Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
If you’re anything like me you will love staying somewhere a bit different. I am always on the lookout for new and unique places to stay in Yorkshire as it’s such a wonderful area of the UK to visit. We live in Yorkshire and we even have most of our staycations in Yorkshire.
It’s a fantastic place to visit with so many different things to do and from what I’ve found plenty of different kinds of places to stay. So please join me as I take a look at the quirky and the different. All of the properties below have accommodation for more than 2 people making them great for families. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Camp Katur – North Yorkshire
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Location – Camp Katur The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS
A Bit About – Nestled in the beautiful Camp Hill Estate is a glamping experience with a vast choice of accommodation options. The Meadow is off the grid with a quirky range of accommodation including Yurts, Safari tents, Pods and clear Unidomes.
Hill Farm has stargazing geodomes with log burners and electricity (a new addition for 2021). Chestnut Hill has two high-quality geodomes with stunning views plus a lodge great for families. For me, the Geodomes are the quirkiest of the accommodation options at Camp Katur. We stayed at Bear’s Place when we stayed here. I have my eye on a Geodome for next year.
Things to do on-site – There is the Swing Park, The Woodland Kingdom Children’s area, forest walks and pathways plus their very own pub the Hebridean which serves local ale and food. They also offer experiences for an additional charge these include bird watching, den building workshop, stargazing and more. The play area has been made from reclaimed natural timber and has ropes, slides and more.
Forest Holidays Cropton – North Yorkshire
Location – Cropton, Pickering YO18 8ES
A Bit About – Situated in a picturesque woodland meadow in the heart of Cropton Forest. Their cabins are the perfect choice for adventurers, nature lovers and stargazers. There are 57 one to three-bedroom cabins set in a grassy meadow.
There is a good choice of cabins to choose from and they all have an outdoor hot tub. Some of the lodges are pet-friendly and have wheelchair access. A typical lodge includes one double room with an en-suite and one twin room. Plus a kitchen, decking, underfloor heating, lounge area, TV and more.
Things to do on-site – You can enjoy forest walks, cycle trails and nature trails. There are ranger-led walks and activities, a zip wire, mountain bike hire, archery, a shop and a cafe. Please note that there may be a charge for some activities.
Forest Holidays Keldy – North Yorkshire
Location – Keldy Cabin, Cawthorn, Keldy Castle, Pickering YO18 8HW
A Bit About – Keldy offers its visitors an ideal opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is set in an idyllic location on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Set within the Forestry Commission estate of Keldy Forest. The lodges are tucked away deep in the heart of the forest.
There is a good choice of cabins to choose from and they all have an outdoor hot tub. Some of the lodges are pet-friendly and have wheelchair access. A typical lodge includes one double room with an en-suite and one twin room. Plus a kitchen, decking, underfloor heating, lounge area, TV and more.
Things to do on-site – There is a shop and a coffee lounge plus forest walks, cycle trails, a play area and nature trails. For an additional charge you can take part in archery, ranger-led walks and activities plus there is a zip wire.
Hollym Holiday Park – East Riding of Yorkshire
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Location – N Leys Rd, Hollym, Withernsea HU19 2QN
A Bit About – Hollym Holiday Park has one of the most unique places to stay in Yorkshire – a double-decker bus. Daisy Decker is situated on a small glamping site. The converted bus has its own fenced garden with a south-facing decked area and there are stunning sea views from the upper deck.
The bus has a toilet, kitchen area, living and dining area plus a double bed and a second bedroom with three beds. There are other glamping options on-site plus a touring and camping site.
Things to do on-site – There is a children’s adventure play area.
Lendal Tower – North Yorkshire
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Location – Lendal Bridge, York YO1 7DP
A Bit About – I have passed this tower many times in York and I have only just found out that you can actually stay there. The Tower features panoramic views of the city of York and it is a truly unique family retreat. There is a living room. dining hall with doors to garden, a kitchen, shower room and 3 double bedrooms. It is a stunning 700-year-old Ancient scheduled monument that has been awarded a Visit England 5 star gold award.
New York Public Library – North Yorkshire
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Location – Brewery House, Richmond DL10 7PJ
A Bit About – This holiday home has been creatively imagined and brought to life. There are large outdoor spaces with a hot tub and a wood-burning pizza oven. 2 of the bedrooms have direct access to the sun terrace with stunning views. There are a further 2 bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area.
North Shire – North Yorkshire
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Location – Liverton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 4TJ
A Bit About – Set in 6 acres of beautiful countryside in the North York Moors. You can expect a magical and unique family holiday in their choice of glamping accommodation. With a Shire House (think hobbit house), Ground Keeper’s cottage and Shepherd’s huts. Their Shire house is the quirkiest of their accommodation options. It can accommodate up to 6 people. There is a fully fitted kitchen and luxury bathroom.
Things to do on-site – They have free-range hens and various farm animal residents. There are peacocks, chickens, miniature ponies, horses and goats. They also have a few pitches for tents and caravans.
North Star Club – North Yorkshire
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Location – Sancton, York YO43 4RE
A Bit About – This is an upmarket woodland complex offering rustic-chic cabins with verandas and BBQ facilities. Set within 500 acres of English woodland in the Yorkshire Wolds. The site was inspired by the legendary American Great camps and blends beautifully into the untamed forest setting.
The club has 8 private and well-spaced woodland suites decorated in a rustic style. They have a large veranda with a BBQ. There is a double bedroom, a separate bedroom with a bunk bed and a large bathroom with a toilet and a roll-top bath. There is off-grid electricity and a wood burner, there is even a fridge.
