Mia Ashworth
Family Van Life Guide
Mia travels with her partner and two children in a coachbuilt motorhome. She writes about family van life — education on the road, child safety in van conversions, family-friendly campsites, and keeping everyone sane in a small space. She has been on the road full-time with her family since 2023.
Articles by Mia Ashworth (44)
Huawei vs TP-Link 4G Modems - Best WiFi for Van Life
Huawei vs TP-Link 4G Modems - Best WiFi for Van Life is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 162 days of rain annually.
EcoFlow vs Jackery - Best Portable Power Station for Van Life
EcoFlow vs Jackery - Best Portable Power Station for Van Life is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 155 days of rain annually.
Vox 100Ah Battery Review - Best Budget Leisure Battery for Van Life
Vox 100Ah Battery Review - Best Budget Leisure Battery for Van Life is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 174 days of rain annually.
Van Life UK vs USA - Is It Harder Living in the UK
Van Life UK vs USA - Is It Harder Living in the UK is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 160 days of rain annually.
South Coast Van Life - Brighton to Bournemouth Guide
South Coast Van Life - Brighton to Bournemouth Guide is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 144 days of rain annually.
Best Van Life Heaters Comparison - Diesel vs Electric vs Infrared
Best Van Life Heaters Comparison - Diesel vs Electric vs Infrared is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 173 days of rain annually.
Best Cold Weather Tents for Van Life UK
Best Cold Weather Tents for Van Life UK is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 180 days of rain annually.
Winter Van Life Meal Ideas - Warm & Easy Recipes
Winter Van Life Meal Ideas - Warm & Easy Recipes is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 166 days of rain annually.
Best Water Pumps for Van Life UK
Best Water Pumps for Van Life UK is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 157 days of rain annually.
Best Portable Cookers for Van Life UK Under £50
Best Portable Cookers for Van Life UK Under £50 is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 152 days of rain annually.
Best Storage Solutions for Van Life UK Under £50
Best Storage Solutions for Van Life UK Under £50 is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 147 days of rain annually.
Best Quick Dry Towels for Van Life UK Under £50
Best Quick Dry Towels for Van Life UK Under £50 is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 142 days of rain annually.
Best Bedding for Van Life UK Under £50
Best Bedding for Van Life UK Under £50 is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 154 days of rain annually.
Best Multi-tools for Van Life UK Under £50
Best Multi-tools for Van Life UK Under £50 is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 151 days of rain annually.
Best Security Devices for Van Life UK Under £50
Best Security Devices for Van Life UK Under £50 is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 162 days of rain annually.
Best Van Life Security Devices UK - Cameras, Alarms & Locks
Best Van Life Security Devices UK - Cameras, Alarms & Locks is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 148 days of rain annually.
Autumn Van Life UK - Leaf Season & Weather Guide
Autumn Van Life UK - Leaf Season & Weather Guide is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 179 days of rain annually.
School Holiday Van Life UK - Beat the Crowds
School Holiday Van Life UK - Beat the Crowds is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 167 days of rain annually.
How to Boil Water in a Van UK Campervan Methods Compared
How to Boil Water in a Van UK Campervan Methods Compared is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 158 days of rain annually.
Mercedes Sprinter MWB vs LWB
The Mercedes Sprinter is the most capable campervan base vehicle you can buy in the UK — and the most expensive. It's the default choice for professional converters and anyone planning a full-time live-in build.
Fiat Ducato Camper History
The Fiat Ducato is the most popular campervan base vehicle in the UK and Europe. From the iconic 1980s models that launched the motorhome boom to the latest 2025 hybrids, its evolution mirrors the story of campervanning itself.
MWB U-Shaped Lounge Layouts
The U-shaped lounge is one of the most popular campervan layouts for medium wheelbase vans. It provides generous daytime seating — a proper social space — that converts to a double bed at night.
Pet-Friendly Van Layouts
Travelling with pets in a campervan is rewarding but requires specific design choices. Dogs track in mud, cats scratch furniture, and both need safe spaces when the van is moving.
