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The Suffolk Family Trip

Writer's picture: Lucy Lucy

Another addition of the camper van diaries from one of our customers in August. Dale and his wife decided to try out the camper van experience with their 2 girls and furry friend, to see if it was going to be what they hoped, a great trip which gives them more reasons to buy and convert a camper van themselves. Dale answered a few questions for us about their trip and hopefully they inspire you to choose Suffolk!




Number of days you hired the camper van? Originally for 3 nights but enjoyed it so much, extended for a 4th night.


The Trip Destination? Suffolk

Why did you pick that destination? This was a trial for us as a family of 5 (2 adults, 2 kids and a golden doodle) to see what we thought about the van life. We wanted to have the experience of what it was like to use the van primarily as a day van, being able to stop somewhere nice, spin the seats round and get the kettle on. We know Suffolk quite well and thought of some good spots we could do this.


Trip Highlights? There were several highlights and we certainly got the "full experience" by having all weather conditions apart from snow. Heavy rain, 50mph winds and glorious sunshine. Highlight number 1 was parking up near Bawdsey Manor next to the river Deben. We spun the seats, put up the tables, got the kettle on and played pass the pigs! It was brilliant just spending quality time together in our little home from home, with a beautiful view of the boats moored on the river without the distractions of day to day life. Highlight 2 was getting back to the van on the windiest day of the year. Our youngest had fallen asleep, so again we got cosy in the van, got the kettle on and enjoyed some yummy cake and tea while we waited for her to wake up. Highlight 3 was more of an experience but it was when the winds were gusting over 50mph and we didn't dare keep the roof up so we battened down the hatches and managed to squeeze all 4 of us onto the rock and roll bed (and the dog tried to jump in to). Although extremely cosy, we felt much safer!


Any places you recommend to eat? We sampled some good take away cakes!! The riverside tearoom in Orford and Dingle Hill tearooms in Dunwich both got our stamp of approval.


What was your favourite part of the camper van? Too much to choose. We loved the brown / blue colour scheme and thought the floor and ceiling looked awesome. The upholstery on the seats looked really cool and was a great durable material. (Will be contacting custom stitched if we ever get our own van!) I thought the small section of coconut matting was a lovely little touch. The exterior of the van looked amazing but wasn't blingy. Just really cool. Got a lot of attention when we drove around. The open front of the pop top was great although the weather only allowed us to try this out once. I think ultimately, the thing we liked most about the van was the lifestyle you get with it. Every trip felt like an adventure and it gives you a massive sense of freedom wherever you go. If you get somewhere and the weathers bad you can still have a great time in it. Even with young kids it allows you to be completely flexible and encourages adventure!


3 words to describe your experience? Adventure, Stylish, freedom  

What made you want to book with Up Sticks Campers? I was searching pinterest for campervan interior ideas and found a picture of the same van which lead me to retrofitted's Instagram page. I started following them and adored the blue / brown interior design. After a few months, I checked out their website which led me to the Up Sticks site and I almost fell off my chair when I realised that the van you could hire from Up Sticks was the same one I'd fallen in love with!  It was a no brainier from there on in.


What would your dream trip be in the camper van? Tough one. Dream trip in a campervan would be one which didn't have an end date! Uk we'd love to do the NC500 when we get a van but haven't thought beyond that yet. (Yet!)



We are so glad that Dale and family had a great trip, created some lasting memories and enjoyed their experience with Up Sticks Campers. We can't wait to watch their camper van life unfold. Here's a little slideshow of some fantastic shots from their trip.






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