Luxury cabin-style glamping with a private hot tub in the West Sussex countryside
A secluded nature retreat near Pulborough & the South Downs — uniquely set inside a beautifully converted American bus.
cabin-style glamping In Sussex With a Wood-Fired hot tub
Stay in a cosy handcrafted American school bus beneath the oaks.
Your own private countryside hideaway
Tucked away in a peaceful meadow at Little Thakeham Farm, Skoolie Stays blends the warm, rustic feel of a woodland cabin with the character of a handcrafted American school bus conversion.
Expect timber-lined interiors, soft lighting, a king-size bed and your own wood-fired hot tub beneath the oak tree — all surrounded by wide-open countryside and total tranquillity.
Whether you’re escaping from London, Brighton, Kent, Hampshire or further afield, this is a romantic retreat, a family glamping break, or a perfect digital detox escape with all the comfort you actually want and a cabin-style experience. Planning a cooler-weather escape? Discover autumn and winter glamping in Sussex — log fires, quiet countryside and your own wood-fired hot tub
Prefer a more traditional log-cabin style retreat, take a look at our other luxury glamping lodge The Vacationist Eco-Cabin, located in East Sussex.
Everything you need for a luxury cabin-style stay
Luxury Glamping with a Hot Tub in a Quiet Meadow
From lazy mornings on the deck to stargazing in the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve, this is Sussex glamping with a hot tub done properly — peaceful, cosy and completely off-grid in feel. Handmade furnishings, repurposed materials and panoramic windows create a calming, cabin-like atmosphere in every season. The bus and the beautiful private setting deliver the Skoolie Stays experience together.
Here's the Skoolie - click on each pic to see in full!
A big yellow bus your kids (and you!) will never forget
If you’ve ever wanted to stay somewhere that makes grown-ups grin and kids absolutely lose their minds… this is it. The Skoolie is unique glamping in Sussex in the shape of an actual American school bus, shipped all the way from Florida and transformed into a cosy cabin-on-wheels — complete with the original driver’s seat, retro dash and those huge iconic windows.
Inside, you’ll find handcrafted bunks that kids race to claim, a king-size bed for the adults, and loads of quirky touches that make it feel like a little adventure the moment you step on board. Families love it because it’s fun without being chaotic. Couples love it because it’s quirky without being gimmicky. There is so much natural stimulation and peace on the bus and at the site it is also perfect for a screen-free retreat. Both for adults, and those with kids. Everyone loves it because it feels like a story waiting to happen. What’s more, our wonderful glamping bus comes from our own story – all 14000 miles of our US road trip.
This is one of those places your children will talk about for months — and one you’ll secretly be just as excited about.
A peaceful digital detox retreat in West Sussex
If you’re craving time offline, this secluded spot is ideal for a digital detox stay — silence, space, nature and slow living.
This part of West Sussex is already known for its digital-detox atmosphere, with other off-grid-style cabins and unplugged stays nearby. The Skoolie offers the same calming reset, with the added charm of a handcrafted, cabin-style interior, wide countryside views and a private wood-fired hot tub.
Or, are you after a purpose-built cabin for your digital detox? Explore The Vacationist Eco-Cabin in our other private field.
A beautiful lodge for your stay in the country
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
Find Us in a Quiet Meadow Near Pulborough, Thakeham & Storrington
Nestled beneath the South Downs, the Skoolie sits among farmland, old oaks and wildlife — a peaceful escape from busy life.
Arundel
Amberley
Knepp
Wiston Estate
Stopham Vineyard
Parham Park
The Downs Link
Littlehampton & Worthing beaches
A perfect base for walking, wine tasting, nature watching, and slow weekend retreats.
Skoolie stays in the press
National Trust
'Wild Escapes' featuring Skoolie Stays!
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.
What our guests say about us
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!
Posted on Google 
Kathy Sartin
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Such a fun and spacious converted school bus packed full with quirky character, in an absolutely glorious setting. The weather truly was but with us on arrival but once in and settled and wine opened, peace was found :). Guy was very helpful and communicative and the quality of the breakfast box (which was changed to a veggie one for us) was outstanding. Outside woodfired hot tub great fun too! Would highly recommend.
Posted on Google
Helen Holmes
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Marvellous: beautiful location and super comfy beds too. So spacious compared to a campervan or similar. We had an idyllic break in the sunshine!
Posted on Google
Suzanne Goldenberg-Shove
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.This is our second stay with Guy and Ruth and it didn't disappoint! This time round we chose the Skoolie - a different location, and a completely different way of living (on a bus!). It was the best fun! From the moment we arrived we relaxed in to slow living life whilst we whiled away a few hours warming the hot tub. Whilst there we enjoyed a fab walk to Kinsbrook vineyard, enjoyed by the whole family (even when we got lost). Wonderful hosting service as always, thanks so much Guy and Ruth, we will be back again next year!
Posted on Google
jayne goddard
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Great break with grandchildren - so exciting for them. Interesting weave to find it but all adds to the anticipation. Super comfortable beds. Children loved the wood fired hot tub…….. but not as much as me! Located under a big oak tree, utterly serene. Spent some late night hours here and even heard an owl in the dark. Would definitely recommend for peace and quiet, relaxation and reflection. Maybe without the grandchildren next time!
Posted on Google
alex O'Connor
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I've never stayed anywhere like this before (obviously). Parked in the south Downs - This place felt special. The Meadow dotted with oak trees; Hay-bales, woodland walks and nothing but bird song. The bus itself had everything you need and was well kitted out with modern appliances, shower, sink, woodstove, dining area etc. You would think it might be small but it definitely wasn't. For us, the best part was sitting late into the evening in the giant woodfired bath tub looking out over green fields and trees. So unique and definitely worth it for the experience.
Posted on Google
Hayley Martin
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.An absolutely stunning venue, so well thought of. The bus is gorgeous and so well thought out for any type of weather and everything is thoughtfully thought about. Guy and Ruth are such kind hosts and all communication is so spot on. Their story is inspiring If you get the opportunity I would 100% recommend, it’s a rare find and so worth doing anytime Thank you both for such a wonderful stay
Posted on Google
Sophie Rice
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Beautiful location and outstanding accommodation. We had the best weekend, the kids absolutely love it!
Posted on Google
Libby Turner
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Beautiful location and great accommodation on the bus - a very comfortable bed and cozy log burner!
Posted on Google
Aimee Harvey
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Highly highly recommend this cool glamping experience… we booked for 2 nights… Guy was amazing with communication and my many questions… the bus is amazing and everything you need is there… we all loved it xxx
Location
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.
accommodation
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.
things to do
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.
The American bus that became a cabin retreat
We brought this genuine yellow school bus back from the US and transformed it by hand into a warm, cosy, cabin-style hideaway. The story is part of the charm — but what guests remember most is the comfort, the calm, and the feeling of stepping into somewhere truly different.
Want a larger deck or a full log-style cabin? Visit our sister property — The Vacationist Eco-Cabin, just over the field.
Ready for your West Sussex escape?
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– SLEEPS 4 – SUSSEX LOCATION – OPEN YEAR-ROUND –