Coronavirus has radically changed what using up our holiday allowance looks like.
Travel to certain destinations is banned or restricted and even venturing further than a few miles outside your home hasn’t been allowed – making UK staycations a hotly desired way to escape everyday life in lockdown.
That trend for at-home holidays is reflected in Airbnb’s list of the properties most wish-listed by Brits since lockdown began.
The holiday home service notes that their list of most popular properties for 2020 is entirely different to the one from 2019, with attention shifting from beachfront Brazilian villas to cosy cabins closer to home.
Below, they’ve revealed the top ten properties Brits have been adding to their must-go list since lockdown began on 23 March – and every single one is in the UK, as we dream of staying in unique, rural spaces rather than travelling far and wide.
1. Alton Forest Lodge, Stoke-on-Trent
Sleeping up to 12 people, this incredible lodge sits in stunning woodland, surrounded by greenery.
With a 100 square metre decking area and a traditional wood-fired hot tub, this place is ideally suited to time spent outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and local wildlife.
Go inside though, and it’s just as lovely – there’s a large living area, a fancy kitchen, a massive TV, and a log-burning stove.
Nestle up in a comfy sofa and take your pick of reads from the bespoke library wall, covered in hundreds of books.
Alton Towers is just two miles from the lodge too, so yes, you can go for a day of roller coasters while you’re there.
2. Romantic Oak Cabin, Hemel Hempstead
This one-bedroom oak cabin is the perfect spot for a cosy couples retreat.
The setting is super peaceful, backing out on to the National Trust Ashridge Forest and with the market town of Berhamsted – with plenty of pubs and bars – just one and a half miles down the road.
Board games and a massive TV mean you can totally switch off and chill out.
3. Secluded Countryside Lodge, Maidstone, Kent
Look at this cute little spot!
Another property ideal for couples, this cosy lodge is in Maidstone, just a quick train journey from central London.
Book a stay here and you’ll get a lovely outdoor terrace complete with a BBQ and an outdoor hot tub to make the most of the lovely weather.
4. Unique Glamping Experience, Sutton
This place is pretty special. The property is a converted boat from 1945, tucked away in a private forest and overlooking beautiful open countryside.
Another one ideal for couples (or for a solo getaway), there’s one bedroom with a king-size double or two singles, along with an adjoining boat shack complete with a kitchen and bathroom.
The property sits in a three-acre forest on a small holding where the owners live in a 1760 Georgian property with pet goats, horses, dogs, and chickens. Ask nicely and they’ll probably let you meet the animals.
The boat runs entirely on renewable energy produced by solar panels, so eco-friendly types will be happy, too.
5. Unique Luxury Cabin, Hereford
If you’ve ever wanted to try out the tinyhouse lifestyle, head to Little Hourstones in Hereford.
The prism-shaped cabin is set in a quiet corner of an organic farm, with light and airy interiors hidden inside a small space.
Outside there’s a private hot tub along with a fire pit for barbecues.
If you fancy getting out and about during your stay, the property is just a five minute walk from the centre of the market town of Kington, where there are plenty of pubs and independent shops (make sure to pick up some of the local cheese).
6. Converted Shipping Container in a Private Meadow, Poltimore
Another tiny house in the top ten, this time made out of old shipping containers.
Head here for a stay in a beautiful private meadow with views of rolling Devon countryside.
Every detail inside is made with care, from bespoke 150-year-old stools to the penny-covered bathroom floor.
There are even handmade reading chairs to lounge in.
Should you get bored of the countryside (how could you?), this home is just 10 minutes from the city centre.
7. Private Seaside Retreat, Weston Super Mare
If you’re after a splash in the sea, this might be the travel spot for you – the Coach House is just a short walk away from the seaside.
The interiors of this place are delightful too. It’s a newly converted 18th century stable building, meaning lovely stone walls and wooden beams.
Inside you have a large bedroom with a king-size bed, a snazzy kitchen, and a lounge complete with a Netflix-ready TV and blankets to snuggle up with – plus board games.
Outside there’s a sunny garden with a hydrotherapy hot tub.
Oh, and breakfast is included, with locally sourced free range eggs, pastires, fresh bread, fruit, and milk. If you fancy paying a little extra, you can also have a proper cooked breakfast made with local sausages and bacon.
8. Old Smock Windmill, Beneden
Who doesn’t want to stay in a windmill in the midst of the Kent countryside?
Inside the mill is four-storeys of cosy cottage-style interiors, with an exterior oak staircase giving you access indoors and massive beams on each floor carrying the original giant spur wheel.
There’s a large bed with crisp white cotton sheets, a beautiful old copper basin sink, and a unique pulley syste, for hanging clothes.
And you get a welcome basket including eggs from the owners’ chickens.
9. Beachfront House, Cleveleys
This place accomodates up to 14 guests, so it’s a great shout for a group getaway.
Inside there’s a cinema room, an amazing bar, and a music system throughout.
There’s also a rooftop terrace and a hot tub, where you can relax and watch the sunset.
The town’s centre is just five minutes away so you can head out and about, and of course the sea is close, too.
10. Satori Dome, Northumberland
This unusual dwelling sits in a secluded location in rural Northumberland and is entirely off grid, with water in containers, solar power, and a composting toilet.
So if you want to totally escape normal life, here’s where to head.
The 20 square metre dome accomodates two people in one bed (with a memory foam mattress) and has all the bare essentials for a weekend retreat.
Outside on the deck there’s a BBQ for cooking, a Japanese hot tub, and a fire pit, surrounded by beautiful views of the pond and surrounding trees.
The owners describe the dome as ‘a perfect spot to relax, unwind and get back to nature’. Sounds dreamy.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Man in U.S. builds incredible treehouse that’s available to rent on Airbnb
MORE: Get ready for a cruelty-free staycation in Margate at this new vegan hotel
MORE: Aldi has a new range of beauty dupes that could save you £125 compared to big brands