We Sold Everything & Moved into a Van

A must 🚐SAVE spot for your Vanlife Scotland 💙 Road Trip 👇🏽... 📍What3words and Facilities at the end of the caption. This spot will have your heart the minute you drive into the village, not only does the ocean open up on your approach you pass a sign welcoming motorhomes and campervans...a pretty good start in our opinion. Passing the Steam Packet Inn (more on that in a minute) you drive to the end of the harbour and park up in their huge gravel/stone carpark overlooking the ocean with 180 degree views. From here you can explore the two coves (fantastic for sea glass hunting, fishing, swimming or kayak/paddle boarding) and head up the hill to the epic lookout point with an almost 360 degree view of the ocean. Or alternatively you can follow the harbour (5 mins walk) back to the Steam Packet Inn, who actually own this car park. Here they sell delicious food and have tables all along the harbours edge. The magic of this pub is it's actually a micro brewery serving the most delicious home brewed ales 'the five kingdoms'. They also sell bottles and cans to take away and enjoy on any of the many benches that are dotted around at every view point. Top tip the Summer isle was our favourite. This isn't a quiet spot nor a crowded one either. It's just a popular vibrant spot attracting locals and tourists from all around...and once you've stayed it's easy to see why!! 📍Isle of Whithorn: What3words: ///zooms.clapper.tight 🚐Facilities: A huge level carpark (space for around 30+ vans) with a 24 hour toilet, fresh drinking water, a chemical waste point and bins. Everything you could need for the perfect overnight spot. Drop us a 💙 if you want us to share more spots like this and if you aren't already then why not follow along on our Vanlife adventures as we share all the best places to stay across the UK #vanlifescotland #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #uktravel #scotlandtravel #visitscotland

FREE 👇🏽outdoor activities you won't want to miss in 📍Dumfries and Galloway... (The secret waterfall has to be one of our favourites to date) 🦦The Otter Pools along the Raiders Road Raiders road is open between April and October, it's a 10 mile stretch of forest track providing access to some of the most beautiful nature and wildlife. Halfway along the track there is a huge carpark which allows access to the otter pools. Dawn and dusk is the best time to see the little guys in action. 🦌The Red Deer Range off the A712 Queens way. Here you get to see Scotlands largest animal up close. With a wildlife hide and open fencing along the entrance these beautiful red deer come right up to greet you. In October there is also the roarings stags event where you get to marvel in the spectacle of the Red Deer stags rutting and roaring. 🐐Wild Goat Park only a little way along from the red deer range, this offers the same opportunity to get up close and personal with these hairy long horned goats. There are around 50 living in the enclosure with several hundred living in the surrounding hills. 🌊RSPB wood of cree, if you love waterfalls then this is the spot for you. With an otter lookout, woodland walks and a secret waterfall this spot has it all. Right from the carpark you can follow the short trail to the otter look out. Or you can head off up into the woods following an epic stream all the way along the track with multiple little waterfalls to enjoy until you reach the peak of an absolutely epic waterfall. Back down at the carpark if you follow the road along to the left, just before the bridge there is a tuck into the woods where you can view the giant waterfall from the base. It's truly breathtaking. 🎣Isle of whithorn is the perfect spot for fishing or if that doesn't take your fancy I can personally vouch for the vast quantity of sea glass you can forage for, with three bays to access you have have endless shore to scour. Being a harbour there are also hundreds of shells making these the prettiest little bays we have visited to date. #visitscotland #explorescotland #freedaysout #ukhiddengems #vanlifescotland

👇🏽The most magical ✨Vanlife overnight spot🌲Save for later... 📍What3words and facilities at the end of the caption. Vanlife in Scotland just gets better 💙 Escapism is one of the most beautiful parts of vanlife, being able to venture and stay in some of natures most remote places is just magical. Nestled in the Galloway Forest this spot has it all. The carpark is carved into the trees giving shelter and peace and quiet. All we could hear was the stream running across the road and the birds singing in the trees. With limited phone signal this is the perfect stop to switch off from life and recharge. Opposite the carpark there is a bench right by the waters edge or head off into the trees and follow the 5k Cornish hill walk which opens up to some of the most breathtaking views. Parking is plentiful with a number of different bays and whilst other walkers use the carpark everyone we met greeted us with a huge smile and chat. Making this spot feel even more special ✨☺️ 📍What3words: ///punctual.herbs.positions (Forest Drive Car Park - Stinchar Bridge) 🚐Facilities: Nothing...so as they say...Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints 🫶🏽 #vanlifescotland #vanlifeuk #scotlandroadtrip #visitscotland #explorescotland #traveluk

We have waited all year for this 👇🏽, save the date 📅 the 22nd September... Pannage season begins 🙌🏽If you have visited the New Forest before then you will know that free roaming horses, cows and donkeys will often join you on your adventures BUT it gets even better. On the 22nd September the same commoners (the name for local farming landowners who live in the New Forest) that own the animals which already roam the forest also release an abundance of 🐖 PIGS and PIGLETS to free roam 🙌🏽 How cool will it be to see these little delights roaming and grazing the forest ground. You have to hurry though as they are only released for a couple of months whilst food is in its plentiful 🌲 You see the pigs hoover up all the fallen acorns which fall onto the forest floor and are poisonous to the horses and cattle. A tradition which has been happening since the 1800's. Back then over 6000 were released but over the years the numbers have diminished and now only around 600 are released every year. We cannot wait to go pig spotting, there is something so fabulous about seeing animals freely graze, I can't really explain it, you will just have to go and see for yourself. Who's as excited as us? ☺️ #traveluk #exploreuk #outdooradventures #explorenature #thenewforest

A Hidden Gem 💎 of 📍Scotland 👇🏽 (Save for your next vanlife road trip🚐)... ...what3words and facilities at the end of the caption. The Falls of Orchy carpark offers the opportunity to park up overnight next to one of the most breathtaking open river falls. An extremely quiet spot, surrounded by the sounds of gushing water and nature all around. You will share the space with like minded individuals all who venture out to this spot to enjoy it's natural delights. From fishermen and hiker's to photographers and fellow vanlifers. This spot has firmly made it's footprint on our travels, every roadtrip through Scotland we stop here, if you visit, you will see why 💙 📍What3words: ///scoping.coupler.briefer 🚐Facilities: Two picnic benches with BBQ safe plates. The carpark is almost totally flat with around 10 parking spaces (all unmarked). #vanlifescotland #uktravel #visitscotland #campervanlife #vanlifetravel #outdooradventures

Your Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 👇🏽🚐 Exploring Dumfries and Galloway 1. Head to Caerlaverock Castle Campsite A community donation based campsite. This is a small carpark in nature with little bays to park and picnic tables. 🚐 Facilities include a chemical waste point and fresh water 👣A 20 minute walk through the woods brings you through to Caerlaverock Castle, both the ruins and the castle itself. 2. Seven Stones Dalbeattie A carpark which is part of the Forestry Commissions 'stay the night' scheme. Nestled in the woods with picnic benches. 🚐Facilities include 24 hour toilets 👣Head off into the woods and follow the trail up the hill where you will find a picnic bench placed high up on the trail with breathtaking views of Dumfries and Galloway below. 3. Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre A carpark right on the waters edge. The visitor centre is permanently closed however all the picnic tables and benches have been left for everyone to enjoy. 🚐 Facilities include a chemical waste point 👣 A short walk past the visitor centre and along the waters edge brings you to Bruces Stone or cross the road and head up the track for panoramic view of the loch below. 4. Kirroughtree Visitor Centre A carpark which is part of the forest commissions 'stay the night' scheme (£7) A huge carpark with plenty of spaces, leveling chucks advised. Nestled deep in the woods the stars are breathtaking on a clear night. 🚐Faculties include 24 hour toilets, £3 showers, bike hire, drinking water and a cafe 👣There are four colour graded walks all of different lengths up into the woods, where you will find some of the most diverse and stunning nature. 5. Isle of Whithorn A carpark at the end of the harbour, owned by the pub just around the corner. A very popular spot when we stayed and it's easy to see why. With views out to sea this is a little haven for Vanlife. 🚐Facilities include 24 hour toilets, bins and drinking water. Plus a harbour side pub and local brewery. More of each spot can be found in our park ups Scotland highlight on our page 💙 Anymore details you need just drop us a message. #traveluk #exploreuk #visitscotland #vanlifeuk

