TRAVEL TRENDS

Quirky places to stay in Europe this summer

Last updated 29th May 2018

When it comes to original and deliciously different, nobody does quirky places to stay quite like Canopy & Stars, and with their new curated by kids section, it’s even easier to find your perfect retreat. So if you’re questing for quaint or searching for stunning, treat yourself to a tour of some of the quirkiest family homes in Europe this summer.

Quirky places - In the trees – Treetops Treehouse, Devon

1/14  In the trees – Treetops Treehouse, Devon

Treetops is a captivating treehouse, so thoughtfully designed into the enormous branches of a 250 year old oak tree, it looks almost organic. Just don’t expect a backwoodsman experience: this artful eyrie is as luxe as it is lovely – the bathroom even has a freestanding, copper bath. Cocoon-like bunks and cute ladders beguile kids to bed, there’s a woodburning stove for cosy evenings, and the outdoor deck is perfect on those sweet summer days Devon does beautifully.

Why families love Treetops Treehouse

Set in the grounds of the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel, you can even escape from driving in this treetop hideaway: Eggesford Station is minutes walk away on the historic Tarka train line which runs between Barnstaple and Exeter.

  • Hire bikes at Barnstaple Station and cycle the scenic Tarka Trail
  • Delve into Exeter’s eerie Underground Passages
  • Spend the day at Crealy Great Adventure Parks
  • Meet the wild residents at Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple
  • Explore the North Devon countryside all around Treetops

The lowdown

  • Sleeps four
  • Two bedrooms, family bathroom with bath and shower
  • Kitchen, outdoor deck with BBQ
  • Underfloor heating, woodburning stove in living room

From £270 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Woodland wonder – North Star Club Cabin, Whitby

2/14  Woodland wonder – North Star Club Cabin, Whitby

With its hint of North American pioneer style, a whisper of the North York Moors and the unmistakeable romance of Whitby’s historic coast, this forest cabin aims to fulfil every holiday fantasy in one fell swoop. The interior mixes opulence and snuggle-down comfort, on the luxe side of rustic-chic, for cosy family evenings. Although you might just find the communal campfire is an irresistible invitation to toast marshmallows and swap tales with the neighbours now and then.

Why families love North Star Club Cabin

Set in woodland on the North York Moors, North Star Club is just over an hour’s drive from Whitby, Scarborough and dramatic Flamborough Head.

  • Hiking in the Yorkshire Wolds
  • Traditional English seaside days out in Scarborough or Whitby
  • 800 acres of wild woodland to explore
  • Clifftop treks at Flamborough Head
  • Allerthorpe Park for water sports

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four
  • One bedroom, living room, kitchen, private veranda with BBQ
  • Family shower room
  • Woodburning stove, electric heating

From £124 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Family Space Odyssey – UFO Treehouse, Norrbotten

3/14  Family Space Odyssey – UFO Treehouse, Norrbotten

In the quest for quirky, nothing beats staying in a treetop flying saucer suspended in deeply mysterious woodland. Super sleek and reached by an electronic ladder, this UFO hideaway sleeps five in space age comfort, and comes with a twist: you eat meals at Britta’s Guesthouse, a delightful 1950s style hostel nearby, where non-futuristic is the theme, right down to vintage china and Swedish home cooking. 

Why families love the UFO Treehouse

UFO Treehouse is in Norrbotten, one hour and 30 minutes from Luleå Airport in Swedish Lapland.

  • Evening fishing on the Lule River
  • Exploring Storforsen Nature Reserve
  • Husky sledding and snowmobiling
  • Discovering Sami culture at Ájitte Museum in Jokkmokk
  • Canoeing, kayaking, ziplining, horse riding and hiking

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to five
  • Underfloor heating
  • Living area, toilet
  • Meals and showers at Britta’s Guesthouse (10 minutes walk)

From £448 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Nordic nook – The Batman’s Summerhouse, Devon

4/14  Nordic nook – The Batman’s Summerhouse, Devon

Batman’s Summerhouse isn’t an August retreat on the outskirts of Gotham City, but it does sit on the banks of the River Avon surrounded by wildlife-packed woodland, so kids won’t feel too cheated. Plus, South Devon’s loveliest beaches are minutes away. And the interior might be designed with a nod to Nordic cool, but it has heaps of character from well-thumbed cookbooks to its very own spring water supply.

