10 Essential Tips for Surviving Winter Van Life in the UK

Top Tips for Surviving the Winter Living in a Van in the UK

Winter in the UK can be brutal when you’re living in a van, but with the right mindset and preparation, it’s totally doable—and dare I say, even enjoyable! If you’re a vanlifer, or considering the idea of spending those cold months on the road, here are some tried and tested tips to help you thrive, not just survive, the winter in your van.

I’ve spent more than a few chilly months on the road in the UK, and while it wasn’t always easy, I’ve picked up some valuable tips along the way that’ll keep you warm, dry, and smiling—most of the time.

1. Insulation is Everything!

Let’s start with the obvious. Proper insulation is essential if you want to keep the cold at bay. If you haven’t already insulated your van, do this before the first frost hits. Use materials like celotex, recycled bottle insulation, or reflectix to line the walls, floor, and ceiling. You’ll thank yourself later!

Don’t forget your windows—get thermal blinds or make DIY reflectix cutouts to insulate them. Drafts from the windows can suck out heat quickly, so this makes a big difference.

2. Invest in a Heater (Seriously, Do It!)

This is your golden ticket to comfort in winter. A diesel heater is probably the best option for UK vanlife because it’s efficient and cost-effective. They’re fairly easy to install and you can keep your van nice and toasty without draining your battery. Plus, with the damp UK winters, a heater will also help you fight off condensation.

A portable propane heater is another option, but make sure you ventilate properly and keep a carbon monoxide detector in the van—safety first!

3. Layer Up!

You’re going to want to layer up with clothing, blankets, and thermal bedding. Fleece-lined everything will be your best friend. At night, use a combination of thermal sleeping bags, wool blankets, and maybe even an electric blanket if you’ve got the power supply for it.

Pro tip: Hot water bottles! I used to pop one in my bed 30 minutes before bed and it worked wonders to warm things up.

4. Cook Warm, Eat Warm

There’s nothing better than a hot meal when it’s freezing outside. Winter vanlife is the perfect excuse to cook hearty, warming meals—think stews, soups, and curries. Using your gas stove will also add a bit of warmth to the van (just be cautious of ventilation), and hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will keep your hands and body warm too. Keep a thermos nearby for those late-night cravings when you’re too chilly to wait for the kettle to boil.

5. Control Condensation

Condensation is the bane of winter van life in the UK because of the damp climate. When it’s cold outside and warm inside, moisture builds up quickly, leading to damp bedding and even mold.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Ventilation: Crack open a window or roof vent, even just a tiny bit, to let moisture escape.

• Moisture absorbers: Leave a couple of silica gel packs or dehumidifier boxes around your van, especially near your bed.

• Dry your clothes outside (when possible): Wet clothes hanging in the van add to the moisture buildup, so try to dry them outside, even on chilly days. I’m lucky enough to have a “porch area” in my van to hang my wet clothes and shoes!

6. Find Free (or Cheap) Power

You’re going to use more power in the winter, especially if you’re running a heater, lights, or charging devices. Solar panels don’t work as well in the gloomy UK winter, so it’s wise to have alternative power sources. My favourite is having your battery connected up so when you drive, it’s charging! Spend time in cafes to keep warm and charge up your devices if you need to.

7. Park Smart

Where you park is key to making winter vanlife easier. Try to find spots that aren’t too exposed to the wind and elements. Car parks that are sheltered by trees or behind buildings can make a surprising difference.

If possible, avoid parking in valleys or dips where cold air can settle, making the temperature even lower than it already is.

8. Have a Plan for Bad Weather

Winter in the UK brings unpredictable weather—one minute it’s mild, the next it’s snowing or storming. Be prepared to stay put for a few days if bad weather strikes. Keep your water tanks full, have enough diesel for your heater, and stock up on food that doesn’t need refrigeration, just in case.

I always have an emergency kit in case I get snowed in or can’t drive for a while. This includes extra blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit, and a way to communicate if mobile networks go down (a radio or even a satellite phone if you want to go all out). The new iPhones have satellite capabilities which is the reason I have one.

9. Mind Your Batteries

Cold weather can drain your batteries faster, especially if you’re relying on leisure batteries for your electric setup. To protect them, insulate your battery bank (you can use leftover insulation materials) and try to keep them above freezing. If possible, bring them inside the van to keep them warm. I’m lucky enough to have self heating batteries now, but when it comes to freezing batteries not working in cold weather, i’ve been there done that!

10. Stay Positive and Enjoy the Cozy Vibes

Lastly, winter vanlife is what you make of it. Embrace the cozy vibes—string up some fairy lights, read books, listen to podcasts, and indulge in slow mornings wrapped in blankets with a hot cup of tea.

Sure, there’ll be tough days where everything feels damp and cold, but there’s something magical about waking up in your van with frost on the windows, knowing you’re self-sufficient and free to roam. Some of my favorite winter moments happened when I least expected it, like finding a quiet, frosty carpark with nobody else around and watching the sunrise in perfect solitude.

Winter vanlife in the UK can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and a few creature comforts, it’s entirely possible to stay warm, comfortable, and happy. I’m trying to tell myself this on a daily basis. Don’t be afraid of the cold; embrace it. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever winter throws at you. Stay warm, stay safe, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!