Every sacrifice you make to live in a van is worth it when you come to Scotland 💙 Being welcomed and accommodated is such a HUGE feeling. People smile when they see you park up, often stopping for a chat. Be it dog walkers, hikers, other campers...the whole attitude in Scotland is different. Nature isnt under lock and key like it is in England, in fact they go out of their way to make it accessible for all 💚 We've only been back here for two weeks now and up until today hadn't even left Dumfries and Galloway. Scotland is so much more than just the NC500. We are so pleased we took out time this trip and don't just motor to the highlands as we normally would. I know we haven't been to Europe yet which some may think is crazy after 14 months or living full-time vanlife but with Scotland just at our finger tips we are yet to feel the urge. Vanlife in Scotland is a game changer, don't you agree? We've also been sharing the spots we stayed in the highlight on our page so if you are looking for a planned road trip then why not check them out. We've found some absolutely gems. Today we are heading slightly further North...who knows where we may even up...watch this space ☺️🚐💙 #vanlifescotland #visitscotland #scotlandbeauty #vanlifeuk #uktravel

We hold our hands up, we have been guilty in the past of heading straight to the NC500 and the Highlands....BUT Scotland has soooo much more to offer. We've not even left Dumfries and Galloway yet and we have already seen so much. Incredible parkups, facilities everywhere, breathtaking scenery and a million walks where you can just loose yourself in nature. We are sharing all of the above in our stories daily so if you want to see what Scotland has to offer outside the normal Vanlife tourist traps then why not follow along...we'd love to take you on the adventure 🫶🏽 #vanlifescotland #visitscotland #uktravel #vanlifeuk

14 months and counting of full-time vanlife and not one month has looked the same...to be fair not one day looks the same...August was a belter. We started the month in the south of England and are ending it in the South of Scotland!! Vanlife in August...we can't wait to see what September in Scotland brings for Vanlife living, are you following along? #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifeliving #vanlifers #uktravel #exploringnature

We were conned last year. About 5 months into full-time vanlife living last year we brought a bigger van. It was a con and we lost £1000's. We haven't spoken much about it because even 9 months on it's still quite raw. The fallout from it was multilayered. When you are conned it has a financial and an emotional impact that only those unfortunate enough to experience it will ever know. It could have derailed us. It almost did. However nature saved us 💚 I know that sounds dramatic but it did. Being able to drive our little home around the UK, discovering some of the most epic spots we have ever seen, the gratitude of the experience fuels you in ways you wouldn't imagine. This last year may have been rough in places (winter vanlife in the UK is also a learning curve) but it's been transformative and utterly magic ✨ in others. Learning the difference between wants and needs allows you to live your most authentic life. Never have we felt more present. More grateful. We feel everything. We experience more. We live in every single moment. Not one minute passes you by. So yes Old Gertie maybe small but she can take us everywhere we want to go and when you get to wake up in places like this it feels greedy to ask for anything more ❤️ Happy Sunday beautiful people x P.S I'm sharing all our park up spots in Scotland in our stories/highlights. So if you are planning your own Scotland vanlife adventures then I hope they will help you planning your road trip. #vanlifeuk #vanlifeliving #vanlifers #nomadiclifestyle

Vanlife in Scotland is an absolute dream 💙 We love wild parking and would do it 100% of the time, however in England, we all know it's harder. The attitude and approach to it can at times mean you have to have slightly thicker skin. Which we do. However you need some respite every now and again when living full-time vanlife. A place to know you can just be. Which is often when we book into a campsite. However camping side by side with holiday makers isn't why we choose this life, so the security also comes with a sacrifice. In Scotland however it's an entirely different story. Thanks to the forest commission you can now overnight for one night at the cost of £7 a vehicle across a number of their forest carparks. This was one we visited when we were here in January so had to come back this time. All the details will be in todays story or highlighted if your reading this at a later date. Wild parking with the comfort of knowing not only are you allowed but your welcomed. Scotland, thank you 💙x #vanlifeuk #vanlifescotland #wetravel #traveluk

Not bad for an old girl, Go on Old Gertie!! We drove our 36 year old Talbot Express from the south of England to the south of Scotland in one day. Sure we didn't get there quickly (gerts is most comfortable at 55mph) but we got here eventually and that's the main thing ☺️ We promised ourselves this time we would explore the south of Scotland as we normally head straight to the Highlands but as you all know with us...plans can change overnight 🤣🙈. Our first stop was an amazing contribution based community campsite with castle walks and wetlands. It's a stunner and one to add to your adventure list. I've included the details in today's stories and will save as a vanlife in Scotland highlight reel. Hopefully it will help you plan your route ☺️ In fact I'm going be sharing all our stops through the stories so if you want to discover each one as we do then why not follow along on our journey. Vanlife in Scotland in September 💙 #vanlifeuk #roadtrip #vanlifescotland

Vanlife doesn't have to look the same for everyone. 14 Months ago we sold everything we owned, packed up our house and moved into our little 36 year old Talbot Express Old Gertie. So far we have travelled the length and breadth of the UK and the adventures are still rolling. On Monday we are leaving the south coast and travelling all the way to Scotland, who's coming along for the ride? 🤗 #vanlifeuk #livelifeyourway #uktravel

And people still ask why we love Vanlife ☺️ #vanlifeuk #nomadlife #fulltimetravel

Van life is all about finding that balance - embracing the challenges to savor the freedom. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it when you’re fully present in the moment. Every struggle just leads to a deeper appreciation for this journey 🙌🏽 --- Hey, we are Trist and Kez and together we live full-time in our 36 year old Campervan Old Gertie. For the last 14 months we have travelled, explored and adventured around the UK...sharing the journey as we go. Join along if you want an insight into living life on the road in the UK 🫶🏽 #VanLife #LiveInTheMoment #LifeOnTheRoad #ChaseTheAdventure

Another Vanlife Reality - *Stats below 👇🏽 It takes us about 4 minutes to put our bed up everyday and about the same putting it all away again. That's about 49 minutes a week, which is roughly 196 minutes a month...which means if you buy a van without a permanent bed you will spend roughly 3.2 hours a month putting up and putting down your bed. We know people are always unsure whether to have a fixed or fold away bed, hopefully this will help you decide. Our deductions after a year of doing this full-time...a permanent bed is a better option if living full-time in your van, a fold away is perfect for short term travel. We hope that helps 🤗 #vanlifeuk #vanlifereality #ukvanlife #vanlifeliving #vanbuild

Comfort food cooking in a van ☺️ part 4 of our 5 part Vanlife series. I know today's a bit of a basic one but who doesn't love less washing up and saving on gas at the same time when you live in a van. It's an easy one pot wonder, whilst it may not look like much I can promise you, it's delicious (Trist approved 🤗). Well we are almost at the end of this week's Vanlife series, where does the time go!! One more tomorrow then Monday we start the new series. I'm thinking 'realities of vanlife' what do you think? Hey, if you are new here, we are Trist and Kez and together we live full-time in our 36 year old Talbot Express campervan, Old Gertie. Every week we aim to bring you some little vanlife nuggets to help you on your adventures ☺️🚐 #vanlifeuk #comfortfood #onepotmeal

Cooking in a van, part 3 of this week's Vanlife series...ingredients below 👇🏽 Soup One sweet potato One carrot One onion Curry powder and spices of your choice One tin of coconut milk About 750 ml vege stock (dependant on the consistency you prefer for your soup) Chilli cheese garlic Naan 1 1/2 cups of self raising flour 1 cup of natural yoghurt Handful of grated cheese Sprinkle of chilli flakes Sprinkle of garlic granules Knob of butter Chopped parsley (if you choose) Best thing about this soup, as it's not made from dairy you can just leave it in your pan and heat up and eat as required 🤙🏽 Happy Wednesday guys, catch you all tomorrow 🫶🏽 Happy Vanlife cooking ☺️ #vanlifeuk #vanlifeeats #cookwithme

Cooking in a van, the second episode of our five part Vanlife series 🚐🍽️ - Stove top lasagna 🤙🏽 You can of course use meat mince, I use walnuts as they are a vanlife cupboard staple for us. Anything dried is a vanlife cooks friend ☺️😂 This reel was cut down from 15 minutes of footage 🙈so anything I've missed or not explained then just let me know in the comments. I promise these will get smoother, bare with me 😂 Happy Van cooking guys, we will catch you all tomorrow with another van friendly recipe. #vanlifeuk #vanlifeliving #cookinginavan #lasagna #vegetariandinner

Another low cost campsites deal for you guys...we aren't sure how long the offer is running so grab it whilst you can. 📍Wilksworth caravan park in Dorset £17.40 for an electric grass pitch!!! Facilities include... Heated outdoor pool Tennis court Basketball court Volleyball court BMX track Table Tennis Children's play area Dog Exercise space Water, Waste and Bins Toilets and Showers with Hair Dryers Laundry Dish washing Dog washing I mean what more do you need! We hope you enjoy this one guys, we are currently in the process of adding all the low cost campsites weve found on our travels to our website. So if you haven't checked that out yet then why not head on over...link is in the Bio. Happy Wednesday beautiful people x #campsite #uktravel #campinguk #vanlifeuk

Would you live full-time in a van...

