Ah, the great British holiday. You know the one – desperately trying to escape the never-ending drizzle with a suitcase full of waterproofs and long johns. Well, it’s a good job that all those castles, lakes and countryside trails look just as good under a layer of clouds as thick as my thermal undies!
Well, lucky for you I’ve become somewhat of an accommodation snob when it comes to my home country, I just love the quirky little Airbnbs that can only be found right here in Blighty. Or is it that I like to pretend I’m starring in an episode of “Escape to the Country,” even though I’m only two hours down the motorway?
These days I much prefer a snug coastal cottage or a converted barn in the middle of nowhere to a questionable B&B with walls thinner than a slice of Marmite on toast! Airbnbs are no run-of-the-mill stay here.
Staying in an Airbnb in the UK is like stepping into a local’s shoes and embracing the freedom to actually enjoy your own cuppa, on your own schedule. It’s all very British, really.
Every rental in the UK offers a unique experience, so many visitors stop exploring at London’s Zone 3, when there’s so much more to see and do out there. So let’s dive in and find some epic digs for your next trip to our sunny shores!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in The UK
Seaside Cabin with Jacuzzi Overlooking the Beach in Silecroft
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Jacuzzi with sea views
- > Steps from the beach in Lake District National Park
Chic Contemporary Cabin by the Sea in Crackinton
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Open-concept living space with balcony
- > Countryside views
Five Star Home with Four Themed Bedrooms in Dorney
- > $$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Private chef options available
- > Early 16th Century home
Remodelled Cottage with Mountain Views in Pont Sticill
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Outdoor bathtub
- > Gorgeous mountain views
What to Expect from Airbnbs in The UK
There is something special about staying in a home, whether it be someone’s holiday home or a specially built home for an Airbnb. Whether you stay in a grand estate or a sleek London penthouse, there is always a sense of authenticity and charm that you just can’t find in a hotel. It’s the best way to experience authentic Britain when you’re travelling around The UK.
There are Airbnbs scattered all across this country, from the busiest cities to sleepy Welsh villages to coastal holiday towns. The best feature of Airbnb is that it isn’t just a place to rest your head but a home base. You can expect an Airbnb to have a fully equipped kitchen or, at the very least, kitchenette appliances.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Private spaces and rooms offer guests more independence from one another, especially if you’re travelling as a family or in a group. They’re also much more affordable than booking multiple rooms in a hotel. Airbnbs are also usually hosted by the property owner, which means you will get a high standard of personal attention when liaising with your stay. Who knows, you might even snag a late check-out…
The best Airbnbs in the UK are exceptionally well taken care of. The standard is high out here, and for good reason – there is a LOT of competition. Reviews are important, and homeowners put in a lot of effort to make sure their Airbnbs stick at the top of the list.
And by taken care of, I mean quality touches like high-end linens and towels, heating and cooling throughout to keep things warm during winter and cool through summer, top-notch interiors, and top-of-the-range kitchen appliances. You could even benefit from personalized touches like flower arrangements and gift boxes.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in The UK
Seriously though, there are so many excellent holiday rentals in the UK that it’s hard to do the country justice in just one short article.
I’ll do my best, though – here are fifteen of the top Airbnbs across the United Kingdom, from listed cottages to modern seaside properties and everything in between.
Seaside Cabin with Jacuzzi Overlooking the Beach in Silecroft | Overall Best Value Airbnb in The UK
Located steps from the sea in the Lake District National Park in England, this small two-bedroom cabin is ideal for a young family. It’s homely and intimate and can be kept nice and warm during colder days.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can rent a night in this seaside cabin – and that’s basically the same thing. This small, unassuming, and affordable spot is located steps from the waterline in the Lake District National Park.
The cabin is by no means large. It’s suitably fitted for a maximum of four guests who are happy to live in close quarters with one another. The two bedrooms are well-designed, perfect for a young family or a few friends. After a cool walk along the postcard-perfect beach with hardly a soul around, you’ll want to submerge yourself in the jacuzzi overlooking the water.
This is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in the Lakes District, England.
