Sarah Pemberton
Solo Van Life Guide
Sarah has lived solo in her VW Crafter across the UK and Europe for four years. She writes about solo van life, mental health on the road, and practical tips for independent travel. She has tested dozens of campsites, wild camping spots, and van layouts for single occupancy.
Articles by Sarah Pemberton (128)
Best 12V Pet Cooling Fans for Campervans
Summer in a campervan can be dangerous for pets. Dogs and cats overheat quickly.
Adder Bites in the UK: What to Do If You're Bitten
The adder is the UK's only venomous snake. Bites are rare but can be serious.
Avoiding Ash Dieback Areas When Wild Camping
Ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) is a fungal disease killing ash trees across the UK. Dead ash trees are dangerous — they can fall without warning.
Banking Without a Utility Bill as a Van Lifer
If you live in a van, you do not have a gas bill, an electricity bill, or a council tax statement. That makes it hard to open a bank account, get a credit card, or prove your address.
Beach Sun Safety for Van Life
Van lifers spend more time outside than most people. Sun safety matters — UK sunshine can burn, even on cloudy days.
Best 12v Blenders for Campervans
A 12v blender lets you make smoothies without running an inverter. - USB rechargeable blender: Blends small portions.
Best 12V Immersion Heaters for Campervans
A 12V immersion heater heats water using your van's electrical system. It's portable, easy to use, and perfect for making tea or coffee on the go.
Best Airtight Containers for Van Life
Airtight containers are essential in a campervan. They keep food fresh, prevent spills while driving, and stop pests.
Best Campervan Mattress UK Van Life Mattress Comparison
The Rothco Camping Table has been my go-to for best campervan mattress uk for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £49, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Camping Cutlery for Van Life
Cheap plastic cutlery breaks. Heavy stainless steel clatters in the drawer.
Best Dish Drying Racks for Campervans
A dish drying rack in a van kitchen needs to be compact, portable, and practical for UK van life. Here are the best options I have tested.
Best Ear Plugs for Snoring & Noise in Vans
A campervan is a tiny space. If your partner snores, or you are near a road, ear plugs are essential for survival.
Best Ergonomic Pillows for Van Life
A bad pillow in a small van bed ruins your sleep. Here are the best ergonomic pillows for van life, tested on UK roads.
Best Van Life Mattresses UK - Comfort Upgrades for Campervans
The Invisible Grip Mats has been my go-to for best mattresses uk for 2 seasons now. Priced at around £34, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Non-Slip Mats for Van Kitchens
Everything slides around in a moving van. Non-slip mats keep your pots, pans, and food stable while driving.
Best Roof Tents for Campervans UK - Budget to Premium
The Klarstein Fan has been my go-to for best roof tents uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £40, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Safes for Campervans UK
Where do you keep your passport, insurance documents, and emergency cash when your "house" is a van? Here are the best safe options.
Best Sleep Masks for Van Life
Ever tried sleeping in a van at 4am in a Scottish summer? The sun rises before 5am and your curtains are thin.
Best Tick Tweezers for UK Van Lifers
Van lifers are at high risk of tick bites — we camp in long grass, walk through bracken, and spend time outdoors. Here is the essential guide to tick removal.
Best Travel Towels (Microfiber) for Van Life
A cotton towel in a campervan is a disaster. It takes hours to dry, it smells damp, and it takes up as much space as a sleeping bag.
Best UK Farmers Markets Route for Van Lifers
Farmers markets are the best places to stock your van kitchen. Local produce is cheaper than supermarkets if you know what to buy, and the quality is better.
Best Van Life Car Mat UK Campervan Floor Protection Guide
The Hella 500 Fan has been my go-to for best van life car mat uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £51, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Van Life Door Handles UK Campervan Conversion Guide
The Westfalia Car Battery has been my go-to for best van life door handles uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £111, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Water Purification Bottles for Van Life
Transparency: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchasing. A water purification bottle lets you drink from any tap or stream in the UK.
Best Foldable Yoga Mats for Van Life
A yoga mat is a great addition to van life — morning stretches, outdoor practice, and a comfortable surface for sitting. But a full-size mat takes too much space.
