But I know the VMC minima is always to have surface in sight if you remain below 3000 feet.
Have a look at
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/64/VFR_Guide_2011_update.pdf - while you can be VMC if you are below 3000 feet, clear of cloud and in sight of the surface, you are also compliant if you have 1000 feet vertical / 1500m horizontal separation from cloud without sight of the surface.
(Note that doc is a bit old now, so you'd need to check the actual EASA info (which I can't find off hand) to confirm the current minima)