It’s about this time of year we start planning holidays for next year. To add an extra layer of fun I’ve been collating a list of weird and wonderful places to spend a night with the children. Some I’d heard of before but most will be new or novel for the children, others are pretty unique and some are completely bonkers! This is what I’ve got on my inspiration list so far (after showing my daughter the list it’s clear anywhere with a bunk bed will do!):

Helicopter – Stay at Windmill Campersite in the middle of the Isle of Wight. There’s all sorts of weird and wonderful places to stay including the Westland Wessex XT469, original 1965 Falklands “Rescue” Helicopter! Stay in this completely bonkers campsite complete with a Turdis (can’t stop sniggering!), a “Off Your Trolley BUS!” communal area and a “Showershack” complete with sound system, disco lights and hot air!

Battle Bessie Battle Bessie is a unique ammunition wagon which served her country for 21 years. She has been lovingly converted to a 1940s home front style complete with four poster bed, vintage kitchen and shower room.
Enjoy the stunning Shropshire views and sunsets from Bessies rear balcony.

A stable Sleepover with Miniature Horse Basil – Basils place is situated on the grounds of a 17th century manor, surrounded by a picturesque 60 acre estate. The apartment is directly attached to Basils stable, where there is a doorway in between the two spaces. In the paddocks they have a herd of Highland cows, Hebridean sheep, horses, chickens and Norwegian Forrest cats. All animals are kept strictly as pets.

Daisy the Double Decker Bus – a converted double decker bus is set in its own fenced garden with a south facing decked area to the front of the bus. With panoramic views over open fields and stunning sea views from the upper deck.

A Castle – Doyden Castle is a little fortress at the edge of the cliffs on the Port Quin headland, with sea views all around.

Blackberry Wood – Blackberry Wood Camping, Glamping and Treehouses, is a small, family-run campsite situated in the small hamlet of Streat at the foot of the South Downs National Park. They offer quirky glamping accommodation ranging from cosy private clearings in the woodland, sleep in a fire engine, a helicopter or an elaborate hand crafted treehouses. All have their own private spot for a roaring campfire.

Apple Camping Stay on a private jet or a UFO. This is a campsite with all sorts of weird and wonderful tents and structures to sleep in.

The Golden Hinde A Tudor Ship sleepover. Spend the night on a historical galleon combined with a sailor’s practice. Dress up in sailor’s attire and take part in training (led by professional actors), sword fighting, session with a surgeon or canon loading.

Safari Reserve in the UK. Head to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah.

House in the Clouds The house in the clouds is a water tower in Thorpness, Suffolk and is one of the country’s most famous follies. Thorpeness village is different from any other holiday resort, being the creation of Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie and is still unspoilt since it was built in the 1920’s.

Museum I’ve always wanted to stay the night at the Natural History Museum. This unique sleepover gives kids aged 7 to 11 the chance to explore the Museum after dark while taking part in fun and educational activities. There’s an adults option with all sorts of entertainment options. Other museums offer sleepovers, so worth checking locally if you’re not near London.