Why families love The Batman’s Summerhouse

Tucked into the Avon Valley, Batman’s is less than an hour’s drive east of Plymouth, and 20 minutes from South Devon’s beachy coast.

  • Days out on Blue Flag Blackpool Sands and Beesands
  • Surfing and exploring at Bigbury on Sea
  • Over eight acres of local woodland to wander
  • Walking on the South Devon Coastal Trail
  • Traditional crabbing at Kingsbridge or Dittisham

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to five
  • One double mezzanine bedroom, three kids’ bunks
  • Open plan lounge/dining kitchen; family shower room
  • Underfloor heating; private garden
  • Family suppers available, cooked by food-writer owner

From £120 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Lakeside living – Fisherman’s Cabin, Dordogne

5/14  Lakeside living – Fisherman’s Cabin, Dordogne

If the idea of a traditional fisherman’s cabin on a private lake in the romantic Dordogne doesn’t reel you in instantly, think about cycling along country roads for your morning baguette, ancient standing stones as near neighbours, and a quaint interior packed with curios and fun stuff like telescopes and fishing rods. Then imagine evenings by the cosy wood stove and long days of wild swimming, woodland wandering and fishing, of course.   

Why families love Fisherman’s Cabin

The Fisherman’s Cabin sits on a private lake surrounded by the Parc Naturel Périgord-Limousin, just over an hour west of Limoges Airport, and two hours north of Bordeaux.

  • Rafting, canoeing, fishing and swimming in the lake
  • Beaches and sailing at Lac de St. Estèphe
  • Cycling on woodland trails and local vélorail
  • Exploring villages, châteaux, forest and countryside in the Parc Naturel
  • Rambling the ruins of 12th century Tour de Piégut castle

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four
  • One double bedroom, twin bedroom
  • Open plan lounge/dining kitchen with woodburning stove
  • Compost toilet; solar-powered shower; solar powered lighting
  • Suitable for kids of age five and over

From £84 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Holiday haven – Harbour Houseboat, Isle of Wight

6/14  Holiday haven – Harbour Houseboat, Isle of Wight

Habour Houseboat, a onetime Thames barge transformed into a luxurious houseboat, is the king of quirky places and the perfect setting for family holidays on England’s most nautical isle. It’s moored in the hip village of Bembridge and comes with ladders, gangplanks and portholes a plenty, alongside four big bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a place on The Guardian’s ‘Top Ten Boat Hotels in Europe’ list. 

Why families love the Harbour Houseboat

Bembridge is known for its seafood, Cowes Week parties and pretty harbour, all less than 20 minutes drive east of Ryde Hover Port.

  • Star gazing and sun bathing on the houseboat deck
  • Family days out at Amazon World Zoo Park, Owl & Monkey Haven, Blackgang Chine
  • Cycling round 200 miles of safe island bike paths
  • Playing on the Isle of Wight’s 17 Blue Flag beaches
  • Sailing, surfing, rock-pooling and swimming

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to six
  • Four bedrooms; two modern bathrooms; kitchen; living area
  • Sun deck with telescope
  • Gas central heating, WIFI

From £149 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - View perfect – The Pool House, Pescara

7/14  View perfect – The Pool House, Pescara

It’s hard to know what to love best about The Pool House. The views of distant mountains across olive groves and rolling fields? The living room opening out on to the swimming pool? It’s equidistance from seaside and ski resorts (depending on the season)? The fact that it’s in Abruzzo, quintessentially Italian and spellbinding? Or a little bit of everything that goes into making family holidays unforgettable.

Why families love The Pool House

The Pool House is part of a traditional olive farm 30 minutes from the seaside resort of Pescara on Italy’s Adriatic coast. 

