Tucked away in a private spot in the stunning Sussex countryside — and just minutes from the South Downs National Park — Skoolie Stays is a glamping Sussex experience like no other. Stay in a fully converted American school bus, complete with a wood-fired hot tub, outdoor deck, and triple hammocks for laid-back lounging.
Whether you’re escaping from London, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire or further afield, this off-grid hideaway is perfect for couples, families, and anyone seeking a quirky weekend break with comfort and character. With charming villages, cosy country pubs, and peaceful walking trails nearby, it’s a truly unique place to stay in the South East — close to home, but a world away.
The Vacationist is an eco-cabin, designed and built on an old agricultural trailer. It is carbon-neutral, giving you the opportunity to experience some of the amazing eco initiatives and products that are available to those keen to reduce their carbon footprint.
Sleeps 4 - Open year round
Skoolie stays in the press
Look out for us in National Trust’s latest release. Skoolie Stays is featured as one of 40 top stays in the UK.
Read more about Skoolie Stays in the press, on tv and in books in our recent article.
We work hard to keep the Skoolie Stays bus glamping experience exciting, enchanting, and fresh for all our guests of all ages.
This is just a selection but you can look at them in more depth in our Guest Reviews article or see them directly on our Facebook page or our Google listing and tune in to our social media to follow along!
Skoolie Stays is a solar-powered, off-grid glamping Sussex hideaway set in a converted American school bus. Thoughtfully designed with handmade furniture, cosy touches, and repurposed bus features, it blends comfort and character in a truly quirky glamping experience. Whether you’re after a romantic break or a family adventure, it’s a stay like no other.
Nestled in a peaceful meadow beneath the South Downs, our Sussex glamping spot is perfect for escaping city life. Explore ancient woodland, spot wildlife, or walk the South Downs Way right from your door. Nearby villages like Arundel offer castles, cosy pubs, and great food — all just a short drive from London, Kent or Surrey.
From clifftop walks to vintage tea rooms and local markets, there’s plenty to explore during your glamping break in Sussex. Enjoy coastal paths, open-air museums like Amberley Heritage Centre, and family favourites like Arundel’s Norman castle or the beach at Littlehampton.
Skoolie Stays was born out of our love for American school bus conversions and a dream to bring that quirky, creative style of travel back home to the UK.
We spent an unforgettable year travelling 14,000 miles across 20 different U.S. states in our first converted bus. Along the way, we fell in love with life on the road — off-grid, full of character, and full of surprises.
When we returned to Sussex, we knew we had to share this experience — and so, Skoolie Stays was born: a unique glamping Sussex retreat in a real American school bus, now parked in a peaceful meadow near the South Downs.
We can’t wait to share it with you.
– SLEEPS 4 – SUSSEX LOCATION – OPEN YEAR-ROUND –
