"We're all going on a summer holiday..." The double-decker bus may have been Sir Cliff‘s preferred method of transportation, but for today's glampers in search of novelty and something a little unusual, it's the only way to spend a night. Speed boats, train carriages, even helicopters have been called into service as luxury camping accommodation, but now it's the turn of the humble bus to enjoy a glamping renaissance. Pigeon Door lead the fast lane with their 1981 Leyland Atlantean double-decker, which had been lovingly converted to include a fully-functioning kitchen and a cosy top-deck sleeping area, complete with stunning views across the Stretton Hills. Ding ding!
Since her arrival in the Shropshire countryside, ‘Betsy Blue’ has proved extremely popular – and we can see why. She boasts three comfortable bedrooms on the top-deck (one double, one set of bunk-beds and a single) and all your linen and towels are provided, so you can pack light. Head downstairs – minding your head – and you'll find a fully-equipped kitchen with cooker, hob and fridge. There’s also a seating area with a TV, which easily turns into a comfortable eating space – all kept nice and cosy with your own wood-burner. Keeping true to the site's smallholding past, you’re likely to bump into one or two animals during your stay. In fact, you may find it hard to avoid the pet pigs, who love a belly rub – not to mention the darting geese and friendly horses in the nearby fields.
Location-wise, this spot is a winner. Only seven miles away is Shrewsbury, a wonderful tangle of winding medieval streets and timbered Tudor homes. A crucial front during the medieval Anglo-Wesh conflicts, even today the road bridge heading towards London is known as the 'English Bridge' to mark it out from the 'Welsh Bridge' leading towards Holyhead. Twenty-first century Shrewsbury has evolved into a laid-back market town and it’s that overall feel which is its premier appeal, rather than any specific sights. However the town did decide to celebrate its associations with Charles Darwin (born here in 1809), by erecting a 40ft-high sculpture entitled 'Quantum Leap'. Costing half a million pounds, many locals rue the cost rather than celebrate its artistic vision. Decide for yourself if it's worth the heavy investment.
Any nice little extras? Indeed. A stay at Pigeon Door comes with its very own bubbling hot tub, a prime spot to enjoy some late night stargazing until you turn into a shrivelled prune. But what really charms you here takes more than just plumbing in the newest hot tub. It’s Betsy Blue herself – a very cool, unique glamping experience in a rural smallholding. Seriously, there's not many of us who can say we spent our summer holiday in a double-decker bus? Well, apart from Cliff of course.
Only a few hundred yards away is Berriwood Stables (01743 718252), who offer excellent equestrian facilities and trekking breaks. If you would like to bring your horse, Pigeon Door have an excellent purpose built block of stables available for hire for the duration of your stay. The sites home grown hay is also available to purchase. Set in 120 acres of magnificent Shropshire countryside, Shrewsbury Golf Club (01743 872977) is available to enjoy 18 holes with some lovely views. The clubhouse provides some relaxation space and a good value dining experience. Further afield, the higgledy-piggledy Bishops Castle makes an interesting day out. As well as its two small museums you can browse its varied mix of shops, including Yarborough House (01588 638318), a second-hand book and record shop, which also has a coffee shop .
Complete your break by enjoying Pigeon Door's home-reared sausages, bacon and freshly-laid free-range eggs for your breakfast. Offsite, The Fox Inn (01743 718499) is a local pub offering excellent food and superb cask ales. Only a 15 minute walk away, this friendly local offers a wide selection of fresh meat and vegetarian dishes, with fish sourced from Birmingham’s fish market. There’s also an award-winning Persian restaurant nearby, another pub and a decent Indian takeaway that can deliver to the site.