  • Water sports, snorkelling and swimming on Adriatic beaches.
  • Exploring historic towns and villages of Abruzzo.
  • Cycling round the local countryside.
  • Helping out with seasonal work on the farm.
  • Walking Abruzzo’s mountain and woodland trails.

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four.
  • One double bedroom; open plan living/kitchen area; en-suite bathroom with bath.
  • Large swimming pool and sun terrace.
  • Woodburning stove and air conditioning.

From £229 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Back to nature – The Boar Hide, Alentejo

8/14  Back to nature – The Boar Hide, Alentejo

The owners of The Boar Hide produce their own excellent olive oil: one of many authentic delights woven round a holiday in this quirky hideaway. You may not spot the shy local residents which give the hide its name, but kids can look forward to the fun of trying, along with swimming in the nearby river, wild adventuring through the surrounding forest and, naturally, the quainter-than-quaint charm of the cabin itself.

Why families love The Boar Hide

Alentejo is in the unspoiled, tourist-light countryside of northern Portugal, 40 minutes drive east of Porto and Atlantic beaches.

  • Exploring the surrounding woods or swimming in the river
  • Traditional morning markets in Castelo de Vide
  • Days out in the historic city of Porto
  • Pony trekking at Caballos Marvao
  • Walking and cycling on ancient smugglers’ routes

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four
  • Rustic, open-plan living/sleeping/dining area
  • Outdoor kitchen, compost toilet and solar shower
  • Woodburning stove and solar lighting

From £50 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Exquisite extravagance – 7th Room, Norrbotten

9/14  Exquisite extravagance – 7th Room, Norrbotten

From a patio that’s really a giant net to outdoor sleeping areas, an enchanting Lapland forest setting and the sense that you’re floating between sky and land, 7th Room promises ‘experience levels’, and doesn’t disappoint. Less ethereal treetop dwellers will appreciate two big bedrooms, a lounge and family bathroom, along with delicious meals and soothing saunas at nearby Britta’s Guesthouse. 

Why families love the 7th Room

7th Room is in Norrbotten, one hour and 30 minutes from Luleå Airport in Swedish Lapland.

  • Evening fishing on the Lule River
  • Exploring Storforsen Nature Reserve
  • Husky sledding and snowmobiling
  • Discovering Sami culture at Ájitte Museum in Jokkmokk
  • Canoeing, kayaking, ziplining, horse riding and hiking

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to five
  • Two double bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and shower
  • Underfloor heating and extra radiators for colder weather
  • Outdoor ‘net’ patio and sleeping areas

From £1222 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Into the wild – The Ferry Waiting Room, Perth & Kinross

10/14  Into the wild – The Ferry Waiting Room, Perth & Kinross

If you had to hang around for a boat in the gentle wilds of Perthshire, few places would make lingering such a pleasure as The Ferry Waiting Room.  There are no ferries any more, but this charming holiday cabin has held on to dozens of other great traditions, not least of all spectacular views and the same cheerful atmosphere that almost certainly welcomed waiting passengers back in the day.    

Why families love The Ferry Waiting Room

Part of the Monachyle Mhor Hotel at the head of Loch Monachyle in Perthshire, The Ferry Waiting Room is about 40 minutes drive north of Stirling.

  • Hiking and climbing on nearby Ben More
  • Highland Safaris to spot local wildlife
  • Seaplane tours from the shores of Loch Voil
  • Adventuring about the hotel’s extensive grounds
  • Cycling round the car-light local roads

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four
  • Open-plan living/sleeping/dining area; kitchen bothy
  • Toilets and showers in nearby hotel courtyard
  • Woodburning stove, solar powered lighting and sockets

From £140 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Treetop serenity – Sommet de Memanet, Creuse

11/14  Treetop serenity – Sommet de Memanet, Creuse

Surrounded by giant sequoia trees, this French country treehouses is full of surprises. It conceals space for a family of four and, from the lovely bathroom to a hot tub with glorious countryside views, doesn’t stint on luxuries. It even has a handcrafted chandelier to add to the opulence of the master bedroom’s double height, beamed ceiling and doors opening onto the outdoor terrace, complete with hot tub.

