Skip to main content

The Coolest Cabin in England is Actually a Converted Bus

Fall is the perfect time to head to the woods for a weekend getaway. The days are still warm enough for getting outdoors and the cool nights are perfect sleeping weather. If you’re interested in a unique camping experience with five of your best mates, look no further than England’s The Big Green Bus.

The Big Green Bus
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Located two hours south of London in the Sussex countryside, The Big Green Bus is a decommissioned, 1982 West Midlands metro double-decker that has been transformed into a jaw-dropping cabin. This high-end “glamper” is outfitted with the best amenities, including a full kitchen, toilet, shower, and wood-burning stove. The lounge of the converted bus is stocked with books, board games, and an optional picnic basket that includes produce and locally sourced wine and cider.

Recommended Videos

The brainchild of carpenter Adam Collier-Woods, The Big Green Bus was designed to be a comfortable cabin without losing its original charm. Collier-Woods completely renovated the bus all on his own and kept many of the original elements in place, such as the stairs, signage, driver’s seat, and windows. The dining area features reupholstered bus seats. A bright, retro color palette makes the space feel airy and open, not at all cramped like you would expect a bus to feel. The goal was to create a peaceful retreat in the middle of the woods, a place to unwind and enjoy nature — there is no Wi-Fi or television on the bus.

The Big Green Bus
Image used with permission by copyright holder

But you won’t miss technology in such a beautiful location. The bus is set in the rolling hills of the South Downs area of Sussex. You’ll be able to spend your days walking or biking with plenty of pubs along the way). The Big Green Bus is just 30 minutes from the coast, giving you the opportunity for a day trip to check out the pier, restaurants, shops, and pubs of Brighton. There is also a popular farmer’s market in Lewes, a short 10-minute drive away — a great chance to stock up the bus’s fridge with food for the weekend.

Once you’ve taken in the surroundings and are back at camp, The Big Green Bus offers several niceties to help you unwind. The campsite includes a fire pit, outdoor heated shower, and a wood-fired hot tub — the ultimate way to relax after a long day of exploring.

Topics
Kelsey Machado
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kelsey is a professional interior designer with over a decade of experience in the design field. With a passion for…
I was terrified of water — then I went diving in Bonaire
Traveling to a popular dive site to overcome fear of water
Bonaire coast

Fear is one of the primary drivers for all of us. A fear of failure can drive us to work hard every day to accomplish our dreams. Or, on the more negative side, fear can be one of the main reasons we pause instead of jump. While our fear can keep us paralyzed at the edge of the door in a plane, we will never feel the exhilaration of flying and the freedom of skydiving if we give in to that fear and refuse to trust the parachute. That same concept invades every aspect of our life. You may not approach that person for fear of rejection, sacrificing a long and fulfilling journey with the love of your life. For me, a fear of water has kept me from swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving. Is there a good reason for that fear? Of course, there always is a good reason for fear. I can't breathe underwater or move quickly, and I am at the mercy of every other creature in the ecosystem. But on a recent trip to Bonaire, I got an opportunity to face that fear and experience that ecosystem in a whole new way.

When I told friends and family that I was going to visit the small island of Bonaire, one of the first questions all of them asked was if I was going to go scuba diving. Uh, no, I wasn't. It wasn't even something I thought about. I realize I travel differently. I am similar with food. I eat steak and potatoes and drink an old-fashioned, so when someone asks me how the food is, I simply shrug. It is the same with the typical experiences that include water activities in the Caribbean. I planned on just shrugging. Then, of course, I started thinking more about it and realized I could be missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something truly exceptional, and I was letting fear dictate it.

Read more
This dreamy European city was just named the best place to get a good night’s rest
You're sure to get some good shut-eye in Funchal, Portugal
Funchal, Portugal

If you’re craving a peaceful escape, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like London or Paris, then Funchal, Portugal, might just be your perfect getaway. A recent study by MattressNextDay ranked the best European cities for sleep tourism, and Funchal topped the list with an impressive score of 75.62. This charming city on the Madeira Islands boasts the second-lowest light pollution in Europe, making for the perfect starry nights. It also has the best safety score on the list, ensuring you can rest easy. Plus, with 23.7 walking trails per 100,000 people, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

When you're not enjoying peaceful rest, take a stroll through the city’s botanical gardens or explore the views from Cabo Girão Skywalk. You can also taste the island’s famous Madeira wine.

Read more
10 tips for handling a diverted plane (plus why it happens)
Not landing where you expected? Don't panic. Follow these tips
Plane

If you’ve ever been on a plane headed home after a long travel day, you can likely practically feel the anticipation to finally be home and asleep in your own bed. One time, I was in that situation, but the pilot came on the intercom mid-flight: Unexpected, severe weather had made it unsafe to land at our destination airport. We were being diverted to a city hours away. That feeling of sinking disappointment mixed with anxiety about what happens now is something many travelers unfortunately experience.

Flying is usually pretty straightforward, but sometimes things go sideways, and a diverted flight is one of the more frustrating situations. Whether it's because of weather like I experienced, sudden mechanical issues, or something else entirely, a diverted plane can throw a major wrench in your travel plans. So, how do you handle it when you're stuck in this situation? Here are some tips, along with an explanation of why planes might get diverted in the first place.
1. Stay calm and be patient

Read more