Travel
These 14 unique Airbnbs are perfect for a holiday in the UK
These are amazing!
From boats to planes to treehouses, we’ve compiled a list of the weirdest and most wonderful Airbnb listings so you can have an incredible staycation.
Although many of us are gutted we can’t be going on holiday this year to our usual and favourite beach spots, it doesn’t mean we can’t get away from everyday city life.
With Boris recommending staycations and the UK full of amazing spots, with many just a short drive away, now is the time to explore what the country has to offer.
The Jet Star, Redberth
£149 per night
Let’s kick off with a good one, fancy staying in an old private jet in the Welsh countryside? Course you do.
It can sleep up to four people and has a swanky double room attached to the side, there’s a loo and even an Xbox in the cockpit. Not sure what else you could want really?
St Benedict’s Abbey, Fort Augustus
£137 per night
This flat has everything you need for a romantic weekend in an actual ABBEY! Complete with a kitchen, lounge and a huge brass bed you’ll be tucked away in what was once the secret ‘writing room’ of the monastery.
You also get full access to the club which has a stunning pool (when pools reopen of course!). There’s also a gym, tennis court, cricket pitch, snooker tables and a luxurious restaurant in the boathouse. Oh, did I mention this is on the shores of Loch Ness?
Hoots Treehouse, Mayfield, England
£220 per night
If you wanted to live out your childhood dreams of living in a treehouse, this is exactly the one for you. It’s got 29 five star reviews on Airbnb so you know you’re in for a treat.
It’s in the perfect spot if you want to go off grid and enjoy some nature, with a deer park just 5 minutes away. There’s also a tennis court for use too!
Trickers Windmill, Suffolk
£125 per night
A five-storey Grade II listed Tower Windmill complete with a private courtyard in the heart of Woodbridge.
It’s the only habitable windmill in Woodbridge so you can sleep comfortably in the knowledge that you are in fact, one of a kind. Perfect for a romantic, windy weekend away!
Glamping Dome, Horningsea
£100 per night
If there’s one thing you need to do at least once in your life, it’s stay in a dome. I’m not entirely sure why but it’s pretty cool, right?!
This one is fully decked out with a wood-burning stove, leather tub chairs and a huge double bed. Cambridge is just three miles away.
Land Rover Hot Tub & Bluebird Penthouse, High Bickington
£110 per night
I can only imagine how many times you’ve dreamt about converting your old rusty Land Rover, which you have just on hand, into a hot tub – well, Ralph only went and did it.
The superhost has a 1950s decorated penthouse and a vintage Land Rover hot tub. There’s enough space for two guests, a gas BBQ, chimenea and even a wine cellar. One user recommends getting in the Land Rover hot tub for sunrise.
Hobbit House, Powys
£60 per night
For all you Star Wars or Star Trek fans, or whatever the Hobbit is from, this one’s for you. I’m just kidding, I know it’s from Doctor Who.
The description is perfect for this and I simply can’t do as good of a job, so here is Tin, the host, to tell you all about his Earth House instead: “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole and that means comfort.”
The description does come with a disclosure that ‘this is glamping, not luxury’ and it ‘IS small’!
Romantic Medieval Castle, Peebles
£140 per night
Feast your eyes on what could be your home for just £140 a night, an entire castle.
It’s a mini-castle on the Scottish Borders around 45 mins from Edinburgh, but it’s still a castle. It’s described as ‘ancient’ but ‘cosy. Perfect.
Dairsie Castle, Fife
£1,100 per night
Another castle, but this time MASSIVE. If you’re lucky enough to have 13 friends you can all hire out this place for a small fee of £1,100 per night.
Now before you choke on your water, that works out at just 92 quid each for you and all your mates, which is not bad considering you get this 12th-century castle complete with a dungeon. If you love golf, the famous Old Course in St Andrew is less than an hour away!
12th Century Abbey, Suffolk
£675 per night
Sticking with the grand theme, how does a Magical 12th Century Abbey sound? Thought you might like that.
Deep in the Suffolk countryside, this 12th-century abbey sleeps 18 and is completely surrounded by marshlands and forest. On that note, the description does say you will need ‘a car or a horse’ to get around. It’s just a few miles from the beach and around two hours to London – how perfect?!
Train Carriage, Machynlleth
£40 per night
This one is quite literally described as ‘train carriage on a hill’ and I’ll be honest that looks as though it’s a pretty bob on description.
It’s cosy and ideal for those looking for a walking or cycling trip in the surrounding Welsh hills. This one is also completely off the grid, so if you’re looking for an eco-friendly stay this is the one for you! The host also offers ‘holistic massage’ if you’re after it.
The Bridge House, Ballintuim
£164 per night
This unique two-bedroom home was built as part of the bridge over the River Ardle back in 1881. It’s been recently renovated – complete with a sauna by the way – a full king size four-poster bed, all soundtracked by the blissful river flowing.
The Crow’s Nest, Isle of White
£179 per night
I know what you’re thinking ‘another treehouse’. Well, you’re wrong because this one is ON THE BEACH.
