Our first proper family camping holiday, all four of us in the campervan. We loaded up the VW T6 and met Grandma and Grandpa, with their motorhome, at The Oaks Farm near Ditchling for a few days of sunshine, time together and memories to keep. After plenty of day trips and shorter outings, this was the proper adventure we’d been waiting for.
Setting Up Camp
We parked up next to Grandma and Grandpa, rolled out the awning on the T6, and our corner of the site soon felt like home for the weekend. Blue skies, warm evenings and loads of room for the kids to run about. With both vans side by side it felt like our own little private campsite.
England on the Big Screen
A highlight of the weekend was watching the England match on the projector. Once the sun went down we hung the screen under the awning, set up the projector and all settled in together. Football outside with the family under the fairy lights is the kind of moment that makes campervan life so good. There will definitely be more outdoor cinema and football nights.
Pancakes for Breakfast
Camping breakfasts always taste better. This time it was pancakes on the griddle while everyone slowly woke up, with good coffee and simple food out in the morning sun. The simplest meals often end up the best memories.
Keeping Cool
The only real downside was the heat, which led to one of the funniest parts of the trip. Out came the water pistols and buckets, and before long we were all soaked in an epic family water fight. Nobody stayed dry, which was exactly what we needed. We also spent plenty of time flying kites and playing games in the open field.
Meeting the Farm Animals
What makes The Oaks Farm special is the animals. Donkeys close to the campsite, plus chickens, turkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs and plenty of other friendly faces around the farm. The boys loved getting hands-on with the smaller animals, gently holding the guinea pigs and rabbits. For kids who love animals, it’s a brilliant place to stay.
Great Food Without Leaving the Farm
The on-site café was a nice surprise: freshly cooked, generous portions and very reasonably priced. Breakfast, lunch or just a drink, it was great having it right there without packing up and driving out.
A Brilliant First Family Camping Trip
This weekend reminded us why we bought the campervan. No rushing, no packed schedule, nothing to do except spend time together. England under the awning, pancakes, games in the field, water fights, the animals, and all of it shared with Grandma and Grandpa. For our first proper family camping adventure, we couldn’t have asked for more. We’re already planning the next one.
