Cozy Cottages Trip Vacation Rentals
16/07/2022The best Airbnbs in the UK range from modern apartments and condos in the city to luxury vacation rentals on the water. If you’re looking for a unique stay in the heart of the United Kingdom – including England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – this article has got you covered with lots of awesome accommodations that you won’t find anywhere else.
When it comes to Airbnbs in the U.K., the options really run the gamut with everything from apartments in London and Edinburgh to Scottish castles, Welsh treehouses, and beach cottages in Northern Ireland. With thousands of rental options, the search to find just the right place can be overwhelming. To help ease your efforts, we’ve uncovered some of the very best vacation rentals in the UK that you’ll find whether you’re looking for a stay in the city or a serene setting surrounded by nature.
Here, we’ve ranked the best Airbnbs in the UK, including vacation rentals in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Now, let’s find you a beautiful condo, cottage or luxury vacation rental on Airbnb in the UK!
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Guest Post by K.C. Dermody from kcsendlessadventures.com
The Coolest Airbnbs in the UK: Top Vacation Rentals in 2021
Here are the best Airbnbs in the UK by category, taking into account different amenities, trip types, and budgets. The subsequent sections will cover each listing in more detail.
Top Airbnb in the UK: Unique Treehouse Rental
Best Luxury Vacation Rental UK: Leicester Square London Penthouse
Top Romantic Airbnb in the UK: Glamping Pod with a View
Best UK Airbnb for Large Groups: Tower Bridge Home on the River Thames
Coolest Cheap Airbnb in the United Kingdom: Incredible Castle in Wales
Best Castle Airbnb in the UK: Balintore Castle Rental
Best United Kingdom Airbnb with a View: Lighthouse Rental in Scotland
Most Unique Airbnb in the UK: London Houseboat Rental
13 Best Airbnbs in the UK
If romantic condos, houses for rent, and luxury vacation rentals in the UK all sound good to you, get excited! Below are some of the most unique stays in the UK:
1. Tower Bridge UK Houseboat Airbnb: Best Views in London
Location: London, England, UK
Rates from: $1,067 per night
Accommodates: 10 guests
Experience the UK in style from this amazing Airbnb for rent in London. Offering a rare mix of one of the best views in London and a unique stay, “The Harpy” is moored near the Tower Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, along the south bank of the River Thames. It once served as an Edwardian base for customs and excise officers, but today it offers visitors an extraordinary historic space with easy access to hot spots.
You’ll need to stay a minimum of three nights but for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience right on the water with an incredible vista of the bridge, the city skyline, and the river stretching all the way to Canary Wharf, it’s worth it.
The exotic floating home for rent in the UK also boasts many luxurious touches like a four-poster bed with fine Egyptian linens, a kitchen with an espresso machine and all the essentials, a 4K TV, fast Wi-Fi, and a Sonos sound system. What more could you want in a top UK Airbnb?
2. Castle Combe Cottage Airbnb in the Cotswolds of the UK
Location: Castle Combe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Rates from: $232 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
You’ll feel as if you’re part of a fairytale with a stay at this beautiful Airbnb in the UK’s picturesque Cotswolds region. Located in the village of Castle Combe, the filming site for a long list of movies like “Stardust,” “War Horse,” and the original “Dr. Doolittle,” it blends perfectly with the enchanting streets that are lined with homes made of Cotswold stone.
This UK home for rent accommodates up to four guests with all the essentials and then some, like a washer/dryer and a large fireplace that holds a wood-burning stove. From the king-size bed in the master bedroom, you can wake up to a view of the ducks that float along the By Brook.
3. Leicester Square Penthouse Airbnb in London, UK
Location: Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Rates from: $429 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Stay at this unique vacation rental in the UK and you’ll be in for a treat! Located in London’s vibrant West End within a 5-minute walk of the National Gallery and the Underground, this penthouse offers it all. Sparkling clean, very well-appointed, and spacious, it includes three bedrooms with king-size beds accommodating up to six. The highlight is arguably the fabulous rooftop garden that overlooks Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Enjoy your morning coffee while watching the city come to life and a good night’s sleep in a quiet setting with comfortable beds. It’s jam-packed with amenities too, including a kitchen with a Nespresso machine and dishwasher, washer/dryer, fast Wi-Fi, and cable TVs with Netflix. With so much charm and personality, it’s no wonder why this is among the best UK Airbnbs.