Why families love Sommet de Memanet

Sommet de Memanet is set in the grounds of an historic château in the peaceful Creuse region of Central France, just one hour and 40 minutes east of Limoges Airport.

  • Meet the wolves at Loup de Chabrière wildlife park
  • Walking, cycling, fishing and exploring in the château grounds
  • Swimming in the château pool
  • Days out on the beach at Lac de Vassiviere
  • Puzzling round the world’s largest hedge maze, Labyrinthe Géant de Guèret

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four
  • Two bedrooms, lounge/kitchen, bathroom, outdoor terrace and hot tub
  • Central heating, air conditioning
  • Netflix subscription
  • Breakfast basket each morning

From £140 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Suffolk safari – Fairy Flax, near Ipswich

12/14  Suffolk safari – Fairy Flax, near Ipswich

You may be under canvas at Fairy Flax, but think more cottage than tent, and definitely more glamping than camping. If that isn’t tempting enough, this Suffolk Safari holiday is also set in a wildlife haven protected by the Sinfield Nature Trust, and your stay contributes to the care and conservation of the surrounding area.

Why families love Fairy Flax

Set in protected, wildlife-rich woodland, Fairy Flax feels wonderfully escapist but is really only 25 minutes drive north east of Ipswich.

  • Den building and bush craft adventures for kids
  • Nature trails round the 115 acre wildlife site at White House Farm
  • Seaside fun on the nearby Suffolk coast
  • Renting laying hens for fresh eggs during your stay
  • Puzzling round Secret Meadow’s fantastic turf labyrinth

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to six
  • Three rooms: two bedrooms, lounge/dining room
  • Woodburning range for cooking; gas powered shower; toilet
  • Outdoor terrace with BBQ, hammock and furniture

From £124 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Award winning architecture – The Chickenshed, Wales

13/14  Award winning architecture – The Chickenshed, Wales

You wouldn’t know it from the humble name, but this wonderful four bedroom holiday home in Monmouthshire, won a 2017 RIBA award for design. Step inside and all becomes clear: floor to ceiling glass windows star across the Wye Valley; the kitchen is a gadget-rich marvel and even the lighting is faultlessly inventive. Yet, for all its exceptional aesthetics, The Chickenshed couldn’t feel cosier or more kid-friendly.    

Why families love The Chickenshed

The Chickenshed sits in two acres of private land overlooking the Wye Valley in South Wales, about three hours drive west of London.

  • Adventuring round two acres of private woodland and fields
  • Visits to Blaenavon Iron Works, UNESCO World Heritage Site 
  • Days out at Clearwell Caves, Tintern Abbey, Big Pit and Chepstow Castle
  • Exploring the amazing Puzzlewood in Forest of Dean
  • Mountain biking on Forest of Dean’s Pedalbikeway

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to eight
  • Four bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, two shower rooms, family bathroom
  • Underfloor heating and woodburning stove
  • Outdoor firepit, terrace, garden hammocks

From £210 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Quirky places - Canvas and cabins – Shepherd’s Hut Camp, Cumbria

14/14  Canvas and cabins – Shepherd’s Hut Camp, Cumbria

For something different, delightfully quaint, cute as a spring lamb, and made for families, try Herdwick Shepherd’s Hut Camp in Cumbria. A combo of toasty warm tents for sleeping and a luxurious cabin for everything else, Herdwick’s surrounded by soulful woods, rolling farmland, and right on the edge of the wondrous Lake District. 

Why families love Shepherd’s Hut Camp

This very cool glamping concept sits almost right on the edge of Lake District National Park, about 20 minutes drive north of Penrith.

  • Cycle round Ullswater, or take a sail on the lake steamer
  • Explore the Wordsworth heritage in world famous Grasmere
  • Try family canoeing or kayaking at Coniston Boating Centre
  • Go Ape around the treetops in Grizewald Forest
  • Take to the skies on a Lake District Gyroplane

The lowdown

  • Sleeps up to four
  • Two tents and separate log cabin with kitchen/dining area and bathroom
  • Communal outdoor firepit for cooking
  • Woodburning stoves in tents

From £90 per night, based on a family of two adults and two children.