There are many listings around the world that offer travellers a unique overnight stay, with some even including fantastic views. One such example is in Dorset, Southern England, but it’s not for the faint-hearted, as the breath-taking experience sees guests spending a night suspended off the side of a ledge, taking the opportunity to eat dinner and watch the sunset over the English Channel while waves crash on the rocks below.

Created by Young’s Adventure Solutions, the experience sees guests being strapped into a portaledge, a hanging tent system designed for climbers taking part in long excursions. The design sees strong fabric being stretched over a metal frame that is then attached to ropes and harnesses for security. “I got the idea after my own personal climbing experience in Yosemite, USA back in 2014, where I spent three days on the 3000-foot El Capitan climbing to the top, followed by a winter of climbing in Scotland and using a portaledge,” Eddy Young of Young’s Adventure Solutions told Lonely Planet Travel News.

Guests meet their instructor at the location, where they are taught the necessary skills to abseil down the cliff face into the already-set-up portaledge. “You will be made to feel at home. The instructor will be close to hand if you need him, but far enough away so you can enjoy the view and sunset of the Dorset coastline in peace. Our instructor will be on hand if you need anything. He will coach you on how best to move around and make the most of your night on the ledge. You will always be attached to the cliff face and made to feel safe. It’s an experience that will last a lifetime,” Eddy said.

Once settled, the instructor lowers dinner down to guests to enjoy while the sun is setting. In the morning, guests are greeted with fresh coffee and bacon and egg rolls. Once finished, they will climb to the top to the meeting point. Guests require a head for heights and a basic level of fitness, and are advised to bring warm clothes and comfortable trainers. Safety equipment, sleeping bags and liners, pillows and head torches are all provided by the company.

The overnight cliff camping experience costs £200 (€226) per person for two people, while a three-hour long sunset or lunch experience is also available for £170 (€192) per person for two people.

Content from: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/dorset-portaledge-cliff-sleeping-experience