Sussex is a beautiful place to explore and discover. With a stunning blend of the rolling South Downs, High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and rugged coastlines, dotted with peaceful shores, it is no wonder Sussex is a popular spot to get away.
There are lots of unusual places to stay in Sussex, alongside some great spots for Glamping in East Sussex.
Whether you’re seeking a quirky retreat, a historic hideaway, or a connection with nature, this county offers a range of distinctive accommodation options to help you relax and unwind.
Here are some of the most unusual places to stay in Sussex.
Unusual Places to Stay in Sussex
1. The Bell
The Bell in Ticehurst is a stylish and eclectic boutique hotel that mixes traditional and contemporary design in a quirky way. It’s also known for its glamping options—luxury tents with wood burners and comfortable beds set in the hotel’s beautiful grounds.
The Bell’s history stretches back to the 1500’s, when originally it was a coaching inn. These days it houses a blend of vintage furniture, eccentric décor, and creative spaces. They also offer a “treehouse” room perched high up among the branches for a unique stay.

There is fine dining and a gastro-pub available to dine. The Bell is located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning there are numerous, beautiful walks to be had during your stay.
Where: The Bell, Ticehurst, TN5 7AS
How To Get To The Bell in Ticehurst
It is in the heart of quaint Ticehurst, on the Kent and East Sussex border. Take junction 5 from the M25 onto the A21. There are direct trains from London Charing Cross to Etchingham that take only 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The nearest train stations are Etchingham, 2.7 miles from Ticehurst, and Stonegate, 2.8 miles away. Other stations that are a bit further away include Wadhurst, Robertsbridge, and Frant.
2. Tinkers Treehouse
Tinkers Treehouse is enclosed in the peaceful forest of Downash Woods. This offers a unique and tranquil stay, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, such as buzzards, badgers and deer.
Immerse yourself in nature from the treetops in this cosy treehouse, with king size bed and beautiful cedar wood furniture.

Located just a short distance from the shores of Bewl Waters Reservoir, the largest stretch of open water in South East England, where it is perfect for paddle boarding and other water sports.
There are other beautiful accommodations available here, with four woodland cabins to choose from and one other treehouse. The Coddiwomple Cabin looks perfectly quaint, yet stylish.
Where: Downdash Wood Treehouses, Tinkers Lane, Ticeuhrst, East Sussex, TN5 7LX
How To Get To Tinkers Treehouse
Downdash Woods is accessible car-free, with the nearest stations being Stonegate and Wadhurst. You will find regular services from both London and Hastings.
Stonegate is the recommended station for cycling, with it being 3.5 miles away. Wadhurst is the recommended station for accessing the 1066 bus route.
3. Just Us and a Bus
Just Us and a Bus is located in Uckfield and is one of those quirky and unique places to stay in Sussex. This cosy escape encapsulates luxury and remote getaway perfectly.
Once a New York school bus now meticulously converted into a beautiful small home it is fully equipped to make your stay comfortable and memorable.

Unwind in the outdoor hot tub and absorb the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Every night booked contributes to charity additionally.
Booking directly means you can receive 10% off your booking fee. Just Us and a Bus donate to a local mental health/homeless charity with every booking, which is amazing. They have already raised a whopping £500.
Where: Just Us and a Bus, Uckfield, East Sussex
How To Get To Just Us and a Bus
Just Us and a Bus is located in a secluded meadow, 5.3 miles from Uckfield. Uckfield is the closest train station, with direct trains fro London Bridge to Uckfield.
There are direct trains from Crowborough, and one changeover trains from Haywards Heath and East Grinstead.
If driving, Just and a Bus is just off the A275 near Furners Green.
4. The Lookout Shepherds Hut
The Lookout Shepherd’s Hut by Extraordinary Huts in Rye offers a unique and luxurious escape. Nestled on a serene site with sweeping views of the countryside and sea towards Winchelsea, it’s a fantastic choice for couples, families, or friends.
The hut features a cosy living space, a kitchenette and the usual essentials to make your stay comfortable.