Chic Contemporary Cabin by the Sea in Crackinton | Best Budget Airbnb in The UK
Set among rolling hills you thought only existed in expressionist paintings, this tiny home in Bude, England is magical. What sets it apart from the rest isn’t its exquisite views and remote location but its surprisingly low price tag.
With a contemporary interior and views at the forefront of its design, this one-bedroom home is one of the most stunning tiny UK Airbnbs. It has a private garden and a full kitchen and is perfectly located for those wanting to explore North Cornwall.
If you want something similar, then cross the border into Devon and check out an Airbnb in Salcombe if this one is booked up.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIFive-Star Home with Four-Themed Bedrooms in Dorney | Over-The-Top Luxury Airbnb in The UK
There is something mesmerizing about staying in a place with over four hundred years of history. Originally built in the 16th century, this huge home in Dorney, England has four bedrooms and enough space to sleep ten on comfortable sofa beds.
With a massive kitchen that was once a 30-foot-high Great Hall, three living rooms, and a huge garden, it’s an incredible place to host family gatherings.
Like any top Airbnb in the UK, this one comes with a welcome breakfast hamper and useful pantry essentials. You know what they say about old homes – if these walls could talk! It is an absolutely beautiful place to visit in the UK.
Remodelled Cottage with Mountain Views in Pont Sticill | Perfect UK Airbnb for Couples
Can you think of a better combination for a romantic getaway than an outdoor bath and incredible lake views? This little cottage was recently remodelled with stylish wooden floors, quirky yellow cabinets, and white-washed ceilings. Every little detail has been thought about, from the games in the living room to the generous gift hampers.
The baths are my favourite feature of this home (although the view is not half bad, either). Not only is there a brass tub on the balcony, but also a deep soaking bath in the bathroom. Travelling couples will looove this one <3
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in The UK
Want some more, of course, you do, well you’re in luck cus’ I’ve got the goods! Keep scrollin’ for more EPIC Airbnbs in the UK 🙂
The Woodland Cabin with Hot Tub
This tiny cabin in Buckingham, England offers a range of accommodation options. If you love the idea of a self-catering Airbnb in the UK, the one-bedroom holiday home is the way to go.
Perfect for those looking to spend time in nature and not overcomplicate things, this small shepherd’s hut in the UK has everything you need for a simple stay. The tiny kitchen has wooden countertops, a sink, and just enough space to prepare a home-cooked meal. The dining area doubles as the bedroom, which works well for an afternoon nap fan like me!
16th Century Listed Cottage with English Garden in Hampshire
Have you ever walked into a home and been totally surprised by the interior? From the outside, this 16th-century thatched cottage in Hampshire looks like a little witch cottage. However, once you walk inside, a modern cabin-inspired home is revealed.
The designers have kept all the old wooden beams, rickety brick walls, and woodburning stove as a nod to the cottage’s past. I love this combination of historic and modern interiors. But the most impressive part of this home is its garden. Tucked between messy hedges, you’ll want to spend every moment of a sunny day on the lawn.
Unique Cliffside Treehouse with Valley Views in Northern Ireland
If there were a category for the most outlandishly unusual property, this would be it. Balance Treehouse is a special place to stay above the treetops of the heather-covered hills of Northern Ireland. The entire space has been crafted by hand, with a rustic look and feel.
Bring your adventure shoes because you’ll be crossing a rope bridge to get into this unique Airbnb in the UK. When you aren’t admiring the forest tops or stargazing from bed, the home has a hot tub deck, a netted hammock, and an outdoor shower. This is an EPIC place to stay when travelling in Ireland.
Grand 14 Bedroom Country House with Kids’ Facilities in North Wales
What would this list be if it didn’t include a grand homestay in the countryside? If it were up to me, this home would qualify as a palace or a castle. It’s surrounded by manicured lawns and hedgy trees and is covered with a seasonal ivy plant.
Built in the late 1800s with fourteen bedrooms – yes, fourteen! – the Victorian estate is on the banks of a river close to the famous Horseshoe Falls. While it is absolutely a grand and impressive home with high ceilings, reception rooms, and hallways you could easily lose yourself in; it still has a very homey and welcoming ambience.
Forbidden Corner, Aysgarth Falls in Leyburn
Sometimes, simplicity is best—and this is the case for this lovely three-bedroom home in Leyburn, England. This heritage building has been lovingly restored as a holiday cottage while still paying good tribute to its history.
