The Best Airbnbs In The UK for 2024
From a secluded treehouse to a grand manor house
The best Airbnbs in the UK are all about soaking up the sea views at beachfront pads in Cornwall, snuggling up in cosy cottages in Kent and checking into the quirkiest places to stay, from treehouses in West Sussex to yachts in Dorset.
If you've already experienced Airbnbs in London or Airbnbs with hot tubs, you've come to the right place as we've rounded up the ultimate list of best Airbnbs all around Britain, from Edinburgh to Shropshire.
Looking for somewhere romantic for two? You'll lust after our adorable glamping retreat with alpacas in Powys, Wales. How about a spacious rental for a big group of mates? We've found a grand manor house fit for royalty.
Elsewhere, there's an impossibly chic apartment in Bath and a gorgeous barn in Devon worth checking out. There's also an apartment to rent within a bona fide Scottish castle for a regal stay, plus a yurt in Harrogate for those who think they like the sound of camping and the great outdoors, but still require some creature comforts to make a long weekend getaway feel like a proper holiday.
Whatever you're into and however many of you are travelling (even if it includes the dog, the kids, or big group of friends reuniting), you'll want to have a little scroll through ELLE UK's selection of best Airbnbs in the UK. Remember, they never stay free for long, so if you when you see availability, it's always best to snap it up there and then...
The boho beauty, Shropshire
For something fun and intriguing in the Shropshire Hills, this Airbnb for two contains plenty of character that art lovers will appreciate. Its creative rooms are inspired by the work of artist Gustav Klimt and is part of a former Georgian hotel, with a mix of mid-century furnishings and retro design pieces. We like the original floorboards, soaring ceilings and massive windows, which the owner recommends enjoying at sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Sleeps: Two
The secluded treehouse, East Sussex
Offering a whimsical escape surrounded by nature, this idyllic treehouse Airbnb sits amid the blissful East Sussex countryside surrounded by 40 acres of private farmland and unspoiled woodland. It's all set on one floor, with an open-plan living space and separate shower room. The spacious sun deck might be our favourite part, with a gas BBQ and a roll-top bath in which to soak up the dappled sunlight glistening through the branches. This is the place for couples to go completely off grid and get back to nature.
Sleeps: Two
The fisherman's cottage, Whitstable
Head for one of the coolest seaside towns in the UK where oysters and beach strolls await, and check into a fabulous beach retreat for six. Families or friends will love this perfectly placed Airbnb tucked away behind vibrant Harbour Street. The cosy rental boasts original fireplaces, whitewashed floorboards and a roll-top bathtub to help you melt away your stresses on a coastal escape in Kent.
Sleeps: Six
The dreamy beach house, Cornwall
Sitting stylishly in Newquay, this seaside Airbnb flows effortlessly from one beautiful room to another, with oodles of airy space for relaxing and an outside terrace for socialising. Set just a short walk from the Fistral Beach, it's ideal for a family or friends' getaway, with four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms. From the elegant living room to the sleek open-plan entertaining space made up of a kitchen and dining area, you'll find yourself spending more time than you expected in this beach house.
Sleeps: Eight
The chic flat with river views, Bath
Like something out of an interiors magazine, this stunning flat in Bath was decorated to impress. It's set right in the centre of the city, allowing you to gaze through the vast Georgian windows at postcard views of the River Avon and Pulteney Bridge. The Airbnb boasts original 18th century architectural details and high ceilings to maintain the elegance. A gallery space above the lounge provides an additional sitting area and has a sofa bed for a fifth or sixth guest.
Sleeps: Six
The peaceful barn, Devon
Set in the quintessential Devonshire village of Kentisbeare, this warm and cosy barn is where you can light a log burner and curl up in a serene space with exposed stonework, oak beams and antique furniture. When the weather is warm, the welcoming patio is the spot to unwind, with its Moroccan-style BBQ area for you to make the most of those summer evenings.
Sleeps: Seven
The aristocratic manor house, Bedfordshire
Looking to entertain a group? Gather your favourite people (when restrictions allow) and head for the village of Podington for a grand affair in stately surroundings. Built in 1710 for the aristocratic Orlebar family and modelled on the original Buckingham Palace, Hinwick House is a Grade I listed Queen Anne country house set in 38 acres of parkland. The manor house is spread over three floors with over 20 bedrooms and has the furnishings and decor a royal would approve of.
Sleeps: 16
The artist's mews house, Edinburgh
Want something sleek in Scotland's capital? Try this stylish Airbnb in Edinburgh, where you can comfortably relax in a unique home away from home. This Georgian artist's mews house in Stockbridge is flooded with natural light and filled with original artworks. You'll find high-end furnishings, luxury linens and a great base that's close enough for you to walk to the city's attractions while far enough from the buzz of the centre. Plus, there's private access to pretty river gardens.
Sleeps: Two
The shepherd's hut with alpacas, Powys
Glamping has never looked so good and at this shepherd's hut for two in Wales, you'll not only sleep in seclusion overlooking a wooded meadow, but have the company of two cuddly alpacas, too. There are all the comforts of home, including a double bed, log burner, TV and fully equipped bathroom, as well as fluffy towels for a luxury camping experience made for couples in love.
Sleeps: Two
The dog-friendly lodge, Northumberland
Sit back, relax and take in the views of the countryside with your four-legged friend at this pretty cottage with a spa-style garden in Chatton. Dogs are welcome here and your pooch will adore exploring the garden and snuggling in the comfy living room. You'll find an array of hotel-style luxuries too, such as the toiletries, robes and slippers and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Sleeps: Two
The castle, Portpatrick
Staying in a private, self-contained apartment within an Edwardian castle? Anything's possible on Airbnb. The Royal Apartment within the castle on the 2000-acre Dunskey Estate gives the best of both worlds: it's lovingly restored to the highest quality, but with all the charming original details, including an art deco spiral staircase and classic windowpanes. You'll also be surrounded by the most beautiful landscape, with waterfalls, lochs and beaches to explore on the Estate and magnificent walks along the craggy Scottish coastline.
Sleeps: 8
The houseboat, Fermanagh and Omagh
With incredible vies of Lough Erne, this houseboat is a blissful two-bedroom bolthole. It's a great retreat for couples (though it can sleep more than two), with one recent guest leaving a rave review: 'My partner and I stayed here for one night and I dont think we have ever stayed in a more beautiful setting. Waking up to the view and having a coffee on the balcony while watching the swans on the lough is one of our favourite memories together so far.'
Sleeps: 5
The yurt, Harrogate
The ideal spot for those who love the idea of camping and the great outdoors but still yearn for creature comforts, this charming yurt is perfect. The seats within convert easily from a cooking, eating and lounging area into three (surprisingly comfortable) single beds. The burner will keep you warm all night, and there's 24-hour exclusive access to a loo and shower room just 10 metres away. Glamping at its finest.
Sleeps: 3
Roshina leads the digital travel content for Hearst UK, covering titles including Country Living, Red, Good Housekeeping and Harper's Bazaar.
When she's not eating her way around Istanbul or hiking the Dolomites' peaks, she loves nothing more than escaping the crowds of London for a country break.
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