When digital nomad life becomes tricky with vanlife 🤣☺️ (not everyday is Instagram-able but I'm not going to let that stop me 😂 and I did promise more content after all 🙈) A no/weak signal campsite can be our nemesis, there's no denying it and house life doesn't transfer to Vanlife in exactly the same way. Yes we have a shower and all the facilities of a house, it's just everything takes about five times longer to use 🤣 Especially when your van is a total space of 5 metres by 2 metres, it can become a game of Tetris. Which just means sometimes you just have to reorder priorities when you're on a time limit. Getting the van switched up ready to drive, the animals fed and walked and getting signal was today's...in that order. Completed ✅ BUT to do all of that before 8.30am can be a little tiring I won't lie, and time consuming I should add. Hence you don't mind working in your own filth 😂AND if it means you can get your day cleared by 3 o'clock, which means heading to the beach for a spot of seaside wild camping for the night. It's worth it I reckon. Let the weekend commence 🤗 P.S at the time of posting this I can confirm showers and teeth brushing have been completed. I even brushed my hair 💁🏼‍♀️😂 Happy Friday Beautiful People ❤️ #vanlifereality #vanlifeuk #digitalnomadlife #happylife❤️

Cheap campsites do still exist ☺️and this one's a belter! 📍Reedham Ferry Inn Campsite, Norfolk - £16 a night non electric, £22 a night electric - Showers, Toilets, Washing up area, Bins and Water - Unlimited use of the campsites private slip way - A pub with beer garden right on the waters edge This was our first time in Norfolk and we found a gem to start with 🤗 - The walk to Reedham village is about 20 minutes along the rivers edge where there are two little village shops and a pop up restaurant, with a further two pubs on the rivers edge. There's also a convience store and chip shop open Thursday to Saturday. - 30 minutes drive is Horsey Gap and hours drive is the Blickley Estate. A great little spot, we loved it and we are sure you guys will too 🙌🏽 Any questions just let me know in the comments. Save this for your Vanlife adventures or just camping adventures in general, a lovely little slice of Norfolk. Happy Thursday beautiful people ☺️ #vanlifeuk #campsite #visitnorfolk #norfolk #uktravel

Whoops 🥴 A vanlife reality 😂🤣It doesn't matter how many lists we make, how many checks we do...this still happens way to often 🙈 Please say we're not alone!! This time it was every utensil we own and the cafetiere we forgot to empty. #vanlifereality #vanlifeuk

Our home ✨ The full van tour is coming this Sunday over on our YouTube channel so if you want to see the full ins and outs of living fulltime in a 35 year old Talbot Express then make sure you check it out 🤙🏽 We are Kez and Trist and together with our dog Frank and our cat Murphy we live and travel full-time in our little home on wheels. The 29th June will be our one year anniversary of living alternatively and what a year it's been. If you are interested in slow travel and finding all the gems the great outdoors of the UK has to offer then why not join along with our journey...great to have you as part of the gang 🫶🏽 Happy hump day beautiful people x #vanlifeuk #vantour #homeonwheels #fulltimevanlife

How to and what you need 👇🏽 Living in a van, store cupboard recipes are a staple. With fridge and freezer space limited you learn to cook with alternatives. Walnut mince bolognese being one of these. A simple cheap alternative and tastes delicious. ⚠️Disclaimer: I'm not a chef 😂I'm a read a recipe once and then do my best to remember it whilst adding my own twist as I go kind of cook. I'm a make it up as I go along, with a little bit of this and a little bit of that kind of cook. I'm a nothing ever tastes exactly the same twice kind of cook. Hopefully with my recipe, you will feel free to do the same. Change it up depending on your taste, you can't really do wrong. Ingredients Walnuts as many as you want. I would say a smallish pack serves two...with leftovers ☺️ Stock Smoked paprika Tomato paste (could also be ketchup) Worcestershire sauce Garlic powder - Optional Onion salt - Optional Mixed Herbs - Optional Method Put your walnuts in a bowl and cover with warm stock. Soak for a minimum of 30 minutes minimum. Remove the walnuts from the liquid, keeping the liquid to make your Bolognese sauce later. Finally chop your walnuts. In a frying pan gently fry together the paste/ketchup, herbs and flavourings with some olive oil. I also added half a teaspoon of Vegemite this time which worked well. Then add your chopped walnuts to the frying pan with a little of the stock water. Keep adding the liquid until completely absorbed and your walnuts have a soft bite. Add in a tin of tomatoes (I like the tinned whole cherry tomatoes you get at Aldi) and your cooked pasta. Serve and top with cheese. Voila. Simple, cheap and easy ☺️ #vanlifeeats #cookinginavan #cookingideas #easyfood #easydinner

Living in a van...it's a simple, happy life ✨ 1. That feeling after you've cleaned and you look back to admire your work. Then realise you still haven't fixed your leaky tap, the tissue shoved undernearh is a give away 😂 2. A layered quesadilla, because we fancied something greasy and cheesy. Fun fact, I made that chopping board. It doesn't really fit in any of the cupboards and can be a death trap if left unsecured when travelling. It looks so cool though ☺️ 3. The first evening we arrived in Norfolk 🙌🏽 it was soooo windy when we arrived but this sunset made up for it. Norfolk is apparently famous for it's golden sunsets and this was a treat. 4. A bouje moment 🥂I know it's not champagne but I always feel bouje drinking bubbles, don't you? Even more so when Trist didn't want any so I had the whole bottle for myself 🙈 5. Our first fire in the bell tent which has been renamed Bertie. I've dreamed of a log burner in a bell tent for years so this was a very cool moment. 6. Last nights dinner, Bolognese with a walnut mince. If you follow our stories you will know this was meant to be a lasagna, we came close. 7. The first time cooking on the log burner, I went with a simple one pot pasta and it worked a treat. Have you seen the hack? The one where you cook the pasta in stock then when there is just a little liquid in the bottom you mix in parmesan and butter. Voila a cheesy, easy pasta in one pot. Ideal for vanlife cooking 🤙🏽 8. Last nights sunset, I mean what can I say 🙌🏽 9. Murphy sleeping. Animals doing human things is just adorable isn't it. He sleeps like this often ❤️ 10. What happens when the tumble dryer onsite dies 🤣all just part of the Vanlife living isn't it...you learn to adapt 🤗 This week has been a BBQs in the rain, seal watching, working from bed whilst it rains, long wet walks and ice creams kinda week...how's yours been? #vanlifeuk #livinginavan #lifeinavan #vanlifeliving

A spot to add to your Vanlife adventures!! This was a pinch me moment. We had read that seal spotting was high on this beach but we did not expect this. At least 20 seals laying on the beach, a gazillion more bobbing in the sea, surfing! All only just metres away from us. It was incredible. We've had this destination on our list for so long and are just grateful we got a break in the rain yesterday and could go. It's an absolute must if you are visiting Norfolk, Great Yarmouth in particular. However one thing to note if you are driving in anything but a car then you aren't able to park in the Horsey Gap carpark. However 3 minutes up the road is a National Trust carpark (Horsey Windpump) which has a footpath leading all the way to the beach (It's about an hour's round walk) along with toilets, a second hand book shop, an outside tea room, and the Windpump itself. Both parking and Windpump access are free to members 😎 The beach is closed October - January with viewing points available and it's a dog's on leads policy all year round. Have you been to Horsey Gap before? Where else would you recommend is good for seal spotting in the UK? ---- Hey, were Trist and Kez and we live full-time in our 35 year old campervan Old Gertie. Join us as we slow travel the UK - Vanlife UK #seals #sealbeach #norfolkcoast #horseygap #visitnorfolk #uktravel

