Visitors to North Yorkshire Water Park can now spend the night aboard two newly converted Westland Sea King helicopters that previously served in life-saving Royal Air Force missions.
Families and aviation enthusiasts looking for a unique getaway can now spend the night aboard two historic military aircraft at North Yorkshire Water Park.
The leisure destination recently expanded its accommodation offerings at the beginning of May, introducing a pair of fully transformed Westland Sea King helicopters. The project provides holidaymakers with an opportunity to sleep inside genuine, retired aircraft that have been carefully adapted for modern hospitality.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Water Park said:
"We have taken camping to new heights with the launch of two new helicopter glamping pods, offering guests the chance to sleep inside real, converted aircrafts. They offer a distinctive blend of adventure and comfort, designed to appeal to couples, families, and guests seeking an alternative short break."
Before beginning their new life as holiday retreats, the two HAR3 helicopters, bearing the iconic bright yellow livery, played pivotal roles in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force.
The older of the two airframes, designated XZ589, was delivered to the military in 1978. During its extensive service with both 22 Squadron and 202 Squadron out of RAF Lossiemouth, it participated in numerous maritime rescues and high-profile emergency responses. Most notably, the crew provided vital assistance during the devastating River Severn floods of July 2007.
Its sister ship, ZE369, joined the Royal Air Force in 1985. Stationed primarily with 'A Flight' of 202 Squadron, it frequently operated around Carlisle and Newcastle, carrying out real-life medical airlifts and casualty evacuations in treacherous weather conditions before eventually being retired in 2016.
Highlighting the rich heritage of the aircraft, the park spokesperson added:
"The pods have been crafted into unique and cosy places to stay while preserving some of their original features and character. Originally built for the RAF for Search and Rescue, both the ZE369 and XZ589 offered decades of service at the forefront of life-saving missions across the UK, carrying out daring rescues in all weather conditions."
The conversion process has carefully balanced modern holiday necessities with the preservation of aeronautical history. The main sleeping quarters feature a double bed equipped with a specially illuminated portal window that looks directly into the helicopter's tail section. A set of bunk beds has also been integrated, making the space highly suitable for families with children.
Aviation fans will be particularly drawn to the front of the aircraft, where the original cockpit has been cleverly repurposed into a dining area. Visitors are permitted full access to this space, allowing them to sit at the controls and interact with the surviving flight switches.
To ensure a comfortable self-catering experience, each pod has been fitted with everyday appliances including a fridge, toaster, microwave, and kettle. The outdoor space has also been tailored for relaxation; guests can slide open the heavy door once used by the winch operator and step down onto a custom-built gravel landing pad, which comes complete with a picnic bench for al fresco dining.
These new aerial additions complement the water park's existing overnight options, which currently feature a traditional campsite, standard glamping pods, and the Lake View Lodge. The site remains a popular destination for thrill-seekers, offering a wide array of activities such as archery, ziplining, and the challenging Wipeout and Warrior Aqua Parks.
With only two of these specialist pods available on site, management anticipates strong interest from the public. Overnight stays begin at £130.
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