With the cost of living spiralling, many of us will struggle to afford a foreign holiday this summer. But who needs to be jetting around in planes, contributing to the climate crisis (and trying to keep kids entertained in airport queues!), when you could be exploring the beautiful British countryside?
If you have a van or a 4×4, you can easily load up equipment and supplies for a family camping trip. With a few simple modifications, you might even be able to turn your vehicle into a temporary campervan! So get out there and experience some of these stunning holiday locations that are just a drive away.
Just up the road from our workshop, in Hailsham, is the picturesque Fontmills Farm. Nestled between the countryside of the South Downs and the beaches of Eastbourne, this is the perfect location for campers to take in the variety of nature the UK has to offer, whilst still keeping easy access to towns and cities.
There are just 30 camping pitches available, keeping a small and friendly community vibe on the 140-acre farm, and you can also take advantage of one of the furnished bell tents available that come complete with memory-foam mattresses, lighting and rugs. There are kitchen wares available, and you can even make use of a gas stove, although most people prefer to hire a fire pit and cook the traditional way! Bring bikes along with you to take advantage of the purpose-built, pub-to-pub Cuckoo Trail cycle way.
This campsite, arranged around a lake in an old quarry, was actually the first campsite in the UK to begin offering tipi camping, back in 1996. Regular camping is on offer here, too, and there are hot showers and flushing toilets available for everyone.
You can swim, sail or fish in the lake (boats and canoes, plus life jackets, are available, but you’ll need your own rods and licence for fishing), or explore the wild, unspoilt countryside. With wide open spaces for children to run about in, this feels like a space to truly get back to nature and get away from the pressures of modern life.
If you’re looking for a few more modern comforts, Ivy Bank has everything you could need. As well as almost 360 views of the beautiful lower Yorkshire Dales, you will have access to electric hook-up points, a wide range of unique glamping units, Chinese takeaway, and even a mobile hot tub that can be brought to your pitch!
This is a great base from which to explore the rich variety the Yorkshire Dales has to offer, or you can stay local and stroll to the village pub, shop and fish and chips shop within just five minutes.
This is the campsite created by true van lifers! Having spent four years travelling the world with their children, Ali and Ian Paice decided to put down roots on the Lyn Peninsula, sandwiched between the Yr Eifl hills and the Irish Sea.
Ali and Ian set out to create a space where children could run free and parents could unwind. Their kitchen garden and eco retreat is a place that celebrates the natural environment and encourages creativity. It is a sociable environment where you can meet other families, and they even offer free cups of tea.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous break, Ace Hideaways gives you access to walking trails, wildlife-spotting opportunities and sports such as whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, canyoning, cliff jumping and paintball, which can all be booked on-site.
They have spacious bell tens available for families and groups, or intimate shepherd’s huts for couples. Or, if you’re bringing your own tent, you can try woodland camping.
If you’re planning a camping getaway this summer, a Get Stowed unit can be easily slotted into your van or 4×4 to allow you to take everything but the kitchen sink along with you. Get in touch to find out more!