Van Life Articles

Planning a European vanlife adventure after Brexit? This complete UK guide explains how to navigate the Schengen 90/180-day rule, new EES biometric border checks, and upcoming ETIAS requirements. Learn about passport validity, driving rules, GHIC healthcare, pet travel, LEZ stickers, and wild camping laws across Europe — all with links to official EU and GOV.UK sources. Perfect for vanlifers heading into Europe in 2025 and beyond.

Discover the ultimate guide to van life foraging UK. Learn how to safely gather wild food from hedgerows, coasts, and countryside while living on the road. From blackberries and nettles to sea lettuce and dulse, this in-depth guide covers laws, safety tips, seasonal calendars, van-friendly recipes, and essential gear. Foraging adds flavour, adventure and sustainability to your van life journey.

Diesel heaters are a game-changer for campervans, providing reliable warmth in cold, damp UK weather without draining your leisure battery. In this ultimate guide, we explain how diesel heaters work, the benefits of installing one, costs, and what to consider before buying. Whether you’re living full-time in your van or just heading off for winter road trips, discover why a diesel heater is the most efficient way to stay cosy and comfortable off-grid.

From day trips to full-time vanlife, this UK-specific guide shows you how to power your campervan safely and reliably. Learn the basics (volts, amps, Wh), choose batteries (AGM vs LiFePO₄), charge via DC-DC, add solar with MPPT, and decide when to use an inverter or EHU. Includes clear gear bundles for every trip length, wiring and fuse tips, FAQs, troubleshooting, and seasonal advice so you can build once, stay powered, and enjoy the road.

The Instagram Dream vs. the British Reality Vanlife looks dreamy on Instagram: couples sipping coffee in Cornwall, waking up to mist in...

Parking Roulette: Stealth Camping And How Long Before Someone Knocks on Your Window?

Staying connected on the road is essential for today’s vanlife. From streaming to remote work, reliable internet in a campervan can be tricky in the UK’s patchy rural coverage. This guide shows how to get the best campervan internet using MiFi hotspots, 5G routers, roof antennas, and Wi-Fi boosters. Discover the top Amazon products that keep you online wherever you travel, whether for weekends away or full-time vanlife.

Looking for the best space-saving water container for your campervan or motorhome? The Colapz 2-in-1 Collapsible Water Container is a clever 9L bucket and water dispenser in one. Compact, BPA-free and built to last, it makes cooking, cleaning and drinking on the road effortless. Read our hands-on review to see why this collapsible water carrier is a must-have for vanlife in the UK.

Ever noticed how every noise in your van at 3AM is definitely an axe murderer? The scratch outside? A fox. The thump? Your saucepan falling. The blood-curdling scream? Just a seagull. Yet somehow, in the witching hour, your brain insists you’re starring in a horror film. Welcome to the paranoid joy of UK vanlife nights — where wildlife, weather, and wobbling pans join forces to scare you silly.

Numbers drive policy. If councils don’t know you exist, they don’t plan water points, waste disposal or safe overnighting options

Britain is full of giggles on the road, from Shitterton in Dorset to Cockermouth in Cumbria and even Twatt in Orkney. For vanlifers, these cheeky signs aren’t just comedy gold — they’re perfect stopovers, photo ops, and stories to tell. We’ve mapped the UK’s funniest place names with tips on where to park nearby. Snap a selfie with a rude sign and share it using #Vanlife!

🚐💨 Living van life in the UK means freedom, but also the eternal question: “Where’s the loo?” We’ve crunched the numbers from the Great British Toilet Map to reveal the loo-rich regions, the toilet deserts, and what it all means for wild camping and road trips. From Cornwall’s coastal conveniences to Lincolnshire’s loo drought, discover the quirks, stats, and hacks every UK van lifer needs to stay comfortable on the road.

funny van life sayings UK travellers actually use, from hedge yoga to pants peg parade. This British campervan slang list is perfect for van lifers, motorhome owners, and road trip lovers looking for a laugh.

Turn every trip into a fitness adventure. Ditch the treadmill and explore the world on foot, by bike, or through yoga with a view. From mountain hikes to city strolls, travel offers countless ways to stay active while soaking in the scenery. With a bit of planning, your journey can boost both your health and your happiness. Discover how sweat, steps, and stunning landscapes can transform your next getaway into your healthiest yet.

Discover the UK's most scenic canal-side spots perfect for campervans. From aqueduct views in Wales to London’s hidden waterways, this guide shares the top 10 towpath vistas, van-friendly etiquette, cooking tips, haunted tales, and bonus loops for walking or cycling. Whether you're craving tranquillity, ducks, or a ghostly whisper by the locks, canal-side van life is calling. Kettles on – it's time to explore!

Take our fun and totally unofficial Van Spirit Animal quiz to discover which UK animal matches your campervan lifestyle! Are you a stealthy fox, an adventurous badger, or a curious hare on the open road? Whether you're a full-time vanlifer or a weekend wanderer, this quick quiz from VanLife.uk adds a quirky twist to your travels. Share your results and see what van animal your friends are!

The internet has made it easy to find others who love van living just as much as you do. With platforms dedicated to sharing tips, experiences, and support, you can engage with a community that shares your nomadic lifestyle. Let’s explore how you can connect with fellow van life enthusiasts online.

Is there a secret underground van life society in the UK? Discover hidden park-ups, barter systems & nomadic networks in this deep dive! 🚐✨

Solar vs. gas: Which is the best off-grid power solution for van life in the UK? Explore costs, efficiency, and sustainability. 🚐⚡🔥

Discover hidden wild swimming spots perfect for van lifers across the UK. Dive in, explore, and embrace the adventure!

Explore 7 spine-chilling ghost stories and urban legends from the UK's van life hotspots. Adventure and mystery await! #VanLife

Celebrate Christmas in your campervan with cosy lights, festive treats, and the freedom to create magical, memorable moments on the road.

Damascus steel, with its unique wavy patterns and strength blends beauty, durability, and sharpness.

Discover how geocaching adds excitement to van life! Find hidden treasures and turn every journey into an adventure. 🚐✨🌍