A FINE DAY OUT

Whatever the weather, campervans are perfect for days out and short breaks. Many owners say they use their campervan as a day van – or for short breaks - even more often than for longer holidays. Archaeologist Jenny uses her NV200 CamperCar as her only vehicle. She lives near beautiful Reigate Heath, in Surrey, and uses the camper to visit far-flung friends, or as a day van when she goes on archaeological digs. She says, “I went to Abinger in Surrey to see an archaeological site and cooked bacon sandwiches for all the people on the dig. They’ve come to expect it now. I’ve been out for plenty of picnics too.

Last year, during restrictions, Jeff and Mary used their camper as a day van for outings to Leonardslee Gardens, and going to their local Shoreham beach, with their grandchildren. “We parked by the fort on a glorious sunny day, went in the sea, ate in the van and it was brilliant. The toilet was very handy, too.” “We also like going to Seaford with our dog. She is a little Bichon Frise and has her own bed, seatbelt and a bowl hanging up in the campervan.”DAY TRIPS

WITHOUTRESTRICTIONS

BEACH LOVERS

Ian and Liz live in Cambridgeshire and collected their campervan in June last year and headed off to the beach for their first excursion. "We cooked up a lovely breakfast overlooking the sea, just beautiful." said Ian. Later in the year they went to Tan Y Rhiw Caravan Park in Llanrwst, North Wales and explored the Cley nature reserve and beach on the North Norfolk Coast, before heading for the bright lights of Cromer.

HEAD START ONESCAPING LOCKDOWN

Families with campervans had a head start on escaping lockdown. They could travel safely between lockdowns, in their own little bubbles - allowing children to see their far-flung aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved grandparents outdoors, to create something near normal in this new topsy-turvey world. For many, “getting back to normal” started with days out in the camper. In late spring Sussex Campervan owner Graham said, “I dropped the boys off at Thorpe Park for the day, then had a quick look at Windsor, before parking next to the Thames at Runnymede for a leisurely lunch and dog walk along the river bank. It felt like the first really hot day of summer, hopefully with many more to come. Our first proper use of the van this year, love it!” By June, Graham and his family were off on a proper holiday to Sandford Holiday Park in Poole, Dorset, and the weather was glorious. It’s a holiday park designed for families, with a swimming pool, pirate-themed crazy golf, sports dome and soccer school, plus a High Ropes Course for kids.