Bike Rack Workouts: Staying Fit While Living in a Van
A bike rack opens up a world of fitness opportunities. Cycling is one of the best ways to stay fit while living in a van — it's free, flexible, and fun.
Biodegradable Soaps UK for Van Life
When off-grid, everything you wash down your sink ends up on the ground. Biodegradable soaps minimise environmental impact.
Cab Blinds & Privacy
Your cab windows are the biggest source of heat loss, the weakest point for security, and the reason everyone can see you eating dinner in your van. A good set of cab blinds solves all three problems.
Best Van Parking Stops Near Cambridge
Cambridge is a beautiful city, but parking a campervan there is tricky. The city centre is narrow, congested, and expensive.
Best Campervan Breakdown Cover UK 2026 - AA vs RAC vs CAR
The Manco 12V Fan has been my go-to for campervan breakdown cover uk for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £43, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Child Safety Locks for Campervans
Toddlers in a campervan can open everything. Child safety locks keep them out of cupboards and prevent them from opening doors while driving.
Christmas Van Life UK - Festive Season on the Road
The PowerCube Extension has been my go-to for christmas van life uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £52, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Chronic Illness on the Road
Van life with a chronic illness is possible with planning. Here is how to manage health conditions while living on the road in the UK.
Cooking for One
Cooking for one in a van kitchen is harder than cooking for two. The portion sizes in most recipes serve 2–4 people.
Cuddy Composting Toilet UK Review
Cuddy is a UK-based company making compact composting toilets specifically for campervans and narrowboats. While Nature's Head dominates the US market, Cuddy has become the preferred choice for many UK van converters.
Best DC-DC Chargers for Van Life UK
The Remi Pop Top Mattress has been my go-to for dc dc chargers van life uk for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £50, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
How to Deal With Debt Collectors While Living in a Van
Living in a van doesn't make debt disappear. If anything, it makes it harder to deal with.
Dealing with UK Police Stops — Your Rights as a Van Lifer
Van lifers get stopped more often than the average driver. A panel van with tinted windows, a high roof, or no rear windows attracts attention.
Dehydrating Food for Trips
Dehydrating your own meals saves weight, space, and money compared to shop-bought expedition food. - Lakeland Digital Dehydrator: £45.
Digital Detox Weekends
Van life is supposed to be about freedom and disconnecting. In reality, most van lifers spend more time on their phones than they did in a house — because the van is small, the evenings are long, and the phone is the main source of entertainment.
Dog-Friendly Pubs UK Map for Van Lifers
Finding a pub that welcomes your dog AND has space for a campervan is a specific UK van life skill. Here is the guide.
Dorset Wild Camping - Best Van Life Spots & Scenic Routes
The Dometic CFX35 Compressor Fridge has been my go-to for dorset wild camping spots for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £299, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Eco-Friendly Toilet Fluids for Campervans
Standard blue toilet fluid contains formaldehyde — a carcinogen that kills septic tanks and harms aquatic life. Here are eco-friendly alternatives that work.
Educational Nature Trails: Best Walks for Learning About Wildlife
Nature trails are perfect for van lifers. They're free, educational, and get you outside.
Van Life Electrical System Guide for Beginners UK
The Invisible Grip Mats has been my go-to for electrical system guide beginners uk for 2 seasons now. Priced at around £42, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Family Budgeting for Van Life UK
Van life with children can save money — or cost more than a house, depending on how you do it. Here is the real family budget breakdown for UK van life.
Farm Shops on the Road
Farm shops are a highlight of UK van life. They offer local produce, friendly service, and often have parking suitable for campervans.
Fishmongers on the Coast
Transparency: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchasing. One of the best things about van life is buying fish directly from the coast.
Flojet vs Shurflo Pumps
The water pump is one of the most-used components in a campervan. Every time you turn on a tap, flush the toilet, or have a shower, the pump kicks in.
Floor Insulation for Cold Floors
A cold floor is one of the most common complaints in DIY campervan conversions. Heat rises, so the floor is always the coldest surface in your van.
Flue Routing Safety for Wood Burners and Diesel Heaters
Installing a wood burner or diesel heater in a campervan requires safe flue routing. Poor installation can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or structural damage.
