Ever dreamed of stepping into a time machine and experiencing life as it was centuries ago? Well, you don’t need a DeLorean to travel back in time—just a passport and a sense of adventure. From medieval palazzos to swinging 60s hotels, here are 10 extraordinary places to stay in the UK and Europe that will transport you to another era. But here’s where it gets controversial: some of these destinations don’t just preserve history—they challenge our modern expectations of comfort and luxury. Are you ready to trade Wi-Fi for a slice of the past? Let’s dive in.
EUROPE
Robert Browning’s Florence Apartment: A Poet’s Haven Frozen in Time
Imagine living where one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era once called home. Casa Guidi, a 15th-century gem in Florence, was the residence of Elizabeth and Robert Browning from 1847 until her death in 1861. Meticulously restored using family letters, a commissioned painting, and an inventory of their son’s belongings, this apartment feels like the Brownings just stepped out for a stroll. From the original drawing room mirror to the brocade curtains Elizabeth herself described, every detail whispers history. And this is the part most people miss: staying here isn’t just about luxury—it’s about immersing yourself in a bygone era. Three nights start at £870, sleeping five. landmarktrust.org.uk
An Interwar Hotel in Kraków: Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Comfort
What if you could relive the vibrant café culture of interwar Kraków? Puro Hotel, reopened in 2021 after a stunning renovation, captures the spirit of the city’s golden age. Inspired by mid-century icons like Hotel Cracovia and Kino Kijów, the design blends pale oak paneling, natural stone, and local art. Retro radios and Bauhaus-inspired furniture in the rooms? Check. The sound of trams and café chatter outside? Absolutely. But here’s the question: does recreating the past risk romanticizing it? Doubles start at €95 B&B. purohotel.pl
A 1970s Hotel in Sweden: Disco Balls and Brown Velvet
Ready to boogie down memory lane? Billinge Hus in Skövde, Sweden, is a 1970s time capsule with a twist. Originally built as a wellness retreat, it now offers a spa, hiking trails, and even disco balls in some rooms. Yes, you read that right—disco balls. Abba on the record player? Optional but highly recommended. Controversial take: Is the 70s aesthetic kitsch or iconic? You decide. Doubles start at £110 B&B. billingehus.com
A Medieval Palazzo in Sicily: 500 Years of History Under One Roof
Palazzo Previtera in Linguaglossa isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living museum. Built in 1649 and restored by the original family, it houses a 12-room museum, a library of rare books, and a restaurant under ancient arches. The rooms blend ornate ceilings, antique furniture, and modern designs inspired by Sicilian icons like Vincenzo Bellini. But here’s the catch: while it’s steeped in history, is it too much of a museum to feel like a home away from home? Doubles start at €130 room-only. palazzoprevitera.com
A Swinging 60s Hotel in Prague: Retro Chic at Its Finest
If you’ve ever fantasized about living in the 60s, Vintage Design Hotel Sax in Prague is your dream come true. With furniture by design legends like Verner Panton and Charles Eames, psychedelic wallpaper, and orange bedding, it’s a retro lover’s paradise. The central atrium doubles as an art gallery, complete with statement pendant lights. But here’s the debate: Is this a genuine homage to the 60s or just a trendy Instagram backdrop? Doubles start at €78 B&B. hotelsax.cz
UK
Georgian Cottages in County Durham: Museum Living, Minus the Ropes
Ever wanted to live in a museum? At Beamish Museum’s Potter’s Cottage and Drover’s Rest, you can. These Georgian-style cottages, created from original farm buildings, feature stone floors, open fires, and four-poster beds—plus hidden modern conveniences. And this is the part most people miss: your stay includes museum admission, so you can explore Georgian life beyond your doorstep. From £357 for two nights, sleeping two. beamish.org.uk
A Tudor House in Conwy: Live Like Royalty (Peacocks Included)
Gwydir Castle isn’t your average B&B—it’s a fortified Tudor manor house with a royal pedigree. The King’s Room and the Duke of Beaufort’s Chamber offer four-poster beds, antiques, and garden views. Peacocks greet you on arrival, and breakfast is served by a log fire. Controversial question: Is staying in a private home like this an authentic experience or just a pricey novelty? Doubles start at £140 B&B. gwydircastle.co.uk
A Cool Britannia Home in Dorset: Spice Up Your Life, 90s Style
Miss the 90s? Little Nan’s holiday home in Weymouth is a maximalist’s dream, dripping with neon lights, clashing prints, and Spice Girls nostalgia. From Peter Andre cutouts to toilet roll dolls, it’s a kitsch extravaganza. But here’s the debate: Is this a loving tribute to the 90s or a chaotic fever dream? From £521 a night, sleeping up to eight. littlenans.co.uk
A Victorian Apartment Inside a Medieval Kent Gem: Time Travel Double Feature
The Mayor’s Parlour in Dover lets you straddle two eras: Victorian gothic revival and medieval architecture. Designed by William Burges, this three-bedroom suite inside the 800-year-old Maison Dieu features coffered ceilings, decorative tiles, and even an original urinal. And this is the part most people miss: guests can explore the entire medieval building, freshly restored for £10.5 million. From £547 for two nights, sleeping six. landmarktrust.org.uk
A Wartime Airfield Turned B&B in Norfolk: 1940s Charm Without the Rations
Ever wondered what it was like to live during WWII? The Control Tower, a former bomber airfield, offers a glimpse into the 1940s—minus the air raids. With art deco furniture, original artworks, and a shared living room (formerly the meteorological office), it’s a history buff’s dream. Controversial take: Does stripping away modern amenities like TV enhance the experience or just make it feel like a history lesson? Doubles start at £140 B&B. controltowernorfolk.uk
Final Thought: These destinations prove that history isn’t just something to read about—it’s something you can live in. But as we recreate the past, are we preserving it or romanticizing it? Let us know in the comments—which of these time-traveling stays would you choose, and why?
