Laying not flying: Glamping on the Isle of Wight in a stationary Navy helicopter

Copter Cottage
Ready for the island in a converted 1965 hunting and transport helicopter

If you like to try something new, you will find a range of unusual Glamping accommodations on the English island of Wight, from shepherd's wagon to VW Camper. 

Howewer, completely out of the ordinary is a former Royal Navy helicopter of the Westland Wessex XT469 type, which accommodates after its shutdown and careful conversion into an original holiday home up to 4 people (maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children).

Produced in 1965 as all-metal half-shell construction, the military aircraft was considered at that time to be cutting edge Aviation technology and was still used in 1982 as a rescue helicopter by the British armed forces during the Falklands conflict. 

For its new purpose as a somewhat different kind of stationary outdoor accommodation, the helicopter, largely left in its original condition, found an ideal location on a centrally located site below Carisbrooke Castle. 

Together with an extension unit for kitchen and toilet in a matching camouflage finish, the ensemble forms an adventurous refuge for the whole family. Despite some necessary adjustments, much of the aircraft's original equipment has remained intact, even the cockpit remained completely untouched.

From the pilot's cabin, guests can enjoy picturesque views of a sunny valley with a grazing horse and stray migratory chickens. Sitting in the cockpit with a glass of wine you can also comfortably watch the sunset. The origin of the idyll was a historically occupied windmill from which the nearby Carisbrooke castle was supplied with water from the 11th century onwards.

 To this day, natural spring water continues with gentle gurgling to make its way through the grounds, which are equipped with a wide variety of Glamping offers and imaginatively designed facilities bearing original names such as 'Mrs. Fire Pit', 'OMO', 'Spudomatic' or 'Big Bertha BBQ'. This means that the family-run camp around the habitable helicopter has become what is probably the most unusual outdoor park in the United Kingdom within just a few years. 

Access to the helicopter housing is via the extension, which is equipped with a dining area and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances such as gas stove, triple sink, combined microwave/oven and a refrigerator. Outside the kitchen there is a small cloakroom and a comfortable private toilet with washbasin and bidet. It's only a short walk to the funky'Showershack', in which solar-powered shower and sanitary facilities are combined with music and warm air to create a shower experience.

In the helicopter itself, next to a small living area, there is a narrow bedroom with a fitted foam mattress that can accommodate either one adult or two small children. The actual bedroom with a double bed for two adults is located away from the helicopter, but is equipped with a "cockpit dome" that provides an unobstructed view of the night sky while protecting from the unpredictable weather. The outside area has a terrace with seating and sufficient space for car parking. 

Due to the central location only five minutes on foot from Carisbrooke Castle, all important points of the island can be reached quickly and comfortably even without a car. The next village with several restaurants and shops is a 10-minute walk away. 20 minutes walk to Newport, the capital and headquarters of many facilities such as cinema, pubs and shops and the main bus station of the Isle of Wight. Driving time from helicopter accommodation to all beaches is a maximum of 20 minutes. 

The island of Wight off the south coast of Great Britain attracts around 3 million visitors every year. One of the main attractions is the original 'Osbourne House', the former country house of Queen Victoria, who also died here in 1901. If you want to explore the popular island with its dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and original villages with typical reeds thatched English houses, you can experience an unforgettable stay with an overnight stay in the unique helicopter cottage. Unmistakable and with a good portion of English eccentricity! 

From EUR 139,- per night (for 2 persons) 

including bed linen (3 nights minimum stay) 
Further informations and booking via the provider site