Foraging UK Guide for Van Lifers
Foraging is a natural fit for van life. Wild food is free, fresh, and found in beautiful places.
Fridge Ventilation Requirements
A compressor fridge needs ventilation to work efficiently. Without it, the fridge runs continuously, drains your battery, and can overheat.
Gas Safety Certificates CRGs
Gas installations in campervans must be safe. While DIY gas work is legal in a private vehicle, there are requirements that affect safety, insurance, and resale.
Ghost Immobiliser Review
The Autowatch Ghost is the most advanced aftermarket immobiliser for UK vehicles. It uses the vehicle's existing buttons (steering wheel, dash, door panels) to disarm — no fobs, no LED, no visible sign it is installed.
Grey Water Disposal Laws UK Van Life
The Truma Saver Plus Gas Heater has been my go-to for grey water disposal laws uk for 2 seasons now. Priced at around £84, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Halogen Ovens in Campervans UK Review
Transparency: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchasing. A halogen oven is a countertop convection oven that cooks faster than a conventional oven.
Hettich Hinges & Runners
The quality of hinges and drawer runners in a van build determines how your kitchen and cupboards feel two years in. Cheap hinges from B&Q seize up from vibration within six months.
Home Start vs Roadside: Which Breakdown Cover Do You Actually Need?
Breakdown cover comes in tiers. The cheapest gets you home.
Homeschooling on the Road: UK Law
Homeschooling while travelling in a campervan is legal in the UK. If your child is already in school, write to the headteacher requesting removal.
How To Start Van Life UK — The Complete Beginner Guide 2026
So you want to know how to start van life UK? You are not alone — the UK van life boom has surged in 2025 and 2026, with more people choosing the open road over traditional mortgages.
Hydration Hacks for Van Life
Easy to forget to drink enough water when your tap is a jerry can. Here are hydration hacks.
Induction Hobs in a Campervan — Do You Need an Inverter?
Induction hobs are fast, efficient, and safer than gas in a moving vehicle. But they need serious electrical power.
Lake District Parking
Parking in the Lake District is the single biggest headache for campervan owners. The national park receives 19 million visitors a year, most of them arriving by car, and the road network hasn't changed since the 1950s.
Leave No Trace UK Guide for Van Lifers
The UK countryside is under pressure from the explosion in campervan and motorhome travel. Every van lifer has a responsibility to leave no trace.
Magnetic Spice Racks for Campervans
Van walls are metal. Magnetic spice racks turn that metal into usable storage.
Managing Sibling Arguments
Family van life is a different experience from solo or couple van life. The close quarters, lack of personal space, and constant proximity put pressure on everyone — especially siblings sharing a small living space.
Best Manual Coffee Grinders for Van Life
Freshly ground coffee is one of life's van luxuries. A manual grinder needs no electricity and packs small.
Maxxair Fan vs Fiamma Turbo
A roof vent fan is one of the most important upgrades for a campervan. It pulls out hot air, moisture, and cooking smells while drawing in fresh air.
Medication Storage in Van Fridges
Many medications require refrigeration (2-8°C). Keeping them at the right temperature in a campervan requires care.
Meeting People Safely: How to Stay Safe as a Solo Van Lifer
Van life can be lonely. Meeting people is part of the experience — but staying safe is essential.
Midges in Scotland and Smidge Review
The Scottish midge (Culicoides impunctatus) is the most vicious insect in the UK. Billions emerge from May to September in the Highlands and Islands.
Monthly Van Life Budget (UK)
Everyone asks the same question before starting van life: how much does it actually cost per month? The honest answer is £800-2,500 depending on your setup, lifestyle, and whether you're paying off a conversion loan.
Best Motion Sensor Lights for Campervan Security
Motion sensor lights are one of the cheapest and most effective ways to deter theft. When someone approaches your van, the light turns on — drawing attention and scaring off potential thieves.
Nature's Head Composting Toilet
The Nature's Head composting toilet is the most popular dry toilet for campervan conversions in the UK. It's expensive (£350-450), but it solves the biggest problem with cassette toilets: finding a place to empty them.
How to Negotiate the Best Price on a Used Campervan
Most campervan sellers expect negotiation. The asking price is rarely the final price.
