6 Unique Airbnb Stays for a Winter Cycling Staycation
Travel restrictions have made it hard for anyone to escape to warmer weather this year and has meant a lot of us have spent more time in the UK this year than we had hoped. While I’m sure everyone would love to board a plane and spend these winter months chasing the sun, unfortunately that’s not everyone’s reality! It’s looking like for the majority of us, we’ll be sticking with staycations until next summer now.
Rather than just heading to a five-star spa hotel you found on TripAdvisor, why not try something different this winter?
Hobbit house – Approx £106 per night
Based on a permaculture farm and nestled 40 acres away in the Welsh woodlands, this Hobbit house is built from all natural materials and offers you the chance to really be at one with nature. With an outside firepit you’re able to gather road the fire to roast some marshmallows or cuddle up under the stars. Just enjoy the peace and tranquillity of being away from the hustle and bustle.
Take a trip to the surrounding farmland to pick some eggs from the chicken coop, or spend the day exploring the lakes and streams – maybe wait till the summer to take a dip! If you fancy going further afield then visit the abundance of nearby beaches that are on the Lleyn Peninsula, or head just 10 miles over to Mount Snowdon. At Mount Snowdon they have a range of cycle routes for all abilities, from beginners all the way to routes for the most experienced mountain bikers.
Pilot house – Approx £160 per night
This quirky aluminium structure was designed by architect Roderick James and Amanda Markha, who also designed AirShip 002. Situated in Drimin in the Scottish Highlands, the 'Pilot House' is home to some of the most beautiful views. Whether it be mountains, the sea or the Lochs, the scenery is guaranteed to take your breath away.
One of the best ways to explore the Scottish Highland is by bike. Where the 'Pilot House' is situated on the West coast, the cycle routes are generally much flatter but don’t worry this doesn’t mean the views are any less marvellous. Relax on these easier routes, let yourself take the time to enjoy your surroundings.
The Carriage – Approx £140 per night
Take a step back in time and come aboard this restored 1950’s railway carriage. Located on the fringe of the Lake District with the River Marron running below, the carriage sits on the original tracks where the trainline ran. The near-by town of Cockermouth is the perfect place to have a mooch around, offering you lots of local shops, cafes and restaurants to visit.
If you’re looking to be more active on your staycation then take a look at the cycle routes that are also in Cockermouth. These routes take you from Cockermouth, out to the sea-side to see some breath-taking coastal views, through some other small neighbouring villages and back. These are usually more challenging and hillier routes so these may just be for more experienced cyclists.
Sleepover with the horses – Approx £143 per night
While this stay is probably best suited to any animal lovers out there, it still sounds pretty amazing! The apartment is directly attached to Basil’s (the horse!) stable so you’re able to go and visit him anytime you want – and if you’re lucky there might be a lamb or two in there as well! Basil will be out in the morning, either in his field or on a walk, but he heads back to his stables in the afternoon before sleeping there overnight.
Situated in Thurgarton, a small rural village in Nottinghamshire, there are plenty of cycle routes, ranging in difficulty that will take you through the English countryside. Through the villages there’s even a few cafes and pubs along the way for a pit stop!
Shepherd’s hut - Approx £130 per night (Christmas Tree Farm)
The ULTIMATE Winter getaway! Head to this Shepherds Hut hidden away amongst the Christmas trees up in the Cambrian Mountains. Snuggle up inside with the log burner (and under floor heating for extra warmth) as the snow falls onto the Christmas Trees outside, creating the most beautiful views across the mountains. Spend the evenings gathered around the fire pit roasting marshmallows or brave the cold before heading over to the hot tub. This secluded getaway is perfect for a couples Christmas getaway!
You can choose to stay snuggled up in the cosy shepherds hut or you can take a wander into the surrounding countryside or down to the coast to explore the unspoilt holiday region of Ceredigion. There’s also a variety of cycling activities you can be part of in Ceredigion: the Aberystwyth Cycle festival with mountain biking challenges for both adults and children, Gritfest which is a family focused off road-biking through the Cambrian Mountains event. There are also a few designated trails in the surrounding areas that you are able to give a go at your own leisure: Ystwyth Trail, Rheidol Trail or the Cardi Bach trail.
Pond cabin – Approx £130 per night
This pond cabin offers a unique slice of paradise with stunning views of wildlife and countryside right from your bed. Sit in the porch swing, watch over the water and experience the peace and tranquillity of this hidden gem.
Choose between cycling down to the Welsh coast, or drive to Snowdonia for some of the most beautiful biking routes in the UK. Don’t worry, most of these routes through Snowdonia also have great coffee shops for pit stops!