A submarine replica, originally used in the James Bond film ‘The World Is Not Enough’, has been transformed into quirky accommodation at a camper site on the Isle of Wight.
HMS Bond is a copy of a Soviet Victor III class nuclear-powered submarine and is now available for hire at Windmill Campersite near Carisbrooke Castle.
The family-run site is already one of the quirkiest glamping sites in the UK and the new sub puts the Island firmly on the map for one-off experiences – complimenting their Falklands helicopter, shepherds’ huts, a dairy cottage and a split-screen VW Camper.
The teardrop-shaped submarine has cost around £40,000 to convert into accommodation. It features 2 double beds and a single bunk, sleeping 5 people. Like the real submarine it has little head room but loads of character and is equipped with trap doors, ladders, an interactive dashboard and a periscope.
Rhys Dungey co-runs the site with dad Stew. He says:
“Every year we like to add something new or improve our site and we decided that a submarine would be the perfect partner to the infamous Galahad – our Westland Wessex Helicopter. I scoured the web in search of a suitable submarine and after many months I located what we would finally name HMS BOND.
“The final design is down to Stew and his creative flair – with ideas often coming to him in the middle of the night – and purchases on eBay to finish HMS Bond with the authentic details which Windmill Campersite is known for! We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors over from the mainland as well as Islanders to our unique site.”
The renovation took place over the winter months of 2021-2022. The team at Windmill Campersite stripped out galvanised buoyancy tanks, miles of hydraulic hoses and an ingenious feature which enabled the huge replica to float and drive in the film. The team then worked with Kingswell Heavy Haulage to move the submarine to the site.
Once in situ, the team worked night and day to complete the conversion for launch this Spring. This involved adding a mobile container now named ‘The Dock’, which houses the canteen and washing facilities including a well-equipped kitchen, shower, toilet, eating area and doors out to the patio.
HMS Bond is available to book direct with Windmill Campersite, with prices starting at £450 for 4 nights in low season.
Sonar we know….(coat..etc)
Love it great fun good price aswell