logo
I transformed abandoned UK train station into ultimate Airbnb steeped in Victorian character – now I make £200 a day

I transformed abandoned UK train station into ultimate Airbnb steeped in Victorian character – now I make £200 a day

The Sun3 days ago
A RAILWAY fanatic who lives in an old station has spent thousands converting a former train carriage in to a luxury AirBnB apartment.
Nigel Brooke, 68, lives in the old Delph railway station in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.
7
7
7
Passenger train services ceased in the area in the 1950s, but - thanks to a loving £27,000 restoration - visitors can once again step inside a carriage at the station.
Instead of a ticket price, they'll have to part with the £200 per-night cost for the luxury accommodation.
The second class 1895 Great Western Railway carriage has been restored to its former glory on the outside and finished in the original colours - gleaned from old drawings and charts.
Nigel used on the outside with original colours from old drawings and charts, while the interior has been given a stunning makeover.
The inside has been given a stunning makeover to create a cosy bedroom in the style of the same period.
Some additional features, such as a bed and stove, were necessary to make it inhabitable.
Retired wallpaper designer Nigel said: "I designed all that interior decor, but it was led by original pieces that I found doing the restoration.
"The carriage was built in 1895 in Swindon, it's a GWR carriage.
"It ran on the Metropolitan Railway. It was decommissioned in 1940, it was all painted in dark colours because of the war, I think.
"It was just chocolate brown everywhere, it became a workman's carriage static somewhere."
Nigel splashed £8,000 on the carriage, which was hauled up from Gloucester by road.
It now stands on two concrete walls designed to keep it completely level to Delph station's original platform, making it accessible step-free.
In total, the dad-of-three says he spent £27,000 on the restoration.
He added: "One side was covered in tin - that must have been put there in the 50s or 40s to protect one side.
"The woodwork of the frame was in great condition with it being built of oak, they built these in Swindon out of oak.
"What I had to do was take each piece off carefully that was rotten and replicate it and rebuild it, using the original bits. It was in reasonable condition.
7
7
7
"It's quite early, 1895, for a carriage - it's getting towards disintegration at that age if they've not been restored, this will be good for a long time now."
Nigel is now planning on expanding his Airbnb offering with a new chamber in the station's former waiting room, to allow larger groups to visit.
Nigel said: "People absolutely adore it, there's a lot of history here. It's a beautiful place.
"It is beautiful, and it's quite unique here, I bought this place in the 80s when I was in my 30s, I was quite lucky to acquire such a nice old historic building.
"I may turn one of the waiting rooms into an Airbnb with an ensuite, so when people stay in this carriage, if they've got friends they can stay in the waiting room at the station house."
7
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

15 of the best valued theme parks in the UK to visit during the 2025 summer holidays
15 of the best valued theme parks in the UK to visit during the 2025 summer holidays

Scotsman

time23 minutes ago

  • Scotsman

15 of the best valued theme parks in the UK to visit during the 2025 summer holidays

The thrill of making the journey to one of the numerous theme parks across the United Kingdom is still one of the most exciting things to feel growing up and being on summer holidays. But they aren't as cheap as they used to be - or is that really the case? VIP Grinders, analysed 47 theme parks across the UK to determine which provides visitors with the best experience for the most affordable price The study examined various factors, including online ticket prices, number of rides and attractions, review ratings, and the number of good value-related terms in customer reviews to create an overall score out of 100 for each park. These results were then used to create a ranking of the best to worst value theme parks in the UK. To determine the UK's best value theme parks, 283 UK-based theme parks were sourced from Tripadvisor. This initial pool was then refined by removing parks with fewer than 1,000 reviews and those that did not align with the definition of a traditional theme park, resulting in a final selection of 47 theme parks for detailed analysis. For each of these 47 theme parks, data was meticulously collected across 11 distinct factors, each assigned a specific weighting to reflect its importance in assessing value for money. These factors included: Tripadvisor Rating (8.0%), Google Rating (8.0%), the percentage of Tripadvisor reviews containing terms such as "bargain," "cheap," "deal," "free," and "value" (3.0% each for these five terms), Number of Rides (30.0%), Number of Attractions (15.0%), Day Ticket Price (15.0%), and Annual Pass Price (9.0%). A scoring system was then applied, with each theme park evaluated out of a maximum of 100 points based on its performance across these weighted criteria. Parks achieving higher scores were subsequently identified as offering superior value for money. So, what are the 15 best value for money theme parks to attend these summer holidays? 1 . Watermouth Castle (Ilfracombe) - Index Score: 54.09 Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe offers a unique blend of theme park rides, charming Victorian attractions, and beautiful gardens, all set within the historic castle grounds, providing a truly distinctive family experience. 💰 Day Ticket Price: £19.00/Number of Rides: 9 | Watermouth Castle Photo Sales 2 . Camel Creek Family Adventure Park (Wadebridge) - Index Score: 54.2 Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, near Wadebridge, offers an exciting day out with a mix of rides, indoor play, and animal attractions, set in the heart of Cornwall. 💰 Day Ticket Price: £18.00/Number of Rides: 16 | Camel Creek Family Adventure Park Photo Sales 3 . Gulliver's World - Warrington (Warrington) - Index Score: 54.78 Gulliver's World in Warrington is specifically designed for families with children aged 2-13, featuring a variety of themed areas, gentle rides, and interactive attractions - but not without it's white-knuckle moments for older family members. 💰 Day Ticket Price: £26.00/Number of Rides: 32 | Gulliver's World Photo Sales 4 . Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park (North Stainley) - Index Score: 55.9 Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in North Stainley has transitioned to focus on family-friendly rides and attractions, making it ideal for younger visitors seeking adventure without extreme thrills. 💰 Day Ticket Price: £22.50/Number of Rides: 28 | Lightwater Valley Photo Sales

