While competition to book the perfect UK staycation remains fierce in 2022 – with unique accommodation still getting snapped-up in lightning speed – British holidaymakers can find some real gems in the south west of England.
From luxury safari tents and festival-themed farm glamping in the Cotswolds to retreating to your own private island in Cornwall, SoGlos has handpicked some of the most unique staycations in the south west region.
The best bit: all have some availability this summer 2022, at the time of publishing.
1. Cotswold Farm Park
Brand new for 2022, Cotswold Farm Park has added six luxury safari tents to its site in Guiting Power. Suitable for families of up to five plus an infant – with dogs welcome too – each off-grid tent has heating and electricity, with a barbecue for alfresco dining and its own private bathroom pod.
Fun-loving families can also look forward to the return of Strawberry’s Field, a village of 16 festival-themed bell tents that are popping up for a glamping party this August 2022; while there’s availability for the premium Sunset Lodges, camping pods and pitches, too.
Best of all, happy glampers can enjoy daytime admission to Cotswold Farm Park for the duration of their holiday, included in the price of each stay.
2. Kudhva near Tintagel, Cornwall
Adventure seekers can take their holiday back to basics with a secluded escape to the adults-only Danish cabin, suspended in the trees of north Cornwall at Kudhva. Merging indoor and outdoor living, there’s a fire pit for cooking and movable slide-up walls for amazing stargazing opportunities.
Or opt for one of its inspiring architectural hideouts, raised high above the ground on wooden legs, with a mezzanine bed for two and floor-to-ceiling windows to frame the view down the coastline.
3. Loveland Farm in North Devon
Badged as ‘north Devon’s most unique eco-retreat’, sustainability is at the heart of Loveland Farm – though not at the expense of luxury, with each of its six geoside domes benefiting from their own private showers, kitchen and award-winning compost toilet facilities.
Offering accommodation on the picturesque Hartland peninsular, parties of up to seven can unwind and soak up the sea views; get creative in the kitchen with the farm’s delicious fresh produce; or take a dip in the heated pool, powered by renewable energy.
4. Futuro House in Frome, Somerset
First created by a forward-thinking Finnish architect in the 1960s, the Futuro House is a retro retreat that harks back to the Space Age. There are only two that welcome overnight guests in the whole world – and one of them is at Marston Park in Frome.
Spend the night in the spaceship-style accommodation which sleeps up to four, complete with mood lighting, a cosy firepit and private bathroom facilities. Passengers can admire the secluded woodland surrounds through the porthole windows or explore Marston Park, with inclusive access to the landscape and its food, drink and entertainment facilities.
5. The Island in Newquay, Cornwall
Fringed with palm trees and framed by panoramic ocean views, there’s truly no place like The Island – an exclusive, three-bedroom bolthole, perched on a cliff above Newquay’s Towan Beach.
Stepping off their own suspension bridge onto the private island, holidaymakers can enjoy Cornish cream teas in the sun-dappled conservatory; a tipple or two in the bar; get grilling on the outdoor barbecue table; or raid the games cupboard to keep houseguests entertained on a stormy day.
6. Foreland Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottage in Lynton, Devon
If you don’t mind heights, this National Trust property offers the thrill of staying in a dramatic cliff-edge cottage behind a working lighthouse on the Exmoor Heritage Coast – accessible by a steep and narrow road that’s not recommended for nervous drivers!
For brave holidaymakers, the cottage has six bedrooms, making it ideal for large groups, with a balcony area for taking in the remarkable scenery. Summer guests also benefit from a complimentary day ticket for salmon or trout fishing on the East Lyn river.
7. Mistery 2 houseboat near Falmouth, Cornwall
Tucked away on the banks of the River Kennall, just four miles from Falmouth, holiday seekers will find an impressive barge-turned-houseboat that ebbs and flows with the tide.
Creatively transformed into a two-bed holiday let, Mistery 2 has been decked out with recycled materials, benefiting from two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a fire pit for toasting marshmallows under the stars. As well as direct access to the river for paddleboarding and kayaking.
8. Mallison’s Woodland Retreat in West Dorset
Run away to the woods and discover the ultimate hideaway: Dazzle Treehouse at the adults-only Mallison’s Woodland Retreat, which is concealed between the trees by its distinctive camouflage design.
Inspired by the appearance of WWI ships that used geometric patterns to throw off their enemies, the two-berth treehouse has a cargo net daybed, hot tub and wood-burning stove to help guests relax; as well as a wood-fired pizza oven and barbecue for alfresco dinners on the deck. Mallison’s also offers a range of bell tents, yurts and a shepherd’s hut.
9. The Little Shire near Wells, Somerset
Fans of Lord of the Rings will feel like they’ve stepped into Middle-earth at The Little Shire, a rural retreat that’s tucked away on a converted working farm near Wells. Stay in a whimsical hobbit house, beautifully finished with stylish touches, with accommodation options for groups of two, four and six.
Perfect for families, there’s a play park for children to blow off some steam and friendly animals to meet around the farm. Plus, the holiday destination is just a few minutes from popular tourist spots like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves for a fun day out.
