Here are the quirkiest stays on offer in Suffolk for those who don't want to travel far for a great holiday

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of this year’s Easter breaks and summer holidays were cancelled.

Now, with a second lockdown looming, those looking for a fun few days away during the October half-term might have to look a bit closer to home.

But holidaying at home doesn’t have to be boring. Here are some quirky stays which will allow you to escape from the world while staying right here at home in Suffolk .

1. Staytastic Heli Bus Glamping, Kessingland

Couples can get their holiday off to a flying start with a stay in a Lynx AH9A helicopter in Kessingland.

The ex-Army Corps helicopter, which also featured in the 2019 film Fast and Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, has been kitted out with a double bed in the main cabin.

There are shower and toilet facilities as well as wifi access, and guests will even have the chance to sit in the cockpit of the helicopter.

And if the helicopter isn’t your thing, Staytastic also offers guests the chance to stay in a converted tour bus, which has space for between six and eight people to sleep.

The bus has one queen bed and four single beds as well as toilet facilities, a shower, a kitchen area and televisions.

To book a stay in either the helicopter or bus click here .

2. Pod Hollow, West Stow

Have you ever watched or read Lord of the Rings and wished you could be transported to The Shire with its rolling hills, carefree lifestyle and food galore?

West Stow Pods lets you experience the hobbit way of life, without the threat of Sauron or any orc attack.

Built into a grassy knoll with a bright green circular door, Pod Hollow looks like something straight out of a Tolkein novel.

It has two double bedrooms, a kitchen and living area which harken back to the old world while still offering modern conveniences and comforts.

To book a stay, visit here.

3. Happy Days Retro Vacations trailer park, Saxmundham

Located just five miles from the Suffolk heritage coast, the Happy Days Retro Vacations provides a campervan experience with a difference.

The trailer park is home to eight vintage campervans, named Dee Dee, Wanda, Elsie, Annie, Peggy, Gloria, Betsy and Nettie, some of which date back to the 1950s.

The site is also home to a cinema room, nicknamed The Red Shed, and original wartime huts which can be used for escape room experiences.

The large garden also has a children's play area, trampoline and fairy garden as well as fire pits for star gazing.

To book, visit here.

5. Secret Meadows Glamping, Woodbridge

The Secret Meadows Glamping site gives visitors an out-of-Suffolk experience without having to travel very far at all.

With luxury glamping tents, safari huts and a gypsy caravan among their many accommodation types on offer, visitors may be tempted to return time and time again.

Nestled in their own woodland area, the luxury tents have everything you need for a peaceful and relaxing stay.

They are fully equipped with a kitchen, dining area, sofa, private toilet and shower. They also sleep six people, with a four poster bed, a bunk bed and a pull out cupboard bed.

Gypsy's Rest is another experience on offer at Secret Meadows and, spread across a caravan and shepherd's hut, provides plenty of room for a group of four.

Both units have been decorated traditionally, with the caravan housing a double bed and the shepherd's hut giving access to a fully equipped kitchen and extra sleeping and living space.

For those wanting to make the most of the great outdoors, there is also a hammock and deck chairs to use during your stay.

For more about what's on offer and to book visit the Secret Meadows website .

6. Balancing Barn, Halesworth

Do you have a taste for all things modern and luxurious? Then the Balancing Barn could be the perfect getaway for you.

Surrounded by 138 acres of Suffolk Wildlife Trust land and fitted with glass floors, walls and skylights, the property is perfect for anyone who appreciates the scenic views that rural Suffolk has to offer.

The 'barn' is cantilevered, giving the impression that it is balancing on a hill in the middle of six acres of garden.

Guests can even play on the swing which is suspended from the end of the cantilever - the only one of its kind in the county.

The house has four bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining room and large sitting room.

To book a stay at the Balancing Barn, click here.

7. The Windmill Suffolk, Cockfield

The Windmill Suffolk, which is located just two miles from Lavenham, is a perfect blend of old and new.

While the building dates back to 1891, it was given a modern twist by owners Steve and Natalie Roberts in 2014.

It is now an adult-only holiday destination, perfect for a romantic getaway or a trip away with friends.

The Windmill Suffolk sleeps four people, with two double bedrooms, a kitchen and at the highest point of the building, there is also a cosy seating 'pod'.

From the 4th floor balcony and from a viewing window in the seating area, visitors can take in remarkable views of the Suffolk countryside.

To book a stay at The Windmill Suffolk, visit the website here .

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