Guests can enjoy alfresco dining on the deck, complete with a barbecue and fire pit, or relax in the hammock for a peaceful doze.
This serene retreat combines rustic charm with contemporary comfort, making it a memorable place to unwind immersed in nature, whilst staying close enough to the charming town of Rye and the coast for exploration.
Where: 2 Nicholls Cottages, Udimore Road, Extraordinary Huts, Udimore, TN31 6AL
How To Get To Extraordinary Huts
Extraordinary Huts is located just east of Udimore. The closest train stations to Udimore are Doleham, Winchelsea, and Rye. They are a short drive from Rye and a 23 minute drive from Hastings.
If driving from London, take the A2. The journey should take about 2 hours.
5. Belle Tout Lighthouse
The Belle Tout Lighthouse in Eastbourne has been captivatingly converted into an unconventional place to stay. The lighthouse itself is steeped in history, having been restored from a 19th-century functioning lighthouse in a prime location.
There are six rooms to choose from which have an eclectic combination of period features and modern luxury.

This Lighthouse B&B is situated in a stunning location, overlooking the English Channel, including the iconic, glistening Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
It is also conveniently on the foot of the South Downs Way if you are keen to explore or walk. Alternatively, the towns of Eastbourne, Brighton and Hastings are all easily accessible.
You may also enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea in Eastbourne.
Where: Belle Tout Lighthouse, Beachy Head Road, Beachy Head, BN20 0AE
How To Get To The Belle Tout Lighthouse
The Belle Tout Lighthouse is located around 6 miles from Eastbourne main train station, where a taxi would take 15 minutes to get here.
Alternatively, the lighthouse is just 44 miles south of the M25 which is serviced the key roads of the M23, A27 and A22. Alternatively there is the scenic coastal A259 route.
Some choose to stay here as part of their South Downs walking route on foot or by bicycle! Berthing is also available if you are travelling by sea, with docking at Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour Marina.
6. The Converted Railway Carriage
The Converted Railway Carriage, located in the beautiful Rother Valley in Northiam, offers a nostalgic yet comfortable stay. This converted railway carriage is in the heart of the Sussex countryside, having been transformed into a stylish home with all the amenities you might need, whilst surrounded by nature.

The charm of staying in a piece of railway history, with the added bonus of beautiful countryside views. If you are seeking an unusual place to stay in Kent and Sussex, then this is the perfect spot as it is on the Kent and East Sussex border.
Where: Northiam Steam Railway Station, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6QT
How To Get To Northiam
Northiam is accessible by train and bus. Rye Train Station is approximately 1 hour and 35 minute journey from London St Pancras, with one changeover at Ashford International. The 313 bus services Northiam via main town Rye.
Northiam is approximately 17 minutes drive from Rye and a 27 minute drive from Hastings.
7. Rye Windmill
The Rye Windmill is a unique and charming place to stay in Sussex, offering a distinctive experience as one of the UK’s few working windmill accommodations.
Located in the picturesque town of Rye, this Grade II listed building features the iconic Windmill Suite, which spans two floors within the mill itself, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and town.

Guests can enjoy private access to a balcony for beautiful sunsets. The original 250-year-old mill’s base houses character-filled rooms, combining history with luxury, such as the elegant four-poster room with modern en-suite facilities.
With its blend of heritage architecture, tranquil setting, and high-quality hospitality, the Rye Windmill is truly a memorable and unusual place to stay in Sussex.
Where: Windmill Guest House, Ferry Road, Rye, TN31 7DW
How To Get To Rye Windmill
Rye Windmill is a short 6 minute walk from Rye Train Station. Private parking is available at one space per room with on site electric car charging available.
Unusual Places to Stay West Sussex
8. Tiny Pots Woodland Retreat
Visit Tiny Pots, a cosy, secluded woodland stay. Situated on the South Downs Way, this is an ideal escape into the serenity of nature.
Tiny Pots encourages a digital detox, so you can log off and focus on your wellbeing. This is further upheld by the private yoga Shala and outdoor cold water therapy showers.