They say brushing your teeth with the opposite hand wakes up the brain...does that mean you can trick it into believing it's summer by eating an ice cream 😂 ---- Moving into a van we've lived through the 8th wettest winter on record and now the temperature for this June compared to last is 50% colder 🤣😂 I mean, what is going on 🙈 However it doesn't matter how wet it gets, we won't let it dampen our spirits (see what I did there ☺️) It's all just part of the adventure....all be it a wet one! Rainy day ice creams it is...is it weird it tasted even more delicious than on a sunny day 🤓 ---- Hey we are Trist and Kez and together with our dog Frank and our cat Murphy we live full-time in our campervan Old Gertie. A couple in our 40s you join us as we slow travel and explore the UK. Jump on in and join the journey...nice to have you on our Vanlife adventures. #june #rainydays #icecreamtime #vanlifeadventures

Hey 👋🏽 You are joining us just before our one year anniversary of full-time vanlife 🤗and what an adventure it's been already!! Looking back we can't believe what we've managed to do in a year, but wow has it gone fast. Hey we are Trist and Kez and we live fulltime in our 35 year old campervan, Old Gertie, with our dog Frank and our cat Murphy. A couple in our 40's we decided to live for the adventure. Exploring the great outdoors of the UK whilst living a more connected life. We aren't in a rush, as we both say...we don't really mind where we end up, we just want to enjoy getting there. So if you enjoy simple luxury, exploring nature and just living a less hectic life. Then why not follow along as we go ☺️ #slowlivinglifestyle #vanlifeuk #uktravel #exploreuk #traveluk #slowtravel #slowsundays

I read once... 'if what you crave costs you then just know it's time you are spending' 🫶🏽 Vanlife living -> a simple lifestyle which allows you to experience so much more 💚💙 #slowliving #slowtravel #simpleliving #getoutside #walkinginnature #wildflowerseason

I know, I know these reels are probably getting boring now 😂🤣I mean how many different ways can you film inside a bell tent 🙈 It just blows my mind how alternatively you can live and in such comfort. A log burner inside a bell tent takes the biscuit! We have hot water, a shower, a cooker...and now our summer extension. We just feel so grateful right now. The weather is warming up, the days are so wonderfully long and light AND Old Gertie gets her new rad fan switch fitted this week 🙌🏽 so we are packing up the whole new set up and moving onto a new location 🏞️...can't wait to take you all along with us. Happy Monday beautiful people x #slowtravels #slowtravellife #vanlifeuk #glampinguk #vanlifeliving #campinginstyle

Our summer van/bell tent extension is complete ☺️well almost, there is still a carpet to come 🙌🏽 We decided, after the wettest winter doing vanlife in the UK it's best not to leave anything to chance for the Summer 🤣😂 I can't even begin to tell you how chuffed we are with our new edition. Cooking dinner on a log burner in a tent...how mean how cool is that 🤙🏽🤗 Happy Sunday beautiful people x #vanlifeuk #glamping #belltent #ourhome

Our Home 🚐I had planned on filming a little van tour but the old girl needed a tidy...so voila a 2 4 1 😂🤣 Honestly though is there a better feeling then having a nice clean van! When you live full time in a small space it can get messy quickly! However that does mean it's quick to tidy too sooo not all bad ☺️ Anyway, back to the chores...see you all in the stories 👋🏽 #vantour #vanlifeuk #livinginavan #tinyhomeonwheels

From Vanlife to Glamping Life ☺️Living in a van doesn't have to look the same way for everyone. We love this way of life, vanlife that is, because we get to live so close to nature and whilst you can't escape the worst of the seasons you can make the most of the best 🙌🏽 Sleeping under canvas feels like a camping trip that never ends, now we just need these evenings to get a little warmer as I won't lie...some nights we've seen our breath. Of course we could sleep in the van which is cosy and warm, plus it has a heater...but that would ruin all the fun wouldn't it 🤣😂honestly poor Trist and the things I make him do ☺️ Wood burner stove is next up on the Glawning shopping list 🤙🏽 Happy Bank Holiday Monday, we hope you are having a good one. Catch you all in the stories x #vanlifeuk #belltent #glawning #campinglife #slowtravel #slowtravelling #slowlivinglifestyle

Less time spent driving means more time exploring 🫶🏽 plus the fact we get to use our summer extension I mean what more can you ask for. Slow travel for the win!! Wilds to explore and blue skies and sunshine shine to do it in. Yes please 💚💙 Happy Sunday beautiful people x #lifeontheroad #slowtravel #vanlifeuk #glampinglife #getoutsideandexplore P.S we've got one more week and then we are onto our next location. 3 weeks in a stop we are finding it our sweet spot. (for those interested in slow travel)

Showering in our 5 metre campervan (Home on Wheels) 🚐 Old Gertie ✨ They knew what they were doing 34 years ago...the secret shower in Old Gertie is a dream. Hidden away to give us space when not in use and super easy to set up and put away when needed. I mean what's not to love. Genius don't you think? #vanlifeuk #vanconversion #vandesign #vanlayout #showerdesign #vanbuild #campervanlife

Home 💚🌼...Old Gertie and Bell Tent Bill make a lovely couple don't you think ☺️ We are loving Spring, isn it just the best 🙌🏽Not only does the great outdoors open up even more to be enjoyed but your options for vanlife living increase as well 👏🏽👏🏽 Honestly, if I've said it before, I will say it again, we are feeling super spoiled with all this extra space! Bell Tent Bill has given us a whole extra room 🤗plus there is just something so magical about sleeping under canvas so it's a double win. Vanlife living aka the camping trip which never ends 🫶🏽 We hope you all had a lovely weekend and that the week ahead brings you what you seek ❤️...see you all in the stories x #vanlifeliving #vanlifeuk #lifeinavan #glampinglife #campinglife #campinginstyle #vanlifestyle #slowtravel #slowlivingmovement #belltent #campervanlife

Old Gerties Summer extension 🫶🏽 Lots of plans for our slow travel summer and we are going to be doing it with the extra luxury of our canvas extension...because for us Vanlife is as much about travel as it is, living in nature. I can't wait to decorate the space 🙌🏽 #vanlifeuk #glampinglife #campinglife

HOME ✨This is why we love Slow Travel (and the warmer weather) it allows us to properly set up at each spot 🚐🎪 Remember vanlife living doesn't have to look the same for everyone. It's important you find what works for you. #vanlifeuk #vanlifeliving #glampinglife #slowtravel #tentlife

Slow Vanlife travel means you get to do more...at least that's how it feels. All the time spent moving is reinvested into time spent doing things 🤙🏽🤘🏽 I'm the novice, Trists the teacher 🏄🏽‍♀️ 3 weeks spent beach side...now onto our next adventure. Follow along for more slow life living van travels 💚 P.s This campsite is detailed in our recent YouTube video, genuinely unbelievable. Camping in Cornwall but next level. #vanlifecornwall #surfsup #vanlifeuk #cornwall

Those who follow our stories will already know that Old Gertie has had some issues today 🙈These things happen when your home has wheels it's just unfortunate it's happened now after she was only in the garage a few weeks ago. But hey! Every part that goes wrong is replaced with brand new so we are slowly regenerating Old Gertie. It can be stressful though therefore it's important to try and take these things in your stride. Which for us means we tend to switch off from devices to reset...hence I filmed nothing from today (aside from a few updates in the stories). This beautiful sunset was taken the night before 🧡 Cornwall really is a vanlife heaven, the views are simply incredible from our spot. After the AA came we walked, Trist went for a surf and I hung out with the boys 🐱🐶it was exactly what we needed to recharge our positive perspective. So the long and short of it is...Old Gerties overheating due to a broken rad fan and possible thermostat issue. Ideally we would get her into a garage here but there is nothing available until next week and we need to head east on Sunday. Therefore we have a temporary fix...we are just hoping it's enough to get us the 5 hours back to our mechanic. It's going to mean an early start on Sunday to drive in the cooler weather but we are confident the old girl can do it 🙌🏽 In some ways you could blame these issues on Gertie being older but to be fair mechanical issues will happen regardless of the age of your vehicle. It's just how the cookie crumbles. So after initially feeling a little despondent (no one's bullet proof) we have reset, recharged and are back to seeing things through a positive mindset. Oh did I mention we also ran out of gas which we won't be able to replenish until Sunday...but hey, the kettle heats up on candles and we have a BBQ and blue skies so not really much to complain about is there ☺️ All just part of living the Vanlife way, you've got to take the rough with the smooth. We hope you are all ready for the weekend and have the sunscreen at the ready, she's going to be a beaut apparently. Catch you all tomorrow x #vanlifeuk #cornwall

