Outdoor Hospitality News

For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.

Blackpool Glamping Site Draws Attention for Accommodations Inside Helicopters, Aircraft, and Vintage Vehicles

An adult-only glamping destination in Blackpool, England, is attracting attention for its unconventional accommodations, which include restored vehicles and aviation-themed lodging options repurposed for overnight stays.

Manor House Glamping, located on Kitty Lane in Blackpool, offers guests the opportunity to stay in a range of converted vehicles, including a Royal Navy Lynx HMA Mk8 helicopter, a Boeing 737 cockpit, an American school bus, a 1956 Green Goddess fire engine, a 1957 American Airstream caravan, a Rolls Royce/Vickers VC10 engine pod, and Volkswagen camper vans. 

The property has recently been highlighted on social media by visitor account @northwestdaysout, which described the site as offering “truly unique accommodations.”

In a video documenting their visit, the TikTok user said: “Each accommodation comes with its own private hot tub, and some even feature projectors or TVs for those cosy nights in.”

The visitor also noted the site’s food offerings, adding: “One of our favourite touches was being able to order wood-fired pizzas, which are delivered straight to your accommodation.

“Trust me, they were absolutely delicious!”

According to Lancashire Telegraph, wood-fired pizzas are available on Friday and Saturday evenings between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., including bank holiday weekends. Pizzas start at £9 and must be pre-ordered on the day of arrival or on the day guests wish to place an order. Garlic bread is available for £8, while additional toppings cost £1 each. An on-site coffee shop also serves hot drinks starting from £1.20.

The social media visitor highlighted additional guest amenities, stating: “You can also have your hot tub pre-lit for £10 so it’s warm and ready when you arrive.

“We chose to light ours ourselves and found it heated up perfectly fine.

“Additional firewood is available too (£5 for the hot tub and £10 for the fire pit).”

The reviewer said the property’s proximity to home contributed to the experience, commenting: “What we loved most was how it felt like we’d escaped for a mini break, despite being only 10 minutes from home.

“It just proves you don’t always need to travel miles to feel like you’re getting away from it all.”

Accommodation pricing varies depending on the unit selected. At the time of writing, rates start from £170 for the Green Goddess fire engine, £180 for the American Airstream caravan, £190 for the American school bus and Volkswagen camper vans, £200 for the engine pod and helicopter, and £215 for the Boeing 737 cockpit.

The site also hosts private events, with exclusive-use functions starting from £1,550. Guests can encounter on-site animals including emus, chickens, and ducks during their stay.

On its website, Manor House Glamping describes itself as follows: “Immerse yourself in the peace and quiet that our rural location offers.

“Discover a one-of-a-kind award-winning glamping experience, just for adults.

“Our unique glamping park offers stylishly furnished vehicles set in our nature-friendly private grounds.”

The business has also received positive guest feedback on Tripadvisor, where it held a five-star rating from 210 reviews at the time the original article was published. One reviewer wrote: “Wow! What a place! Perfect in every way!

“We stayed in the 737 cockpit, and it was fab! Quirky, fun, clean, comfortable.

“The hot tub was fab, the fire pit was cosy, and the emus kept us company!

“The service was excellent – the pizzas were absolutely delicious and the morning coffees were spot on.

“A real gem of a place! We can’t wait to come back and try out the other accommodations!

“Thank you Manor House Glamping for a unique and unforgettable experience!”

Another guest commented: “2nd visit here, cockpit first time this time Edith the campervan, our hosts were as welcoming as ever, the whole site is fabulous great experience home-made pizzas are to die for so is the coffee

“Thanks for a great night away, looking forward to our next visit”.

A third reviewer stated: “Unique experience in the Rolls Royce jet engine.

“Fantastic hosts, very welcoming and passionate about their site. Truly wonderful people.

“Accommodation was awesome and comfortable, large outdoor TV, outdoor games, immaculate facilities, wonderful food and “the best” bacon butties and home made pizza.

“Would definitely stay again and if you are thinking of a special night away, in something completely unique, do not hesitiate. A++++”.

For outdoor hospitality operators, the property’s concept illustrates a growing trend toward experiential accommodations that differentiate themselves from traditional glamping pods, cabins, and RV sites. 

Repurposed vehicles and transportation-themed lodging can create a distinct identity, generate social media engagement, and encourage repeat visitation by offering guests multiple accommodation types to experience over time. 

As competition within the glamping and short-stay accommodation sectors continues to increase, unique accommodation inventory remains one strategy operators are using to attract niche markets and drive off-season demand.

Advertisement

Share to...