4. Elm Park Barn – One of the Best Houses for Rent in the UK
Location: Keynsham, England, United Kingdom
Rates from: $196 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Airbnb homes with private pools are rare in the UK, but the Elm Park Barn includes a large indoor swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Accommodating up to four (adults only) in two bedrooms, it feels quite secluded and comes complete with stunning views of the countryside, but you’ll be close to multiple attractions. The popular city of Bath with its historic Roman baths and naturally hot spa waters for soaking is just a 20-minute drive away while Stonehenge can be reached in about an hour.
At this top UK vacation rental on Airbnb and VRBO, you’ll appreciate the hospitable hosts who will welcome you with complimentary extras like Prosecco and pastries. Enjoy other unique amenities, including a 55” TV with a DVD player, TVs in the bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, washing machine and more. If you’re looking for a top vacation rental in the UK, look no further!
5. Lighthouse Airbnb for Rent in Scotland
Location: Isleornsay, Scotland, United Kingdom
Rates from: $723 per night
Accommodates: 8 guests
Many people have dreamed of having their own private island, and this one checks that box and more, at least temporarily. You’ll be able to experience what it would be like as long as you stay, with the entire island that sits off the coast of the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands all yours. This Airbnb in the UK sleeps seven comfortably in four bedrooms and offers breathtaking views.
Take advantage of the outstanding beachcombing or just let stress melt away while you watch the waves and the wildlife pass by. When you want to do some socializing, dining and drinking, there’s a traditional Highland pub right across the shore. Is this one of the coolest vacation rentals in the UK? It sure is!
6. DeanVillage with Riverside Balcony Home for Rent in Scotland, UK
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Rates from: $136 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
If you plan on exploring Edinburgh, this riverside UK rental is ideal – and a steal. It sits in one of the prettiest and oldest areas of the city, with narrow, cobblestone streets, gardens, a tranquil stream and historic buildings in the heart of UNESCO-listed Dean Village.
From this beautiful Airbnb rental in the UK, you’ll be within walking distance of the Haymarket train station, while the main shopping thoroughfare, Princes Street, is just a six-minute walk away and Edinburgh Castle is easily reached too. Enjoy picturesque river views from the living room and balcony, where wildlife like the “famous local heron” can be spotted.
7. Balintore Castle Rental in Angus, Scotland
Location: Angus, Scotland, United Kingdom
Rates from: $360 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Dreaming of staying at a castle Airbnb in the UK? Just wait until you see this enchanting place. Located northwest of Edinburgh near Dundee, Balintore Castle sits in a beautiful, remote glen. Built in 1860, it was left to ruin a hundred years later and stood empty for a half-century. But the restoration began with the kitchen wing impeccably restored, opened for guests as a way to fund the restoration of the rest of the castle. It comes at a relatively affordable cost for a castle stay.
Enjoy a mix of historic and modern, with many original Victorian-era features maintained while the necessary conveniences were added. Accommodating six in three bedrooms, highlights include a fireplace and bathroom with heated floors and a large Victorian soaking tub. What more could you look for in a top United Kingdom Airbnb for rent?
Read next: Best Airbnb Rentals in Scotland
8. Stunning Shepherds Hut Airbnb in UK with Hot Tub and Sea Views
Location: Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom
Rates from: $145 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Located just outside Snowdonia National Park, this Shepherds Hut vacation rental in the UK provides an ideal base for hikers and nature lovers. It overlooking both the mountains and the sea, and is just five minutes from the beach. Accommodating two, it’s perfect for a couples’ escape.
Relax in the hot tub after a long day of exploring, soothing sore muscles while surrounded by jaw-dropping views or gazing up at a brilliant night’s sky. Animal lovers will enjoy it too, as it sits on a property with friendly horses, cows, sheep, and dogs, although it’s fenced-in so encounters aren’t a necessity. There’s also a fire pit for roasting marshmallows (marshmallows and wood included) along with a BBQ grill and essentials like Wi-Fi and a kitchen. If you’re looking for a top UK vacation rental with epic views, this is it!
9. Ty’r Onnen Airbnb Treehouse Rental in the UK
Location: Talybont, United Kingdom
Rates from: $291 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Looking for a romantic Airbnb getaway in the heart of the UK? Nestled in the Welsh countryside just a short drive from the seaside town of Aberystwyth, the Ty’r Onnen Treehouse offers a romantic treehouse stay for two. It’s set in a tranquil location with silence interrupted only by the sounds of the occasional bleating sheep and babbling brook.
