Happy campers

PITCH PERFECT

Luxe gears up for an outdoor adventure in Yorkshire Vehicle Hire’s Defender 110 XS Camper. Time to drive up the ultimate Yorkshire adventure...

Like many in the height of the pandemic, many cancelled getaways later, we found ourselves dreaming up the good stuff. But instead, the reality was bygone beach breaks and silent cityscapes. So, as lockdown restrictions started to ease, we found ourselves in search of something a little different for our summer staycation. How can we get out and explore what’s on our doorstep, but from a completely different vantage point? Cue Yorkshire Vehicle Hire - a business rooted in getting out and about in the wild and wonderful Yorkshire countryside. Driving a Land Rover Defender is an adventure in itself, regardless of your final destination. But the beauty of this cool camping concept is, the final destination is in your hands. There’s nothing quite like cranking up the gears and winding your way over the moors. Throw in a challenging terrain and a few rattly windows, and you’ve cracked the authentic Defender experience. Pair that with the ability to park up and pitch for the weekend, and we’re on to a winner. The guys at Yorkshire Vehicle Hire not only know a thing or two when it comes to the wonderful world of Land Rover, but they’re also masters in finding a gap in the market and filling it - with a rather funky Defender twist. Their most recent venture brings the biggest adventure to date - rooftop camping on top of a Land Rover Defender 110 XS. Taking the Defender experience and quite literally

There’s nothing quite like cranking up the gears and winding your way over the moors. Pair that with the ability to park up and pitch for the weekend, and we’re on to a winner

making a weekend of it! Admittedly, we’re not your usual camping types, but luckily our YVH pals are clearly experts in their field. They’ve thought of everything, and it sure does make our lives easier. Simply pull up in the 110, pop up the TentBox and you’re good to go. An outdoorsy adventure awaits… We’re trying out the Defender Camping experience as a post-lockdown, on-the-road staycation. Up and over the moors we go, the rugged charm of the vehicle perfectly accompanying the magnificently rugged Yorkshire landscape. The beauty of this beast is that you’ve got everything you need in the boot. Pull up mid-journey, pop up a deck chair and take in the views as you enjoy a cup of Yorkshire tea, or stock up on weekend goodies en route, swinging by foodie market towns such as Helmsley and Malton. After a scenic sunset drive from one edge of the North York Moors to the other, we pitch up at our Pickering campsite. Set-up is as smooth as can be. The TentBox quite literally pops up from nowhere, creating a sturdy camping cabin complete with mattress and ladders. It’s like Christmas morning working our way through the handy kit list. You’ll find everything - including the kitchen sink - in the boot! Everything from cutlery and crockery, to a Safari Chef stove, table and chairs, cleaning equipment and proper Yorkshire treats to get the weekend off to a flyer. An Igloo 120-hour cool box, side awning and cosy blankets complete the perfect set-up as the sun sets over the Vale of Pickering and we settle in for an evening of Defender-style stargazing. The side awning is set up like a tent, so there’s no need to pack it away when retiring up the ladders to your cosy, rooftop cabin. Venturing out for the day is no problem - simply pack everything back into the storage containers and you’re ready to hit the road after a BBQ breakfast. As the name suggests, the friendly faces at YVH know a thing or two about good old Yorkshire too, so recommendations on where to stay, eat and explore will go a long way. From the North York Moors and the depths of the Dales, to the Lake District, Northumberland and beyond, there are plenty of big, beautiful open spaces to explore, just a stone’s throw from YVH HQ. Our Pickering staycation means we’ve got the best of both worlds when it comes to exploring the coast and country. Whether it’s a ride out to the beautiful beaches surrounding Scarborough, or an inland adventure into the ever-so enchanting woodlands of Dalby Forest, you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect spots to walk, ramble, ride, or relax with a picnic. YVH’s Defender Camping experience really does bring a truly unique staycation to the market this summer. It’s the perfect way to help bring out your inner adventurer - whether it’s a couple’s getaway, a family vacay, or a thrilling escape from the rush of everyday life. It’s a place where you can switch off with four wheels firmly on the ground. The business itself was born from a passion of Yorkshire, Land Rovers and adventure. Defender Camping ticks all of those boxes, and then some! The 110 XS has five seats, plenty of boot space and drive-away awning to make days out in the Defender that little bit easier. The TentBox sleeps two adults, with space for a little one if you don’t mind a snug staycation. Four-legged friends can join the adventure, too. From £125 per night, three nights minimum rental applies (March - October).

