Are you looking for a staycation a little more thrilling than a cottage by the sea?

Well look no further, as whether you fancy sleeping in an aeroplane cockpit or cosying up for the night in a cave – there’s a holiday home for you.

A simple hotel stay isn’t for everyone, and quirky holiday retreats have been popping up across the country in recent years. 

From an old railway station in the Scottish Highlands to Welsh ‘moon bathing’, there are many places you can have an out-of-the-ordinary trip.

Here, MailOnline reveals some of the strangest Airbnbs you can book for a unique UK stay.

Jetstream, Lincolnshire  

Many people think planes are simply for travelling somewhere else.

But this Lincolnshire camping spot turns the cockpit into the destination, for just £115-a-night.

The Jetstream is a plane that has been converted into a glamping pod and it can fit up to five people ‘at a squeeze’. 

The small aircraft is kitted out with a King bed up against the cockpit and a v-shaped double bed squeezed into the nose of the aircraft – which is called the radome. There is also a small pull-out single bed. 

However to make a cup of tea or use the toilet you will have to leave the plane – but you won’t have to travel far as the kitchen and bathroom are just 20m away. 

Cromdale Railway Station, Strathspey 

Closed to passengers in 1965, Cromdale Railway Station is now one of the Scottish Highlands’ most unique holiday destinations.

The converted railway station in Strathspey, which was built in 1863, also comes with a train carriage made into a camping coach.

What was once a ticket office is now the kitchen, while the waiting room has become the lounge. The lamp room now has a triple bunk bed in it, making it the perfect room for kids.

With five bedrooms, the station and carriage combined can sleep up to eight people – which works out as a bargain at £238-a-night. There is even a summer house complete with garden toys and a barbecue. 

On top of the nostalgia of staying in a disused railway station, guests have access to an art studio in the ‘station master’s shed’ and a games room – which comes with a ping pong table, small pool table and table football. There is also a trampoline and a rowing machine.

White Cliffs cave, Kent

On the face of it this may look like a humble home for a quiet coastal stay. 

But this house in Dover, Kent, comes complete with its very own not-at-all-creepy White Cliffs cave.

Described as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ by its host, you can dine, relax, or even sleep in an actual cave, for just £144-a-night.

While the two-bedroom home itself appears ordinary, the dark entrance to the cave can be seen and accessed from the kitchen. 

Eerie pictures of the cave show it scattered with candles in cross holders, colourful lights and what appear to be markings scratched into the wall – as well as the rather forlorn-looking outline of a face.

Sleep Explorer’s Globe, Leicestershire  

Luxury tree-houses have been popping up all over the country in recent years.

But what makes the Sleep Explorer’s Globe, in Hallaton, Lecestershire, stand out, is that it looks as though it’s floating.

The ‘low-impact’ dome, which can sleep three people, is situated in a two-acre patch of woodland – and is a strictly no-wifi type of retreat.

It has one double bed, one single bed and an oil heater and wood burner for colder nights.

The £150-a-night eco-Globe has a composting loo and a warm shower with a view of the woods so you can really feel at one with nature.   

PilotHouse PH5, Drimnin

Always dreamed of staying in a submarine? Then this aluminium holiday spot could be the next best thing. 

Granted you won’t be surrounded by sea life, but PilotHouse PH5, in Drimnim, offers 360 views of the stunning west Scotland coast.

Designed by architect Roderick Hames and Amanda Markham, the £170-a-night tiny home’s inside even matches its outside, with ridged metal walls adding to the mechanical decor.

The wrap-around balcony means you can enjoy the stunning view across the water of the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s 790 offshore islands – 93 of which are inhabited.

Despite its industrial feel, the home has a comfortable-looking living room with leather seats and a cosy bedroom. It also comes complete with a wood burning stove for those chilly Scottish nights.

Moon Conker, Powys 

If you’re a fan of stargazing but don’t want to brave the open elements, this is the staycation for you.

