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The UK has countless unique properties that make unforgettable staycations across the country.
From a lighthouse getaway to a converted wartime bunker, Sykes Holiday Cottages has unveiled the finalists in its annual Sykes Gem Awards.
The holiday let specialist celebrates some of the most memorable and interesting stays in the UK and Ireland across 30 different categories.
Some particularly intriguing accommodation options have been highlighted this year including a modern lakeside glamping pod in Wales and a stay on a castle estate.
Read on to discover some of the most exceptional holiday lets.
A stay inside an original RAF bunker
The Standby Generator Bunker can be found in Ringstead, Dorset
Nestled away in the rural village of Ringstead, in Dorset, is the Standby Generator Bunker – a one-of-a-kind Grade-II listed property.
Dating back to 1941, the accommodation sleeps up to six across three bedrooms, all decorated in a steely, bare-brick wartime style with the original concrete walls left exposed in places.
Located in the middle of the owner's dairy farm and only one field away from the sea, the bunker was part of RAF Ringstead's Chain Home radar, which formed part of Britain’s coastal early-warning radar system. It was used from 1941 to 1956.
Nowadays, it offers guests a cosy stay, with a wood-burning stove as well as a fully equipped kitchen and wraparound garden.
The bunker's south-facing wall even bears the impression of an explosion, adding to its intriguing character.
Prices start from £989 for seven nights and the property has been shortlisted for the Best Quirky Property category. It won the overall category in 2025.
Luxurious Yorkshire Dales retreat
Gunner Lodge is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
Tucked between the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is Gunner Lodge, in Chapel-le-Dale.
The charming four-bedroom property offers far-reaching views of the Three Peaks and Ribblehead Viaduct, with guests being able to catch a glimpse of steam trains passing by.
All four rooms have super-king beds and en-suite bathrooms. The kitchen is kitted out with a gas Range cooker and handy appliances such as an air fryer and slow cooker, and even has a wine chiller.
Underfloor heating offers a cosy winter stay experience and there are plenty of beautiful landscapes and walking routes to explore for those who choose to venture outside.
Guests can elevate their break with the option of adding on a private chef 'for less than the cost of a restaurant', according to the online listing.
The accommodation sleeps up to nine and prices start from £1,780 for seven nights. Gunner Lodge has been shortlisted for the Best Luxury Property award.
A five-bed abode with spectacular sea views
Holidaymakers seeking a relaxed coastal break could head to Waters Edge, in Northumberland
Waters Edge is a five-bedroom detached property that sleeps up to ten guests, making it a perfect spot for families or large groups seeking a coastal escape.
Located on the seafront in Beadnell, Northumberland, every inch of the living space has been designed to make the most out of the amazing views.
The first floor boasts a wood-burning stove and bi-folding doors looking out onto the coast. Meanwhile, guests can escape the holiday hustle and bustle in the cosy snug.
With the harbour village of Beadnell on their doorstep, holidaymakers have plenty of seaside spots nearby to explore, including Seahouses, Bamburgh, Warkworth and Alnmouth.
The property is priced from £1,664 for seven nights and has made the cut for the Best for Beaches category shortlist.
Cornish barn conversion with space for up to five dogs
Wesley Barn allows guests to bring up to five dogs, making it a pet-friendly retreat
Pet owners dreaming of a hassle-free coastal retreat where their beloved furry friends are welcome may find the perfect stay at Wesley Barn.
Located on the grounds of the Grade-II listed Carines Farmhouse in Cornwall, the barn conversion sleeps six and welcomes up to five well-behaved dogs.
The three-bedroom home has charming features including exposed brick walls, original trunk rafters and beautiful views.
Guests can take a dip in the bubbling hot tub, or enjoy one of the nearby coastal walks and beaches.
Prices start from £1,017 for seven nights and the property has been shortlisted for Best Pet-Friendly Property by Sykes.
Family-friendly property with an impressive games room
Pen Bont Home Farm, in Powys, is a family-friendly property
Looking for a holiday let that has room for grandparents and children alike? Look no further than Pen Bont Home Farm.
This family-friendly property can be found in Builth Wells, Powys, and sleeps up to ten guests across four bedrooms.
An external games room is sure to keep everyone entertained with a full-size pool table, free-standing Victorian bagatelle table, table tennis table and a large smart TV.
The adjoining milking shed also boasts an impressive 10ft long shuffleboard table.
Nearby river walks offer the perfect opportunity for a family outing packed with wildlife spotting and access to the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Guests can stay for seven nights from £1,194 and the home has made the cut for the Best for Young Families shortlist.
Staycation with views of St Michael's Mount
Star House offers beautiful views of St Michael's Mount
Star House is set in Marazion, Cornwall’s oldest town, and is a charming abode that overlooks St Michael's Mount.
The tidal island can be reached by crossing over an ancient causeway during low tide, or by boat.
Star House is situated above a village shop that adjoins the alleyway that takes visitors to the historic causeway.
The home sleeps six across two bedrooms and a week's stay costs from £974 in October.
There are also multiple beaches nearby to enjoy as well as watersports, such as windsurfing and paddle-boarding.
Star House made the shortlist for the Best for Views category.
Enjoy a break on a castle estate
Located on the Culzean Castle and Country Park Estate in Scotland, guests can stay in the Clocktower
The Clocktower is a unique four-bedroom cottage located in the very centre of the Culzean Castle and Country Park Estate in Maybole, Scotland.
Set within a courtyard overlooking the estate's original clocktower and grounds, it is the perfect spot for enjoying the historic surroundings.
The abode is kitted out with a well-equipped kitchen and diner area, as well as a cosy living space and smartly decorated bedrooms (it can sleep up to six people).
Guests are even treated to a complimentary tour of the castle and have access to the estate grounds outside of regular opening hours.
A seven-night stay is priced from £955 in October and the property is shortlisted for the Best Historic Property category.
Holiday in a working 19th century lighthouse
Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse is in Lincolnshire and hosts up to eight guests
Built in 1830, the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, still helps ships navigate tidal channels today.
The lighthouse was once home to British conservationist and painter Sir Peter Scott and is situated along the River Nene, and now up to eight guests can stay across the four bedrooms.
Unique features can be found throughout the property, including an original sketch by Sir Peter on the wall and a 'Narnia-style door' that leads to a games room and kitchenette.
A seven-night stay in November start from £1,105. The Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse has also been shortlisted for the Best Quirky Property category.
A lakeside glamping pod in the Welsh countryside
Situated in Llanarth, Wales is the Rusty Boathouse
Rusty Boathouse is a modern and distinctive abode perched next to a lake in Llanarth, a picturesque Welsh village.
Complete with a private decking area and jetty, the one-bedroom glamping pod is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
The hot tub overlooks the water and guests are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Fully kitted out with a kitchen, dining space and sitting area, the pod is within reach of coastal spots including Aberaeron and Penbryn.
A seven-night stay can be booked in January from £742. Rusty Boathouse made the cut for the Best in Mid and South Wales category.
Magical Celtic roundhouses
Tŷ Crwn – The Roundhouse is located in West Wales
Tŷ Crwn – The Roundhouse, near Lampeter in West Wales, consists of two single-storey Celtic roundhouses.
The unique abode offers sweeping countryside views and enchanting evenings spent under the stars – either outside on the patio or snuggled inside under the skylights.
A spacious copper bathtub is set beside a large window for guests to enjoy the surrounding landscape and the bedroom is equipped with air-conditioning.
A seven-night stay in November costs from £786, and the property is shortlisted for Best Quirky Property.
Prices correct as of August 10, 2026.