Planning a foreign getaway can be stressful and expensive, so allow us to introduce you to the UK's most luxurious holiday rentals. We've found the best Airbnbs in the UK to rent, from luxury castles to the most Insta-worthy modern seaside holiday homes.
If you're after that perfect holiday experience that doesn't require anywhere near the level of admin that it does to pop to Santorini and snap that sunset, we've got you covered. No plane required. For the best Airbnbs in the UK that you can book now, take a scroll and check out the beautiful places for yourself...
For our best UK Airbnb list, we've covered a wide variety of locations across the UK including England, Wales and Scotland. From there, we looked at reviews (including two this writer has visited herself and rated five stars in East Sussex and Edinburgh), home features and stand-out elements such as dog-friendly Airbnbs or Airbnbs with a hot tub to relax in.
Our guide has a place for everyone - whether you're looking for a country retreat to host a hen party, a castle or a stylish apartment in the city.
The Best Airbnbs In The UK To Rent In 2024
The estimated nightly rate for each property is based on the criteria of a four-night stay in March. If you're planning to holiday outside of this time frame, your pricing may differ a little.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Description
When one goes to Edinburgh, one wants to feel artsy, stylish, and ultra-cool. Indeed, you can feel like a hip Scottish art student in this amazing room hosted by local creative Clare, who balances the line between friendly and hands-off as you stay in her incredible home. The ensuite bathroom is stacked with toiletries and the bed is oh-so-comfortable.
Pros
- Stockbridge is beautiful and Edinburgh's city centre is only a 10 minutes bus drive away
- The host provides you with continental breakfast every morning in her stunning kitchen
Cons
- There are steep steps up to the house, as well as to your room
East Sussex, England
Description
If you want to get away from it all and need a bit of me-time, Browns Shepherd Hut in Robertsbridge is the ticket. If travelling solo, you will feel safe yet still secluded and the hut is packed with everything you'll need for some R&R including kitchenware, towels, body soap, heated blankets, walking trails - the list goes on. Favourite feature? The hobbit stove.
Pros
- Surrounded by woodlands and with the host's horses nearby to greet you, you will be at peace here
- Perfect for those who don't drive, Robertsbridge station is a 10-minute walk away
Cons
- Be prepared to use a compost loo
Nethy Bridge, Scottish Highlands
Description
Down the river among the trees in the Cairngorms National Park, you'll find a cottage with a hot tub and open fires. The stuff of rustic, autumn getaway dreams. Forest and river views, with a cheeky hot tub too - what more could you want? Sleeps nine, but you'll probably be just as tempted to go it alone.
Pros
- Perfect for nature lovers and dog owners, with walking and biking trails
- You're only an hour's drive from the coast (Findhorn Bay, Morayshire Coast, Loch Ness)
Cons
- Outdoor space (river etc.) has risks which may not be suitable for very small children
Perranwell, Cornwall
Description
If your idea of heaven is seeing donkeys roaming from your window, you're in luck. Embrace your farm-life dreams in this rural countryside retreat. This one-bedroom Barn conversion in the Cornish countryside offers a complete break from it all, without compromising on luxury. You can have it all; roam around the farm, then come home and relax in the tub. Bliss.
Pros
- No passing traffic or street lights; perfect for nature lovers and stargazers
- Train links can take you all over Cornwall (including Frogpool, Truro, and Falmouth)
Cons
- Be prepared to use their map to find this place, don't rely on just your Sat Nav
- 7-night minimum
Benenden, Kent
Description
Who knew windmills could be romantic? Well, they can. You'll have beautiful and dramatic views of the Kent countryside inside a three-floor fully-restored windmill where you'll also be left a basket of fresh eggs from the owner's chickens when you arrive. What a treat. There are plenty of golf courses around if you're that way inclined or Camber Sands for a beach day.
Pros
- Relax in this renovated windmill in a beautiful French king-size bed
- The ground floor can host another two people if you want a group holiday
Cons
- The windmill is not suitable for wheelchair use
6.
AirShip 002
Drimnin, Scotland
Description
You read that right: the AirShip 002, a secluded pod with breathtaking Highland views, is yours for the sleepin'. It's an insulated aluminium pod with all the standard amenities and the addition of an expansive view of the Scottish coastline.
Pros
- Stunning views of the Sound of Mull and beyond through its dragonfly windows
- Pets are allowed in the AirShip002
Cons
- The nearest place to shop (Lochaline) is eight miles away
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Description
This is what dreams are made of - staying on your very own island, with your very own Lighthouse to watch over you. Located in one of the most secluded parts of Scotland, Davaar Island provides a tranquil rural retreat in your very own private compound. Embrace your adventurous side and explore the island, or cosy up by the fireside and listen to the waves.
Pros
- Living on and exploring an island in rural Scotland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Guests have access to a communal Activity Shed with equipment for fishing, snorkelling and foraging
Cons
- Hosts will transport you to and from island, or you can walk 30 mins (your car is kept on the mainland)
Ely, Cambridgeshire
Description
Moored in the heart of Ely, home to the famous cathedral, here's a little evidence of how nice houseboats can be. We're talking hardwood flooring throughout and a fully fitted bathroom. Puzzle is situated in a working boatyard where you may see boats being made, and you can chat with the boatbuilders about their fascinating trade.
Pros
- Puzzle is fitted with everything you need - central heating, Freeview TV and a relaxing foredeck
- Central London can be reached in one hour by train, Cambridge is a 20 minutes train journey
Cons
- Wifi signal isn't super strong, nearby pubs and cafes give a better signal
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Description
Because why would you not want to live in a castle for a few days? IRL Disney Princesses rejoice because you can (voluntarily) be locked (with the key) in this cute B&B in a 16th-century Scottish castle tower wing. You'll have two floors of private space adjoining a family home.