Tiny Pots is a beautiful, off-grid space, made from reclaimed materials. Just 90 minutes from London, you can wake up to the sound of the dawn chorus. Tiny Pots has a floor to ceiling window where you can marvel at your surroundings of the surrounding South Downs.
Where: Tiny Pots Woodland Retreat, Bramber
How to get to Tiny Pots Woodland Retreat
This beautiful retreat is situated in Bramber, just south of the quaint town of Steyning.
If travelling by car you will require the A24, A23 or A27, depending on direction of travel.
The number 2 and 2b bus services Bramber and Steyning from Shoreham-By-Sea. Shoreham-By-Sea is the closest railway line, with only an 11 minute drive from there.
Worthing also being a main hub for trains nearby, with a slightly longer distance of 18 minutes from the Worthing to Bramber.
Shoreham-By-Sea and Bramber are linked via the Coastal Link multi-use pathway, with the Downslink passing through Steyning if you are travelling by foot.
9. Secret Cabins
The Secret Cabins in West Sussex offer a truly unique and luxurious getaway experience. Nestled in peaceful, secluded woodland near Storrington, these boutique cabins combine quirky design with high-end amenities.
Each cabin is uniquely themed, such as the Copper Crib, featuring bold metallic interiors and indulgent touches like a private hot tub.

Some cabins offer exclusive extras, including curated afternoon tea packages or romantic rose petal arrangements, adding to their charm. These accommodations are perfect for a serene retreat or special celebration such as a milestone birthday or anniversary.
There is the option to get out and explore the local towns of Arundel or Worthing.
Where: Secret Cabin, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4BJ
How to get to Secret Cabins
Storrington is a 2 hour drive from London via the A24.
The nearest train station is Pulborough or Amberley. Further afield stations include Horsham, Worthing and Arundel.
10. Knepp Treehouses
There are two treehouses on the re-wilded Knepp Estate, which are built around mature oak trees. The Tawny Owl and Peregrine Treehouses do get booked up in advance. Waking up in birdsong in an ancient woodland is my idea of heaven!
Knepp Estate is renowned for allowing nature to reclaim its mark and is one of Europe’s largest re-wilding projects. There are walks that vary in difficulty around the estate, where you can spot a number of wildlife, birds and flora.

Guests at the treehouses can avail of the glamping facilities, where there is a glamping kitchen, woodfire oven, camping shops selling a range of goods (including pizza dough for the ovens!), wild swimming, showers, toilets, drying room and more.
There is the opportunity to book a vehicle safari or walking tour whilst staying at Knepp Esate additionally.
There are other options to stay at Knepp Estate if the treehouses are booked up, with glamping, camping and shepherds huts available to book.
Where: Knepp Estate, New Barn Farm, Swallows Lane, Horsham, RH13 8NN
How to get to Knepp Estate
The easiest way to get to Knepp is to drive, with a large spacious car park on site.
Knepp is a 22 minute drive from Horsham, where there is a mainline train station. Horsham is a primary route destination, meaning it is well linked.
11. The Bow
The Bow in Middleton on Sea is a charming, quirky holiday home just meters from the beach. Not far from the famous Cathedral City of Chichester, or the highly rated Wittering beaches, this is an ideal place to stay for two adults and two children.

This is a cute, unusual place to stay in Sussex, as the property has been crafted to look like a boat. The hosts have implemented some welcoming touches to help you enjoy your stay.
There are also some great things to do in Littlehampton, which is not far from Middleton on Sea.
Where: The Bow, Middleton-on-Sea
How to get to The Bow
The three closest train stations to Middleton-on-Sea include Littlehampton, Barnham and Bognor Regis.
Middleton-on Sea is serviced by the A259, just off the A29 or A27.
12. Elsie’s Hut
Elsie’s Hut in Albourne, Hassocks, is the perfect cosy stay, with excellent ratings. It is the perfect place to go and rest, relax and unwind.
Elsie’s Hut is a traditional style, wooden shepherds hut with a quintessential, cosy British interior. There is a log burner, fire pit and private garden. The views across the field either from the cosy double bed or front door displays beautiful sunsets, sunrises or stargazing opportunities.

There are plenty of walks available nearby, whether through the South Downs or exploring nearby Hurstpierpoint or Brighton.
Where: Elsie’s Hut, Albourne
How to get to Elsie’s Hut
Albourne is serviced by the A23 if you are planning on driving. Hassocks Train station is the nearest one, being a 9 minute drive away. Other nearby train stations include Henfield and Burgess Hill.
There are many unique and unusual places to stay in Sussex, from delightful, quaint shepherd’s huts surrounded by the stunning vistas of the South Downs or High Weald, to the more boutique and historical landmarks transformed for us to enjoy a memorable trip.
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