Unusual and quirky holiday homes have always been a popular way to get away from it all.
From giant conkers to treehouses, shepherd's huts to lighthouses, holidaymakers are, now more than ever, searching for a getaway a bit different to the homes they've been cooped up in for months during lockdowns.
Whether you're a history buff and fan of all things ancient, yearning for some solitude or just want the ultimate in Instagrammable surroundings, there are some stunning options around the country that have been converted from former chapels, churches and other places of worship.
And, just as different kinds of churches have their own characters and styles, so do these short break options - whether you want a hot tub, a playable church organ or even the ability to literally sleep in the pews.
Here's our roundup of some of the UK's best converted church holiday breaks.
St Andrew's Church, Stowmarket
If you're interested in the insight of living in an actual church more than a conversion of a church then this unspoiled Medieval Grade 1 listed option in Suffolk might be just the place.
With room for seven guests across three bedrooms, this church has been largely unaltered and actually still hosts services on the first and fourth Sunday of the month.
You can even climb up to see the view from the top of the bell tower or play the pipe organ and baby grand piano kept in the chancel.
Prices start from £50 a night plus Airbnb fees.
Norman church conversion, Louth, Lincolnshire
For Norman history buffs with a taste for luxury this 12th Century church conversion is the perfect base from which to explore Lincolnshire.
The Grade II* listed building was converted by a local architect who saw it up for sale in the local paper.
A family home before it was rented out as an Airbnb, it is packed with both historic touches like the original Norman font as well as the modern conveniences you'd hope for from a holiday cottage like superfast broadband and a smart TV.
The two bedroom two bathroom home, which sleeps four, also has underfloor heating keeping it cosy despite its stone walls.
Prices start at around £150 a night with a three night minimum stay.
The Old Chapel, Slad, Gloucestershire
Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, this stone built chapel has been converted into a four bedroom, three bathroom home, sleeping up to eight adults and two children.
Dating back to 1865, the home includes a stunning rose shaped window in what is now the master bedroom.
As well as all the modern touches holidaymakers would hope for, including a fully fitted kitchen, smart TV and full wifi, the house has catered particularly for younger guests, with an outdoor trampoline and a cost, indoor playroom as well as bunk beds in a family bedroom.
Rentals start from £1,440 a week.
The Gothic Church, Wells, Somerset
At £800 a night, this stunning Grade II listed 19th century church is packed with luxurious touches, including a fully covered hot tub, glass wood burner and space for 14 people to sleep across six bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The 44ft fully fitted kitchen includes everything you need to make a feast for the entire family, while the banqueting gallery where you could all sit to eat it includes an 1830s stained-glass window.
A few minutes' walk through the graveyard will get you to the centre of the idyllic village, while historic Wells, the setting of the quintessentially British comedy film Hot Fuzz, and Glastonbury are both just a few miles a way.
The Blue Chapel, Llwyngril, Wales
Sleeping eight, The Blue Chapel is a three bedroom, two bathroom property in the centre of Llwyngwril village overlooking the mountains of Snowdonia.
Once a Methodist place of worship and then an antique centre, the former chapel was extensively renovated during the summer of 2020 to showcase a host of original and replica gothic features.
Guests who have stayed at the quirky property have described it as stunning, with one reviewer adding: "The pictures don't do it justice, the place is just breath-taking."
The property, which overlooks Cardigan Bay, has proved a real hit with holidaymakers, boasting dozens of 5 star reviews for its unusual features.
It's available to rent on Airbnb.com for between £180 and £295 per night depending on the time of year and is ideal for visitors to the village, which is renowned as one of the top dolphin spotting areas in Europe.
Aldiwincle, Kettering, Northamptonshire
It's not just private owners of churches that are throwing open the heavy oak doors to encourage guests to stay in a spiritually inspired home away from home.
The Churches Conservation Trust has come up with the concept of champing, or camping overnight in historic churches throughout the country.
While champing is much more like camping than a traditional holiday cottage experience, if the idea of sleeping in a pew appeals then this is definitely the right option for a short break.
The medieval church at All Saints in Aldwincle was the first inspiration for champing in the UK.
Seventeenth-century poet John Dryden was born nearby and baptised at the church, where his grandfather was rector.
All Saints is available to rent for short breaks for groups of up to 12 people.
Camp beds, rugs, bean bags and all the equipment you need for a cosy night is provided
Prices start from £49 per adult and £25 per child per night. Champing is also available at other churches across the UK.