Things to do on-site – There is a communal chill-out area with an indoor fire pit plus an outdoor communal area where you can sit around a fire and toast marshmallows. They even offer on-site pampering for an additional charge.
Olicana Park – North Yorkshire
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Location – 8 Olicana High Mill Ln, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0RD
A Bit About – Olicana Park is a country retreat on the edge of the Dales. It has five luxury-themed cabins plus four cottages. The luxury cabins are unique with luxury bedrooms, ensuites, bespoke modern kitchens, sauna, hot tub and superb decking. They have a range of 5 slightly different cabins that all look like they could be in Switzerland. The cabins overlook a waterfall on the River Wharfe.
Pinewood Park – North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire
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Location – Racecourse Rd, Scarborough YO12 5TG
A Bit About – At Pinewood Park, you can choose from a range of different sizes and types of glamping accommodation, all are heated and weatherproof. They have 5 different tariffs and are committed to being affordable in school holidays (we can vouch for this as we are booked for this August and it’s very reasonably priced). Kids also stay free of charge.
There is such a large range of choices there is simply too much to list here. To me, the most unusual of their accommodation options is their Ranch Retreat with a hot tub. It has two bedroom areas for children and a large bedroom/sitting area for the grown-ups. They are great value for money. They even now have converted helicopters that you can stay overnight in.
Things to do on-site – Some of the accommodation comes with your own private outdoor hot tub. You can explore their seven acres site and there’s plenty to do nearby. There is a large playfield where kids can play safely.
Studford Luxury Lodges – North Yorkshire
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Location – Sproxton, York YO62 5EL
A Bit About – Find yourself elevated among the treetops enjoying far-reaching forest views, whilst relaxing in sumptuous leather sofas, or paddling around in one of our Studford fluffy dressing gowns as you come and go from the sauna. Their six luxury self-catering tree houses are entirely unique, built on stilts in a private forest in the North York Moors National Park, and spaced well apart for ultimate privacy and peace.
Each lodge has its own spacious decking, hot tub and sauna. Each lodge sleeps up to six people in three double ensuite rooms and has an open-plan living area with full-height glass sliding doors leading to large private decking.
Things to do on-site – At Studford Luxury Lodges why not take the opportunity to learn some amazing new skills that you may never get the opportunity to try again? Rugged Outdoors provides you with an opportunity to explore nature through our Bushcraft and survival sessions which are designed to cater for all ages.
Swinton Bivouac – North Yorkshire
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Location – Swinton Bivouac, Masham, Ilton, Ripon HG4 4JZ
A Bit About – Set in the woodland on the Swinton estate you will find 6 tree lodges. Their charming and secluded glamping lodges are hidden away and can sleep up to seven people. Closer to the cafe and reception area they also have a field with meadow yurts.
The tree lodges have one king-size, one double and three singles all across three mezzanine floors within the lodge. They have gas rings for cooking, hot water, a toilet, shower and bed linen. They don’t have any electricity. We stayed here a couple of years ago and we had a lovely weekend break away.
Things to do on-site – There is the use of a meadow tipi with a firepit (subject to availability). The lodges are set in the same woodland as the Druid’s temple. The exact date of construction for the temple is unknown. Although it is said to have been built by William Danby (owner of Swinton Estate and nearby Swinton Park) in the late 1700s. There is also a small toddler play area next to the cafe.
The Hideaway at Baxby Manor – North Yorkshire
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Location – Amplecarr, Husthwaite, York YO61 4PW
A Bit About – The Hideaway is nestled on the medieval 700-year-old Baxby Manor estate on the edge of the village of Husthwaited. They have various camping pitches plus Rufus’s Roost which is a stunning wood cabin. Plus their hobbit house glamping pods and eco pods.
Their Hoglet Houses are really cute and we stayed in one a couple of years ago. They can sleep up to four with a double bed, a single bed and a single bunk bed. There is a log burner, a gas stove and kettle, outdoor seating, a fire pit, solar fairy lights and a designated parking space. The Family Eco Pods sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children with a double bed and bunk beds. Their glamping accommodation has use of their shower block with toilets.
Things to do on-site – There is a shop plus a communal fridge and freezer. You can hire tripod BBQs. The local village is a short walk away with a playground and an excellent restaurant.
The Old Chapel at East Witton – North Yorkshire
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Location – East Witton, Leyburn DL8 4SL
A Bit About – Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is this stunning converted chapel with original stained glass windows and a partially open-plan layout. There are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and it can sleep up to 4 people. The owner is a professional cook and can provide 1-3 course meals with advanced communication. The unique decor features high-end amenities and grand furniture.
The Old Station – North Yorkshire
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Location – Penniston Ln, Allerston, Pickering YO18 7PG
A Bit About – There are three self-catering railway carriages located on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Their unique accommodation has central heating, a kitchen area, TV, a bathroom/WC and they have 2-3 bedrooms. The 3 carriages stand in train formation but are not interconnected. Each carriage has a picnic table and BBQs are available. There is a selection of children’s toys, games and bikes.
Vanguard – North Yorkshire
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Location – Cleveland Way, Whitby YO22 4JZ
A Bit About – This is a spectacularly located holiday cottage at a lighthouse with sea views and easy access to the beach below. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and it can sleep up to 5 people. You are not staying within the actual lighthouse building but the cottages surrounding the lighthouse.
There is another cottage on-site. Located close to Whitby you will find everything you need and there is an impressive decked outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying the view. Plus an enclosed garden for the kids to run around in.
Thank you for reading. Please note the inclusion of these sites is not an endorsement of these sites. We have not had the pleasure of staying at all of them.
