Buses can make for perfect romantic getaways? Oh yes.
If romance can be found in peaceful natural surroundings, away from the pressure and noises of everyday life, with comfort and delightful design as your environment, surprising treats and luxuries part of every day, shared with the one that matters most, then this particular bus is ready to school you in how to treat yourself and your loved one to a proper romantic break.
"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. 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." Alex and Maria - JULY 2026
Escape to a quirky, off-grid stay in the heart of West Sussex for your next romantic getaway. At Skoolie Stays, you’ll share slow mornings, firelit evenings, and countryside views — all from the comfort of a lovingly converted American school bus.
Your Quirky Hideaway for Two
Forget cookie-cutter hotel rooms — this is a genuine American yellow school bus, transformed into a design-forward glamping hideaway. Its timber-clad interior, clever layout, and cosy spaces are made for couples.
At the back of the bus, the king-size bed looks out over the fields. A comfy sofa sits by the log burner, and the kitchen is fully equipped for cooking together. With solar power, reclaimed finishes, and an off-grid ethos, it’s a stay that feels good in every sense.
Evenings to Remember
Step onto your private hot tub deck as the sun goes down. Soak under the stars, surrounded by peaceful fields, before drying off and curling up by the firepit. On clear nights, the sky puts on a show — no TV needed.
Inside, light the stove and enjoy the warm glow and quiet stillness of countryside life. It’s the kind of evening you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
Days Out—or In: Local Experiences Near Thakeham
Whether you want a day of exploring or total relaxation, Skoolie Stays is ideally located for low-key, high-reward adventures:
- Kinsbrook Vineyard – Family-run, stylish, and local. Enjoy wine tastings, small plates, and vineyard views just minutes away.
- South Downs National Park – Perfect for hand-in-hand hikes, scenic drives, or a countryside picnic.
- Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre – Historic, hands-on, and full of character.
- Arundel Castle & Town – Romantic architecture, riverside walks, and cosy tearooms.
- Parham House & Gardens – A peaceful estate with formal gardens and hidden charm.
- Petworth House and Park – A beautiful free to roam large estate with herds of deer and stags
Or just stay put — nap in the hammock, read by the fire, and enjoy the simple luxury of having no schedule. Maybe the best romantic getaways are when you stay put once you are there!
Comfort Meets Adventure
The Skoolie is designed to make off-grid living effortless. You’ll have hot showers, a real flushing toilet, a full kitchen, and a layout that feels both compact and expansive.
There are no neighbours, no noise — just you, the sky, the fields, and time to enjoy them.
And about the ADVENTURE part – check out our story and our own romantic state-side adventure (admittedly with kids in tow!) that led us to start Skoolie Stays.
Why couples love Skoolie Stays
There’s something about the school bus that invites connection. Maybe it’s the snug layout, the peaceful surroundings, or the nostalgia of climbing into a space designed for simpler times. Guests often say they find themselves slowing down — cooking together, sharing long conversations, or just enjoying the kind of silence you rarely get at home.
Whether it’s a special occasion or just time to unplug, Skoolie Stays offers couples a real sense of escape — and a chance to enjoy each other’s company in a setting that feels both playful and peaceful.
A Day in the Life: do it your Way
Start the morning with fresh coffee and views of the fields through your panoramic windows. Cook up breakfast in the fully-equipped kitchen, then take a slow stroll through the surrounding countryside or visit a local vineyard.
Afternoons are made for lounging — nap on the king-size bed with the door open to the breeze, or sit outside with a good book and a blanket. When evening comes, fire up the wood-fired hot tub, uncork a bottle, and watch the sunset dissolve into starlight. No agenda. No interruptions. Just time together.
Best time to visit for your romantic getaway?
There’s no wrong time for a romantic getaway, but each season brings its own kind of magic.
- Spring: Blossoming trees, lambs in nearby fields, and crisp mornings made for cuddling with coffee.
- Summer: Long golden evenings, outdoor dinners, and stargazing from the hot tub.
- Autumn: Firepit sunsets, misty mornings, and the glow of turning leaves all around you.
- Winter: Flickering wood-burner warmth, hot baths under cold stars, and deep, peaceful stillness.
Whatever time you visit, you’ll find that the Skoolie brings the outside in — and the inside out.
Ready for a romantic break that’s anything but ordinary?
At a Glance
- Sleeps: 2 (plus optional Murphy beds for 2 more)
- Location: Thakeham, West Sussex
- Hot tub: Private deck with countryside views
- Eco features: Solar power, reclaimed materials, off-grid systems
- Cooking: Full kitchen + outdoor firepit
- Pets: Sorry, no dogs or pets
Questions?
See our FAQs to make sure your own romantic getaway delivers everything you need.
