Unique and memorable holiday accommodations are being celebrated across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with finalists announced for the annual Sykes Gem Awards. The awards, presented by holiday let specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages, highlight some of the most intriguing and exceptional properties available for staycations.
Among the standout finalists are properties offering historical immersion and striking natural settings. The Standby Generator Bunker in Ringstead, Dorset, a Grade-II listed property dating back to 1941, offers a unique stay within a former RAF radar bunker. It accommodates up to six guests in three bedrooms, preserving its wartime aesthetic with exposed concrete walls. Situated on a dairy farm a field's breadth from the sea, the bunker was part of Britain's coastal early-warning radar system from 1941 to 1956. It now features a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and a garden. The property, which won its category in 2025, is shortlisted for Best Quirky Property and is available from £989 for a seven-night stay.
In the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Gunner Lodge offers a luxurious retreat for up to nine guests in four bedrooms, each with super-king beds and en-suite bathrooms. The lodge provides expansive views of the Three Peaks and Ribblehead Viaduct, with the option for guests to witness steam trains passing by. Amenities include a well-equipped kitchen with a gas Range cooker, air fryer, and slow cooker, as well as underfloor heating for colder months. Prices start from £1,780 for seven nights, and the property is a contender for the Best Luxury Property award.
For coastal enthusiasts, Waters Edge in Northumberland provides a five-bedroom property accommodating up to ten guests directly on the seafront in Beadnell. The living space is designed to maximize sea views, featuring bi-folding doors and a wood-burning stove on the first floor. The property is priced from £1,664 for seven nights and has been shortlisted for the Best for Beaches category.
Pet owners might consider Wesley Barn in Cornwall, a barn conversion on the grounds of Grade-II listed Carines Farmhouse that welcomes up to five dogs. Sleeping six guests across three bedrooms, the property boasts exposed brick walls, original trunk rafters, and views of the countryside. It also features a hot tub and is located near coastal walks and beaches. A seven-night stay starts from £1,017, and it is shortlisted for Best Pet-Friendly Property.
Family-friendly options include Pen Bont Home Farm in Powys, which sleeps up to ten guests across four bedrooms. This property is notable for its extensive entertainment facilities, including an external games room with a pool table, bagatelle table, and table tennis, as well as a shuffleboard table in an adjoining milking shed. Located near river walks and the Brecon Beacons National Park, seven-night stays begin at £1,194. It is shortlisted for Best for Young Families.
Star House in Marazion, Cornwall, offers views of St Michael's Mount, a tidal island accessible by a causeway at low tide. The house sleeps six across two bedrooms and is situated above a village shop. A week's stay costs from £974. It has been recognized for its views and is shortlisted in the Best for Views category.
In Scotland, The Clocktower on the Culzean Castle and Country Park Estate in Maybole provides a unique stay within the historic grounds. This four-bedroom cottage sleeps up to six and overlooks the estate's clocktower. Guests receive a complimentary castle tour and access to the grounds outside of public hours. Seven-night stays start from £955, and it is shortlisted for Best Historic Property.
A working 19th-century lighthouse, Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse in Lincolnshire, is also among the finalists. Built in 1830, it still aids navigation and once housed conservationist Sir Peter Scott. The lighthouse accommodates up to eight guests in four bedrooms and features unique elements like an original sketch by Scott and a 'Narnia-style door' leading to a games room. Seven-night stays in November start from £1,105, and it is a finalist for Best Quirky Property.
For a contemporary escape, the Rusty Boathouse, a glamping pod in Llanarth, Wales, is situated next to a lake with a private decking area and jetty. This one-bedroom pod offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a hot tub overlooking the water. It is fully equipped with a kitchen, dining, and sitting area and is available from £742 for seven nights in January. The property is shortlisted for Best in Mid and South Wales.
Finally, Tŷ Crwn – The Roundhouse in West Wales comprises two single-storey Celtic roundhouses offering countryside views and outdoor stargazing opportunities. Features include a copper bathtub by a large window and air-conditioning in the bedroom. A seven-night stay in November costs from £786, and it is shortlisted for Best Quirky Property. Prices are correct as of August 10, 2026.