5 quirky places to stay in south-west England

From a Victorian gypsy caravan to a tin tabernacle, where will you stay when you chase the sun in England's south-west?

6 mins

1. Tin Tabernacle, Compton, Devon

Prefab 'tin tabernacles' were once used by Methodist preachers throughout the South West and this one is hand-crafted, from the stained glass window to the bell tower. 

It makes an unusual and romantic retreat and has a hot shower, flushing loo, electricity, a fully-fitted kitchen, a log-fired stove, a wood-fired hot tub and lovely views. It’s situated in the beautiful village of Compton, near Paignton. More information

The Geo Ekopod (Canopy & Stars)

2. The Geo, Ekopod, Launceston, Cornwall

Created as the perfect rural antidote to hectic city life, this smooth white bubble on the edge of Bodmin moor is chic, cool and contemporary, ahead of its time with its modernist style. With its private kitchen and bathroom, it sits above the vicarage and looks out over the hills. 

There's plenty to keep outdoorsy types entertained too, with great walking on the moors, Cornwall's two highest peaks to climb, and even surfing at Widemouth Bay. Whatever you do at Ekopod, you'll be doing it in sumptuous but sustainable style. More information

Romany caravan (Classic Glamping)

3. Romany Wagon, Looe, Cornwall

Fancy gypsy wagon glamping in Cornwall? Jinka’s Wagon, once the horse-drawn home of a travelling family, is a Victorian caravan, beautifully restored and sitting in a meadow near Looe in South Cornwall. Climb the wooden steps to find vintage oil lamps, patterned crockery and a traditional stove-top kettle. 

Nearby there is historic Lanreath, between the harbour town of Looe and picturesque Polperro – or walk along the South West Coast Path or explore the inland woods. There are great beaches at Talland Bay and Lansallos, too. More information

The Roundhouse (Canopy & Stars)

4. The Roundhouse, Bodrifty Farm, Penzance, Cornwall

Genuinely unique, this is a modern-day Iron Age Roundhouse near the Cornish coast. It's hugely romantic with its open fire, handmade four poster bed and sense of seclusion. Seize the opportunity to sleep in ancient grandeur and wake to the sound of birdsong and the wind swishing through the trees. 

You will have exclusive use of the Treehouse during your stay at the Roundhouse, built around a living tree, which has a kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. After bathing and breakfast get ready to stroll across the moors, scattered with ancient monuments, to one of the many stunning beaches nearby. More information

Tor view shpherd's hut (Classic Glamping)

5. Tor View shepherd’s hut, Somerset

Take in the achingly beautiful views of rural Somerset from Tor View Shepherd’s Hut: humble in style, but with 21st-century comforts. 

The hut is set between the foothills of the Mendips and the ancient landscape of the Somerset Levels. A huge meadow stretches out in front and there are stunning views towards Glastonbury Tor. Explore the local footpaths – Iron Age Maesbury Castle is only a short stroll away – or visit the Tor, or Cheddar Gorge, the caves of Wookey Hole, or maybe spend a day in Bath. More information

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