Dometic Heki Skylights Review
Dometic (formerly part of the Electrolux group) is the leading brand in campervan roof lights and skylights. The Heki range has been installed in millions of motorhomes across Europe and is the benchmark for quality.
Anglesey Coastal Route
Anglesey (Ynys Môn) has 125 miles of stunning coastline with beaches, cliffs, and historic sites. A campervan is the perfect way to explore it.
AGM vs Lithium (UK Costs)
The AGM vs lithium battery decision is the most expensive choice you'll make in a campervan build. Lithium (LiFePO4) costs 3-4x more upfront but lasts 4-5x longer.
Van Life Pets UK Guide to Camping with Dogs and Cats
Van Life Pets UK Guide to Camping with Dogs and Cats is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 155 days of rain annually.
Llandudno Urban Stopover Guide
Llandudno is the largest seaside resort in North Wales. With its Victorian pier, two beaches, and the Great Orme headland, it is a popular stopover for campervans exploring Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.
UK Water Filling Points Map
Keeping your fresh water tank full is essential for off-grid van life. The UK has thousands of free and paid water filling points — you just need to know where to find them.
Best Drain Plugs
meta_description: "Guide to drain plugs for campervan sinks, grey water tanks, and fresh water systems. Types, sizes, materials, anti-freeze considerations, and where to buy in the UK.
Vitrifrigo 12v Fridge Review
Vitrifrigo is an Italian brand known for its design aesthetic and build quality. Their fridges are popular in high-end campervan conversions where appearance matters.
Fridge Power Consumption Tests
The brochure says your 12V compressor fridge uses "12Ah per day at 20°C ambient. " Real-world usage depends on ambient temperature, how often you open the door, what's inside, and your ventilation setup.
Van Life Fuel UK Diesel Petrol Efficiency Comparison
Van Life Fuel UK Diesel Petrol Efficiency Comparison is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 174 days of rain annually.
Best 12V Cool Boxes
A 12V cool box is the budget alternative to a compressor fridge. It costs a fraction of the price (£30-100 vs £250-800), uses more power, and keeps things cool rather than cold.
Best Van Life Bike Racks UK Cycle Carrying Guide
Best Van Life Bike Racks UK Cycle Carrying Guide is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 179 days of rain annually.
Best Van Life Vent Fans UK Campervan Ventilation Guide
Best Van Life Vent Fans UK Campervan Ventilation Guide is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 141 days of rain annually.
Van Maintenance Fund Guide
Van maintenance is a real cost that catches many van lifers off guard. Here is what you should budget.
UK Council Tax & Vans
One of the most confusing aspects of UK van life is council tax. Do you pay it?
Combating Van Life Isolation
Van life comes with an upside that's well documented — freedom, adventure, connection with nature. What's less discussed is the downside: isolation.
Mindfulness in Nature: Van Life Mental Wellness
Van life puts you in nature. Mindfulness practices deepen that connection and reduce the stress of full-time travel.
Van Life Recycling UK How to Sort Waste on the Road
Van Life Recycling UK How to Sort Waste on the Road is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 158 days of rain annually.
Van Life Gear Shifting UK Best Gearbox Options for Vans
Van Life Gear Shifting UK Best Gearbox Options for Vans is not just a nice-to-have -- it is essential for comfortable, stress-free van life in the UK. - Weather realities: The UK gets 153 days of rain annually.
Winter Tyres vs Snow Chains
Every winter, the same debate appears in van life forums: winter tyres or snow chains? The answer depends on where you drive, how often, and what you're willing to spend.
Devon Surf Parking — Best Overnight Spots for Campervans
Devon has more coastline than any other English county — roughly 400 miles of it — with surfable breaks scattered from Croyde in the north to Bantham in the south. The combination of reliable Atlantic swell, relatively mild winters, and a scattering of legal overnight parking options makes it one of the most practical bases for UK surf van life.