Wales offers a wealth of quirky accommodation options for summer 2026, ranging from a converted jet plane and a flying saucer to a moon-themed glamping pod and a shepherd's hut in a UNESCO-listed slate landscape. These unique stays provide an alternative to traditional hotels and holiday cottages.
Out of This World: Moon Conker and Flying Saucer
One of the most distinctive options is the 'moon conker', a world-first aerodynamically-designed glamping pod near the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail. Part of the 'red kite conkers' Childerness offering, it features a 'Moon Bathing' area with hot and cold Scandi-style baths, a pizza oven, and a super-king bed that converts into a modular sitting room. Solar lighting and an indoor log burner complete the experience.
For sci-fi enthusiasts, Apple Camping in Pembrokeshire offers the only flying saucer accommodation in the UK. The UFO includes a double bed and two singles, a stargazing dome, retracting stairs, a circular dining table, and a nighttime laser display with a smoke machine. Communal facilities include heated showers and a BBQ area.
Glamping Domes and Shepherd's Huts
Adrift at the Dome, set in the Llanthony Valley near Cardiff, is a fully off-grid glamping dome with no Wi-Fi or phone signal. The stylish interior features a kitchen, en-suite bathroom, stargazing bed, log fire, and books. Solar power provides limited electricity. Outside, a fire pit and tree-stump seats overlook the valley.
Barlwyd Glamping in Blaenau Ffestiniog offers remote shepherd's huts on a UNESCO-listed slate landscape. Accessed by off-road golf buggy, each hut has an en-suite bathroom, large bed, compact kitchenette, and gas-powered barbecue. Zip World's Llechwedd site and Plas Weunydd hotel are nearby.
Alpaca Stays and Floating Cabins
The Tri-Pod in Ceredigion is an adults-only glamping pod with a triangular design, floor-to-ceiling glass, private hot tub, and resident alpacas. Inside, a king-size bed on the mezzanine and a fully equipped kitchen offer comfort. Outside, a seating area, firepit, and hot tub provide relaxation.
Milford Marina in Pembrokeshire features four floating cabins known as 'Floatel Rooms'. Each cabin sleeps two adults and includes an en-suite shower, private balcony, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Named after local maritime history, cabins are dog-friendly and start at £120 per night.
Converted Railway Carriage and Double-Decker Bus
Llantony Castaway, a converted railway carriage in a secluded valley, offers a romantic glamping cabin for two with no phone signal or Wi-Fi. It runs on solar power and includes a wood-burning stove, king-sized bed, pizza oven, and decking area.
A six-berth converted double-decker bus in Carmarthenshire sits on a 22-acre nature reserve with lakes and meadows. It features a wood stove, fridge, oven, dining area, two bedrooms, and a compost loo. Guests can explore the reserve or visit the local pub.
Jet Plane and Slate Quarry Lodges
The JetStar, a converted private jet from the 1970s at Apple Camping in Pembrokeshire, retains original features including a functional cockpit with Xbox 360 flight games, a lit-up bar area, double bedroom, shower, and loo.
Llechwedd Glamping offers luxury lodges overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage slate landscape, with views of Zip World's Titan 2 zip line. Each lodge has cosy beds, en-suite bathroom, wood-burning stove, and veranda.
Library, Starry Stay, and Middle-Earth Hideaway
Gladstone's Library in Flintshire, the UK's only residential library, offers 26 bedrooms with access to over 150,000 items. There are no TVs in bedrooms to preserve a study ethos, but a television room is available. The 'Food for Thought' bistro serves meals.
Y Beudy in the Elan Valley is a Grade II* 16th-century longhouse in an International Dark Sky Park. Restored in 1999, it has no Wi-Fi or phone signal, featuring a roaring fire and traditional furnishings.
The Nest in the Welsh countryside offers a Tolkien-esque turf-roofed hideaway with a curved grass roof, private decking, two outdoor baths, and a fire pit.
Traditional Caravan and Luxe Farmhouse
Melin Mabes in Pembrokeshire offers a traditional Romani vardo caravan for two, with a double bed, luxury bedding, wood-burning stove, and no TV or gadgets.
Ardderfin in Carmarthenshire is a remote, luxe-converted farmhouse sleeping up to eight, with a log fire, books, and games. It is located between Laugharne and Carmarthen, near beaches and the Mansion House restaurant.
Creuddyn near Aberystwyth is a quirky holiday pod with countryside views, enclosed garden, hot tub, and studio-style layout. It was shortlisted in the Sykes Gems 2025 Awards.