I'm a frequent flyer - here's how you can REALLY bag a flight upgrade
I'm a frequent flyer - here's how you can REALLY bag a flight upgrade

Daily Mail​

time23 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

I'm a frequent flyer - here's how you can REALLY bag a flight upgrade

It's the one thing most flight passengers want but can't have - the chance to turn left on a plane and make their trip at 38,000ft a whole lot more comfortable. With business and first class tickets often priced at thousands above the cost of a seat at the back of the plane, they remain accessible only to the wealthy, or business travellers whose companies will foot the bill. However, several flight experts have shared their wisdom on tips and tricks to get a spot at the front of the plane without coughing up the full price. Speaking to The Independent, Gilbert Ott, founder of travel site said that buying a ticket in premium economy, often just a few hundred pounds more than an economy seat, can often secure you a place at the front of the queue for upgrades. Ott told the publication that the smallest cabin on the plane often gets the most oversold: 'They love to oversell this cabin with upgrades, effectively selling a seat on the plane twice to someone. 'And since it's such a small cabin, here you're most likely to receive a complimentary bump to business or first class.' And if you're travelling with a more budget operator, such as easyJet or Ryanair? Another expert, Zach Griff, senior reporter at travel brand The Points Guy, says a last-minute check-in is often the key to a better seat. He explained that often the most expensive seats on low-cost airlines are still sold right until the last moment - and when it's time to fly, you might bag an eleventh hour move to a more comfortable, better appointed seat. The travel sage said: 'If they end up going unsold, it's possible they might assign them to the last people checking in.' Earlier this year, Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, shared how to 'position yourself as a prime candidate' for the cabin crew to move you up to business – or even first class – absolutely free of charge. The first tip from Dawn is simply just to ask. She told the Express: 'When you check in, smile warmly and simply ask, 'Are there any upgrade opportunities available today?' 'This phrasing is important - it's polite, direct, and shows you understand upgrades aren't guaranteed.' But the timing of this question is also just as important, says Dawn. She explains: 'Check in early, when more premium seats are likely available, but not during peak busy periods when staff are rushed. And always ask discreetly - never demand an upgrade in front of other passengers.' Even your clothes could also make all the difference, so Dawn recommends choosing your airport outfit very wisely – and making a bit of an effort with your appearance. She says: 'Smart-casual clothing sends a signal that you'll 'fit in' with the premium cabin environment. 'Think neat jeans or trousers, a collared shirt or nice top, and clean, decent shoes.' Telling the staff you're celebrating something like a honeymoon or big birthday could also lead to cabin crew giving you special treatment. Dawn adds: 'I've seen couples get upgraded because they mentioned their anniversary. One pair even received complimentary champagne in business class.' Dawn also recommends being flexible with your travel plans and keeping an eye out for oversold flights - often during school holidays or weekends – as 'these flights offer better upgrade opportunities'. But there are some big, 'simple mistakes' Dawn says many people make that 'instantly ruin their chances of an upgrade'. She says: 'Asking loudly in front of other passengers, arriving at the gate just before boarding, or being rude to staff are all guaranteed ways to stay in economy. 'Remember that upgrades are at the discretion of airline staff – they're more likely to reward polite, appreciative customers who've shown loyalty to their airline. 'Even if you're nervous or excited, stay calm and friendly. 'A little genuine courtesy goes a long way when upgrade decisions are being made.'

Football fan travels from India to see Brigg Town play
Football fan travels from India to see Brigg Town play

BBC News

timean hour ago

  • BBC News

Football fan travels from India to see Brigg Town play

A football fan who travelled 5,000 miles to see lower league side Brigg Town play on Saturday, said he was "overwhelmed".Rohan Chowdhury, 27, from Kolkata in India, became a fan of the Lincolnshire club during Chowdhury, who watches every game online, said the sport brought people together, "making the world a smaller place".After a tour of the club, he travelled to North Ferriby where he led Brigg Town out on to the pitch for their pre-season friendly against Hull Utd, which they won 4-2. Mr Chowdhury, who is a sports journalist in India, was visiting England for the first time to cover the cricket series and took the opportunity to visit the club."I'm a huge football fan", he said."I have always had a fascination with non-league football in England."Brigg Town competes in Northern Counties East League Division Chowdhury began chatting with managers at the club from afar and was soon helping out with their social media channels."Everyone was quite surprised that someone from Kolkata was actually interacting on social media on a regular basis and it was quite fun," he said. Jim Huxford, the club chairman, met Mr Chowdhury at the railway station at the start of his visit."It's nice when you get attention from half the way across the world," Mr Huxford said."I'm quite emotional anyway, so I had a little tear in my eye. I gave him a big hug."The stadium at Wrawby Road has recently undergone a £1.5m refurbishment, with the work due to be completed soon."I think it's such a lovely connection that sports bring to you," Mr Chowdhury said."I am from a different country altogether and there's no physical connection, so this friendship gives you a message that's also much bigger than the sport itself."It brings people together and makes the world a much smaller place," he Chowdhury said he intends to return to Lincolnshire to watch the club play to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store