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Five quirky 1.CASTLE COCH WEST USK LIGHTHOUSE It’s no surprise that Castell Coch was said to be the model for Disney‘s Sleeping Beauty Castle. With its pointy turrets and elegant towers it wouldn’t look out of place with the Chateaux of the Loire. In 1871 the 3rd Marquess of Bute had the ruins of a much older castle removed and this fantasy built, complete with gloriously ornate interior murals and elaborate bespoke furnishings. Set high above the village of Tongwynlais, to the north of Cardiff in south Wales, it is an easy drive to the charming West Usk Lighthouse for a very quirky stay. Book the lovely waterbed room overlooking the River Severn and make sure you have a long relaxing soak in the hot tub in the roof. 2.KIELDER WATER & POSH HUTS NORTHUMBERLAND With its pine-clad banks, vast expanse of water and many shore-line paths, Kielder Water and Forest Park is ideal for a get-away-from-it-all weekend. And in the heart of Northumberland countryside, it was recently awarded Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Skies Association (IDA) – the first in Britain. You can visit the Kielder Observatory and view the heavens through their powerful telescope – or gaze up at the myriad of stars as you sip a glass of champagne outside your Posh Hut in the village of Falstone. These luxurious designer Shepherd’s Huts have all the comforts you could wish for with a wood-burning stove for chilly days. And for a special treat, you can even have a gourmet meal delivered to your very door. Amazing Destinations 97 Five Quirky Breaks ROMANTIC BREAKS IN THE UK Want to whisk your loved one off on a romantic break but not sure where to go? With so much choice, it can be really difficult to select somewhere that’s both special and quirky.

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