TWO retired RAF rescue helicopters have been transformed into luxury glamping pods.
The old aircraft have been given a new life after decades spent carrying out dramatic search-and-rescue missions across Britain.
The bright yellow Sea King helicopters are now parked at North Yorkshire Water Park, at Wykeham Lakes, near Scarborough.
ZE369 and XZ589 have had their specialist rescue interiors ripped out and replaced with cosy living spaces complete with a double bed, bunk beds and a mini kitchen with a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge.
However, the aircraft hasn’t lost all of its original charm with some parts still preserved.
Parts of the cockpit, including the switches and controls, have been kept intact and reworked into a dining area.
Guests enter through the original sliding helicopter door, which opens onto a gravel landing pad complete with a picnic bench.
The water park says the unusual stays are designed to offer couples and families a “unique” and “memorable” experience.
The pods only became available to book from May 1 with prices starting from around £130 a night.
The demand has already gone through the roof with the first four weeks sold out on Airbnb.
Guests will have plenty to do nearby too as the 250-acre waterpark offers inflatable aqua parks, kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming.
James Whitehead, Operations Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, said: “Both helicopters have an extraordinary history, having spent decades carrying out life-saving search and rescue missions across the UK.
“It was important to us that the original character and charm is preserved as much as possible while making them a cosy place to relax after a day of fun.”