Quirky and Unusual Places to Stay Near Brighton

If you watched that recent TV feature on converted train station hotels and immediately started searching for a quirky weekend getaway, you are not alone. Sussex is packed with unconventional places to stay that are perfect for a quick break from Brighton. Whether you want to sleep in a repurposed vintage vehicle, hide away in a luxury treehouse, or float on the water, there are plenty of unique options just a short trip away.

For those inspired by the railway theme, The Old Railway Station in Petworth is a standout choice. This former 1892 station has been converted into a hotel where you can sleep in restored Pullman carriages or the main Station House, with breakfast served right on the platform. If you prefer the coast, The Bolthole is a Victorian railway carriage sitting directly on the beach at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, while the Bodiam Glamping Coach offers a 1960s railway carriage experience in the Rother Valley with views of Bodiam Castle. You can also find Carriage 101 in Batchmere, which is a restored World War Two ambulance carriage complete with an outdoor bathtub, or Skoolie Stays near Pulborough, a converted American school bus powered by solar energy and featuring a wood-fired hot tub.

If your idea of a retreat involves getting up into the canopy, the woodland areas of Sussex have some incredible treehouses. Downash Wood Treehouses in Ticehurst offers six secluded properties, including the Coddiwomple and Daisy Chain cabins. In Mayfield, Hoots Treehouses provides eco-friendly luxury in ancient woods, while the Cowdray Treehouses in Midhurst come with outdoor baths and electric buggies to get around. For a mix of everything, Blackberry Wood in Streat features fairytale treehouses alongside a converted helicopter and a London bus. Alternatively, you can stay at the Castle Cottage Bed and Breakfast Tree House in Petworth, built directly into a chestnut oak tree, or try the Strawberry Lane Tree Tent, which is a hanging tent equipped with a wood-burning stove.

For water lovers, the Brighton Water Cabin offers a floating holiday home experience on the East Jetty of Brighton Marina, featuring a private terrace and sea views. Further along the coast, The Beach Huts in Oving offer eco-friendly accommodation near West Wittering beach. If you prefer historic landmarks, you can book a room at Rye Windmill, a Grade II-listed windmill B&B, or stay at Amberley Castle, a 900-year-old fortress at the foot of the South Downs. For something completely different, the Hobbit-inspired Pip House in Robertsbridge features a circular design and private hot tub, while Snooze Brighton in Kemptown offers a retro-styled guesthouse experience close to home.