Just about as far away as you can get without getting a plane, The Crow’s Nest is on the Isle of White and is a romantic, award-winning accommodation. Sit up from the king-size bed to a full view of the sea and a glorious golden beach. Pubs are just a short walk away too, doesn’t get better than that does it?!
Earth House, Canterbury
£90 per night
Finally, let’s get things back to nature with this Earth House. This is a unique and beautiful spiral straw bale studio with a reciprocal wooden roof.
There’s also the option to add on yoga and meditation tuition, breathwork, reiki treatments and even relationship therapy among a long list of other services.
*Check the latest updates and restrictions regarding travelling to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales before booking.
Travel
Manchester Airport reveals first look of T2’s £440m transformation
The huge project will create thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of economic value for the North over the next decade.
Manchester Airport Group (MAG) bosses have announced a £440m investment in the final phase of its £1.3bn transformation programme.
The huge project will create thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of economic value for the North over the next decade.
The investment is set to transform the UK’s third largest airport, attracting new routes for the North’s global gateway, connecting the region to even more international destinations, including some of the world’s most important economic markets.
The new spacious facilities, including state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and airport lounges, will provide passengers with a great airport experience as they travel.
The airport’s transformation programme was first announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience at the Northern hub and unlock the potential of its two full-length runways.
The first phase saw Terminal 2 more than double in size, with the new facility having received positive feedback from passengers and airlines since opening in July 2021.
The second phase will complete the new T2 building, improving all stages of the passenger journey – from check-in to baggage reclaim, as well as upgrading its airfield to cater for next generation aircraft.
The expanded terminal is expected to be completed by 2025 and will see 80% of passengers use it as Terminal 1 will close 63 years after it was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1962.
The build will create 500 jobs on the construction phase alone, while independent analysis shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North, and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy.
“Our £1.3bn transformation programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a great airport experience for passengers who travel through Manchester.
“I’m delighted to be announcing the go-ahead for the final phase, which will open in 2025, connecting the people and businesses of the North to dozens more global destinations, and creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism,” he added.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport, and the region as a whole.
He went on to add: “By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the North an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.”
“I cannot wait to see the plans come to fruition, for the benefit of all of our customers, colleagues and supporters,” he added.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised the plans saying: “Manchester Airport is a massive asset to our city region, connecting those living and working here to global destinations, as well as helping attract visitors, tourists and inward investment.
“The further investment in the Manchester Airport transformation programme will enhance Greater Manchester’s international credentials and make a major contribution to the northern economy.
“The project is also doing a huge amount to create employment for people from all backgrounds and providing training that will ensure it leaves a skills legacy for future generations.”
Travel
Win a holiday to Mexico for Day of the Dead by simply drinking a tequila shot in ‘Spoons
Free holiday to Mexico? Yes please…
You can win a holiday to Mexico during the Day of the Dead and all you have to do is go to ‘Spoons and take a shot of tequila.
That’s right, you can win the holiday of your dreams in just a few simple steps.
Manquila, the wild strawberry cream liqueur from Manchester, is giving away a trip to Mexico next November to two lucky people.
Simply go to any Wetherspoons, buy a glass of Manquila and enter your receipt online to be in with a chance of winning a trip to Mexico.
Upload your proof of purchase HERE and you’ll be in with a chance of winning.
The holiday will take place in November 2023 for seven days during Day of the Dead celebrations.
According to Manquila’s website: “Manquila is a testimonial to decadence. True Dairy Cream blended with the unforgettable flavour of Wild Strawberries with splashes of Agave Spirit, fit for a Queen of the Night.”
Travel
You can hire a huge party house with its own nightclub and games arcade near Manchester
The property can sleep up to 26 people across 13 en-suite bedrooms
If you’re looking for a quick getaway with your mates, look no further.
Just a stone’s throw away from Manchester in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, stands a secluded party house complete with its very own nightclub and games arcade.
The property, available from just £75 per person per night, can sleep up to twenty-six people across thirteen en-suite bedrooms, all of which are accessible from an external and spacious courtyard.
The Travel Chapter
The Travel Chapter
The courtyard boasts a pond and picnic areas for the warmer months, and hot tubs for the chillier winter evenings.
Inside, there are a mix of double and twin bedrooms, with the en-suite bathrooms featuring luxury toiletries and a rainfall shower.
Concierge service can also be arranged, with a whole host of services ranging from a private chef, live entertainment, spa treatments and even a Turkish barber available to attend the property.
But the undisputed selling point of the property is its own private nightclub, which comes complete with a built-in sound system, disco lights and a bar area with a fully-functioning beer dispense system.
The Travel Chapter
The Travel Chapter
There’s also a fully-functional games room boasting classics like air hockey, pinball, driving games and two retro arcade machines.
The property’s listing page describes the property as being the perfect venue for stag-dos, hen parties, or company team-building events, as well as for family and friend getaways.
To see the property’s availability and to get it booked, click here.
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