The Moon Conker in Llanafan-fawr, Powys, is a dome-shaped tree-house complete with observatory holes for those starry nights.

And given its name, moon bathing is this property’s key feature – so take a bath outside in its hot and cold Scandi-style tubs – which are filled by hand pump with water from the nearby stream and heated in a kettle.

There are basic kitchen essentials, tea and coffee facilities and marshmallows for toasting over the fire. 

The hosts say the moon bathing helps in ‘harnessing of natural energies from the river’ in what is suggested to be ‘plain Celtic magic’.

Double decker glamping bus, Wrexham   

This upcycled double decker bus is the perfect holiday home if you are looking for something a bit unconventional.

Set in a family farm in Llan-y-pwll, Wrexham, the bus can sleep six people comfortably as it has one King bed, one double and two singles.

The quirky bus has its own fenced off garden, and old bus seats make up the dining area. 

The bus – which was operated by Crosville Motor Services, a bus company sold off in the 90s – has a small kitchenette as well as field views. It also has its own fenced off garden.

If you are planning on a winter trip, be warned that while there are electric heater and blankets on board, the bus can get chilly. 

While the narrative treads familiar ground, it is timely, given the rising prominence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives.

A Fusion of Genres

Edwards embarks on an ambitious endeavor, blending elements of science fiction classics with contemporary themes.

The result is a cinematic stew reminiscent of James Cameron’s “Aliens” tinged with shades of “Blade Runner” a dash of “Children of Men,” and a sprinkle of “Akira” This concoction, while intriguing, occasionally veers toward familiarity rather than forging its own distinct identity.

Edwards’ Cinematic Journey

The British filmmaker, known for his foray into doomsday scenarios with the BBC docudrama “End Day” in 2005, has traversed a path from indie gem “Monsters” (2010) to the expansive Star Wars universe with “Rogue One” (2016).

“The Creator” marks another bold step in his repertoire. The film introduces compelling concepts like the posthumous donation of personality traits, punctuated by impactful visuals, and raises pertinent ethical dilemmas. It stands as a commendable endeavor, even if it occasionally falters in execution.

Navigating Complexity

In his pursuit of depth, Edwards at times stumbles into the realm of convolution, leaving the audience grappling with intricacies rather than immersing in the narrative.

While adept at crafting visual spectacles and orchestrating soundscapes, the film occasionally falters in the art of storytelling.

In an era where classic storytelling is seemingly on the wane, some may argue that this approach is emblematic of the times.

AI: Savior or Peril?

“The Creator” leaves us with a question that resonates long after the credits roll: Will artificial intelligence be humanity’s salvation or its undoing? The film’s take on machine ethics leans toward simplicity, attributing AI emotions to programmed responses.

This portrayal encapsulates the film’s stance on the subject – a theme as enigmatic as the AI it grapples with.

“The Creator”

Director: Gareth Edwards.
Starring: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Madeleine Yuna Boyles, Ken Watanabe.
Genre: Science fiction.
Release Year: 2023.
Duration: 133 minutes.
Premiere Date: September 29.

WATCH: TRAILER

Top 5 Movies by Gareth Edwards:

1. “Monsters” (2010)

– A breakout hit, “Monsters” showcases Edwards’ talent for blending intimate human drama with towering sci-fi spectacles. Set in a world recovering from an alien invasion, it’s a poignant tale of love amidst chaos.

2. “Rogue One” (2016)

– Edwards helms this epic Star Wars installment, seamlessly integrating new characters with the beloved original trilogy. It’s a testament to his ability to navigate complex narratives on a grand scale.

3. “End Day” (2005)

– This BBC docudrama marked Edwards’ entry into the world of speculative storytelling. Presenting five doomsday scenarios, it set the stage for his later exploration of dystopian futures.

