Top 7 Water Tower To Stay In
We like to think of Historic UK as the home for all things quirky. Take, for example, this article on the Victorian horse manure crisis, or perhaps our interactive map of old London plague pits, or even our handpicked selection of the UK’s most unique and quirky holiday cottages.
In keeping with this theme, we’ve decided to go on the prowl for 7 of the UK’s most beautiful and luxurious water towers to stay in. Because let’s face it… if you’re looking for a quirky holiday then you can’t get much better than a water tower.
The Water Tower, Bearsted, near Maidstone, Kent
Sleeps up to 4 people
This former water tower once served as the supply for the village of Bearsted but has now been transformed into a beautiful holiday cottage sleeping up to 4 people. The property is extremely popular with holidaymakers from London since it is only a mile from the local train station (with direct trains into the capital) and two miles from world famous Leeds Castle.
‘The Grand Designs’ Water Tower, Kennington, London
Sleeps up to 2 people
Situated close to the centre of London, it may not come as a surprise to know that The Grand Designs Water Tower was once featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs TV show!
A room in this water tower is currently available on Airbnb and is located on the 7th floor of the property. There is lift access up to the room, which itself affords some lovely views over the capital.
Up a few stairs from the accommodation is the main tank itself which boasts full 360 degree panoramas of the capital. You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to enjoy a lazy breakfast or bottle of wine in London!
The Old Water Tower Cottage, Mortehoe, Devon
Sleeps up to 3 people
This family run holiday cottage is situated on the South West Coast Path and is within walking distance of some of Devon’s most spectacular beaches.
The property itself has been lovingly restored with a bespoke architectural design and retains many original features. There’s a wood burning stove for those cosy Devonshire winters, and a large south facing garden for enjoying a glass of wine on warm summer evenings.
Oh yes, and there’s Wi-fi should you need to send a work email or two.
Appleton Water Tower, Royal Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
Sleeps up to 4 people
Standing on a hilltop on the edge of the Royal estate at Sandringham, the Appleton Water Tower was built in 1877 after the Prince of Wales contracted typhoid whilst staying at the castle. An engineer was quickly drafted in to uncover the cause of the disease and soon discovered cesspools which were seeping effluent into the castle’s water supply.
To solve this problem once and for all the Royal family appointed yet another engineer, James Mansergh, to build the lovely water tower we see today.
The foundation stones of the tower were laid by the youngest members of the Royal family, and the second floor room was once reserved as a private viewing area for the Royal family when out shooting in the estate’s grounds. The tower still commands impressive views today.
The Water Tower, Ashurst Wood, near East Grinstead, West Sussex
Sleeps 2 people
This charming little converted water tower is perfect for a romantic break for two, especially with its spiral staircase leading to a four-poster bedroom. The property has been recently converted and sits in the grounds of the owner’s farm close to public footpaths, bridle ways and countryside galore.
The Water Tower is just an over an hour from London, and is within a short drive of the National Trust properties of Wakehurst Place and Penshurst Place.
The Water Tower, Truro, Cornwall
Sleeps 2 people
Photo Credit: National Trust and Andrew Butler
Speaking of National Trust properties, this delightful Water Tower near Truro is owned and operated by the very same. Stretching over four floors, this holiday cottage has one room per floor and is connected by a spiral staircase.
The property was built in 1865 to supply water for nearby Trelissick House but has now been converted to self catering accommodation and features a bathroom with whirlpool bath, a double bedroom, kitchen / diner and lounge. Guests to the Water Tower will also be granted free entry to Trelissick, Glendurgan Garden and Trerice.
There is also catering available on request.
The Water Tower, Cheddleton, Staffordshire
Sleeps up to 11 people
Last but not least is… yes you guessed it, another property called ‘The Water Tower’! This self-catering property is situated in the quaint Staffordshire village of Cheddleton and stretches over 8 floors. Sleeping up to 11 people, this water tower is a great choice for larger groups of friends and family.
Facilities include a games room with snooker and darts, an enclosed garden with a pergola, Wi-fi access and cycle store. Pets are welcome to stay free of charge, and the local pub and restaurant is just half a mile away.
If you’re looking for even more quirky places to stay, why not check out our top 5 lighthouses stays?