Quirky Accommodation in South Wales

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15 Out-of-the-Ordinary Places to Stay Across South Wales

Wherever you lay your head, it can make or break your holiday experience. We’ve rounded up some of the quirkiest, most interesting places to stay across South Wales. Because sometimes, it’s ALL about the accommodation. And these places are worth the trip alone. 

Quirky Conversions and Novelty Stays in South Wales

Who wouldn’t want to sleep in a 1970s private jet? A UFO? Or a submarine?! At Apple Camping near Tenby, you can do all of these things, and more. This novelty glamping experience is perfect for families, aviation fans, and sci-fi enthusiasts. And it’s just a ten-minute drive from Tenby.  

Wannabe bus drivers, big and small, will love the Willowbrook vintage bus in the Brecon Beacons (above). This 1970s bus is parked in a pretty spot under the trees, next to a stream. It’s completely off-grid, so a great place for a digital detox and some fresh countryside air. It sleeps two grown-ups and two little ones, with the option to book the nearby yurt for more space.  

If you’re after off-grid with a bit of luxury thrown in, Llanthony Castaway, also in the Brecon Beacons, has a glorious hideaway made from two railway wagons (above). It’s an idyllic spot for couples, with a king-sized bed and a wood-burning stove for year-round cosiness. Pick up the hiking trails into the mountains by day, and come back to fireside chats and starry skies at night. 

Built as a decoy station during World War II, the Decoy Bunker (above) has been renovated into a modern, surprisingly light and airy, subterranean space. It’s cosy and compact with huge views across the Usk Valley and all the way to the Bristol Channel. Perfect for two, but you could squeeze a little one in, too. 

A horsebox and a hot tub with a brewery next door - Pioneer is one of the cute cabins available at The Hop Garden (above). Set in the Wye Valley near Tintern, with Kingstone Brewery nearby, this is a peaceful glamping retreat that mixes craft beer with nature. Hike the Wye Valley Walk or Offa's Dyke path, and reward yourself with locally-brewed beers in the tap room after. 

Historic Stays & Castle Accommodation in South Wales

If you want to be queen (or king) of the castle for a few days, The Welsh Gatehouse is the spot (below). Staying in this 700-year-old medieval gatehouse near Chepstow is like living in a history book. But with some essential modern touches - like an elegant bathroom and a massive bed. This mini castle for two has an epic roof terrace, too - perfect for sundowners with incredible views. 

Another little castle that’s ideal for couples is Kymin Round House. This National Trust property sits at the summit of The Kymin, with views over Monmouth and the Wye Valley. It’s also near the Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk, so you can step outside onto ancient woodland trails.

At Usk Castle, you can camp in the castle grounds or opt for a medieval-themed glamping experience, like the Glyndwr Fort (above). Castle Knights is perfect for kids, with the castle grounds to explore, outdoor swings, and woodcraft sculpture trails. And it’s a lovely car-free campsite. 

Llancayo Windmill (above) is a beautifully restored windmill just outside Usk. It’s a huge property with six bedrooms, made for family get-togethers. The 360° balcony on the third floor has fabulous,  uninterrupted views of the Monmouthshire countryside, while the top-floor snug is ideal for keeping the kids entertained. Just expect to do a lot of climbing up those stairs. 

For a slice of rock history and an even bigger get-together, book Monnow Valley Studio outside Monmouth. For decades, it was a residential recording studio, hosting rock royalty like Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne, Sir Tom Jones, and the Stereophonics. Today, it’s a massive, luxury self-catering holiday home that sleeps up to 26 people across 11 bedrooms, with a soundproof party room. Rock ‘n’ roll. You can also stay at the legendary Rockfield Studios down the road.

Cabins and Glamping in South Wales

For a hefty dose of peace and quiet, try Ty Coot near Abergavenny (below)). This gorgeously rustic cabin in the woods is a tranquil retreat for two, with just the sounds of water and wildlife to keep you company. Hike from your front door to the Sugar Loaf, and then unwind on the riverside deck or by the cosy wood burner. 

Take a cabin in the woods, add a cosy, globe-shaped sleeping pod suspended in the air, and you have the Oak Apple Tree Tent. This unique setup in the Wye Valley is a woodland suite with separate living and sleeping areas. And a wood-fired bathtub under the trees.

With this being Wales, you’d expect to find a shepherd’s hut or two. Cromwell’s Hideaway (above) is a luxury version, just outside Raglan village in Monmouthshire. It’s small and perfectly formed on the inside, with plenty of open space outside - like someone dropped a boutique hotel room in the middle of the Welsh countryside. 

Sleep under canvas, but with all the creature comforts of a rather lovely self-catering holiday, in one of four safari tents at Medley Meadow in the Brecon Beacons (above). This lovely site is managed for conservation, so the Red Kites and Buzzards will be watching as you sip your morning coffee on the veranda. 

You’ve done a yurt and a tipi, but what about an Iranian-style alachigh tent (say alla-cheeg)? Penhein is a family-run farm in the Monmouthshire hills, with beautiful, Persian-inspired glamping tents (above). These high-domed canvas homes feature proper wooden furniture and real beds. It’s off-grid, but a million miles away from roughing it. 

South Wales is full of hidden gems if you’re looking for unique places to stay. After all, what’s a holiday if you’re not doing something different to your day-to-day? Stay in a castle or find your perfect hideaway in the woods - there are plenty of out-of-the-ordinary options in South Wales.