4. “The Creator” (2023)

– Edwards’ latest venture, “The Creator,” immerses audiences in a future fraught with AI warfare. While not without its challenges, it boldly tackles pertinent questions about the role of artificial intelligence in our lives.

5. Potential Future Project

– As Edwards continues to push the boundaries of speculative cinema, audiences eagerly anticipate his next cinematic endeavor, poised to be another thought-provoking addition to his illustrious filmography.

“The Creator” stands as a testament to Gareth Edwards’ unyielding vision and his penchant for exploring the frontiers of speculative cinema.

While it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of AI, it occasionally falters in navigating its intricate narrative.

As we peer into this cinematic crystal ball, we’re left with a stark question: Will artificial intelligence be our beacon of hope, or will it cast a shadow over humanity’s future? Only time will unveil the answer.

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Charging an EV at home proves more cost-effective than relying on public charging stations. Smart charging capabilities enable homeowners to take advantage of lower rates, typically offered during off-peak hours, such as at night.

Charger prices vary, ranging from approximately £300 to over £1,000, with installation costs potentially adding another £400 to £600.

Solar Integration:

Solar integration presents a game-changing opportunity for homeowners seeking both environmental sustainability and financial benefits. The global solar energy capacity reached an astounding 793 gigawatts (GW), illuminating the rapid adoption of this renewable energy source.

For homeowners, integrating solar panels with an electric vehicle (EV) charging point can lead to substantial savings. On average, a standard solar panel system costs around £6,000 to £7,000 per kWp (kilowatt peak), with the typical installation size being 4kWp. This equates to an initial investment of approximately £24,000 to £28,000.

However, the return on investment is impressive. Solar panels can generate roughly 3,200 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year for a 4kWp system in the UK. With the average cost of electricity sitting at 16.1p per kWh, homeowners can save approximately £515 annually on energy bills.

Moreover, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme allows homeowners to earn money by exporting excess electricity back to the grid. As of September 2021, the SEG offers rates ranging from 1.79p to 5.24p per kWh. Over the course of 20 years, a solar panel system can generate savings of over £10,000, demonstrating the substantial financial benefits of solar integration. This trend is expected to surge further as advancements in solar technology continue to drive down installation costs and boost energy production.

Regulations and Grants:

Regulations surrounding EV charging point installations vary, particularly for listed buildings, which require planning permission for wall-mounted units. However, for flat owners, renters, and landlords with off-street parking, there’s an opportunity to benefit from government grants.

These grants provide a substantial subsidy, offering £350 or covering 75% of the total installation cost, whichever is lower. This incentive has spurred a surge in installations, with a notable uptick in applications over the past year.

In fact, according to recent data, the number of approved grant applications for EV charging points has risen by an impressive 68% compared to the previous year. This demonstrates a growing recognition of the value and importance of these installations in both residential and rental properties.

Renting Out Your Charging Point:

Renting out your EV charging point also presents a compelling opportunity for homeowners to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.

According to recent market trends, the number of registered electric vehicles worldwide surpassed 14 million in 2023, marking a significant milestone. With projections indicating an annual growth rate of 29% – 34% for the global electric vehicle market, the need for accessible charging solutions is set to skyrocket. In the UK alone, the number of electric vehicles on the road has tripled over the last three years, reaching over 857,000 at the end of 2023.

This surge in EV ownership underscores the potential market for homeowners looking to rent out their charging points. Platforms like JustPark and Co Charger facilitate this process by connecting drivers in need of charging with available charging stations.

By participating in this shared economy, homeowners not only contribute to the expansion of EV infrastructure but also stand to generate a supplementary income stream. This symbiotic relationship between EV owners and charging point hosts aligns with the broader shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

WATCH: EV CHARGING & OPPORTUNITIES

Finally, we can conclude that the surge in demand for properties with EV charging points signals a shifting paradigm in real estate. With added convenience, cost-efficiency, and potential for monetization, these installations are poised to become a cornerstone of future property value and desirability.