Last summer I took our hire campervan on its first expedition and I didn’t even write about it!
We pitched right next to the park on the site, thanks to a seasoned caravaner whom we went with. From the moment the kids got out the camper, they were on the park, and stayed there all day! The campsite wasn’t massive, but big enough for the kids to ride around it on their bikes (and not big enough for them to get lost). Our daughter had been getting used to riding without stabilisers, but still needed a grown up to help set her off. Within an hour of constant riding, she had cracked it by herself – it really brought on her riding. I’d taken the bikes on our towbar mounted bike rack we have available.
The shower/toilet facilities where outstanding – better than our bathroom at home! We had taken one of the 2 “drive-away” awnings we have available for the camper. It was the simpler one, which is more like an event shelter, as we were only staying for 2 nights. Its inflatable, so you can set it up within a few minutes. I hadn’t realised however, that there was a button in the valve that had to be set correctly before inflating. Every time I disconnected the pump, all the air rushed back out again and I couldn’t understand what was happening, as the other awning doesn’t have this. The awning connects to a rail fitted on the camper with a Kador Strip and Figure of 8 connection, so both the camper and awning can be stationary when you connect. This allows you to drive away during the day, leaving your setup on the campsite – hence the name “drive-away” awning.
After setup, I enjoyed a well-earned brew and watched the kids explore the campsite. Our hire camper comes with everything you will need, from pots to pans, utensils etc to chairs, external stove and even a camping toilet. All you need to bring is food, clothes and a sleeping bag. There’s a cab wrap which covers the front windscreen and front windows, giving you privacy and keeps the heat inside the campervan.
Just a few minutes walk away there was a pub called The Bellflower. We ate there on the first night, really nice friendly atmosphere and good pub food. We also went up to Wallings Ice Cream which is a few minutes drive away. You wouldn’t believe the size of the scoops! Both went down a treat with the kids and so close and easy to get to.
All in all, a great family camping trip – everyone enjoyed it, especially the kids that just played out all day with their friends, and made some new ones along the way. Its so easy to do and you don’t have to go far. And at night time, the kids all snuggled in the camper and watched a movie whilst the adults enjoyed plenty of laughs, and a good drink.
Check out our hire campers availability here. Until June, its £400 for a mid-week or weekend hire, and only £464 from June til the end of August. School holidays are the same price, just the season that changes.
