The summer holidays may be over but for some their holiday is just beginning.  

Since Covid, more and more people are choosing Staycations and staying in the UK.

And a Sandbach man and his son-in-law couldn't be happier, for it means their love of the great outdoors can be shared with others.

Bruce Thomson and Geoff Mander have spent many hours travelling the road in their native South Africa.

Model versions of their beloved business

And now they are bringing their love for the countryside and the great outdoors to local people - thanks to their campervan business.

"We're used to travelling long distances," says Geoff. "There are a lot of campsites in South Africa and vast open spaces.

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"We have the same population as the UK but it's three or four times bigger so less congested."

Bruce and his son, Geoff, set up the VW Campervan Experience, based in Deans Lane, Sandbach just before lockdown.

The business partners bought four top-of-the-range VW Campervans and their venture has gone so well they are thinking of expanding.

And it's not just the summer experience for Bruce and Geoff have thought of everything – from heaters to air conditioning. 

"We're thinking of getting premises to store the vehicles," says Geoff, who moved here with his wife and two children.

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"Around 70 – 80 per cent of our business is local but we get bookings from all over the world. It is all-year round as we have heaters for cooler months.

"If someone wants to book a van and is flying in from another country we can meet them at the airport to drop off and pick up.

"We had a family from Switzerland recently who did that. People travel all over the UK in our vans from Scotland to Wales and Cornwall."

Geoff and his father-in-law find campervanning a relaxing experience and when either of them have free time, they head off for a break.

"People book them for all sorts of things from holidays to festivals and sporting events.

"Our vans go to Silverstone for the motor racing. My father-in-law and myself enjoy rugby and go off in one to watch big rugby games.

"We also get people who are thinking of buying a Campervan and want to try one out for a holiday first."

Further details about the VW Campervan Experience can be found on their social media pages and at https://www.vwcampervanexperience.co.uk/