James Mitchell
Wild Camping Guide
James has wild camped across every region of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the South West Coast Path. He specialises in overnight parking spots, wild camping laws, leave-no-trace principles, and responsible van travel. He maps and reviews campsites and laybys throughout Britain.
Articles by James Mitchell (17)
12V Shower Pumps and Rinsers for Campervans
A campervan shower needs water pressure. Without a pump, you get a trickle.
Best Manual Can Openers for Campervans
A can opener is essential for van life. Tinned food is cheap, shelf-stable, and everywhere.
Best Multimeters for Van Life: Electrical Testing Kits Reviewed
A multimeter is essential for van life. It tests voltage, current, and resistance in your 12V system.
Working From Your Van: Insurance and Tax Implications
More van lifers are working remotely than ever. But working from a van has insurance and tax implications that most people miss.
Coastguard Contact Information: Essential Numbers for Van Lifers
If you're camping near the coast, you need to know how to contact the coastguard. Here are the essential numbers and what to do in an emergency.
HCI Checks Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
Before buying a used campervan, you need to check its history. HCI (Hire Purchase Interest) checks reveal whether the van has outstanding finance, has been stolen, or has been written off.
How to Insure a DIY Campervan Conversion in the UK
Insuring a self-converted campervan is one of the trickiest parts of van life. Most mainstream insurers won't touch a DIY build.
Isles of Scilly by Campervan: The Complete Logistics Guide
The Isles of Scilly feel like the Caribbean — crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, palm trees. But they're just 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall.
Omnia Oven Review: Stovetop Baking for Campervans
The Omnia is a stovetop oven that lets you bake in a campervan without an actual oven. It's one of the most popular van life cooking gadgets.
Oxford Commuter Parking: Best Spots for Van Lifers
Oxford is a beautiful city, but parking a campervan there is expensive and restrictive. Here's how to park cheaply and explore the city.
Pembrokeshire National Trust Car Parks: Overnight Parking Guide
Pembrokeshire is one of the best places in the UK for van life. The National Trust manages many of the car parks along the coast.
Ticks in Summer Grass: How to Avoid Them While Van Life
Ticks are a real risk for van lifers. They're common in grassy areas, especially in summer.
Trusting Your Gut Instinct on the Road
Your gut instinct is your most important safety tool. It's your brain processing danger signals before you're consciously aware of them.
Best Tyre Puncture Repair Kits for Van Life
A puncture on a remote B-road or muddy campsite is one of the worst things that can happen. Having the right repair kit means you can fix it yourself and get moving again.
Underslung Grey Tanks for Campervans: Complete Guide
Grey water is water from your sink and shower. You need somewhere to store it before disposal.
Updating Your Driving Licence for Van Life
If you're living in a campervan, your driving licence needs to be up to date. Here's what to change and when.
How to Winch Your Van Out of Mud and Sand
Getting stuck in mud or sand is one of the most common problems for van lifers. Whether you're parking on a beach or navigating a muddy campsite, knowing how to recover your van is essential.