While it’s off-grid, this UK treehouse rental includes hot running water, a wood-burning stove, and gas-powered oven. Far from light pollution, instead of staring at a screen, enjoy a digital detox with incredible stargazing instead. I truly can’t imagine a more serene getaway than by staying at this unique treehouse rental in the UK!
10. Beautiful Castle for Rent in Wales, UK
Location: Cosheston, United Kingdom
Rates from: $125 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
An authentic castle stay at a budget-friendly price? Count us in. This is the real deal, a 700-year-old castle in the Pembrokeshire region of Wales within easy reach of beautiful beaches and hiking in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The walled seaside town of Tenby is just a short drive away, filled with seafood eateries, pubs, ice cream shops, souvenir stores and other attractions.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast included, served in the dining room. After enjoying the area attractions, head to the west wing of the 13th-century castle where your comfortable room with an en-suite bathroom awaits. With its unique castle walls and unique décor, it’s no wonder this is among the best UK vacation rentals.
Read next: Coolest Castles Worldwide
11. Fair Head Glamping Pods for Rent in Northern Ireland
Location: Moyle, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Rates from: $205 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Enjoy a stay in a luxury glamping pod on Airbnb in the UK for up to four guests in the heart of Ballycastle overlooking Fair Head, the north coast and the sea. Game of Thrones fans will enjoy being close to many filming sites from the hit series, including the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, and Dunluce Castle.
The pod itself is warm and welcoming, complete with electricity, heat, and running water. It’s fully furnished and includes kitchen basics like a fridge, cutlery, tea and coffee station, along with a fire pit. There is no Wi-Fi or TV but who needs that with views like this?
12. Belfast Hot-Tub House in the City Center, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Rates from: $137 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Stay at this Northern Ireland Airbnb and you’ll be in for a treat.
Belfast is a fantastic city with a long list of attractions, including the famous Titanic Museum. A colorful blend of alluring landscapes, art, history, lively nightlife and plenty of mouthwatering fare, to make the most of the time you have, you’ll want to stay in a place where you’ll have easy access to it all.
This two-bedroom townhouse is ideal – not only does it come at a bargain price, but it includes a private six-person hot tub, a classic arcade games machine with more than 600 retro games, a complimentary fully-stocked minibar, and chilled champagne on arrival, among countless other amenities. If you’re looking for a unique Airbnb in the UK with a hot tub, say no more!
13. Relaxing UK Cottage Rental with Hot Tub and Spectacular Views
Location: Kircubbin, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Rates from: $194 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Last but not least on this round-up of the coolest Airbnb for rent in the UK is this unique cottage with a hot tub. It offers a relaxing retreat that’s just 40 minutes south of Belfast overlooking Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. This UK vacation home for rent is a stone’s throw from the beach and a short walk to the village of Kircubbin with markets, pubs, and restaurants. Perfect for enjoying both city attractions and outdoor recreation, after a day of either, you’ll have a hot tub to with magnificent views, and a fire pit to gather around under the stars.
This UK Airbnb comes with all the usual necessities, including a TV with Netflix, but what makes it really a standout are the many special extras. The host knows how to treat her guests, providing breakfast items, and other complimentary treats like a bottle of Prosecco.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: K.C. Dermody is the author of Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland and hundreds of travel articles, online and in print. She’s traveled the world, and when she’s not writing she might be found swimming with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez, paddling among icebergs in Newfoundland hiking through the New Zealand Alps, or enjoying a pint with the locals in an Irish pub. You can follow her adventures at www.kcsendlessadventures.com and on LinkedIn @KCDermody.
Coolest Airbnbs in UK: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Have you ever stayed in a unique vacation rental in the UK? Let me know in the comments or on Insta, as I’m always looking to add to this round-up of the best UK Airbnb rentals!
Looking for more unique destinations in Europe? Check out these places:
– Coolest Rentals in Tuscany
– Top Airbnb Accommodations in Scotland
– Best Vacation Rentals in Ireland
– Coolest Airbnb Stays in Europe
– Most Unique Hidden Gems in Europe
– Top Airbnbs in the South of France
– Best Airbnb Stays in Switzerland
– Top Unique Vacation Rentals in the World
