Staycation tips and ideas

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.

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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.”

A NEW multi-million museum is set to open in one of the UK’s prettiest cities.

Fashion Museum Bath is currently closed, but has revealed plans to reopen in the city’s Old Post Office.

The project is being designed by architects 6a, known for projects such as MK Gallery in Milton Keynes and South London Gallery.

Set to be approved next week, inside would be an 100,000 piece collection spanning 300 years.

Along with the gallery, the Bath attraction would also have a shop and cafe inside.

Set to cost £54million, it would open by 2030 when given the go-ahead.

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Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, said: “To get an entirely new world-class museum including improvements to the surrounding public realm for £54m will be a great achievement.”

The museum website states: “The new Museum will champion fashion’s transformative power as a global industry and expression of creativity, culture and identity.

“Our mission is to craft a ground-breaking museum that brings fashion to life for people locally and globally, helping to reshape Bath for the future.

Bath is known for being one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, and was named the world’s best place to visit by New York Times last year.

It was even named one of the best cities to visit by Time Out this year.

The new museum is part of a wider £7million Milsom Quarter Masterplan of Bath, which will also see improved streets and public spaces as well as as new creative workspaces.

IF you’re dreaming of plunging into hot tubs, wrapping up in fluffy robes and sipping glasses of bubbly by the pool – we’ve found some deals for you.

We’ve scoured the internet for UK getaways to luxurious spa hotels for ridiculously affordable prices.

From countryside estates with four-poster beds and manicured gardens, to swanky city-centre hidden sanctuaries, we’ve found a wide range of dreamy escapes.

Here are the best budget-friendly spa staycations you can book right now – with prices from a budget-friendly £42pp.

Woodland spa retreat for two at the 4* Abbey Hotel in Worcestershire

Enjoy a break at the four-star Abbey Hotel Golf & Country Club in Redditch, Worcestershire – a countryside escape just 15 miles south of Birmingham.

This charming hotel sits on a sprawling 175-acre estate, plus you have an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub to enjoy.

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This Wowcher deal lets you pick from a one or two-night stay, with breakfast and use of the spa facilities included.

Wowcher offer a one-night stay with breakfast and use of the spa facilities starts at £89 for two, and a two-night stay from £185.

Coastal Spa break at the 4* Beaches Hotel & Spa in North Wales

Treat yourself to a spa break in Prestatyn, North Wales, at the colourful coastal retreat The Beaches Hotel & Spa.

On this spa break you can chill out by the indoor pool and enjoy the seaside scenery, plus you can upgrade to include a treatment package such as a hot stone massage or cooling foot treatment.

You also get £25 dining credit per person, so you can enjoy an evening meal in the hotel’s cosy restaurant, or a traditional afternoon tea.

Nearby you can wander coastal paths and dip into souvenir shops in the picturesque seaside town.

Wowcher offer a night’s stay for two with spa access for £99, or you can add on a treatment for each person for a break that will cost £199 total.

Luxurious 4* spa escape to Cadbury Hill near Bristol

Enjoy an escape to DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, a beautiful restored 18th century building overlooking a large shimmering pond.

The four-star hotel is surrounded by beautiful landscaped grounds, which are perfect to explore on a sunny afternoon walk after relaxing in the spa.

The award-winning spa has a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, thermal suite and gym to make use of during your stay.

Wowcher offer a one-night stay for two with a welcome drink of bubbly, breakfast, and full access to the spa facilities from £84, working out at £42 per person.

Or you can upgrade to a two-night stay from £214 total.

4* Countryside retreat at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa in Essex

Enjoy a stay in the peaceful village of Stock in Essex at the countryside Greenwoods Hotel & Spa.

Here you can unwind in the indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, and enjoy a soothing sit-down in the steam room or sauna after making the most of the hotel’s fitness suite.

Afterwards you can return to a cosy bedroom with a large comfy bed and glamorous decor.

Wowcher offer one night’s stay for two including breakfast and access to the spa facilities from £169, or you can upgrade to two nights from £319 total.

City centre spa retreat at the 4* Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge, London

You can’t get much more central than a stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London’s picturesque Tower Bridge.

This swanky city hotel has its own gym, swimming pool, spa and sauna – plus you can add-on treatments like body wraps, massages and anti-aging facials.

Groupon offer a one-night stay in a superior king room for two including access to the spa from £128 total.

Countryside spa break at the Hogs Back Hotel & Spa Farnham, Surrey

This grand countryside retreat in Surrey has traditional rooms with four-poster beds, a stylish restaurant and a luxurious spa.

This spa has everything you need, including a large indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and fitness centre.

Nearby you can visit the impressive Hampton Court Palace, or spot rare species at the British Wildlife Centre.

Groupon offer one night’s stay for two, including breakfast and access to the spa facilities, from £89 total.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

THE sun is shining and it’s nearly the weekend, so why not make the most of it up by heading to the beach and topping it off with a trip to Spoons?

Here are some of our favourite seaside Wetherspoons spots around the UK with rooftop terraces and beer gardens, so you can make the most of the spring weather.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Royal Victoria Pavilion, Kent

Going big, we have to start with the world’s biggest Wetherspoons; the Royal Victoria Pavilion.

Found in Ramsgate, the pub has an enormous outdoor rooftop terrace that wraps around the entire building, with enough tables and chairs to fit hundreds.

The best views are found at the very back, where the pub backs onto Ramsgate’s sandy beach.

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Admiral Collingwood, Devon

This boozer in Ilfracombe is a firm favourite when the sun shines thanks to its beer garden AND rooftop area.

From the rooftop of the pub, which is open between March and October, visitors can see amazing views across the coast.

One recent visitor said: “The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality.”

The Jolie Brise, Teignmouth

In the Devonshire seaside town of Teignmouth, and two-minutes away from the beach is The Jolie Brise.

The Wetherspoons has a pretty rooftop garden where you still get a beachy-feel thanks to its wooden slatted exterior, palm trees and chirp of seagulls overhead.

Velvet Coaster, Blackpool

Consistently called one of the most beautiful Wetherspoons, the Velvet Coaster sits next to Blackpool’s South Pier and is within walking distance from its Pleasure Beach.

Punters can enjoy the impressive views across the promenade from the comfort of a bucket chair on its rooftop garden and sip on a cool beer.

The Packet Station, Falmouth

This Wetherspoons in Falmouth stretches over three floors including its roof terrace which opened in September 2022.

The pretty rooftop sadly isn’t quite close enough to the coast for a sea view, but it still is a great suntrap and sheltered from the strong sea breeze.

The Bluff Inn, Cornwall

This Wetherspoons is unlike the others as it’s now run by Haven.

The pub sits above Bluff Beach, next to the mouth of the Hayle Estuary, where the river flows into St Ives Bay.

The garden area has lots of picnic tables and beautiful views across the water.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Absolutely amazing views of St Ives Bay and will be amazing in the summer with their large beer garden overlooking the sea. As a local will definitely returning many times.”