An Adventure In West Sussex With Misty The Vintage VW Campervan

England you have done it again.

I’ve said it before but seriously, when the sun shines in the UK, there’s nowhere else that I’d wish myself to be.

Knowing full well that this gorgeous spell of sunshine we’ve had in the UK for the past month or so is probably not going to last all summer, one must take it upon themselves to make the most of it.

And if there’s an excuse for an adventure? I’ll sure find it.

I’ve just got back from three days in West Sussex where my best friend and I hired a camper van from Camper Bug and drove an hour and a half south of London down to camp out two nights at Sumner Ponds.

For two nights we located ourselves in Horsham which isn’t far from Gatwick Airport – a mere 25 minute train out from the centre of London.

As we left the city greys behind and begun winding around the country lanes with greens reaching out to the horizon, we breathed a sigh of relief. We’d arrived home.

TWO DAYS CAMPING AT SUMNER PONDS, WEST SUSSEX

For our 3 day adventure we packed the bare minimal into Misty the gorgeous VW camper and headed out for an always welcome dose of fresh air and outdoor living.

Click here to hire your VW camper from the same place we did!

This mini mid-week adventure was the perfect opportunity to take my new Herbal Essences travel minis away. If you haven’t seen these before I reckon you’re going to fall in love with their convenience as much as I have. They are the perfect size for the shorter adventures in that you don’t need to waste space or weight in your luggage by carrying the full sized bottles.

Shop the Herbal Essences minis here

I took the Coconut milk collection with me and also bought along an Argan Oil of Morocco set for my bestie. Having Herbal Essences travel miniswith us delivered the dreamiest fragrances to our camp showers and certainly helped us feel alive after rising early to the duck quacks outside our camper van! Haha!

Not least did they leave our hair smooth, conditioned and photo shoot ready.

We had actually not booked our pitch at Sumner Ponds before turning up. I think the fact that we managed to secure a spontaneous couple of nights here was down to the fact we came mid-week. I can only assume by the stunning location and well maintained facilities that this is a popular weekend spot.

Check availability at Sumner Ponds and book your adventure here.

It’s worth mentioning that Sumner Ponds also have camping pods and shepherds huts to book, so if tents and fold out camper van beds aren’t your thing, you can still soak up the countryside air from the comfort of a more secure establishment.

Aside from the sleeping arrangements, Sumner Ponds is a crazy dreamy spot for a spot of fishing on one of the lakes, a dinner / glass of wine at the lakeside restaurant or a cosy cup of tea (or even afternoon tea) by the fireside beneath the fairy lights.

If I had a campsite, this is how I would do it.

Honestly, one to add to the bucket list.

Every time I go camping and take a step outside the bubble of the city, I question why I don’t do it more. It’s cheap, it’s close, it so refreshing and you feel so ready to take on the demands of work life once more.

So what’s your excuse? Why don’t you put a night or two aside with some friends this summer and choose a location to dive head first into nature.