6 Unique Places to Stay in England’s National Parks
Last year, I had the opportunity to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, exploring all 10 of England’s National Parks and with it got to explore some of the unique places to stay in them.
For 10 weeks – and across 1,000 miles of hiking – I hiked to the highest point in each National Park, and walked from one border to the opposite border of each. Alongside the physical component of this expedition, I also wanted to showcase each park, and the unique features that make it special.
Work to conserve our National Parks is a cause that has always been close to my heart. As such, I decided to embark on ‘A Walk in the Parks’ to drum up public awareness of the challenges that our National Parks are facing, and the reasons why it is so critical that we support them.
Throughout this adventure – which took me across the entire country! – I also got to stay in some extraordinary places. These hotels varied to include everything from cosy and comfortable affordable locations, to luxurious seaside spa escapes.
5 unique places to stay in England’s National Parks
Below, I’ve shared a round-up of 5 of my favourite unique places to stay in England’s National Parks, all of which I tried during my hike. So, if you’re planning a hiking staycation (or if you’re mad enough to plan a similar excursion!), then be sure to check out these spots!
1. The South Downs – The Beach Hut Suites at The Beachcroft Hotel
The Beachcroft Hotel is an independently owned hotel, situated just off the beach in the seaside village of Felpham.
Alongside the hotel’s 37 en suite rooms, it also offers four Beach Hut suites.
These suites are, in my opinion, among the best luxury beach accommodations you can find. They are positioned right on the seafront, and a literal hop, skip and a jump away from the beach.
Unlike the retro, colourful wooden huts that usually spring to mind, these beach huts are extremely luxurious, with everything from heated floors to a Smeg fridge, and a king-size bed to a coffee machine – everything you need for a premium hotel stay, with but ideal for anyone looking for something that’s a little out of the ordinary.
What’s more, these beach hut suites are all dog friendly, which makes them a perfect fit for a hiking staycation with the whole family.
The hotel they are connected to also has a swimming pool and amazing restaurant serving delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. You can also request a breakfast hamper to your room if you’d like to enjoy the sea view with your morning tea or coffee.
All in all, when I was sat gazing out at the sea, relaxing on the balcony of the beach hut suites after a long day of walking, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself.
You can find my full review of The Beachcroft Hotel’s Beach Hut suites here.
2. North York Moors – Coast and Camplight
Coast and Camplight is such a special off-grid glamping spot and Verity and Ed have done an incredible job of building this magical spot in the North York Moors.
Each of their glamping spots are unique with different themes and the decor is lovingly designed through salvaged equipment, fabric, books and kitchenware. It is completely off-grid, with their own delicious spring water, gas bottles for the kitchen areas and battery operated lighting.
You won’t find wifi here and you will be lucky if you get phone signal, but that’s what makes it so special. With views of the sea, you can sit by your campfire or lie back in a hammock with a book and forget about the stresses of life for a while. I am desperate to return to this incredible unique stay.
Read my full review of Coast and Camplight.
3. The Peak District – Bike & Boot
Bike & Boot is one of my favourite hotel businesses, and I’ve stayed at their two locations (in the Peak District and North York Moors) multiple times.
Turns out, I’m not alone in this opinion either. In fact, Bike & Boot Peak District was recently awarded the title of ‘Cheap and Chic Hotel of the Year’ as part of the 2024 The Times Best Places to Stay.
So, what’s all the hype about?
The Bike & Boot Peak District boasts a prime location in Hope Valley, just a short drive away from some of the Peak District’s most popular hotspots, including Ladybower Reservoir and Bamford Edge. Particularly considering its location, Bike & Boot, the rooms are very affordable.
Bike & Boot’s rooms are full of fun, with a bold and playful design, coupled with all the modern features you’d hope to see in a new hotel. Its Peak District spot is a brand new building, but lit up with the same style that sets Bike & Boot apart.
But for me, what really makes Bike & Boot special is how brilliantly dog friendly it is. Not only did my room include a dog bed and toy, but there were even dedicated dog washing areas in the hotel. This meant I could give Cookie a well-deserved shower and blow dry in their dog station after our walks.
Read my full review of Bike & Boot’s Peak District location.
4. The North York Moors – Fox and Hounds
During our visit to the North York Moors, we opted to stay in the camping pods provided by the Fox and Hounds.
This is a classic, traditional country hotel, which dates all the way back to 1555. Its history is completely intertwined with the North York Moors and, if you’re new to the area or want a local’s guide to a proper walking holiday, this is the place to go.
Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, there’s access to a range of footpaths, national trails, bridleways and cycle routes. Plus, The Fox & Hounds is an accredited Dark Skies Friendly site. As a result, the pods gave us the perfect opportunity to see the Moors’ famous night sky in all its glory. The hotel even offers its guests night torches, binoculars and sky maps to use for free.
To really complete my immersion in the great outdoors, we spent this trip sleeping under the stars, in the pub’s cosy camping pods. Although we chose to stay in the hotel’s camping pods, the entirety of the Fox and Hounds is super dog friendly.
Read my full review of the Fox and Hounds camping pods here.
5. The Lake District – The Beech Hill Hotel
The Beech Hill Hotel is a 4 star hotel, complete with all the luxuries that you daydream about during a long hike through the Lake District.
Not only does the hotel boast one of the best restaurants in the area (the AA award-winning Burlington’s), but the spa feels like a blissful escape from the rest of the world.
I visited with my friend Hannah from Coworking Corner, and we opted for the stunning Windermere Suite. By far, our favourite thing about the room was the fact it came with our own balcony, which had extraordinary views over the lake, and even included our own hot tub.
Then, inside the hotel, you also had the option to unwind in their magnificent spa, which offered its own hot tubs, plus an indoor pool, vitality spa pools, a sauna and a wide range of treatment rooms.
Although I (with no doubt in my mind) had absolutely no plans outside of relaxing in our room, the hotel is situated an easy drive away from Windermere. So, if you’re looking for a luxurious base for a Lake District hiking holiday, The Beech Hill Hotel is sure to tick all your boxes.
You can find my full review of The Beech Hill Hotel here.
6. Dartmoor – Room with a view
I booked my stay in ‘Room with a View’ through Unique Hideaways and had 3 whole days there. This place was an absolute dream find.
An adorable wooden cabin in its own walled garden right in the middle of Dartmoor National Park. The cabin included a kitchen, log fire, en suite with shower, a double bed and sofa.
It was a gorgeous place to stay and I honestly could have stayed there for a week or more. The cabin is connected to a small farm and really is ‘Room with a View’ with a perfect view of the famous Haytor rocks.
I was really lucky with the weather when I was there, depsite it being mid October and had a glorious day sat in the garden reading the book ‘Room with a View’ which was in the cabin.
This is a brilliant unique hideaway that is well worth a visit.
Read my full ‘Room With A View’ review.
As you can see, I got to stay in some fantastic places during my ‘Walk in the Parks’ adventure. From the elegance and luxury of The Beech Hill Hotel, to the extraordinary outdoor experience provided by the Fox & Hounds pods, these are my picks of the best unique places to stay in England’s National Parks.
