Exploring the UK in Our Campervan: Five Years of Freedom, Dogs, and Adventure
Back in 2019, after months of researching layouts, styles, and everything campervan-related, we finally found the one. We bought our campervan, Varney, from Leisure Drive, and little did we know just how much that decision would change our lives.
Owning a campervan had always been a dream of mine. The idea of waking up beside a lake, parking up near the coast, or escaping into the countryside whenever we fancied it had huge appeal. I spent countless evenings comparing vans, imagining future adventures, and trying to find the perfect layout that would suit us for years to come.
Thankfully, Clare took to campervan life like a duck to water — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Weekend Adventures and New Discoveries
Over the last five years, Varney has taken us all over the UK, and what started as the occasional getaway quickly became a way of life. Most weekends, you’ll find us somewhere new — exploring hidden villages, coastal towns, mountain roads, and countryside pubs.
One of the best things about campervan travel is the flexibility it gives you. There’s no rigid itinerary, no rushing for hotel check-ins, and no pressure to stick to a plan. If we fall in love with a place, we stay longer. If the weather changes, we simply move on. Every trip can be tailored exactly how we want it.
Varney really came into his own once our dogs joined the family.
First came Tessie, our Cockapoo, and then Lilly, our Shichon. Suddenly, our adventures became even more special because we could bring the dogs along with us wherever we went. Instead of worrying about kennels or leaving them behind, they became part of every journey.
From beach walks and forest trails to cosy evenings tucked up in the van, campervan life opened up a whole new world for us as dog owners. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching the dogs enjoy the freedom just as much as we do.
From the UK to Europe
For years, I resisted the idea of taking my pride and joy overseas. The thought of driving Varney around Europe felt slightly daunting, and if I’m honest, I was a little protective of him too!
But after plenty of persuasion, last year we finally made the leap — and what an experience it turned out to be.
Varney took us through France, Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium, opening up an entirely new chapter of adventures for us. From mountain scenery to beautiful lakes and picturesque towns, travelling through Europe in our own van was something we’ll never forget.
It’s amazing how quickly a campervan starts to feel less like a vehicle and more like a tiny home that follows you wherever you go.
Our Favourite Way to Stay
One question we’re often asked is where we stay when we travel.
The truth is, we mix it up depending on the trip. Sometimes we stay on campsites with full facilities, other times we enjoy quiet wild park-ups surrounded by nature. But if we had to pick a favourite, it would definitely be pub stops.
There’s something special about parking up at a welcoming country pub after a day of exploring, enjoying a good meal, a few drinks, and then simply walking back to the van for the night. For us, that’s campervan life at its best — simple, relaxed, and full of freedom.
More Than Just a Van
Looking back, buying Varney in 2019 was one of the best decisions we ever made. Over the years, he’s given us freedom, unforgettable memories, and countless adventures with Clare, Tessie, and Lilly by my side.
Whether we’re exploring the Scottish Highlands, discovering hidden corners of Wales, relaxing on the Cornish coast, or venturing across Europe, one thing is certain — campervan life has completely changed the way we travel.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
