About Debdale Camping
Debdale Camping is a small, family-run countryside retreat created here at our home in rural Leicestershire.
We live at Debdale Lodge, surrounded by fields, footpaths and animals, just a short distance from Rutland Water. We wanted to share this peaceful corner of the countryside with others while creating somewhere a little different from an ordinary campsite or holiday let.
The project began with the bus, but Debdale Camping is gradually growing to include yurts and camping pitches too. Everything is being developed by us, with an emphasis on character, comfort and giving guests a warm, personal welcome.
We are not a large holiday park or hotel. This is our home, our land and a project that we have built ourselves. You may see us looking after the animals, maintaining the grounds or working on the next part of the site during your stay, although we always aim to give guests plenty of space and privacy.
The Story of Debdale Bus
Debdale Bus is particularly special to us because it was once my actual school bus.
Many years after travelling on it as a child, I came across the same bus again. Despite the passing years, it was still recognisable, and the opportunity to bring it home was too unusual to ignore.
What followed was a much bigger project than we initially imagined.
The bus was carefully transformed from a working double-decker into a comfortable holiday home while retaining as much of its original character as possible. Rather than disguising what it once was, we wanted its history to remain part of the experience.
The conversion involved designing and building the interior, installing the kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and finding creative ways to make everything work within the unusual shape of a double-decker bus.
Jimmy Doherty's build on wheels
The project was later featured on television in Jimmy Doherty’s Build on Wheels, which followed part of the bus’s transformation.
Today, the bus has begun a completely new chapter. What once carried children to school now welcomes guests looking for somewhere memorable to stay in the countryside.
Around the bus, you will also find photographs showing different stages of its life and conversion. These help tell the story of where it came from and how it eventually became Debdale Bus.
Life at Debdale
Animals are a big part of life here.
Our alpacas are often the first to attract attention and may wander over to the fence to investigate new arrivals. We also have geese, chickens and other animals around the property, each with their own personality.
Guests are welcome to ask us about the animals, and when circumstances allow, we are happy to arrange a closer introduction or let guests help with feeding.
The surrounding countryside
The surrounding countryside is equally important to us. Public footpaths and scenic routes can be reached directly from the property, including routes towards Burrough Hill and the Leicestershire Round.
It is a wonderfully quiet place, but Oakham, Melton Mowbray, Rutland Water and many local villages and attractions are all within easy reach.
Built by Us and Shared with You
Debdale Camping remains a work in progress, and that is part of its story.
The bus was the beginning, with yurts and camping being added as the site develops. Much of the work has been designed, built or restored by us rather than purchased as a ready-made holiday business.
We hope that gives Debdale a more personal feel.
Our aim is simple: to offer guests a peaceful stay, a friendly welcome and the chance to experience something with a genuine story behind it.
Thank you for visiting Debdale Camping. We hope you enjoy being here as much as we have enjoyed creating it.
Hope you have a wonderful stay Mike and Louise