The Beatles, one of the most famous rock bands in history, have influenced pop culture for over eight decades now. Their popularity transcended any previous boundaries between music and art.
One of their songs, the whimsical Yellow Submarine about an underwater utopia, has many interpretations. In the late 1960s, demonstrators against the Vietnam War believed it had more merit despite being considered a happy children's song. Moreover, Time magazine interpreted it as a "symbol of the psychedelic set's desire for escape."
No matter which version you identify with, Yellow Submarine had a massive impact on pop culture. One of The Beatles' biggest hits has inspired books, furniture, clothes, stamps, architecture, and even hotels.
An example is the Yellow Sub in Liverpool - a one-of-a-kind 80-foot floating hotel by hotelier Alfie Bubbles. This unique accommodation was made possible when Bubbles purchased the boat featured in the 1990 thriller The Hunt for Red October from Paramount Pictures.
And now, there is another one in the United Kingdom, and it's even quirkier.
The newest Yellow Submarine-inspired creation has a fascinating story. This unique bright yellow boat was originally designed to serve as a lifeboat on a ship.
However, during a raid on the Tanker Ship Northsea Pioneer by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, it was stolen by the attackers. Years later, the SS Jackie lifeboat was found adrift in a strait between the Isle of Wight and mainland Great Britain.
Andy Barton, the fortunate new owner of the lifeboat, had some unique ideas for its use beyond life-saving. It took six months to transform it into a submarine-themed sleeper for four people, retaining most of its original features while adding a new heating system for chilly days.
A former lifeboat turned into a yellow submarine parked in the middle of a grass field. A pretty psychedelic sight!
The grounded submarine sits in the English countryside at the Petruth Paddocks campsite. Accommodation options on site include Shepherd's huts, a powered bell tent, gypsy bowtops, an American school bus, and the newly added Yellow Submarine.
The entrance is through a submarine-style bulkhead door fitted with a peephole to see if it's your drunk friends or just cows making weird sounds outside.
The steampunk interior features many original bits, like pipes, dials, gauges, meters, and metalwork.
Under the instrument panel, a kitchenette was fitted, so you have a place to prep your own food.
The cockpit has a large "leak detection" red alarm next to the wheel.
Parents of young children can enjoy some peaceful moments while their little ones try out all the cool gadgets on the safe boat.
A double bed is in the back, plus two bunk beds allow for a cozy sleep for four people.
Steampunk is mixed with maritime details, like the small porthole windows.
Hopefully, the pipe called "wine supply input" does its job because if yes, then it's one of the finest inventions in the hospitality business. Who needs running water when can you have "running" wine?
Andy Barton plans to bring the Yellow Submarine (and the two school buses) to the Glastonbury festival and make it available as a premium accommodation for partygoers.
Labourham Drove, Cheddar BS27 3FS, United Kingdom
