I always love hearing about new and unusual places to stay. Over the years we’ve stayed in some incredible places including luxury treehouses, double decker buses, traditional yurts and even a pod in a tree. You’d think we’d be running out of quirky places to explore.. but the glamping industry just keeps on giving. There’s a unique appeal to one of a kind accommodation, as my friends at Shred & Butta know only too well. They are top of the league when it comes to seeking out and creating wacky accommodation. Last year they created a fairy tale inspired boat to feature on Johnny Vegas’s Field of Dreams, and they’ve even built a rooftop swimming pool on top of double decker bus. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in a few of their creations over the years including an American school bus and a pair of double decker buses. Their projects are always aesthetically pleasing but also a lot of fun – think ball pools, swinging chairs and climbing walls as part of fixtures and fittings. Needless to say when I was invited to stay in their converted fire truck I jumped at the chance and blues and twos’d my way straight over…
The Location
The Fire Truck is a brand new addition to the glamping options on offer at Riverside Farm Camping which is just outside of Horsham in West Sussex. The campsite offers guests a sense of true escapism whilst being well connected to transport networks thanks to its proximity to the North Downs Link cycle track. Expect lazy mornings waking up to a dawn chorus led by nightingales, days paddling on the river; afternoons ambling to the local brewery and late evenings unwinding by the fire watching the stars. Riverside Farm has the perfect balance of slow pace with plenty to do.
The Vehicle
The fire truck is a lovingly restored 1960’s German Fire engine. It’s bright red paint is so pleasing to the eye you can’t help but be intrigued by this historic beauty. Shred & Butta have restored and converted the interior to create a kitchenette and dining space which turns into a large double bed. There are plans to add an awning to the front of the vehicle which would extend capacity to allow families to enjoy the experience. I visited with my 8 year old son in tow. He loved the whole concept of staying on a fire truck, who wouldn’t? In true Shred & Butta style the vehicle looks stunning without feeling too precious. The space is to be enjoyed by guests meaning I was happy to let Logan flick switches, spin the steering wheel and open the windows to proudly heckle as people passed by ‘do you like my fire truck?’
Things to do
We only spent one night at Riverside Farm Camping. It really wasn’t enough time. We’ll definitely be heading back later this summer – but in the meantime here’s a little taster of what a stay here has to offer..
The River Arun – The River Arun runs along the edge of the campsite meaning that there is easy access from several entry points across the site. The river is perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking or even a river swim.
The Downs Link Cycle Path – Riverside Farm Camping is situated right next to the Downs Link Cycle path. Cyclists are able to access to miles of cycle trails heading as far as Shoreham to the south or Guildford heading north. There are also a number of much shorter routes where you can stop off at local villages and eateries along the way.
Firebird Brewery – A short walk along the North Downs Link trail brings you to the fabulous Firebird Brewery with craft beers and local gins on tap. They also host pop up street food vendors on a Saturday evening just in case you fancy a night off camp grub.
You can also walk to local pubs, fishing on the river, day trips to Horsham, visits to Southwater Country Park, Leith Hill, Cranleigh…the list goes on.
There aren’t many campsites as welcoming and wholesome as Riverside Farm. Owner Ashley and her family have created something really special. It’s a campsite that guests return to year after year. A place where you’ll see children playing for hours in the river learning to swim or trying to catch fish. A place where you can catch your breath, slow down and breathe deep. A place we’ll definitely be going back to.. more than just once.
You can currently book the Fire Truck for £135 per night. Please visit the Riverside Farm website for details on how to book.