Pros
- You get a whole private wing of the castle to yourself, full of original 16th-century features
- A full breakfast is included. Yum...
Cons
- Due to the spiral staircase, it is not suited to very young children or those with mobility issues
10.
Piper House
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Description
The definition of rural comfort and space, this is quite literally a big house in the country. It's a converted granary with enough space to sleep you and 16 of your nearest and dearest. There is also a tennis court if you and your friends are that way inclined.
Pros
- Ideal for hosting multiple groups, the house has social and quiet spaces
- The tennis court and yoga studio are a bonus
Cons
- Kitchens are a bit small
Covent Garden, London
Description
Treat yourself to a proper city break in the capital in this traditional London flat right in the beating heart of Covent Gardens. Fun fact - the third-floor apartment is in the same terrace as Benjamin Franklin's historic London residence.
Pros
- Step back in time and stay in this 18th-century Georgian quintessential London townhouse flat
- The flat is two minutes walk from Trafalgar Square and a 10 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace and Big Ben
Cons
- The flat is up four flights of stairs, so not suited to those with mobility issues
Manchester City Centre, Greater Manchester
Description
If you're more into city breaks than country escapes, a trip up North could be just the ticket - and this luxury warehouse apartment in Manchester City Centre has everything you need. It's placed right at the heart of Manchester’s historic commercial core. P.S. did someone say rainfall shower?
Pros
- The apartment is so central you can reach all of Manchester's top attractions on foot
- Stay in a historical building (a former textile warehouse with listed status)
Cons
- Apartment can get quite warm during the summer (fans provided)
Lake District, Cumbria
Description
With huge semi-circle windows that frame the classic picturesque Cumbrian view, treat you and your loved ones to a holiday here. It's a no-brainer. A typical cabin holiday with a luxury twist, you'll have all the amenities you need to sit back and relax.
Pros
- Set within Parkgate Farm, your neighbours are sheep, donkeys and a rich variety of nature
- Ideal location near both the Lakeland fells and the coast
Cons
- Guests should travel via car as there is limited public transport
14.
Dairsie Castle
Fife, Scotland
Description
Another castle for a group of 14, this is a truly unique property, steeped in Scottish history. It's entirely self-catered, but, on the plus side, you're only an hour away from Edinburgh if you feel the need to book a table at one of the city's many restaurants.
Pros
- Explore hotspots of Scotland, with St. Andrews (15 mins) and Edinburgh (1 hour) away
- The castle's six acres include woodlands, orchards, a watchtower, and more
Cons
- Bring some slippers for the cold floor
15.
Riverside Cabin
Constantine, Cornwall
Description
This quaint cabin in the woods is very cosy and was quite literally hand-built with wood from the surrounding forest. There's also an outdoor fire pit. It's the perfect place to get back to nature with your family, leaving the modern world behind for a little while.
Pros
- A rustic peaceful getaway, and yet only 15 minutes away from the bustling Falmouth
- Your children (or you) can use the swings and paddle in the stream
Cons
- Prepare for camping aspects - compost loos and outdoor (hot) showers
Loch Ness, Scotland
Description
This former Scottish Abbey at Loch Ness has an indoor heated pool for you to enjoy/pose by. You'll be staying in a self-catering apartment that's part of the wider holiday home known as The Highland Club and for where you'd be staying, the price is pretty reasonable.
Pros
- This apartment is one of a few completely separate from the other flats
- The pool with sauna & steam room, The Club Lounge, MiniGym and tennis court are available to guests
Cons
- You will need to pre-book slots for the pool, tennis courts etc.
Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria
Description
Love waking up right next to the water but don't fare well with the sea-sickness worries of living on a boat? Opt for a boathouse - the perfect middle ground. This stunning boathouse, directly overlooking Lake Windermere, is private and peaceful.
Pros
- Using the private jetty, you can swim in the lake or try out some other water activities such as paddleboarding
- It's air-conditioned – a rarity for UK holiday homes
Cons
- Internet can be patchy
19.
The Blue House
Camber Sands, Rye
Description
The view from the bed alone is worth a trip here. Can you imagine waking up to anything more beautiful (and in England, for that matter)? Down in Camber, you need to find a way to stay at this house that's quite literally on the beach. Enough space for eight which lessens the financial blow and did we mention the view from the bed?
Pros
- Situated right on Camber Sands, you can wake up with the ocean every morning
- It's air-conditioned which is a rarity for UK holiday homes
Cons
- Dogs are welcome but be aware of the dog restrictions on the beach (1 May – 30 September)
20.
Barnwell Cottage
Cubert, Cornwall
Description
You could go for any old room in any old establishment, or you could stay in a room in this fairytale cottage that is oozing with romance and family history. It's an easy choice in our books.
Pros
- This historic Cornish cottage has been renovated using traditional techniques
- There are tons of fun activities around, including surfing, coasteering, golf and horse riding
Cons
- Traditional low ceilings might be difficult for those above 6ft
Is Airbnb Worth It?
Airbnb offers a huge variety of vacation homes, especially in the UK. People often turn to Airbnb to get a unique holiday experience one might not receive in a normal hotel booking. For example, you can truly feel like a city-dweller in Airbnb apartments rented right on the Manchester high street. Or how about role-playing as the cottage-core dweller you were always meant to be, in an authentic historic cottage in the Lake District?
Airbnb truly occupies that impossible space of being both nonchalantly low-key but photogenically extra at the same time.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Grazia, specialising in fashion, beauty and travel. She loves finding dupes for clothes worn in TV & film (currently binge-watching Succession) and hopping on the train for some solo adventures.