Skoolie Stays is tucked away in a private meadow in West Sussex, offering an off-grid, cabin-style glamping escape that works just as well for families as it does for couples. Whether you want to explore the South Downs, keep the kids entertained nearby, or do absolutely nothing at all, here’s what’s on your doorstep.
Skoolie Stays is based at Thakeham, West Sussex.
Our site is a secluded base for exploring the South Downs without feeling cut off. We’re nestled just below the South Downs National Park, in a private spot surrounded by lush green fields, ancient woodland and rolling hills. It is the perfect space for a unique, off-grid experience, ideal for switching off and reconnecting.
Whether you choose to hike or bike in the South Downs, picnic at the National Trust’s Warren Hill Park, tour Arundel Castle or meander through the copse to visit the 16th-century pub in nearby Thakeham village, there is plenty to keep you busy.
There is of course plenty of reasons to do none of that. This is your chance to switch off and immerse yourself in nature for a few days. Settle in at the hot tub deck or by the firepit and watch the kids play in the trees and fields, watch the sun rise and set from the sundeck outside your bedroom or just settle in and have a nap in front of the flames of the log burner. With Skoolie Stays as your base, you can experience Sussex glamping in the very best style
Walks, bike rides and big views straight from your doorstep.
The Skoolie Stays experience goes well beyond the bus, with the South Downs National Park right on your doorstep.
Extending for 87 miles from Winchester in the west to Beachy Head at its eastern end, the South Downs is a rolling landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Every year, thousands of people walk or cycle the entire South Downs Way, following the crest of the hills. Many more choose shorter sections, enjoying leisurely walks or bike rides and using public transport to return to their starting point.
“The Downs… too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness, if only they would look”
— Virginia Woolf, diaries
From Skoolie Stays in West Sussex, walkers can head east towards Chanctonbury Ring, an Iron Age hillfort later used as a Roman religious site, or west towards Amberley and its 900-year-old castle. Whichever direction you choose, clear days reward you with wide-open views across the Adur Valley and the surrounding countryside.
Pubs, farm shops and vineyards within easy reach – or cook at home and stay put.
For those that want a lovely British pub, you will be pleased to hear that you are spoilt for choice. The closest pub, The White Lion, is approximately one mile away and can be reached by foot. For those on the hunt for a heritage pub, look no further – this cosy spot was an original coaching inn, built in the 16th century. Thankfully the menu has moved on to a more modern fare with locally sourced, seasonal food, fantastic wines and usually a few real ales on tap.
In summer you can enjoy the South facing patio and gardens, in winter the fireplaces!
A little further away, in the village of Storrington (2 miles from the bus) has a selection of bars and restaurants. The Moon is our preferred pub – it serves a great burger!
A little further away in Amberley (6 miles), there are a couple of great options. A favourite of ours is The Sportsman, with its lovely conservatory overlooking the stunning Amberley Wildbrooks Nature Reserve. We also love The Black Horse, which is beautifully decorated with amazing fireplaces and a view into the kitchen, so you can see the Head Chef cooking up your dinner.
The White Hart at Stopham Bridge (6 miles), and the Black Rabbit in Arundel (14 miles) are also great options. Both are incredibly picturesque and sit alongside the river, with delicious menus.
Not everyone wants to eat out, so the Skoolie Stays bus is fully-equipped for happy cooks to create their own culinary delights. Meadows Cafe & Store which is walkable via the woodland track right from the bus is a great little store and cafe. So much of what you need, accesoible by foot. The Village Larder (3 miles away) is full of tasty farm shop and deli treats, while Storrington has more mainstream supermarkets.
And what to drink? Beer lovers can choose from a host of local producers. We love the award-winning Arundel Brewery and local legends Greyhound Brewery Wine lovers have several great vineyards close-by with award winning wines from locals vintners such as Wiston Estate or Kinsbrook Vineyard. We can even organise a selection of wines and beers to be ready for you in your fridge to enjoy on arrival. Cheers!
The bus itself and our on-site attractions (wood-fired hot tub & hammocks!) is one of the main reasons Skoolie Stays works so well for families. The great outdoors is a happy place for adventurous kiddos and we have a few books and games hidden under the diner chairs that will help you make the most of your time. But if you want more, more, more, fear not….
Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre is a 36-acre open-air site dedicated to the industrial heritage of the southeast. Little kids will love taking a ride around the Museum on the narrow gauge railway and historic bus and big kids (oh alright, parents!) will find the old vehicles and traditional work of the woodturners, wheelwrights and blacksmiths, fascinating.
Arundel offers lots of opportunities for family fun. Arundel Castle is situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun. It runs a busy calendar of events that will appeal to the whole family. There’s also the Arundel Wetland Centre, which showcases wetlands habitats for wildlife and wildfowl from around the world and has all sorts of wildlife-themed activities for young people.
For older kids, there is also the opportunity to visit Brighton or Worthing (only 30 minutes by car).
Arundel Castle is not the only local highlight. West Sussex is steeped in history and heritage. Roman villas, ruined Tudor Mansions, stately homes with beautiful gardens – you can take your pick!
If you’ve got some energy to burn, keep it simple and get on your bikes and hit the trails all over the South Downs.