By this, I mean it is designed with modern luxuries and simple interiors yet still has a period edge. Prepare a meal in the kitchen, and enjoy it in the living room by the fire or on the outdoor terrace.
Jobs Mill Cottage in Wiltshire
Jobs Mill Cottage in Wiltshire gives me the same feeling I would get when visiting my family during the festive season. It’s snug, warm, and inviting, and there is always good food—well, as long as you’re prepared to get cooking in the kitchen.
This three-bedroom cottage sleeps up to six people, with its own garden next to a converted water mill and the river Wylye. The home has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and an open fireplace.
Luxuriously Spacious Four-Bed Apartment in Bath
Sleek, sophisticated, and stylish are the three words I would use to describe Barton House at Harrington’s Apartments in Bath, England. It’s one of the most spacious apartments I’ve come across, with four bedrooms, a huge open-concept living space, and a kitchen with high ceilings.
It’s a corner apartment, so you can do some satisfactory people-watching through all the windows. Not to mention, the views over the rooftops of Bath are magnificent! It’s the perfect place to stay in Bath.
Owls Nook Barn in Appleby-in-Westmorland
Picture yourself reading a book in the shade under a parasol with a cup of Fortnum and Mason tea in hand. This sets the scene for an afternoon at this cosy barn in Warcop.
The three-bedroom home is small yet not cramped, and decorated with all the homey touches of a family home. Warm lighting, an interesting art collection, and extremely comfortable beds are expected.
Oh, and it’s also wonderfully located in the heart of this small town, making it the perfect place to stop on a road trip from the Lake District.
Simple Modular Home with Estuary Views on the Aberdeenshire Coast
Where this property stands out from the rest on this list is that it is modern, modular, and functional. While we’ve seen a fair share of heritage-listed properties, this simple one-bedroom home has been designed following a Scandinavian style, with plenty of glass walls and upcycled wood.
Besides its truly unique appearance, it’s located on the edge of the wilderness overlooking the Ythan estuary. It’s simply equipped, yet perfect for those looking to spend some time off the beaten path, surrounded by nature – yes, please! It’s one of my favourite places to stay in Scotland!
Peaceful Shepherds Hut on Sheep Farm in County Durham
Ben’s Hut is a small shepherd’s hut beautifully fitted with farmhouse-inspired interiors. Think warm wooden floors and ceilings, white-washed walls, a pale duck egg-blue exterior, and charming blue crockery to match. The whole place is as Instagrammable as Airbnbs in the UK get.
While small, this homely accommodation is well equipped for cooking simple meals, and for keeping snug and warm. Yup, it has efficient central heating and insulated walls to keep things nice and snug when the UK weather shows its unpredictable colours.
Eclectic Interior Designed Timber Cabin in The Cotswolds
Originally built in 1906, this gorgeous old tailor’s cabin has been so beautifully refurbished that it has been featured in the pages of House and Garden magazine. Professional interior designers have brought a previously dull and dark space to light with rustic walls, antique brass lighting, and impressive artistic touches.
Ideal for two guests, this one-bedroom space has a huge open-concept living area with the highest ceilings you’ve ever seen. But what makes it really special is that it’s located in one of the cutest places to stay in the Cotswolds, in a village surrounded by greenery and natural beauty. Seriously, I could live here.
FAQs About Airbnbs in The UK
What to Pack for The UK
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your UK Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to The UK.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Airbnbs in The UK
In a country as historic, unique, and downright popular as this one, it’s no surprise you’ll find an impressive selection of Airbnbs in the UK. Not only are there a lot of them (and wow, are there a LOT), but they also cater to just about every type of traveller.
Looking for a quaint countryside cottage? No problem. After a modern loft in the city? You’re covered. Want a family-friendly house at the seaside? There is an Airbnb in the UK for you.
They offer a lot more flexibility when compared with hotels, from self-catering to long-term stays, all while keeping you in touch with the local culture. And the best part is the variety. Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands will suit a family festive holiday, while a hut in Cornwall will provide the perfect home base for a seaside holiday.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our backpacking around the UK guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in the UK too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks in the UK.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
