RAF Wainfleet transformed into holiday accommodation where visitors can sleep in a tank, a helicopter, a plane, or even a converted army ambulance
A spud-growing farmer has transformed an old RAF bombing range tower into a one-of-a-kind holiday stay.
Visitors at RAF Wainfleet can bed down in a tank, a helicopter, a plane, or even a converted army ambulance—alongside old air force bunkers and a combine harvester.
Farmer Will Roughton, 47, grows potatoes, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli on his farm.
But, in 2014, the savvy sixth-generation farmer decided to branch out in to holiday lets in an effort to diversify his business amid a troubling environment for farmers.
He said: “Farming’s not in the best shape at the moment. It’s just been made a lot worse by our Labour government.
“It was really a case of diversifying, just finding something different to try and get an income from.”
The farmer bought the site from one of his neighbours and got to work converting its buildings in to accommodation.
The crown jewel is the site’s former bombing range tower – which boasts breathtaking 360-degree views across to the north Norfolk coastline.
The five-storey tower is dog friendly, and sleeps six people for a cost of around £250 a night.
Farmer Will said he had originally considered turning the building in to a residential property.
He added: “It just seemed unusual, we were thinking about residential to start with, but then it just seemed like a great idea for a holiday let because it’s so unusual.
“I think for a residential we came to the conclusion that going up and down all those flights of stairs every day would lose its appeal.”
Now, the tower is used as part of a ‘very peaceful’ getaway, which mostly welcomes families.
The relatively flat surrounding area makes the view from the tower unique – something the farmer credits for the venue’s popularity.
He added: “You can see Hunstanton very easily, across the wash, which is about 10 miles as the crow flies.
“It takes me two miles to drive around there.”
The tower has been fully converted with mod cons including king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and a kitchen and dining area.
Facilities on offer even include a private outdoor hot tub.