Yorkshire Vehicle Hire’s top campsites

LOW WRAY CAMPSITE Where is it? With Kielder Water and Forest Park on the fringe of the site, this Northumberland camping spot is great for family staycations. A stunning, Scottish Borders location sitting in the National Park and Nature Reserve. Why do we love it? Stargazing from your Tent Box is an absolute must at this site – sitting in the centre of the Dark Sky Park. This unique location comes with heaps of activities for families – everything from red squirrel trails and mountain biking, to long quiet dog walks and water sports. You’ll never be stuck for something cool to do here. Dog friendly. BOOK IT NOW: 01434 239257 kieldercampsite.co.uk

KETTLEWELL CAMPING

WHERE IS IT? Sitting in an enviable location in the Yorkshire Dales National

Park, the Kettlewell Camping site is close to Kettlewell village, boasting beautiful views across the Upper

Wharfedale valley. The site is just 14 miles from Skipton – the gateway to the Dales.

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? This place screams friendly, village charm – and breathtaking views out over the National

Park. The facilities are first-class and the nearby pubs, tearoom and bistro are great for when you’re looking to venture out at mealtimes. Dog friendly.

BOOK IT NOW: 07930 379 079 kettlewellcamping.co.uk Where is it? Budle Bay boasts a breathtaking location near Bamburgh Castle. Sitting in a picturesque tree-lined valley with a pretty river flowing through, it’s the ideal spot for quiet camping in one of the most idyllic coastal areas in the country. Why do we love it? Pitch up by the stream, on the hill or close to the on-site facilities at this peaceful, picture-perfect campsite in Bamburgh. If the fact that Budle Bay sits in Northumberland’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty isn’t enough to draw you, its stargazing opportunities, wildlife and nearby golden sandy beaches will. A beauty of a spot, ideal for exploring coast and country in your Defender. BOOK IT NOW: 01668 214598 budlebaycampsite.co.uk MASONS CAMPSITE Where is it? Masons Campsite is surrounded by glorious countryside, sitting in the village of Appletreewick, on the banks of the River Wharfe. The historic site of Bolton Abbey is located nearby, as are the many trails and picnic spots of the Yorkshire Dales. Why do we love it? A picture-perfect pitch to say the least! This family site is the ideal base for exploring all that the Dales has to offer. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, village-hopping or just hitting the roads in your Defender, there’s plenty to do with Masons Campsite as your base. Dog friendly. BOOK IT NOW: 01756 720 275 masonscampsite.co.uk Where is it? This National Trust campsite on the western shoreline of Lake Windermere is an idyllic spot for exploring the Lake District and all it has to offer. Make this your home for your Defender adventure and explore the likes of Beatrix Potter’s garden at Hill Top, or Allan Bank at Grasmere. Why do we love it? A stunning site with plenty of space to choose from. Whether it’s a spot with woodland views, a waterfront pitch or an escape in the meadow, you’re sure to be surrounded by serene countryside with first-class facilities on hand at all times. Don’t forget to get out on England’s largest lake, not far from the Low Wray site. Dog friendly. BOOK IT NOW: 015394 32733 nationaltrust.org/ holidays/low-wray-campsite-lake-district

GREAT LANGDALE CAMPSITE Where is it? Everything we know and love about the Lakes, in one campsite. Great Langdale is set beneath the towering Langdale Pikes close to Ambleside. Why do we love it? Another National Trust site, Great Langdale is all about relaxing and taking in the dramatic backdrop. Go here for walks aplenty, cycling routes and holidays with the whole gang. With newly-refurbished shower blocks, toilets and washing areas, you’ll feel right at home at Langdale. BOOK IT NOW: 015394 32733 nationaltrust.org/

You’ve bagged your Defender, now where to camp? Let YVH help you plan your Defender Camping adventure with some top campsites across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland and beyond…

Northumberland >>

KIELDER CAMPSITE BUDLE BAY CAMPSITE

Yorkshire Dales >>

holidays/great-langdale-campsite-lake-district

North Yorkshire >>

VALE OF PICKERING CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK Where is it? This five-star holiday park is a family-run site sitting in a quiet spot surrounded by rolling countryside in the quaint Yorkshire village of Allerston, near Pickering. WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Location, location, location. This campsite is perfect for exploring the coast and country – as well as some of the region’s must-visit market towns including Malton, Pickering and Helmsley. The facilities on site are great, and there’s plenty of space to pitch up in your Defender and enjoy the great outdoors. Dog friendly. BOOK IT NOW: 01723 859 280 valeofpickering.co.uk COTE GHYLL CARAVAN PARK & CAMPSITE Where is it? Sitting at the foot of the North York Moors in Osmotherley, Cote Ghyll is an idyllic spot to camp – Defender style. Why do we love it? Great for families, you’ll find beautiful views, plenty of cycle paths, wonderful wildlife and top-class facilities. The friendly faces always offer a warm welcome, and are happy to help you plan your weekend in the countryside. With the Cod Beck stream flowing through, it’s the perfect place to play, paddle and enjoy the parkland. Dog friendly. BOOK IT NOW: 01609 883425 coteghyll.com

THE LUXE LOWDOWN JENI SMITH

Jeni Smith is a networking strategist and founder of Networking KnowWho. During the lockdown period, her brand new networking business flourished as organisations pivoted to stay in touch virtually. Her ‘how to build professional relationships from home’ course has got off to a flyer, she tells us as we catch up about her luxe things in life...