Vanlife living - Today we had stresses, we had problems to overcome and things to work out but that never ever stops us from appreciating the little moments. Life happens, it will throw curve balls, it will try and trip you up but when you fill your heart with gratitude and you see life through a perspective of positivity there will always be moments to reset your day. It's so much easier to tackle problems when you teach yourself to be grateful for the little moments. We have a few more days in Cornwall before heading south for two weeks but then we are heading back this way. A summer of surfing is the plan. On that note does anyone know of any good surfside campsites? To be honest I think it would be hard to beat the one we've found but you never know ☺️ Where are you planning on spending the summer? Are you off on any Vanlife adventures? #vanlifeuk #vanlifeliving #vanlifemoments #littlemoments #gratefullife #slowtravel

Day 312 of Living in a van...Today's ✨moment was coffee, sat on the grass, looking at the sea 💙💚 It's such a funny ole life living in a van, you have moments when you know people must think we are foolish for living this way (Cold wet winters ring a bell 🤣) but then other moments when we know our life appears privileged. Such stark contrast between sacrificing in some ways but receiving in a abundance in others. BUT cold wet, sunny or warm, we are so grateful to live this life. To explore. To live so close to nature. It's truly magical and a life that is teaching us so much. Honestly Vanlife is life changing in so many ways, not just how you live but how you think, how you see and how you feel. Never have we felt so connected. So grounded. So content and so fortunate. #slowlifestyle #slowlivingmovement #slowtravel #livingoutdoors #livinginnature #vanlifeuk #vanlifemoments #coffeeoutside

We shared last week's moments in a reel yesterday but for our own memory making I wanted to share some pics too. That's another reason why I love having this page. Not only to connect with like minded humans ☺️but to create a journal of our slow travels. One day when we are grey and old we will be able to look back and relive all these magical moments ✨ Tomorrow we will be back to sharing our daily Vanlife moments in a reel but for now I hope you enjoy these little photos....PS what a sunset!!! No filter, no editing...that was exactly what it looked like. 📍Cornwall you are delivering on so many levels. Feeling blessed to live this life, so connected to nature. It calms the soul 🫶🏽 See you all tomorrow x #slowtravel #slowtravelling #vanlifeuk #lifeoutdoors #livinginnature #slowlifestyle #vanlifemoments #ukvanlife #cornwalllife #reflectionphotography

Today is 310 of Living in a Van...this last week we have been enjoying our life of slow travel down in Cornwall. It's been a real mix bag of weather but the glimpses of blue sky days has us fuelled for the warmer weather ahead. Vanlife takes on another level in the warmer weather. The bare feet on grass. BBQ cooking. Nights spent around a campfire. Everything is easier in the sun, don't you agree? Living in a van is as much about travel as it is living outside in nature and we intend to utilise it as our playground...surfing, fishing and cycling is our Summer focus. With some walks thrown in of course, you know us! Thanks for watching, liking, following...see you all tomorrow 🫶🏽 #slowtravel #slowlivingmovement #vanlifeuk #vanlifecommunity #vanlifeliving

Day 309 of Slow Living Travel in Old Gertie. Today was a surf day 🌊 We woke up to blue skies and sunshine this morning, so after editing this week's YouTube video (10 unmissable Vanlife spots in England) we threw on our wetsuits and jumped in the surf. I (Kez) am still learning so today was balancing on a body board and I can't tell you the fun I had. Being able to share in Trists passion is what excites me the most...people come alive doing what they love and that's certainly true for Trist. He has blue eyes and I swear after surfing they are the bluest I ever see them 💙 Aside from all the physical effort it can feel almost mediative when the waves calm between sets and you are just there bobbing the water 🤗 Love it!! After surfing we sat on the grass eating BBQ food and drinking tequila...a pretty good Saturday if you ask me. These longer days are just magical aren't they, to think a few months ago at 4 o'clock we would have been cosied up in the van and now we are sitting on the beach having a glass of red at 7.30!!! 🙌🏽🫶🏽 #slowtravel #slowliving_create #slowlivingforlife #vanlifeuk #cornwalllife

Day 308 of living in nature 💚...because let's face it that's what vanlife is all about, well for us at least. Today was Trists birthday 🎉 and we spent it watching the surf (hoping for waves) eating yummy food, drinking all the drinks and having a massive fire at sunset 🫶🏽 📍Cornwall is just stunning. It feels like a playground to us, when there's waves we surf when there's not, we walk. I mean, what more can you ask for!! We are both feeling so grateful, happy and blessed today...amazing what a cheeky bit of blue sky can do ☺️ I hope you all had a lovely day, see you all tomorrow 🙌🏽 P.S Happy birthday to my soul mate. There's 1 in 10,000 chance you will meet your soul mate, everyday I'm grateful we defied the odds ❤️If you want to drop Trist a Happy Birthday in the comments I know he would love that ☺️x #vanlifeuk #vanlifemoments #slowtravel #cornwallcoast #cornwalllife

Day 307 - Chasing Sunsets - of Full-time Vanlife living 📍Cornwall After a bit of a windy wet day here in Cornwall it dried up just in time for a little sunset walk...not quite the sunset we had the night before (if you follow our stories you would have seen it) but still a beauty. We are absolutely loving this slow travel period in Cornwall, being back by the sea feels like where we both belong 💙 it's just so calming isn't it! No surf today but it's a certain someone's birthday tomorrow so fingers crossed there's a wave of two he can catch ☺️ As always, thanks for the like, follow or view 🫶🏽 See you all tomorrow 🤙🏽 #slowtravel #cornwall #vanlifeuk #slowlivingforlife

Day 306 - Blue sky mornings - Living Full-time in our campervan Old Gertie 🚐 Is there anything better then a blue sky morning 🙌🏽💙? This morning we walked along to Sandymouth bay...a beach where we spotted the salt path being filmed last year can you believe. There's a little waterfall on the beach and a cafe just up from it. A great little spot to watch the morning surfers. I want to say the rest of the day was spent exploring and adventurising around Cornwall...nope, it was a washing and work day. We did keep an eye on the surf but nothing really materialised. We did however get blessed with the most stunning of sunsets that little up the Cornish sky. So our in-between may have been a bit boring but when it starts with a blue sky walk and ends with a beer and sunset I call that a pretty damn good day ☺️ Tomorrow it's meant to rain again all day 🤣😂so I'm just happy we got our outside jobs all done ready for another productive day in the van....the more we get done whilst it rains, the more time we have to play when it's sunny 🤗 #vanlifeuk #livinginavan #lifeinavan #vanlifers #littlemoments #morningwalks #cornwall

📽️ Day 305 - (We got rained in 🚐) - Full-time vanlife in the UK ☺️ Today we got rained in. Which given the last couple of days lovely weather 🌤️we can accept the balance 🙌🏽I mean we've caught a tan and been surfing already and it's only April! Plus a rainy day means a productive one 🤗we spent the majority of the day working and filming for YouTube...we have a little Vanlife channel over there if you haven't checked it out...aside from that, we cleaned the van. Cooked. Walked Frank. You know the usual life tasks...just when you live in a van you get to do it all with that epic view 😉 How do you deal with the rainy days? Do they make you stir crazy or do you love the cosiness? Keep your fingers crossed for us that it's nicer tomorrow, this little novice fair weather surfer wants to get back out on the waves. If I'm going to be a *professional surfer by the end of the Summer then I need to get cracking 🤗 *Jokes 🤣 Anyway, Day 305 of living in a van. Crazy! Only another 60 and it's been a year. What an adventure. See you all tomorrow 🫶🏽 #vanlifeuk #vanlifemovement #lifeinavan #livinginavan #vanlifers

Living with less allows you to live bigger within the moment, at least that's how it feels to us ❤️ Moving into a van you have to be prepared to live with less but it's easy to do once you realise what you are making room for. 📍Currently in Cornwall 🚐 Living as close to nature as possible, full-time Vanlife in the UK...slowly travelling and exploring all the UK has to offer. #simplelifehappylife #vanlifeuk #naturelifestyle #vanlifeadventures #vanlifecouple #vanlifers #exploreuk #traveluk