New Forest Van Life - Complete Regional Guide
The Rubbermaid Storage Box has been my go-to for new forest van life for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £35, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
NHS Registration and GPs on the Road
Accessing NHS healthcare as a van lifer without a fixed address is simpler than you might think. Yes.
Best Over-Sink Chopping Boards for Campervans
Counter space is the most precious commodity in a campervan kitchen. An over-sink chopping board doubles your workspace without taking up a single inch of permanent counter.
Oxford Zero Emission Zone: What Van Lifers Need to Know
Oxford has one of the strictest emission zones in the UK. The Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) charges non-zero-emission vehicles to enter the city centre.
Paddleboarding: SUP Core Work
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the best full-body workouts for van lifers. It engages your core, improves balance, and takes you to places you cannot reach any other way.
Pet Insurance for Nomads UK Guide
Transparency: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchasing. Van life with a dog means you are far from your home vet.
Pet Seatbelts & Harnesses for Van Life
Transparency: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchasing. An unrestrained dog in a campervan is dangerous — for the dog and for you.
Prescriptions on the Move as a Van Lifer
Managing monthly prescriptions while living in a van is a challenge. You move around, you are not registered with a local GP, and you cannot always get back to your home town for a repeat prescription.
Quiet Cafés for Working
Working from cafés is a van life staple. Here are the best UK chains and independent cafés for getting work done.
Rust Treatment (Kurust)
Rust is the enemy of every campervan conversion. UK conditions — road salt, coastal moisture, and predictable rain — mean that even well-maintained vans develop corrosion.
Safe Solo Female Parking in the UK
Solo female van life is growing fast in the UK. Here are safety and parking tips.
Scottish Highlands Van Life - Ultimate Wild Camping Guide
The Truma Saver Plus Gas Heater has been my go-to for scottish highlands wild camping for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £68, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Series vs Parallel Wiring
When you wire solar panels or batteries to your campervan electrical system, you have a choice: series, parallel, or a hybrid. Getting this wrong means poor performance, damaged components, or a fire risk.
How to Shower While Van Life UK - Free & Cheap Options
The Hella 500 Fan has been my go-to for shower van life uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £48, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Silicone Collapsible Bowls for Van Life
Space is everything in a campervan. Collapsible silicone bowls squash flat when not in use, giving you back precious storage space.
Sleeping Layouts for Families
Fitting a family into a campervan requires smart layout design. Here are the most popular UK family van layouts.
Solo Female Van Life UK: The Complete Safety and Practical Guide
Solo female van life isn't a niche anymore — it's one of the fastest-growing segments of the entire lifestyle. Across the UK, women are choosing the freedom of the open road in numbers that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Solo Photography Hacks for Van Lifers
Taking good photos of yourself and your van when you travel alone is hard. Here are the hacks that work.
Solo Road Trip Playlists & Podcasts
Six hours on the M6 is bearable with the right audio. Here is what I listen to as a solo van lifer — music, podcasts, audiobooks, and radio.
Overcoming Solo Wild Camping Fears
The first night wild camping alone is terrifying. The second night is better.
Spirit Stoves for Campervans
Methylated spirit stoves (like the classic Trangia) are a popular backup cooking option for van life. You pour methylated spirit (meths) into a brass burner, light it, and it burns with a clean blue flame.
Stretching for Long Drives in a Van
UK van life means hours behind the wheel — M6, A1, A303, all the way up the NC500. Your body takes a beating.
The Seven Sisters: Van Life Guide to Sussex's Iconic Cliffs
The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast. They're one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK.
Tick Removal Guide: Lyme Disease Prevention
Ticks are common in UK grasslands, forests, and moorland. Van lifers are at higher risk because we spend time in these areas.
Too Good To Go App for UK Van Lifers
Too Good To Go is an app that lets you buy unsold food from shops, cafés, and restaurants at a discount. For van lifers, it is a game-changer.
Travelling with Babies in a Campervan
Van life with a baby is challenging but rewarding. 1.
UK Accessible Beaches: Beach Wheelchairs and Mobility Access
Accessible beaches make van life possible for disabled people. Beach wheelchairs, mobility ramps, and accessible facilities mean everyone can enjoy the coast.
