A former military helicopter has now been turned into an Airbnb, and it’s parked up an hour outside Manchester.
The specially converted Lynx helicopter once flew in the Gulf War and was used by the British Army in places like Kosovo too.
But now it’s found its resting place in the idyllic Lancashire countryside, where its previous military interior has been turned into cosy overnight accommodation.
Although it’s far from roomy inside, the 1982 Westland Lynx XZ676 comfortably has space for up to two adults and two children.
A specially-designed double bunk has been installed in the tail of the chopper, while the sofa bed pulls out into a bed for kids.
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It may be small in stature but it’s also well-equipped, with a kettle, microwave, mini fridge and LED TV.
If you choose to stay overnight, you also have access to your own private decking area with outdoor seating, and can make use of the nearby toilet and shower block.
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The glamping experience is located at the Ream Hills holiday park near Blackpool, which also has Geodesic Domes that sit on the lake, glamping pods, and luxury lodges.
The listing says: “If you fancy something completely unusual why not arrange to stay in our specially converted Lynx helicopter for the night – every child’s dream from six to sixty!”
A giant inflatable obstacle course water park is opening in Blackpool
Daisy Jackson
A giant floating playground is set to open in Blackpool next week, with an inflatable obstacle course, paddle boarding, and loads more.
Wild Shore already has sites in Delamere and Dundee and is now branching out again.
Taking over the old Blackpool Wake Park site, the huge ‘water-based adventure hub’ will take the plunge and open on Wednesday 29 May.
As well as the inflatable aqua park, where visitors can slide, bounce, and clamber over a bouncy obstacle course, there’ll be loads more water-based activities.
The adrenaline-charged activities also include wakeboarding using an overhead cable which pulls you over the surface of the lake.
They even guarantee that if you can’t stand up on your first session, with the help of instructors, you’ll get your money back.
There are stand up paddleboards you can rent to explore the water, or there are fully-guided sessions which will take you on a tour of the lake.
Wild Shore Blackpool is a new water park that’s opening this month. Credit: Wild Shore
And then if you’ve always fancied trying wild open-water swimming, Wild Shore Blackpool offers a safe and secure environment for a dip, with safety instructors on SUP boards and rest pontoons half way around each course.
The Aqua Park itself has a number of Ninja Warrior-style features including Tire Run, Ninja-Jump and Eagles Nest to test your balance, agility, and bravery.
The new Wild Shore Blackpool water park is located at Ream Hills Holiday Park.
It’s set to open on 29 May – you can find out more and book a ticket here.
The Station Agent’s House – Inside one of Manchester’s oldest houses before it opens as a holiday home
Daisy Jackson
One of the most historic houses in Manchester is ready to welcome overnight guests for the first time, as The Station Agent’s House enters its staycation era.
The beautiful Grade I-listed building on Liverpool Road is part of the Science and Industry Museum’s site, and dates all the way back to 1808.
Officially one of the oldest homes in the city, the charming property has now been sensitively adapted by building conservation charity The Landmark Trust and will open as a residence for the first time in 100 years.
Capable of sleeping up to eight guests, the house is just a 10 minute walk from Deansgate and just next door from the new Aviva Studios.
Upstairs, there are views sweeping across many eras of railway infrastructure and the heritage buildings that make up the Science and Industry Museum.
Its restoration has included plenty of work to the bones of the building – re-roofing and repointing, replacing the sash windows, and swapping out chipboard floors for parquet.
There’s now step-free access and a lift to the first floor living area, with fully accessible bedrooms and bathrooms.
And at the heart of the house is a specially-made oval skylight to enhance the original staircase.
Views from upstairsThe restored kitchen
Breaks at the self-catering holiday home will start from just £24.38 per person per night.
Casting back to the building’s beginnings, The Station Agent’s House was built in 1808 for Castlefield dyemaster John Rothwell.
It was later acquired by the Liverpool Manchester Railway directors for the Manchester terminus of the world’s first purpose-built passenger line at Liverpool Road Station (now the site of the museum), and it became the home to the Station Agents working there.
In the 20th century, the house was converted into a shop selling sausages and later car parts; after the railway line was closed in 1975, it was altered again into office use for the museum.
Dr Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust says: “The Landmark Trust is proud to be able to give a new future to this grade-1 listed building, part of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station.
Details of the restored The Station Agent’s House in Manchester. Credit: Landmark Trust
“Its extensive repair and renovation has been a labour of love, made possible by many generous donations. It is our first building in Manchester and will make a wonderful base from which to explore this peerless industrial city.”
Sally McDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum, adds: “The Landmark Trust has brought expertise in sensitively restoring this incredible heritage building, meaning Station Agent’s House can now be experienced in a new way by the public.
“It’s a spectacular transformation that has breathed new life into the building while complimenting its historically significant status.
“It’s an exciting time at the Science and Industry Museum as we undergo a multi-million-pound repair and improvement project with the aim of bringing into use every part of our historic site. This includes the reopening of Power Hall next spring, as well as new galleries, the re-opening of the 1830 Station and outdoor experiences in the coming years.
The bathroom in the restored The Station Agent’s House in Manchester. Credit: Landmark Trust
“We are so pleased that Station Agent’s House has become the latest regenerated space thanks to The Landmark Trust, who are supporting our vision to create a more sustainable museum and reveal new spaces and perspectives for everyone to enjoy.”
The Landmark Trust will open the Station Agent’s House for free public open days each year, including from 10am till 4pm on Sunday 19 May. An additional bookable lates event from 5pm on Thursday 23 May welcomes The Poetry Takeaway for an interactive evening experience.
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester says: “Manchester’s rich history is woven into the fabric of the Station Agent’s House. We are thrilled to see the Landmark Trust’s restoration of this unique building, in partnership with the Science and Industry Museum, which makes it the first in the city for the building conservation charity.
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The living room
“As we approach the bicentenary of the 1830 Liverpool and Manchester railway opening, the preservation of this historical house adds immense value to our heritage and identity.
“Joining local venues such as the Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield Viaduct and Aviva Studios in the growing Castlefield neighbourhood, the Station Agent’s House will undoubtedly add to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape as it opens to the public for the first time, and will also provide a welcoming and distinctive experience to the growing accommodation offer in the city-region.”
Calum McGowan, Chair, Castlefield Forum says: “We are absolutely thrilled at this restoration, and what great news to see more of the Museum’s estate come to life.
“Part of our mission at the Forum is to ensure that we celebrate and cherish the heritage assets in our neighbourhood so this is another great contribution towards that. The building looks set to be a wonderful place to stay, on iconic site, in an iconic neighbourhood!”