glamping

This unique Airbnb offers an out of this world experience. Not only do you sleep inside a UFO, even going to the loo takes you on a sci-fi adventure thanks to the TARDIS-shaped toilet

If you’re driving through the countryside in Pembrokeshire and spot what looks like an alien aircraft that has landed on Earth, don’t panic. You’re not about to get abducted by aliens, but you may have just stumbled across a unique Airbnb.

Tucked down a narrow country road near the Welsh village of Templeton is the Melin Mabes glamping site. It offers three unique experiences in the middle of the countryside: a traditional caravan, a treehouse, and the oddest option, the Spodnic UFO. Once featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, this galactic-themed experience is set in a small fibreglass building that the owners bought on eBay.

The ‘UFO’ started life as a structure built for London’s 2012 Olympics and used to house generators, and when the owners picked it up off the auction site, they added their own touches to create a unique staycation spot. Now you can book a stay via Airbnb or the Melin Mabes website.

Inside, the pod has been completely transformed with silver walls, sci-fi memorabilia and lots of fun touches. It features a double bed and a set of bunk beds, so four guests can share the space, alongside an inflatable alien.

At the centre of the pod is a ladder that leads to a platform with a glass dome. From here, you can use a telescope for a spot of stargazing or enjoy views of the Welsh countryside. Outside, there’s a kitchen area under cover that includes a fridge, cooker, and running water, as well as a table and chairs.

But perhaps the most fun feature is the bathroom, which is set within a replica TARDIS box. It has a private shower, toilet, and sink, so you don’t have to deal with morning queues at a shower block.

Next to the Spodnic, you’ll also find a private hot tub and outdoor shower, and the outside space is enclosed, so you can also bring your furry friends and let them run around.

This unusual Airbnb is just a few minutes from the village, where you’ll find a cosy pub and some cottages. Just down the road is the Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, a wholesome family-friendly attraction that has fairground rides, a small zoo, a farm, and adventure play activities such as toy diggers. Folly Farm also offers accommodation such as lodges and glamping, and guests get unlimited free attraction entry during their stay.

About a 15-minute drive away is Saundersfoot Beach, a long sandy Blue Flag beach that has clear, shallow waters, making it popular with families on sunny days. At one end is a working harbour, where you’ll see small boats coming in, and there’s a historic lighthouse you can visit. Just steps from the harbour, you can enjoy freshly-caught seafood in one of the many local restaurants.

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The UK’s ‘holiday park of the year’ has been revealed and it has everything including cosy glamping pods, beautiful beaches on the doorstep and incredible stargazing opportunities

An eco-friendly holiday park close to Morpeth in Northumberland was named the best in the region at last night’s (March 19) Destination North East England Tourism Awards.

At the annual ceremony, now in its 24th year, Tranwell Farm Holidays was named the winner in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category. The site is on a farm that has been cared for by the family for over 60 years, and since 2022 it has offered a range of unique glamping experiences.

Accommodation options include grass pitches, where you can camp surrounded by beautiful meadows, or you can bring your own caravan or campervan. There’s a cosy shepherds hut for two, a comfortable camping pod, and two woodland lodges surrounded by trees which come with a private log-fired hot tub.

Guests can also enjoy some unique experiences while they stay on the farm. There are sessions where they can meet the park’s rare breed lambs, and you may even get to bottle feed one or witness a birth. The park is also set in an area with an official ‘dark sky’, meaning it’s an incredibly spot for stargazing.

Guests can hire a stargazing kit including binoculars, hot water bottles, and a rug, and can even hire a telescope to help them explore the cosmos from Earth.

Less than a 10-minute drive away is Morpeth, a historic market town with the River Wansbeck running through its centre. It has a traditional high street with a mix of chains and independent shops, as well as the indoor Sanderson Arcade where you’ll find upscale boutiques.

Stroll along the riverfront Carlisle Park and spot historic buildings such as Morpeth Court. Once the town’s court and gaol, it now houses a colourful antiques centre and café, as well as holiday apartments. The Morpeth Chantry is another unique place to visit. This medieval chantry house, which once held church services, is now home to a bagpipe museum which often has live performances.

Northumberland is known for its long, beautiful and unspoilt beaches, and there are a few that can be explored nearby. About half an hour away is Blyth Beach, a sand and shingle beach that has a long promenade and colourful beach huts. Its waters have been rated as ‘excellent’ by the council, so you can take a dip or surf if the conditions are right.

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Cambois Beach is also just a short drive away and this sandy beach has pretty sand dunes and footpaths among the sandy dunes. It’s a quieter spot with fewer facilities, but perfect for a peaceful walk and popular with dog walkers. You may even share the beach with a few people who are fishing, as it’s a great spot to catch flounder and cod.

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BORED of regular hotels? Why not head off on a staycation… to spend the night in a train carriage instead.

Nestled in the West Sussex countryside, you will find a restored vintage train carriage that is stopped in its own ‘station’.

Named the Lowe Comotion, the carriage is in Batchmere, Chichester and sleeps up to four people, with one main bedroom.

Inside, guests will be greeted by vintage decor and quirky train signage that not only makes you feel as if you are stepping onto a long, luxury train journey but also back in time to the golden age of train travel.

There’s a log burner and comfy sofa that transforms into bunk beds as well, to make it truly feel like a first-class experience.

When it comes to having a bite to eat, there is a dining table and chairs by the window, so you can enjoy your food whilst looking out at the view.

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The kitchen has everything you’d need including a kettle, grill, toaster and microwave.

In the middle of the carriage is where you will find the bathroom, complete with a vintage bathtub.

Outside there is a spacious patio with seating too and a barbeque for the summer.

The carriage has to be booked for a minimum stay of two nights and is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend won’t be left out.

It also includes towels and linen, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

One recent guest said: “A lovely railway carriage with loads of great touches and details.

“Definitely first class. We had a grand time staying here and loved the birdsong as well as the rain on the roof when the weather let us down a bit!

“Woodburner ensured a cosy night was had and would definitely recommend to friends. Lovely private area with space for kids and dog!”

Another guest added: “Wow – what a unique and wonderful place – superbly converted 1870’s railway carriage with so many thoughtful and stylish design details we hardly wanted to go out – but also couldn’t resist the huge private lawn that comes with it – a huge hit with our over excited sheep dog! We were overexcited to sleep in it.

“Never been happier to sit on a train carriage that’s not moving!”

A third guest said: “This place is absolutely stunning! It’s so quirky and one-of-a-kind.

“Our stay here was incredibly peaceful and tranquil, exactly what we needed to unwind and recharge.”

Lowe Comotion costs from £150 per night to stay.

As for the area surrounding the carriage, you can head off on lovely countryside walks or bike rides.

Just nine minutes down the road is West Wittering Beach, which is known for its natural beauty.

The beach has a number of facilities including the Beach Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat such as a Beach Breakfast with poached eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, beans, potato rosti and toasted brown bloomer for £11.95.

And the beaches at Selsey, East Wittering, and Bracklesham Bay are all close by as well.

If you want to see some of the local nature, then you can head to RSPB Medmerry.

The reserve boasts 6.25miles of trails and features a lot of birdlife including avocets.

If you’ve got kids, jump in the car for 12 minutes to Selsey, where you will find West Sands Fun Fair.

It costs just £15 for unlimited rides on the attractions, which include Waltzers, Dodgems, pedal boats and toddler’s rides.

For more glamping getaways, here’s the UK’s original glamping destination with al fresco massages and farmhouse style tents.

Plus, the Finnish-like glamping resort in the UK countryside with safari lodges, sauna and outdoor cinemas.