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Quirky place to stay in the UK

Quirky place to stay in the UK

A "unique luxury hotel" in Sussex that's said to be like "stumbling onto a film set" has been named among the UK's "quirkiest" to visit.

It said: "If there’s one thing the British excel at, it’s being, well, just a little bit eccentric — and that extends to the country’s hotel scene too.

"For this curated list of the UK’s oddest hotels, unsurprisingly, there was no shortage of source material — from castles, windmills and lighthouses to repurposed prisons, fictitious Italian-style villages and train carriages, even a converted Dutch barge on the banks of the Thames."

Amberley Castle, in the village of Amberley, West Sussex, was built in the 12th century as a manor house and later fortified in 1377.

The walls, gateway and two of the towers remain as a Grade I listed building, and the castle is now used as a hotel.

On its website, Amberley Castle says it is a "unique luxury hotel steeped in over 900 years of history".

It adds: "The 19 luxurious guest rooms offer comfort and style, the interior design reflects the history of the castle and rooms are furnished with antiques and fine fabrics alongside contemporary features."

The Times says the hotel is like "you’d stumbled onto a film set" with its battlements, turrets and portcullis.

It adds: "While it may look like something from the latest Ridley Scott epic, it actually has a history dating back to the Domesday Book, taking in royal intrigue and civil war — although since 1989 it’s been a posh hotel.

"Rooms are grand and classical, with mullioned windows, heavy doors, beams and the occasional suit of armour.

"Book one of the Tower Suites for maximum historical cachet, and shared access to the eponymous tower."

Amberley Castle has a 4.6/5 rating on more than 2,600 reviews.

A review summary says Amberley Castle is cherished by many travellers for its "enchanting location and historical charm", with the rooms earning praise for their "comfort and elegance".

It adds that service is often described as attentive, that cleanliness is generally appreciated and amenities are well-liked.

One review reads: Super experience backed by lovely and attentive staff and a comfortable room.

"It’s a rare treat to stay in place steeped in such history. Thanks to all the team at Amberley Castle. The town of Amberley is gorgeous!"

Another said: "Our 2-night stay at Amberley Castle exceeded our expectations in every way. Our room was exquisite and the bed was heavenly.

"Our meals and breakfasts were all outstanding. It was luxury from the moment we arrived, made all the more comfortable and enjoyable by the superb staff.

"Everyone we came across was warm, courteous and a pleasure to be around. Bothy, in the restaurant, deserves a special mention for his quiet attentiveness and gentle humour.

"We feel privileged to have spent time in such an extraordinary place and would love to return one day."

Other 'quirky' hotels in Sussex to visit

Two other hotels in Sussex made the list by The Times, which were The Old Railway Station, in Petworth and Pelirocco Hotel in Brighton.

Pelirocco Hotel was dubbed a "mad crashpad" with "pop culture-inspired decor".

The Time said: "There are rooms themed around Star Wars, Motown, Mohammed Ali, Bettie Page and Dolly Parton, to name a few — not to mention others where you can dress up as your favourite David Bowie persona, or relive the days of Brighton’s Mod invasion (complete with Quadrophenia prints and paisley-orange bathroom).

"Relaxing or understated it isn’t, and it’s a little rough around the edges in spots — but few hotels tap into Brighton’s alternative spirit better."

Meanwhile, the Old Railway Station, in Petworth, was also picked out.

Formerly Petworth Railway Station, built in 1892, it is "now the perfect place to relax in colonial splendour".

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