Perhaps you are old enough to remember the 1970s children’s TV programme, Here Come the Double Deckers? No? Just us then! The premise of the show was a gang of kids using an old double-decker London bus in a scrapyard as a den.
Sounds like fun, right? Well, for David and Gillian Rivers, the idea of having their very own double-decker became a reality in 2009, although in their case (and this would work as a TV show format in its own right), they converted it into the world’s first double-decker mobile farm.
Fast forward a few years and the Farmyard Flyer was to go through another transformation, as the couple faced the economic reality of a mobile business that had come to a permanent halt as a result of the pandemic.
Undeterred, they decided to use the time to take the bus off-road and convert it into a holiday let, complete with luxurious double beds, shower facilities and a fully fitted kitchen.
David explains how they came to create the mobile farm. “Gillian was a lecturer in agriculture at Durham University and had always wanted to farm, so when we got together, we decided to buy this small farm outside Darlington. Originally, we had acquired it with the intention of opening an educational centre. But the access off a dual carriageway was considered unsuitable for a school, so we had to come up with another plan.”
BUYING THE BUS
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Practical Motorhome.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Practical Motorhome.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
2015-present ELDDIS ENCORE
Each issue, Gentleman Jack focuses on a great secondhand motorhome. He then reveals which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for
BEAT THE BLACK STREAK!
Grimebuster John Sootheran dons rubber gloves and grabs his cleaning kit to take on arch-enemy The Black Streak, pitting jumbo sponge against ingrained grunge!
HOW GREEN IS YOUR MOTORHOME?
Listening to the arguments about climate change, it can sometimes feel we're simply doomed - but in reality, even though motorhomes are not the biggest culprit. we can all do our bit to cut carbon emissions.
TIMELESS TURKEY
Returning to a warm welcome in Turkey, Marcus, Kim and the children enjoy exploring ancient ruins in glorious landscapes
BURGUNDY & BEYOND
Over a long, hot summer, Sonia Wignall journeys through fields of sunflowers, alpine meadows and snowy peaks, then on to Germany
I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE!
And where better to enjoy getting back in the saddle than idyllic Ile de Ré, off France's west coast? Elaine Ormerod reports
JUST WHITE
With its easy access from the mainland and everything from palaces to gastronomy, the Lyons find the Isle of Wight to be a touring delight
BLACK GOLD
Janette Sykes finds Georgian gems, an ancient forest and much more in the Midlands' Black Country
PERFECT PEMBROKESHIRE
After the long winter, Colin and Elaine Burdett find a springtime break in Wales the ideal tonic
21 WAYS TO BE A BETTER MOTORHOMER
Old hand at motorhoming or new to our fantastic pastime, you can't deny there's a lot to learn. From campsite etiquette to knowing what kit to take abroad, there's always something new to discover. With this in mind, our special report brings together 21 ways to improve your touring and become an even better motorhomer than before!