UK Van Life Starter Pack - Everything You Need to Know About travelling the UK in a Van
Embarking on a journey across the United Kingdom in a camper van! From legal considerations to camping choices and essential maintenance, this guide covers all the crucial aspects of traversing the UK in your cozy home on wheels.
Legality and Regulations:
Before hitting the road, it's crucial to understand the legal aspects of camper van travel in the UK. Generally, it is legal to sleep in your vehicle on public roads unless signage indicates otherwise. However, camping on private land without permission is prohibited. Many local authorities have specific regulations, so it's wise to research the rules of the areas you plan to visit.
We’ve found that the best places for van life in the UK are Scotland, Wales and part of Northern England. We love the south but the more populated places make van life a bit tricky.
Wild Camping in the UK:
Wild camping, the practice of setting up camp away from designated campsites, is a beloved option for many van lifers. While it is legal in some parts of the UK, it is essential to research the specific regulations for each region. Scotland, for instance, allows wild camping in most areas, whereas England and Wales have more restrictions. Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles, respecting the environment and local communities! We’ve been full-time wild campers for the last 3.5 years and have had no problems, just leave the park ups in better shape than you found them.
Average Campsite Costs:
For those seeking more amenities, traditional campsites are abundant across the UK. Costs vary depending on the location, facilities, and time of year. On average, expect to pay between £15 to £30 per night. Planning your route and budgeting for occasional campsite stays ensures access to facilities like showers, electricity, and waste disposal. We don’t particularly like campsites in the UK, they are over priced and lack personality. However it’s an essential if you have a chemical toilet you need to empty as free services are few and far between.
Emptying Compost and Chemical Toilets:
Proper waste management is a crucial aspect of camper van life. Most campsites offer waste disposal facilities, including designated areas for emptying chemical toilets and composting toilets. Additionally, service stations along major roads may provide disposal facilities, simple bins usually. Be conscious of the environment and dispose of waste responsibly. If you are travelling the UK full time in a van we really recommend building a compost toilet because they are so much easier to empty here. We had a chemical toilet for a year before we finally made the switch and are so glad we did.
Water Refilling Stations:
Access to clean water is essential. Identify water filling points along your route, such as campsites, service stations, or dedicated water points. We always use the Park4Night app for this. Carry a hose or water container for convenience. Some campsites may charge a small fee for water refilling. We typically find the best ones in the most unexpected places. Sometimes you can refill your water at petrol stations, you might see a small tap on the side of the building for example. You also might find a tap on the outside of a public toilet block. Make sure to always filter your water before drinking!
Weather Preparedness:
The UK weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for aggressive rain, wind that could huff and puff and tear your house down, and temperatures between -5 and . Pack waterproof gear, warm clothing, and extra blankets. Check weather forecasts regularly and plan your route accordingly to avoid challenging weather conditions.
Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes:
While major attractions are a must-see, exploring lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path routes can lead to hidden gems. One thing about the UK is that it’s POPULATED with a capital POPULATED. This makes the well known attractions slightly less magical. So get up with the sun on a week day if you want to visit the lake district, Dorset and many other places in England. The lesser known spots are quite often the best.
How to find Park Ups in the UK:
This is NOT sponsored in any way. We’ve been using Park4Night since we first started van life and it’s our GO TO. You can use the filters to find bins, water, places to shower, places for buying gas, picnic areas, toilet disposal, campsites, farm stays, grey water emptying etc.
Thanks so much for reading guys, I really hope tis has helped you with your van life UK adventure!
