Other unusual places to stay

An OLD PULLMAN CARRIAGE at the Old Railway Station (01798 342346, www. oldstation.co.uk ), Petworth, Sussex, plus Victorian-style converted bedrooms in the station itself. Breakfast on the platform or in the old waiting-room, complete with first and third-class windows. Relive the naughty 1890s when the Prince of Wales and chums alighted here for the Goodwood races. B&B £39 to £56pp a night.

Become king or queen of YOUR OWN CASTLE in the mini Tudor Tower of Hallbar, Braidwood, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Patrol the rooftop battlements and survey the Clyde valley or curl up by a log fire, safe from enemy invasion. Four-star facilities include an electrically adjustable bed, video, dishwasher, CH, microwave and freezer. Five bedrooms, sleeping up to seven. Self-catering from £555 to £820 per week or mini breaks from £305. Full catering available on request. Book through Vivat Trust (0845 0900194, www.vivat.org.uk.)

Sleep on the beach in an OYSTER FISHERMAN'S HUT (01227 280280, www.oysterfishery.co.uk) at 29 Beach Walk, Whitstable, Kent. Sea views and bracing ozone come with your ensuite and the Royal Native Oysters Stores Restaurant and Hotel Continental is nearby. Watersports an optional extra. B&b from £85 to £125 per hut per night.

For more offbeat places order a Distinctly Different Accommodation brochure (01225 866648, www.distinctlydifferent.co.uk ).