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name Jeni Smith Job title/career? Networking Strategist and Founder of Networking KnoWho Where is home? Durham Three reasons you love where you live? The history, the countryside and the people.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? I teach networking skills and create networking strategies. Having launched my business during lockdown, it’s been an interesting time to say the least, but I’m pleased to say it’s been a really positive one, too. I get to work with lots of amazing people and help them on their own journey to success by improving their networking skills, relationships, techniques and get them to think strategically about their professional networking activities. I could talk about networking all day so I’d better leave that one there! A day in the life of you? I’m usually up early to get ready for the day while my husband takes care of our 10-month-old. We swap at 7am so he can get ready, then I retreat to my office in the loft where I spend the rest of the morning working. Work usually consists of writing, delivering, training, Zoom calls, filming/editing - and lots of coffee. After lunch I get to spend time with Juno, my daughter. Playing games, watching the Wiggles, taking lots of walks with audiobooks, and generally trying to entertain her whilst simultaneously keeping her alive. Before I know it, it’s dinner then bed time for Juno, followed by some more work if needed and/or ice-cream and some mind-numbing TV. Any upcoming or ongoing projects we should know about? One of the interesting diversifications that’s come out of lockdown for me has been the exploration of pre-recorded networking training. I’ve recently launched my first online learning course; ‘Remote Business Networking: how to build professional relationships from home’, via the international learning platform, Udemy. It’s a really exciting way of sharing knowledge and it opens up a whole new world of learners, so I’m really excited to see where that goes. What does downtime mean to you? Silence. Taking a nap. Those are absolute luxuries at the moment, so are always greatly appreciated.

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? Everything! An astronaut, a ballerina, a singer, a doctor... I wanted to try it all, and I guess I still feel that way now. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? It’s not a rehearsal. You don’t get to do it next time - there is no next time, so do everything you possibly can in the time you have. What is your greatest fear? Unfulfilled potential. Which living person do you most admire and why? It has to be Jacinda Arden. She’s the epitome of what a leader should be: strong, empathetic and above all, she listens. She banned plastic bags in New Zealand because so many children wrote to her worried about the impact on the environment. Following the Christchurch massacre, not only did she show compassion and love, she showed strength and took action by making most semi-automatic weapons illegal within a month. And how she responded to COVID-19 I believe will go down in history as one of the most outstanding acts of leadership a country has ever seen.

LUXE LIVING >> What is top of your bucket list? Getting my PhD. I’d love to do my professional doctorate. What is your most treasured possession? My blankets. Yes, I still have my comfort blankets from when I was a child, and no I’m not sorry. I love them. What does the weekend mean to you? Family time, adventures and visits to a National Trust site with coffee and scones. A memorable holiday? Me and my husband went to Bali on honeymoon, although it was almost two years after we got married (life got in the way), and it was just the most amazing adventure. Dave hadn’t done the ‘traveling thing’ before, whereas I’d lived in Fiji when I was 18 with nuns and back-packed my way home. We only booked our flights and a place to stay the first few nights, then just figured the rest out once we arrived. It was so much fun to have that freedom to explore a new country in that way, moving from place to place for three weeks was brilliant, and a holiday I’ll never forget. Best dress? Has to be my wedding dress. A Ronald Joyce lace gown with open back and pearl detail. Amazing! Who would be your top three dinner guests? Leonardo Da Vinci, my Dad, and Jesus. The last place you ate? We were lucky enough to spend the week pre-lockdown at Centre Parcs in Nottingham, so the last place we ate out was the Pancake House there. Since then it’s been the kitchen table, breakfast bar or in front of the TV with a takeaway. The last book you read? I’m currently reading ‘Surrounded by Idiots’, which is about communication and personality styles. Before that it was ‘12 Rules for Life’ - a brilliant mixture of philosophy, religion and humour that I’d highly recommend. The last sounds/music/ podcast you listened to? Apart from having the radio on in the kitchen (I’m a Smooth FM kinda gal) and listening to audiobooks, my current musical repertoire consists of cartoon theme tunes and the Wiggles. The last series/TV show/ movie you watched? I’ve loved Normal People, Hollywood and Killing Eve. Three luxe things in life? Adventures, restaurants and CHANEL.