Playgrounds, water slides and kids’ clubs are all well and good, but it takes something truly unique to wow today’s well travelled kids.
Whether it’s a windmill on the Aegean sea or a houseboat in Amsterdam, these quirky finds will ensure bedtime is as exciting as the day’s holiday activities. With most of our picks sleeping a family, they could even save you some money too.
Weekend at a Greek windmill
€140 per night
Feel the Aegean breeze wash over you and enjoy the incredible sunsets from this newly renovated windmill located on Stavros Bay, a 20 minute boat ride from Mykonos. It sleeps five people over three floors and boasts a stunning terrace with a pergola where you can relax, dine and enjoy the view. The house is right next Stavros Beach, and walking distance from a series of other sandy beaches. Book it here.
Spend a weekend in an Amsterdam houseboat
€170 per night
If you’re taller than 185cm you will find some parts of the Vrouwe Elizabeth a little low, but it’ll be well worth it to give the kids a weekend they’ll never forget. This boat has a fantastic outside deck and cosy steering hut with great view over the Amstel river and city centre of Amsterdam. All the major landmarks, museums, squares and shopping streets (big and hidden) are in walking distance. Book it here.
Go off grid in Wales
€174 per night
Grand Designs Eco home award winner 2008, Quiet Earth Retreat is a two storey loadbearing straw bale house. During a stay here you are completely off grid, the entire home is powered by the sun and wind. Plus it sleeps nine so it’s ideal for an adventure with extended family. Book it here.
Escape the heat in a container home in Spain
€110 per night
From the outside, this little box might look like you couldn’t swing a cat in it. Inside however, this container located just ten minutes from Palma is a spacious, modern home. And it even has its own pool! Book it here.
Sleep among the branches in a Cornwall treehouse
€139 per night
Perched in an ash tree with sweeping views of Falmouth Bay, this lovingly constructed tree house sleeps two. Wind down by watching the spectacular sunsets over the fields and orchards of Tregaminion before falling asleep to the sound of rustling leaves. In the morning, explore the beautiful beach of Porthallow, an easy, ten minute walk away. Book it here.
