For travellers seeking more than just a comfortable bed, a new wave of historic hotels offers the chance to immerse yourself completely in a bygone era. From a 15th-century Florentine apartment once home to literary legends to a swinging 60s retreat in Prague, these properties provide a unique portal to the past.
European Time Capsules
In the heart of Florence, the Casa Guidi offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of poets Elizabeth and Robert Browning. The couple first rented this graceful, high-ceilinged apartment in July 1847 and remained until Elizabeth's death in 1861. Meticulously restored using a commissioned painting, family letters, and an inventory, the home features their collected artworks, the original drawing room mirror, and replica brocade curtains. Stays here are arranged through the Landmark Trust, with three nights from £870, sleeping five.
Further east, Kraków's Puro hotel captures the interwar spirit of the city. Reopened in 2021 after a local design-led renovation, the hotel draws inspiration from legendary midcentury establishments and features pale oak panelling, natural stone, and Bauhaus-inspired furniture. Doubles start from €95 B&B.
For a dose of 1970s nostalgia, Billengehus in Skövde, western Sweden, retains its original style with brown velvet and offers rooms with record players and disco balls. Originally opened in 1970 with a focus on sport and relaxation, it now includes a new spa. Doubles are from £110 B&B.
UK Heritage Stays
Closer to home, the UK boasts its own remarkable historic accommodations. At the Beamish Museum in County Durham, two newly opened Georgian cottages, Potter’s Cottage and Drover’s Rest, transport guests directly to the 18th century. Created from original farm buildings, they feature period furniture, stone floors, and open fires. A two-night stay starts from £357 and includes museum admission.
In North Wales, Gwydir Castle is a fortified Tudor manor house where guests can book the King’s Room or the Duke of Beaufort’s Chamber. The current owners have spent over 20 years restoring the property, and guests are welcomed by peacocks and a log fire breakfast. Doubles start from £140 B&B.
For a more recent blast from the past, Little Nan’s holiday home in Weymouth, Dorset, is a 1990s time capsule dedicated to 'Cool Britannia' kitsch. The four-storey house is a riot of bright colours, neon lights, and Spice Girls memorabilia. It sleeps up to ten people, with prices from £521 a night.
Unique Historical Experiences
Some stays offer a journey through multiple historical layers. In Dover, the Mayor’s Parlour is a Victorian apartment designed by William Burges inside the 800-year-old Maison Dieu town hall. The property, which opened to the public after a £10.5m restoration in May, features decorative tiles and elaborate coffered ceilings. A two-night stay for six costs from £547.
Meanwhile, in Norfolk, The Control Tower is a former Second World War airfield building, opened in 1943, now operating as a peaceful vegetarian B&B. The three double rooms are individually designed with Art Deco furniture, and the shared living room was once the meteorological office. Doubles start from £140 B&B.
These properties prove that a holiday can be far more than a break; it can be a vivid, unforgettable journey through time, offering a deeper connection to the stories and styles that shaped our world.
