Treehouse, American School Bus, Wigwam? Kent's Unique Stays 2021
The weird and wonderful places to stay in Kent this summer
Fancy a weekend away in a horse box in Hawkhurst? A deserted coastguard tower in Dungeness? Or perhaps a prison cell in Margate?
Or instead of glamping, how about Champing? Yes, that’s right. Forget bell tents and firepits; it’s all about pews and pulpits with this unique church get-away in Fordwich.
But they aren’t the only weird and wonderful places to stay in Kent, there’s actually plenty of options.
So if you fancy a night sleeping in a treehouse or an old American school bus, this could be one for you.
Here are some worth checking out:
Penny Rope Bed Chamber, Margate
You don’t need to get arrested to end up in this cell. And we bet it’s a bit more comfortable than Wormwood Scrubs.
Penny Rope Bed Chamber, located in a listed Georgian property in Margate, is just three minutes from the beach and offers one of the quirkier stays in Kent.
But there’s no scrimping on comfort, with cosy bunks and all the amenities you would need, including hot water bottles in the winter and access to barbecue facilities in the summer.
And there’s an outbuilding with a toilet and private shower so you don’t need to worry about sharing those most private of moments.
See hostunusual.com/categories/host-unusual/penny-rope-bed-chamber/
Stay Wild, Ash
This vintage, bright yellow vehicle (@stay.wild.uk) plucked straight from southern America and placed in the lush Kent countryside has been lovingly restored by owner Aly Cracknell.
And it’s beautiful inside, offering comfy sofas, a double bed, a dining area, a Steampunk wood-burner and industrial-style shower.
American details, such as an Amish star, have also been added in a nod to its heritage. There’s a fire pit outside, too, for those evenings under the stars.
It’s listed among Host Unusual's 25 of the Best Worldwide Bucket List Stays for 2021.
Champing, St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich
From camping to glamping and now, er, Champing, this unusual get-away allows visitors to nestle down among the pews at the historic and listed St Mary the Virgin Church.
There are camp beds, camping chairs, cushions and other creature comforts to make this unique stay a comfortable one.
And being located next to the River Stour means you’ll get some heavenly views too.
There are some amenities but no cooking facilities meaning a night off and a trip to one of the village pubs.
See champing.co.uk/church/fordwich-kent-st-mary-the-virgin-church/
TPS Overnight, Folkestone
This unique AirBnB (@tps_overnight) is in the back of owner David Holden’s garden and is a converted 1956 HY Citroen van.
It offers a cosy bed, table and chairs as well as a shower in a sweet location.
And the best bit? You get an invitation to David’s speakeasy in Folkestone, which you’ll need a secret password to gain access to.
Once inside you’ll be taken through a hidden doorway to a cool bar with classic prohibition cocktails and Jazz music.
See https://thepottingshed.shop/ or www.airbnb.com/h/tpsovernighthyvan
Beach Sun Retreat, Dymchurch
Visitors to the Beach Sun Retreat (@beachsunretreatuk) can enjoy a 3D cinema room, sauna, multiple jacuzzi baths, eight individually-designed bedrooms, bar and DJ equipment - and an indoor beach.
You’ll be able to set the temperature and light to mimic the Caribbean using its innovative indoor technology Real Sunlight and kick back on beach beds, surrounded by palm trees and sounds of the coast.
The guest rooms are impressive, too. From the all-white John Lennon Imagine room complete with white baby grand piano and electric guitar to the Pondicherry room with marble fireplace, roll-top bath and a swing.
Elham Treehouse
Spend a night 20ft in the air among the trees in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This fairytale-style hideaway (@elhamtreehouse) created with recycled timber, is between three sturdy oak trees on a 15th century farmstead, and is beautifully decked out with a double bed, heater, coffee machine and even an induction hob to rustle up some tasty food while you’re there.
Secluded and completely private, it’s a haven for anyone trying to escape the hustle and bustle.
Gulliver the Quirky Camper, Blean
The name says it all. This converted camper van is unique, quirky and with its colourful exterior it has a character all of its own.
The bed is built into the van, which is located in a secluded garden, and you have all the creature comforts you need as well as a log burner and a wood-fired hot tub facing a TV built into the wall.
Dutch Barge, Salmestone, Sandwich
Permanently moored up on the River Stour in Sandwich, this 110-year-old Dutch Barge (@dutchbargeholidayhome) might not be going anywhere, but it feels a million miles away from home.
Beautifully renovated with cosy furnishings inside and out, it has a fully equipped galley kitchen, twinkling fairylights, a swinging egg chair and plenty of space.
Hattie the Horse Box, Hawkhurst
This converted vintage horse box, set in the owner’s 13 acres of land, comes with its own en-suite shower room, galley kitchen and lay-z-spa hot tub.
It’s cute and cosy, with creature comforts at your fingertips, as well as an open-fronted field shed with bunting and a wicker sofa to relax under the stars.
Leopard Creek, Hythe
Waking with views across a reserve with leopards and two white rhinos roaming around, you’re hardly going to believe you’re in Hythe.
But that’s exactly where this luxury accommodation - consisting of two lavish 7m tall wigwams - is located, nestled in the corner of a reserve called Leopard Creek at Port Lympne Safari Park (@portlympnepark).
Also part of this tranquil area is five shepherd hut-style cabins and two couples-only cosy cubs, so plenty of options.
Guests can enjoy 24-hour viewing of their neighbours - a pair of critically endangered Amur leopards and two white rhinos - and views across the Kentish savannah.
See www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/short-breaks/leopard-creek/
The sleeping bubble experience at Hotel Lush, Canterbury
Sleeping under the stars is something that everyone has to experience at some point and now the new Hotel Lush (@hotellushcanterbury) is offering that chance, without the need for a tent or sleeping bag.
While astronomy fans can make use of the telescope to stargaze from their bed, others can enjoy the hot tub on the private decking area.
Formerly the Kipps Hostel in Nunnery Fields, the building has been fully decked out with 10 themed rooms and run as a self-check-in service.
Coastguard Lookout, Dungeness
This former 1950s coastguard lookout tower, converted by renowned architect firm Johnson Naylor, is pretty special when it comes to accommodation in Kent.
In Dungeness, which is Britain’s only desert, and with spectacular views out to sea - on clearer days you can see France - it’s hard to beat when it comes to location.
And inside you’ve got high-end decor and furnishings for a luxurious stay.
