Five tips for the best UK van travel experience
During our time spent traveling the UK by van there were a few things that made our lives cheaper, more enjoyable , and sometimes just more comfortable. These are our top five tips for living that UK Vanlife…
Bring something extra to adventure with.
This could be bikes, a paddleboard, a one wheel, scooters, swim suits, snorkels, surfboards, you name it. But having an activity allows you to get a little more off the beaten track and see an area in a whole new way. We’ve found in many areas, tourists stick to a very well trodden path; get off the tourbus, check out the viewpoint, take a few photos and off you go. Whereas those who head just a little further out are often rewarded with magnificent views, a different perspective and a much more enjoyable experience.
Use apps to easily find amenities.
When we were in the UK we used Park 4 Night to scout campsites, but also to find places to fill up on water, check where the nearest public bathroom was, find parking and attractions and gas stations too. (Sorry. Petrol Stations. We’ve been away too long!). There are many apps out there, some paid and others free but more basic, so have an explore and find one that suits your needs.
Stock up on groceries at the big stores.
Like most places in the world, shopping at tiny corner stores in the UK will cost you a lot more than major supermarkets. And, especially if you are stopping by tourist hot spots like the Lake District all those little grocery stops are going to add up fast. With the exception of local markets where you can often find some beautiful and reasonably priced goodies, the best places to load up on groceries will be the big supermarkets. Aldi and Lidl tend to be the cheapest. Tesco and Sainsburys are also good value. And check out Waitrose if you’re feeling fancy. Being able to cook all your own meals is such a huge benefit of traveling in a converted van; the savings are huge compared to regularly eating out, and nothing beats being able to cook up a feast in a remote spot miles from any restaurant, and having an impromptu picnic just outside your home!
Find free showers!
We actually had a shower in our van, but when we were feeling stingy with our water, we discovered an amazing UK van travel hack. Most of the major motorway service stations have free showers. They’re designed for truckers, but we found that just by asking for the key at customer service, (and many don’t even need a key) we could access hot showers with unlimited water.
A National Trust membership will become your new best friend.
Unlimited access to hundreds of coastlines, gardens, homes and castles…but also access to conveniently placed parking and bathrooms! We found that we more than got our use out of the membership, even from saving on parking fees alone. (Especially if traveling to the Lake District or around Cornwall). And breaking a long drive with a visit to a beautiful garden, a castle or a beachfront walk became a convenient way to explore some areas of the UK we might never had stopped by. We joked that one day we would head back and do a ‘National Trust’ tour…and that might actually be a perfect way to explore the countryside of the UK.
