being retired and meticulously refitted for overnight guests. The conversions have been carefully designed to preserve as much of their original character as possible. Inside each helicopter, you’ll find a double bed with an illuminated portal window looking into the tail section, plus bunk beds for children. The original cockpit has been transformed into a dining area, where guests can sit among real controls and switches – a dream for aviation enthusiasts and curious kids alike. A compact kitchen with microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge is included, and guests step out through the original winch operator’s sliding door onto a private gravel landing pad with a picnic bench.
North Yorkshire Water Park is one of the largest outdoor adventure parks in the UK, spanning 250 acres, with on-site activities including aqua parks, archery and ziplining. With only two pods available and demand already sky-high, booking well in advance is essential. Prices start from £130 per night.
As with all our articles of this nature, we’ll be adding to this list as and when we discover other businesses. To recommend unusual places to stay in Yorkshire or request our media pack, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
You Might Also Like…
Quirky Afternoon Teas in Yorkshire
Quirky and Unusual Dining Experiences in Yorkshire
