Who doesn’t like the great outdoors and the freedom of the open road? If you’re planning to fly into Stansted Airport to begin your UK adventure, you can have both when you rent one of our deluxe
SKiN&BLiSS VW Campervans.
Why SKiN&BLiSS Campers?
At SKiN&BLiSS Campers, we place the emphasis on quality: our three VW Campervans are stylish and well-equipped. Whether you’re planning a fun weekend or a longer adventure, they’re just what you need to go as you please. The pop-up roof gives you plenty of space, so you can comfortably fit a family of four without feeling cramped. Meanwhile, extra touches like LED lighting and Bluetooth speakers add an element of luxury – we say what’s a holiday for if it’s not to spoil yourselves?
Optional extras include a handy bike rack, inflatable kayaks and an easy to inflate awning perfect for creating some summer shade. And if you’re renting when it’s chilly outside, you’ll be glad of our Propex heating system and insulating thermal wraparound blanket for the pop-up roof. Of course, location is everything when it comes to your holiday and you’ll find us just fifteen minutes from Stansted Airport. If you like, tell us when your flight lands and we’ll even come to pick you up. You can’t get more convenient than that.
Looking for Inspiration?
If you’re struggling to pin down an itinerary, let us make some suggestions. We’re not only passionate advocates for our corner of Essex, we also know the rest of East Anglia pretty well. Even better, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some great sightseeing and fun activities. So with that in mind, here are five ideas to help inspire you, all reachable within an hour’s drive of our Felsted base. We think you’ll soon see why Essex is the ideal place to begin your UK campervan adventure.
Britain’s newest city: Southend-on-Sea
Where to stay: Nine Acres, Leigh-on-Sea
Point your VW Campervan in the direction of the East Coast and explore the many attractions of Southend-on-Sea. Britain’s newest city boasts the world’s longest pleasure pier. Stretching 1.33 miles out into the Thames Estuary, it’s a super walk, but you could take the easy option and hop on a pier train instead. Southend’s seafront has plenty of amusement arcades, fun rides and beaches, just as you’d expect, but that’s not all. The dazzling contents of Britain’s oldest grave, which belonged to a Saxon prince, can be seen at the city’s museum. Next door, music fans will enjoy the Jazz Centre UK. Before you head back to Felsted, hire a bicycle and tackle the Hadleigh Castle mountain bike track, built for the 2012 Olympics, or for something a little more sedate, drop in to charming Battlesbridge where you can browse antiques and vintage collectibles.
Constable Country: Dedham and beyond
Where to stay: Ardleigh Camping and Caravanning Park
Constable Country is a delight to explore. Begin in gorgeous Dedham and stroll along the banks of the Stour to reach Flatford Mill on the Suffolk side of the river. Nose around Willy Lott’s Cottage, which Constable famously painted in The Hay Wain. When you’re peckish there are several excellent tea rooms nearby, or pack a picnic to enjoy on the riverside meadow. Break your journey at the East Anglian Railway Museum in Chappel & Wakes Colne which offers regular steam train trips and some fascinating displays of railway-themed memorabilia. An alternative is delightful Coggeshall. This pretty village boasts two National Trust properties: a Tudor merchant’s house and 13th century Grange Barn. Watch out for ducks crossing the road as you drive in.
Cambridge
Where to stay: Great Shelford, Cambridge
The university city of Cambridge is only an hour away, but to reach it you’ll pass through some of the prettiest parts of Essex. Your first stop should be Thaxted, whose ancient Guildhall dominates the main street. Nearby, you’ll see Dick Turpin’s cottage, though the infamous highwayman might not actually have lived there. Up the road is the historic market town of Saffron Walden, where there’s a fun turf maze; you’re close to Audley End, a beautiful Jacobean mansion now run by English Heritage. As you leave Essex and make your way north you’ll come to Duxford, Europe’s largest air museum. When you’re done, Cambridge’s colleges await – channel your inner student as you try punting along the River Cam and enjoy a fabulous view of the Backs.
Epping Forest
Where to stay: The Merry Fiddlers
It’s hard to believe you’re so close to London in the bucolic setting of leafy Epping Forest. This ancient woodland and former hunting ground stretches for miles, perfect for walking and cycle rides. Hop aboard the Epping Ongar Railway, a heritage line, or check out St Andrew’s in Greensted, the oldest wooden church in the world. You’re an easy drive from Kelvedon Hatch, home to a not-so-Secret Nuclear Bunker and the best High Ropes course in the county. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you don’t have to travel far to find paintballing or Lee Valley’s white water rafting course. The capital itself is temptingly close, so why not put aside the campervan keys for the day and hop on the Tube to central London?
Mersea Island
Where to stay: Waldegraves Family Holiday Park
If you’re looking for a stress-free, relaxed holiday, then Mersea Island is ideal. Cross the tidal causeway to this laidback island where summers can be spent paddle boarding, boating or swimming. Seafood figures prominently; the island is known for its oyster beds and one of the best places to try them is at The Company Shed. There are a number of charming pubs scattered across the island, including the Coast Inn at West Mersea and the Dog & Pheasant in East Mersea. The island also has its own vineyard. If you miss the mainland, catch a bus into Colchester. England’s oldest recorded town has a history dating back to Roman times, several interesting museums and a well-preserved Norman castle.
If that’s got you dreaming about a VW Campervan adventure in Essex and beyond, why not give us a call or drop us an email to make that dream a reality?
Call 07867 316 422 or email Mark @ mark@skinandbliss.com