Family-Friendly Adventures in West Sussex, East Sussex, Hampshire, and Surrey with Your Free Spirit Campervan!
Here’s a rich guide for an autumn adventure in your Free Spirit Campervan, perfect for exploring family-friendly attractions in West Sussex, East Sussex, Hampshire, and Surrey.
These areas offer a variety of child-focused activities, magical lights, and festive events during November and December, which can be a fantastic way to make the most of the camper lifestyle. What are you waiting for?!
West Sussex Adventures
Start your camper journey in West Sussex, where holiday lights, festive fairs, and nature trails create a wonderland.
Begin with Glow Wild at Wakehurst (November 28 – January 1) near Haywards Heath, featuring lantern trails across botanic gardens. As night falls, park the camper nearby, have a warm drink, and enjoy a peaceful walk through thousands of lanterns and illuminated installations – ideal for children and adults alike.
Nearby, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens hosts Leonardslee Illuminated (November 22 – December 30), another beautiful light trail with immersive scenes perfect for creating memories with the family
Fishers Farm Park is another must-visit for daytime family-friendly adventures. Located in Wisborough Green, the park offers outdoor adventure play areas, animal interactions, and special festive events beginning in late November.
If you prefer natural settings, the South Downs National Park has excellent, accessible trails where kids can safely explore, and the camper provides the perfect warm base after a bracing walk.
For West Sussex seasonal wonders, pack up your campervan, hit the road and get ready to embrace the festive season!
East Sussex Delights
East Sussex boasts some unique festive experiences for family-friendly adventures.
Starting on November 30, Drusillas Park in Alfriston transforms into a magical wonderland with festive lights and a Santa’s Grotto. It’s a great stopover where kids can enjoy animal exhibits by day and festive displays by evening.
Bluebell Railway’s Steamlights (November 15 – December 30) in Sheffield Park offers a captivating illuminated train ride through the countryside – perfect for winding down in a camper and providing a warm, cosy viewing spot.
For a more intimate holiday experience, take the kids to Bateman’s in Burwash, the former home of Rudyard Kipling, for traditional Christmas decor, carol singing, and guided house tours (November 16 – January 5). Families can explore the historic rooms adorned with festive decorations, creating a nostalgic holiday experience
Why not decorate your campervan with lights and tinsel to enjoy travelling around enchanting East Sussex at Christmas enjoying family-friendly adventures?!
Hampshire Highlights
In Hampshire, combine seaside views with Christmas cheer.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard hosts a Victorian Festival of Christmas from November 24-26. Set up your camper nearby to experience historical ships, festive food stalls, and Victorian costumes.
Kids can also explore the Winchester Science Centre, featuring interactive exhibits and a planetarium, which offers a fantastic educational experience away from the chill.
Inland, Marwell Zoo presents its Enchanted Marwell (dates vary), where the zoo transforms into a festive spectacle with immersive light installations. It’s a perfect stop for young animal lovers, and the zoo offers ample parking suitable for campers, making it easy to spend the day exploring.
Create your own festive campervan, whether it’s a Mercedes Viano, Mazda Bongo, or Nissan Elgrand. Each can be decorated to explore Hampshire’s highlights at Christmas!
Surrey Festivities
Surrey offers a mix of nature and festivities that work well for family-friendly adventures and camper travel.
The RHS Garden Wisley Glow event (November 30 – December 30) brings an awe-inspiring light trail through beautifully landscaped gardens. Park nearby and enjoy walking trails that provide an enchanting evening escape with glowing installations amidst nature.
Guildford’s Winter Market is another great stop, with festive shopping and plenty of treats, providing a relaxed break for a camper trip.
Enjoy seasonal Surrey family-friendly adventures by campervan, listening and singing along to Christmas carols as you travel. Then head back to your cosy camper for a night under the twinkling stars (how about a bit of twinkle twinkle little star for your little passengers!).
Practical Tips for Campervan Adventures
Using a campervan for these family-friendly adventures offers flexibility, especially with young children.
You’ll have a warm base for rest breaks, snacks, and naptime, along with staying overnight near attractions. Many locations in these regions provide dedicated campervan parking or campsites, making staying close to the action convenient.
For additional details, check the following links for more specifics:
Enjoy your campervan’s flexibility and freedom as you explore these rich and family-friendly experiences across the South of England!
Contact us today to start your own Free Spirit Campervan family-friendly adventures!
FAQs
1. What are the key benefits of using a campervan for a family Christmas trip?
- A campervan provides a warm and cosy environment, perfect for winter travel. You have the flexibility to stop wherever you like for snacks, rest, or quick family breaks. Plus, it gives you the option to stay close to popular holiday attractions without needing to rush back to a hotel, making it a convenient and flexible choice for family-friendly adventures.
2. How can we make our campervan festive for the holidays?
- Decorating your campervan adds holiday cheer and excitement for kids. Bring battery-powered fairy lights, festive window stickers, and snug blankets to create a magical Christmas atmosphere inside. You can also add a small, tabletop Christmas tree or some tinsel to make the space feel extra festive for your family adventure.
3. What facilities in a campervan are especially useful for families with young children?
- Campervans offer helpful facilities like a kitchenette for preparing snacks, a dining area for meals, and a comfy sleeping area where kids can nap or rest between activities. Having these amenities close at hand makes it easy to keep young children comfortable, warm, and well-fed, even when you’re out enjoying winter events and attractions.
4. Are there any tips for staying warm and comfortable in a campervan during winter?
- Absolutely! Bring extra blankets, warm clothing, and thermoses for hot drinks. Many campervans are equipped with heating, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the system to keep the van warm. Pack warm sleeping bags and consider a few extra layers for nighttime.
5. What are the advantages of using a campervan instead of booking hotels during Christmas trips?
- A campervan offers flexibility and cost savings, allowing you to stay close to multiple attractions without needing to check in or out of hotels. This can be especially useful for visiting family-friendly holiday events, as you can park near the action, enjoy the festivities, and have a quiet, private space to return to whenever the kids need a break. Plus, it brings the entire family closer together, creating a memorable holiday experience.