Cornwall life, surf days 🫶🏽 I'm learning and Trist is teaching me 🌊 This is part of living in a van for us, slow travel to allow us to do more. Learning to surf is this Spring/Summer goal. 📍Cornwall Life 🚐Day 305 of Slow Living/Travel in our Campervan Van 'Old Gertie' #vanlifeuk #cornwalllife #vanlifecornwall #vanlifeliving #slowtravelling #lifeoutdoors

The in between moments of living in a van in Cornwall 🫶🏽 Working in your wet suit ready to surf or eating scrambled eggs out of a saucepan... #vanlife in #Cornwall It's all about balance. It's a grateful, happy little life 🚐❤️ #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #livinginavan #lifebythesea #livinginnature #digitalnomadlife #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeadventures

I think this slow travel life suits us 🫶🏽 From the absolutely stunning wilderness of the New Forest to the epic coastlines of Cornwall. This is what we wanted from this life, to live as close to nature as possible. We are so excited for this season of slow travel, exploring and surfing Cornwall! 📍Slowly exploring the whole of the UK in our little home on wheels 🚐Day 303 of life on the road. Living full-time in our 34 year old Talbot Express, Old Gertie. #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #slowtravel #traveluk #exploreuk #getoutsideandexplore

Life doesn't need to be planned. Sometimes it just has to be lived 🫶🏽 Dreams only come true if you light the spark ✨ 📍Cornwall, UK 🚐 Day 302 of living fulltime vanlife in the UK - The slow travel way #vanlifecouple #traveluk #exploreuk #cornwallcoast #nomadiclife #takearisk

Cornwall surf days are some of our favourite vanlife days 🙌🏽 Your whole home can be parked with the ocean as your back garden, or in Trists case I should say playground. This was one of those days, filled with magical moments that people would call, living the dream...and they are right ✨ 📍Cornwall, UK 🚐 301 days full-time vanlife in the UK #cornwalllife #vanlifeuk #slowlifestyle #slowtravel

Our 300th day of Vanlife in the UK, I think the words of this quote say more than any caption I could write 🫶🏽 📍Cornwall, UK 🚐 300 days of full-time Vanlife in Old Gertie #fulltimevanlife #vanlifeuk #slowtravel #nomadiclife #vanlifer

Someone asked me the other day how long we plan on living in a van and I answered..."this is the plan" ❤️ Living as close to nature as possible. First surf of 2024 in the bag🤙🏽 Cornwall you little beauty 🙌🏽 #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #cornwalllife

(swipe to the end for our little find 🦀) - Vanlife in Cornwall Day One 🙌🏽 Walking to the beach this morning with our coffees we passed a dog walker. He said, "not a bad place to wake up in the morning is it"... He's not wrong ☺️ #vanlifeuk #vanlifecornwall #ukvanlife #traveluk #exploreuk

Let vanlife in Cornwall begin 🫶🏽 it's been a long wet winter but this is the beautiful balance 🙌🏽 Dinner by the sea. Feeling very grateful right now, this truly is a beautiful part of the country 💙 and we can't wait to share it with you all. #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #slowtravel

🎥Nine Must See and Stay Places in Wales On our way to Cornwall ready for some surf. Happy Sunday beautiful people 🫶🏽 The link for this week's YouTube episode is in our Bio ☺️ #vanlifeuk #traveluk #exploreuk #walesadventure

The secret... To live your dreams means facing your biggest fears. If it comes easy, if it wasn't a challenge...what did you learn? How do you grow? Vanlife living has totally changed how we see the world, our lives and the people around us. Our perspectives forever changed because of it 🙌🏽 Slowly travelling the UK in Old Gertie our 34 year old Talbot Express Campervan. 📍Scotland in September 🫶🏽 #vanlifeuk #makingmemories❤️ #slowtravel

Life is short, make sure you live it your way. For us that's the Vanlife way...Day 295 of full-time vanlife living❤️ #vanlifeuk #livelifeyourway #vanlifemoments #vanlifejournal #ukvanlife #vanlifedreams

Our first Winter living in a van was a challenge and a reward. In equal measure. We got to experience the best of the season and we had to live through the worst of it. I know on Instagram this looks like an easy way of living but it still has it's positive and negative points, that's just the balance of life. Now I'm not complaining, it is still a beautiful way to live, so connected to nature and the seasons. However that doesn't stop us living in the reality that warmer weather is easier for vanlife living. We are ready for Spring Vanlife, who's with us? 🙌🏽 #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #slowtravel #readyforspring

Full transparency...it hailed 10 minutes after filming this! Still we celebrated the blue sky whilst we had it and remain hopeful it will return ☺️🤣 291 days of Vanlife living, we've covered Autumn, we survived Winter and now we are ready and raring for Spring 🙌🏽 #sunnymorning #vanlifeuk #tinyhomeliving #vanlifeliving

That's why I love Instagram. We don't need to explain to anyone why we chose this life. We can just show you. So many adventures. So many memories. So much to see, so much to do. We don't need much and want for even less. Because of that we get to live as close to nature as possible in some of the most beautiful places in the UK. Grateful and happy 💚🫶🏽 #travelcouplelife #exploreuk #traveluk #vanlifeuk #slowtravel #vanlifeexplorers

We sold it all to move into a van. I think that's brave. It's taken me about 8 months to say that ❤️ But dreams are just wishes if we don't take risks, sometimes you have to jump. We jumped and I'm so proud of us for doing that ✨ (8 months of living fulltime in our 34 year old campervan, Old Gertie. Slowly travelling the whole of the UK, living as close to nature as possible) Can you believe this was Scotland in September 🫶🏽 #vanlifeuk #vanlifedreams #makeyourdreamscometrue #simplelifestyle #slowtravel #traveluk

This week has been a busy one. We've managed to upholster the sofa/bed with new foam and it's made such a difference. We wallpapered the bathroom and replaced our plastic shelves with hanging baskets which has made such a difference. We've been working our little socks off on some work projects. Oh and we've been chasing the blue sky...I say chasing, we haven't actually moved for a week...I should say hoping ☺️ At at the end of the week our prayers were answered, yesterday was such a glorious day I even got sun burned. Not a brag, I should no better....but still 🤗 Next week we have lots of van jobs, she has her MOT and is also having an entire exhaust manifold replaced. Then the plan is Cornwall and surfing 🌊 After being in the New Forest for almost 6 weeks we are looking forward to hitting the coast. Swap our wellies for wet suits 🤞🏽 We hope you have all had a great week, what have you been up to? Any van adventures? #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifeliving #lifeinavan #campervanlife #slowtravel #uktravel #exploreuk #talbotexpress #vanlifemoments #everydaymoments #traveluk #travelcouple #vanlifecouple #campervans #earthtones

A lot of people ask us why we haven't gone to Europe yet...good question. We do have the animals to consider, Frank is nervous of vets so vaccinations and checks are a concern. However that's not what's stopping us. It could be the apprehension of travelling further in an older vehicle however our AA membership has proven faultless so we feel pretty confident in their EU cover. In all honesty I think we just haven't felt the need to as yet. Which I know may sound strange to many. Most vanlifers we have come across can't seem to wait to get out of the UK. Don't get me wrong, we made plans to go but they never materialised and neither of us pushed it. We feel there is just so much to still see here in the UK. Sure the weather isn't up to much but checking out some European content it doesn't look like youre guaranteed to get lucky over there either. So for now we are happy to continue exploring our own back garden. Well for the Spring and Summer at least...maybe Europe will come knocking again with Autumn. We will see ☺️ #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifecouple #vanlifer #vanlifeliving #vanlifeeurope #vanlifestyle

I thought that moving into a van, we would be chasing all the WOW moments. The breath taking views. The epic adventures. You know, the highs of what a life of adventure can give you. Instead we found ourselves falling more in love with all the little moments in between. This life teaches you so much about gratitude that you find joy in places you never expected. Take today for example...a dry morning, all be it with grey skies, allowed us to sit outside and listen to the birds as we drank our coffees. A moment we might never have taken if we didn't live in the van. The little moments creating the big feelings. That's why we love vanlife so much. #vanlifeuk #vanlifemornings #vanlifemoments #getoutsidemore #gratefullife #lifeinavan #livinginavan #vanlifecouple