UK Campervan Insurance Types
Campervan insurance is not the same as car or van insurance. The conversion, the equipment inside, and the way you use the vehicle all need specific coverage.
UK Family-Friendly Campsites
Not all campsites are created equal for families. Here are the best UK campsites for van life with children.
UK Farm Gate Honesty Boxes
Honesty box farm shops are a van life treasure. Fresh produce, cheap prices, and zero packaging.
UK Rain Vent Covers
If you have a roof fan or vent in your campervan, you need a way to keep it open in the rain without water pouring in. The UK's unpredictable weather means you cannot rely on the forecast — a good vent cover lets you run your fan 24/7 regardless of the weather.
UK Supermarket Meal Prep for Van Life
Cooking in a campervan doesn't need to be complicated. These meals use ingredients from any UK supermarket and take under 30 minutes.
UK Vineyard and Brewery Tour
UK vineyards and breweries make excellent van life stops. Tastings are reasonably priced and many have parking suitable for campervans.
Vacuum Sealers for Van Life
A vacuum sealer extends food life 3-5x, saves space, and prevents freezer burn. Useful for van life if you batch cook.
Van Life Cooking UK Best Campervan Cookers and Kitchens
The EPIEK Camping Table has been my go-to for van life cooking uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £51, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Van Life Parking UK Where to Park Overnight Legally
The Victron SmartSolar MPPT has been my go-to for van life parking uk for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £90, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Van Life Toilet UK Best Campervan Toilet Systems
The Manco 12V Fan has been my go-to for van life toilet uk for 1 seasons now. Priced at around £27, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Van Life Work Desks UK - Remote Working Setup
The Varta Car Battery 12V has been my go-to for van life work desks uk for 2 seasons now. Priced at around £105, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Vehicle Maintenance for Beginners — What Every Van Lifer Should Know
Your van is your home. If it breaks down, you are not just stranded — you are homeless.
Best Ventilation Fans for Van Life UK Under £50
The Rubbermaid Storage Box has been my go-to for ventilation fans van life under 50 for 2 seasons now. Priced at around £16, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Water Tank Baffles Explained
If you have ever driven with a half-full water tank, you know the problem: the water sloshes forward and backward with every acceleration and brake. This sloshing creates noise, puts stress on your tank mountings, and can cause your van to handle differently.
Best Waterproof Bags for Van Life UK Under £50
The Webasto Air Top 2000 has been my go-to for waterproof bags van life under 50 for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £155, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Webasto vs Eberspacher - Best Diesel Heater for UK Van Life
The Webasto Air Top 2000 has been my go-to for webasto vs eberspacher for 3 seasons now. Priced at around £129, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Wet Room vs Shower Cubicle: Which Is Best for a Campervan?
Every campervan bathroom needs a shower. But should it be a wet room (entire room is waterproof) or a shower cubicle (enclosed shower)?
Van Life Wild Camping Laws England vs Scotland vs Wales vs NI
The Sternhoff 12V Cooker has been my go-to for wild camping laws regional for 4 seasons now. Priced at around £87, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Best Wild Camping Spots Dorset Coastline Where to Park Van
The Varta Car Battery 12V has been my go-to for wild camping spots dorset for 2 seasons now. Priced at around £81, it offers excellent value without cutting corners.
Wild Swimming Safety for Van Lifers
Wild swimming is a highlight of UK van life. Here is how to stay safe.
Window Internal Grilles for Van Security
Side windows are a common entry point for thieves. A well-aimed brick or screwdriver to the window seal, and they are inside.
Winter Storage Insurance: How to Save Money When Your Van Is Off the Road
Many van lifers take a break during winter. If your van is sitting in storage or on the driveway, you're paying for insurance you don't need.
Women in Van Life UK: The Complete Community and Lifestyle Guide
Van life has a stereotype problem: the bloke in a work van with a folding bed, the bearded survivalist, the male voice that dominates every YouTube search. The reality on Britain's roads is completely different.
Wood Stove Cooking in a Campervan
Cooking over a wood fire is one of the great pleasures of van life. Here is how to do it safely.
Yoga in a SWB Van
Can you do yoga in a short wheelbase van? Yes — with a few adjustments.