Don't wait for the weather to change, just wrap up and get out and explore. There's a whole world you could be missing out on. #getoutsideandexplore #exploringnature #happiestoutside A shout out to @passengerclothing for getting me through one of the wettest winters. I have never been warmer whilst out exploring 🫶🏽 #affiliate Ethically made with the highest quality it's no wonder half my wardrobe is Passenger 🙈 #BraveTheElements #Reconnect #roamerscollective #exploreuk #getoutsidemore #vanlifeuk

Is this the best campsite in England? @campinginnewforest have 10 sites across the New Forest, all of which are positioned smack bang in the middle of nature. You share each campsite with the local wildlife that roam the moorland. We have seen Horses, Shetland ponies, donkeys, deer, cattle and we are both almost 100% sure we spotted a wild pig not caught from the pannage season!! It's truly a wildlife dream. (Each site varies on prices dependent on the facilities and the time of year) Have you been to any of the New Forest campsites? Which one is your favourite? #campingadventures #campinguk #campinglife #vanlifeuk #wildcampinguk #newforest #wildhorses

A sunny day makes so much difference when you live full-time in a van ✨🫶🏽...now can it hurry up and come back please 🙈 This time last year we were packing up the house ready to move into full-time vanlife and the weather was glorious and we were stuck in sorting and packing. By the time we moved in, in July, it rained solid for the month 🤣...I think we've earned our stripes at vanlife living now and are ready for some warmer weather. Aren't you? #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #lifeinavan #livinginavan #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifers #fulltimevanlife #picnictime #getoutsidemore #newforest #thenewforest #donkeys #wildcampinguk #outinnature #slowtravel #slowlifestyle #simplelifestyle #vanlifemoments #vanlifejournal

This life isn't perfect, we've never claimed it to be. However it's exactly where we want to be. It's real. It's raw. It's authentic. It's what makes life an adventure. Vanlife was a choice of lifestyle, happiness a choice of perspective 🫶🏽 #vanlifeuk #vanlifeadventures #vanlifecouple #vanlifeexplorers #happinessisachoice

Why do we choose to live in a van? This is one of the most commonly asked questions and probably one of the most difficult to answer. There are so many reasons but if we were to settle just one it would have to be the fact you get to live as close to nature as possible. Exploring the UK away from the crowds and into the wild...I think that sums up our current life's objective nicely ☺️ I'm intrigued...if you could only give one reason, what would yours be? Why do you choose to live in a van? #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #exploreuk #slowtravel #vanlifers #vanlifer #alternativeliving #uktravel

Our 9th month of full-time vanlife in the UK 🫶🏽 We chose to do vanlife so we could live closer to nature. Adopting slow travel has really allowed that to happen. No huge road trips, no driving for hours. Just bimbling around one area, making the most of the daylight and exploring nature. It's been exactly what we needed 💚 We hope you have all had a wonderful bank holiday weekend...bring on April and more sunshine please ☺️ #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #slowtravel #lifeinavan #exploreuk #traveluk #vanlifeadventures

We brought garden chairs...half the cost and twice the comfort. Heres why and how 👇🏽 I've been on the lookout for the perfect camping chair to upgrade from our little pop together chairs (which are great if you are holidaying but when you live in a van it's nice to have something a little more comfortable) however the price of camping chairs just seems to be way over inflated. I'm sorry but £80/£90 for a camping chair seems insane to me. So instead I started looking for garden chairs and the price drops considerably. Now don't get me wrong, these don't fold down super small but neither do the overpriced bucket chairs I was looking at. So long story short, we abandoned the idea of camping chairs and saved ourselves money whilst getting a chair which in my opinion is ridiculously comfortable. A win win I reckon. They are also 10% off in Argos, you can use your nectar points against purchase and if you sign up for their newsletter you get an extra £5 off! I do love a deal 🙌🏽 .... This sounds like an Ad which I promise it's not 😂🤣I just feel a good deal should always be shared. Happy Easter beautiful people...I threw in some extra pics of life lately because 10 photos of our new chairs would have been a bit boring ☺️ #vanlifehack #vanlifeuk #moneysaving #campinggear #campingvibes #campingsetup #ukvanlife #campinginstyle #talbotexpress #vintagecamper #campervanlife #lifeinavan #livinginavan

This is why we vanlife. People live nomadically for many different reasons. For us, it's to be as close to nature as possible. Being outside immersed in nature is what brings us joy. Beaches away from the crowds. Woodlands full of wildlife. We go where the crowds aren't. That's why this life seems made for us and it's working. Almost a year into full-time travel and we haven't yet left the UK. So much to see, so much to explore. So if you like all things outdoors then why not follow along on our adventures 🫶🏽 #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #uktravel #exploreuk #outdoorlifestyle #lifeinavan #vanlifeexplorers

Life is worth what you choose to value ✨ Which for us are the magical moments which are normally taken for granted. Sunny mornings in the van are right up there on our list of blessings. Living in a van, especially one with so many windows, you live connected to the outside. This time last year the sun was shining so with every dry morning we feel our hopes raise a little higher 😂 Spring? Is that you? ☺️ Happy Bank Holiday beautiful people 🤙🏽 #countyourblessings #vanlifemoments #livinginavan #lifeinavan #springmorning

Wild camping at a low cost...is this the answer to vanlife in England? We are seeing more and more vanlife wild camp spots being closed to overnight parking which can be incredibly frustrating for more than one reason. (Something we chat about in this Sunday's upcoming YouTube episode) Especially when the alternative to stay in the same area is an overpriced campsite...which I would classify as anything over £30. So what a novelty and a wonderful idea to find not one but a whole host of low cost campsites in the New Forest. All run by the same company they have varying facilities with reflected costs. Some have nothing but a waste point and water, the price then reflects that. You pay between £13 and £18 to park in the wild. Which given that most vanlifers always spend in the local area is very cost effective. It's even allowed us to put up our awning and have some shelter from the rain which is a bonus. Out of interest for those who majority wild park would you consider a low cost campsite instead? If you would then we highly recommend checking out the New Forest 🌲 #campsite #newforest #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife

Vanlife in the New Forest 🌲 We are not leaving!! Not that we have too 😊 that's more an exclamation to myself 🤣 Slow travel is working like a dream for us. It's easier to plan, to record, to work...easier on so many levels. I'm intrigued, what speed do you travel at? I know some find adrenaline in the adventure so move fast, whereas others enjoy the peace of a calm moment so take things slower. Where would you say you fall? #thenewforest #newforest #wildponies #wildhorses #vanlifeadventures #campervanadventures #getoutsideandexplore #uktravel #ukexplore

Because time is always now. This has to be the most valuable lesson we have learned to date. It doesn't matter how you choose to package time, whatever construct aligns to what you believe will be, its all merely an illusion. All any of us have is this moment right now. Nothing can change that. So, we don't believe in tomorrow's anymore, only today and we plan on making the most out of each one 🫶🏽 #livelifeyourway #thereisnotomorrow #vanlifemoments #livinginavan #vanlifestyle #vanlifeuk

All we have are memories and moments ✨ We may box time up as tomorrow but everything happens in the now.... Which is smack bang in the middle of where we are in life. No plans. No expectations. Just a handful of moments. A lifetime of experiences. A whole heap of beautiful memories. Life has never been so raw. So real. And so full of adventure ❤️ That's vanlife for you, wouldn't you agree? #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #lifeinavan #fulltimevanlife #vanlifers #vanlifeliving #vanlifecouple #liveinthenow #vanlifemovement #vanlifecommuntiy #campervanadventures #vanlifereality #talbotexpress #vintagecamper #oldschoolcamper #talbot

Vanlife is an adventure but getting to do it with you is the greatest gift. Thank you for not only allowing me to be my full blown silly self but for loving me because of it not in spite of it. Here's to a lifetime of exploring, adventuring and loosing ourselves in nature ❤️ Sorry for the soppy post but some moments I want to remember forever. #vanlifecouple #travelcouple #happytogether

Who knows where we will be in 20 years...neither of us would have thought full-time vanlife was our future yet here we are. Living the unpredicted, unplanned for future of our younger selves. So, instead of using the time we have now to plan for a future no one can guarantee we are living entirely in the moment. Slow living. Slow travel. Soaking up every moment. #lovinglife❤️ #vanlifeuk #livinginavan #vanlifecouple #lifeinavan #vanlifers

The tallest tree in the New Forest, they call it the Giant. I think it's obvious to see why 🌲 Can anyone tell me why the bark of a redwood is so soft? I've honestly never felt anything like it. The entire tree felt like a woodland cushion if that makes sense. #redwoods #talltrees #waitforit #sequoia #vanlifeadventures #campervanadventures

Almost 9 months of full-time vanlife and over half of that has been in the winter...we are ready for Spring! Who's with me?! Now don't get me wrong, I (Kez) love winter. I love the snuggly, cosy, candlelit side of winter. What I don't enjoy is the dark, short days. Oh and the rain. Trist however hates winter. He is a full on Summer baby and this year his anticipation of warmer days have rubbed off on me. That and the fact I'm very much over having a wet and muddy van (thanks Frank😂). Being able to sit outside without a coat on is such a novelty we are embracing every moment we can. Coffee just hits that little bit differently when you drink it outside, like a caffeine/nature shot in one hit ☺️ We moved into the van at the end of June 23 so this will be our first spring as full-time vanlifers and I feel it's going to be the best season yet. Out of interest, for those who have been doing vanlife in the UK for a while now, which one is the best season for you? #vanlifeuk #livinginavan #lifeinavan #morningcoffee☕️

That has to be one of our favourite things about Vanlife, everyday can bring a new back garden. We struck gold with this spot 🙌🏽 There used to be up to 10,000 deer roaming the New Forest back in the 17th century when the whole area was a royal hunting park. Since then the numbers have been kept lower with approximately 2000 deer in the New Forest. We have lost count of how many we have seen since being here. They are just such majestic animals, being so close to them always feels like a privilege. That's the best part of camping in the new forest, you get to share your pitch with so many different animals. It's like being in a mini UK safari ☺️ #thenewforest #deerstalking #vanlifeadventures #uktravel #ukexplore #newforest #vanlifeuk

Vanlife was a risk, taking a chance always is, but if you don't try how will you ever know. (We love it by the way, I think you can tell) Life is short, be brave 🫶🏽 ...and remember a positive life isn't one of perfection it's one of perspective ❤️ #vanlifeuk #lifeisshort #slowlivingforlife #bepresentinthemoment #simplehappiness

I couldn't tell you how far we walked this day, or how many steps we took. But I can tell you how much fun we had 💚🌿 One of the many reasons why we love living vanlife in the UK. 📍The New Forest #gooutsideandplay #woodlandwalk #slowlivingmovement #vanlifeexplorers #walkinguk

Full-time Vanlife UK in our 34 year old campervan Old Gertie. I'm Kez and that's Trist, together we live in our campervan full-time, practicing slow living and slow travel as we explore the great outdoors. Oh we also have a cat and a dog...Murphy and Frank who also live with us. Sharing all our adventures on here, over on YouTube and also our travel blog. We hope that by sharing our life we will help others access the freedom it brings. Do you vanlife? Or is it something you are considering? We are here for advice, tips, anything you need or want to know. #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife

Hugging the tallest and oldest tree in the New Forest, it had to be done ☺️ The tall trees trail off Rhinefield road is home to a pair of ancient redwood trees, planted in 1860 they have stood unscathed, protected by the forest around them. Even though other trees all around had clearly succumbed to high winds and lightning...these two beauties have been spared. Knowing this made them feel all that more awe inspiring. Imagine all the stories these trees could tell (don't worry I'm not crazy, I know trees can't talk) the history they have witnessed. Humbling. Tree hugging is a new practice of ours (bless Trist, I'm so lucky he goes along with my ideas) I have read soooo many benefits of forest bathing we would be mad to not soak up these beautiful giants. Out of interest, when was the last time you hugged a tree? Or do you just thing we've lost the plot 🤣 #treehugger #walkinthewoods #walkinguk #woodlandwalks #forestbathing #getoutsideandplay

And we thought the prettiest roads to drive were in Scotland...that was until we drove the Ornamental Drive in the New Forest. Lined with ancient, giant trees. Filled with wildlife. Enriched in history. This stretch of road will blow you away. At one end you have a deer sanctuary and the other a stunning tall trees trail. When you live and travel in a van, you spend a lot of time driving. Half the time it's motorways but the other half...well, it can simply blow your mind. We are so happy we picked the New Forest to kick off our slow travel ethos. Honestly there is just so much to soak up and explore, there is a lot packed into 220 square miles. Have you driven the Ornamental Drive before? Did you pass the Knightwood oak, the tallest and most famous oak on the whole of the forest? Apparently it's 7.3 metres wide!! #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #exploreuk #traveluk #thenewforest

If you want to learn how to practice slow living then I highly advise you try walking a cat! Honestly. It's a task you have to give your full attention too. Very different to walking a dog. We lead Frank whereas Murphy leads us. Often it's a slow walk. Taking a few steps then stopping to smell and take in the surroundings. You have no choice but to slow your pace entirely. Cats can scare easily so you have to be in the moment with them. Alert. Immersed. Hearing what they hear, seeing what they see. Honestly it's one of my most favourite tasks of the day. Oh and for those wondering if cats like vanlife...we can confirm, they love it!!! #vancat #walkingmycat #catlifestyle #vanlifecat #vanlifeuk #catadventures

Well that did not go to plan 🤣🙈 Top bit of advice if you are planning to visit the new forest this month...invest in some wellies! (The entirety of the New Forest is made up of shingle layered on clay, so when it rains it floods) After trying to cross a flooded path, I managed to end up on all fours, covered in mud trying to jump over a stream...it was quite frankly hilarious. Who said walking has to be boring, as with everything in life, you just have to create the fun. Even if sometimes that comes at your own expense 🤣☺️ #walkinguk #getoutsideandplay #vanlifeadventures #vanlifeexplorers #walkinginthewoods #myescapism #madetoroam

Vanlife coffee in the woods ✨📍The New Forest Where else can you sit by your van in the UK, surrounded by woods with free roaming ponies, horse and deer all sharing your camping spot? If you love simple luxury then vanlife is for you...never have we felt so connected to nature and the great outdoors 💚 #vanlifeuk #vanlifeadventures #vanlifeexplorers #coffeemoment

Have you ever heard of pannage? Or I should ask, have you ever seen a wild boar roaming the New Forest alongside the horse, ponies,sheep and cow? In Autumn the 'commoners' that use the land for their free roaming animals, will also release pigs to roam free. The pigs eat all the fallen acorns and chestnuts which are poisonous to ponies. Most are rounded up come winter however some pigs evade recapture and can be found living wild in the forest. Since being in the New Forest we have managed to spot at least two wild boar roaming around...they say not to approach them but we didn't have that problem. They run away very fast!! Medieval practices still in place is what gives the new forest such enchantment. We live in a world where everything has to be new and improved...it's nice to see people using methods which haven't been touched by time. Have you been to the New Forest yet? We highly recommend it. Wild camping is a bit of a no go however there are affordable campsites dotted all around the area called camping in the new forest. Some sites are open now but all open on the 22nd march. Slow travel is suiting us so far, we've been vanlife - ing at the New Forest for two weeks and have another two here before our next destination. It's a pace we are fully embracing. #newforest #thenewforest #uktravel #ukexplore #wildernesstones #vanlifecouple #vanlifeexplorers

I call this 'going out to play' the adultish version ☺️ Time feels like it's moving faster and we don't want to get older so instead we are slowing down the process. Investing in the little moments, it makes them last longer ✨ Happy Sunday x #littlemoments #gooutsideandplay #forestbathing #vanlifecouple

Early morning sunlight helps a better nights sleep ☀️ is something I recently learned. Sunlight sets our circadian rhythm. Seeing a bright light first thing resets your biological clock, giving you a natural day/night sleep pattern. This aids a much more restful and easy sleep. Laying in a dark room after waking up only confuses the cycle. Fascinating! I've always known of the benefits of vitamin D and sun exposure but I hadn't thought before on how it could impact your sleep. Part of our commitment to slow travel and slow living, is to really take the time to learn new things. Really immerse ourselves in this more outdoorsy way of life. So early morning sunshine for us it is...well when the UK allows it of course 🤣 Living in a van does make it so much easier to access the sun and after what feels like a very wet grey winter we can't wait to soak up every little golden morsel ☀️ Early morning sunshine and a rocket fuel coffee...now that sounds like our sort of morning ☕🙌🏽🌿 #vanlifeuk #morningslikethis #coffeedate