Driving Horizons - Campervan & Travel

Welcome to another, albeit it brief, podcast!   Work has taken over my life for the next 4 weeks, so in this episode I am just explaining what may be coming up over the next few weeks, and explaining why there may not be an episode every week.    This could well be the shortest podcast I ever do! But I wanted to keep the regular listeners updated!       Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In this episode, we hit the road to explore another of the UK's touring parks. I talk abut the site and what we thought, plus, we pay a visit to one of our favourite funky beachside cafés with serious character. Whether you're planning your next campervan getaway or just love the idea of quirky pit stops, this one's packed with info. From scenic pitches to flat whites served in a beachside shack, we’ve got stories, tips, highlights of our most recent trip. So buckle up, brew a cuppa, and let’s tour Britain the campervan way! Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In this week's episode, I share with you our plans for a Summer 2025 Road Trip, which takes us around the North West area of France.   We are taking the Campervan across the channel from Portsmouth, before embarking on a 1,100km road trip that takes us to Mont Saint Michel, Carnac, Loire Valley, Le Mans and lots of places in between.   Follow the route, and keep up to speed with our trip over on: www.drivinghorizons.com/campervan-road-trip-france-2025/   Website - www.drivinghorizons.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Socials - @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

The VW California is great. We love it. It works as an every day car. It ferries us on holiday.  We eat in it. We sleep in it. We play games in it. But, what are the benefits, and the downsides, of upsizing to something bigger? In today's podcast, I discuss my thoughts on the pros and cons of moving to a bigger van. From the driving of it, the sleeping and the living in it. The Question is....is bigger necessarily better?   Website - www.drivinghorizons.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Socials - @drivinghorizons   Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

The Campervan isn't dying, but it's not very well!! is the episode that charts the bumpy road of modern campervan life — quite literally. This isn't a dreamy #vanlife highlight reel. It’s the real story: from beds that get stuck mid-trip (meaning we had a train to catch) to windscreens that won’t wash (twice, same part). Join me as we rattle our way through dodgy taps, wardrobe doors that never shut up, and habitation doors that cost £600 just to open. This episode dives into the challenges of owning a campervan that’s not old, not neglected — just... not great. We’ll talk about sourcing fridge hinges from Germany, the moment our roof knob nearly gave up, and that one blind that's gotten weirdly stiff. And that’s before we even get to the air con leak, failing brake discs, and the mysteriously dodgy tambour door that still haunts our dreams. It’s chaotic. It’s costly. And somehow, we still love it. If you’ve ever muttered “It’s fine, we’ll fix it later” in a layby, this one’s for you. Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

This week on the Driving Horizons Podcast, we dive into a surprisingly disappointing pub stopover during our campervan travels—what went wrong, and what we think should be done differently. But it’s not all bad news! We also take you along to two unforgettable stops on the Dorset coast: the hauntingly beautiful abandoned village of Tyneham, and the impressive Tank Museum in Bovington. Whether you're into UK road trips, van life experiences, or hidden historical gems, this episode is packed with insight, tips, and real talk about life on the road. 🔹 What to expect from a pub stopover 🔹 Why Tyneham is a must-see for history lovers 🔹 Our honest thoughts on the Tank Museum Perfect for anyone into van life UK, family camping or just looking for unique places to explore in Dorset and the Jurassic Coast. 🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and come along for the ride! #DrivingHorizons #VanLifeUK #Tyneham #TankMuseum #UKTravelPodcast #CampervanLife   Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

This week's episode is all about our latest trip! Our camping trip at the Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Longleat.   During our stay, we headed into Bath, just 40 mins away, plus of course, our visit to Longleat Safari park.   I also detail the good, the bad and the ugly about the campsite   Website - www.drivinghorizons.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Socials - @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In this episode of the podcast: Join me as I share all the highs — and a few unexpected lows — from my recent stay at Cofton Holidays, one of the South West's most talked-about holiday parks. From peaceful countryside vibes and well-kept facilities to a few standout moments that genuinely impressed me, Cofton had a lot going for it. Whether you're looking for a relaxing family escape or just some quality time in nature, there’s a lot to appreciate here. But hey — no trip is perfect, right? While I definitely enjoyed my stay overall, there were a couple of things that didn’t quite hit the mark. I’ll get into the nitty-gritty of what went well, what could’ve been better, and a few tips that might help if you're planning your own visit. So, if you’re curious about whether Cofton Holidays lives up to the hype — or just want to hear some honest holiday talk with a few laughs along the way — this episode’s for you!     Website - www.drivinghorizons.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Socials - @drivinghorizons Affiliate Link to the Walk we did: https://alltrails.pxf.io/Qj2g1Y Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In this episode of Driving Horizons, I take you with me to the heart of the New Forest, where I spend a night at Red Shoot Campsite—a site that's not only surrounded by natural beauty but also happens to be right next to a cracking countryside pub. Yes, you actually drive through the pub car park to reach your pitch! Join me as I share my full experience, from the scenic (and sometimes narrow!) drive-in, to settling into a neat and tidy pitch, testing out the showers, and all facilities, exploring woodland walks, and of course… grabbing a well-earned pint next door at the Red Shoot Inn. 🍻 Whether you're a seasoned camper or just planning your first trip to the New Forest, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest thoughts, and a bit of pub-fuelled charm. Plus, I’ll be talking about a fun new idea: building a guide to the best pub-campsite pairings across the UK—with your help! 🎧 So plug in, settle back, and let’s roll. Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

Ready to combine your love for campervan adventures, scenic UK travel, and the charm of a traditional British pub? In this episode of our UK travel podcast, Driving Horizons, we’re revealing 10 incredible campsites with pubs right next door — perfect for campers, hikers, and pub lovers alike. Whether you're exploring the countryside in your campervan, trekking the UK’s best hiking trails, or just chasing that perfect pint after a long day outdoors, this guide has you covered. Discover hidden gems across Hapshire and Dorset, plus a bit further afield — all within walking distance to cozy pubs with local ales, hearty meals, and unforgettable atmospheres. From forest retreats to coastal escapes, these camper-friendly campsites offer the ultimate UK camping and pub crawl experience. Perfect for van life enthusiasts, UK holidaymakers, weekend wanderers, and anyone searching for the best campsites with pubs in the UK. Subscribe for more travel tips, van life hacks, campsite reviews, and pub recommendations. Get ready to park up, pitch your tent, and enjoy a cold one — because nothing says "perfect camping trip" like a pub next door. Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

🚐 Devon Road Trip: Exploring Dartmoor National Park, Exmouth, Salcombe, and Dartmouth—plus, where to find the best cream tea and seaside fish & chips!   🦁 Longleat Stay: Camping near the famous safari park, a drive through the monkey enclosure (fingers crossed for the van!), and exploring nearby Warminster & Bath.   🌊 Jurassic Coast Adventure: Continuing the journey west from Durdle Door, with coastal hikes, fossil hunting, and breathtaking sea views.   🍺 Campsites with Pubs: A deep dive into the best sites in the South of England where great food, local ales, and cozy atmospheres are just a short walk away.   🌞 Summer Holiday Plans: Campervan adventures are on the horizon, but the destination is undecided—France, Isle of Wight, or maybe Scotland? Listeners' tips welcome!   💬 Get in Touch: Share your travel recommendations or leave a voicemail at DrivingHorizons.com—your suggestion might make it onto the next episode!   🔊 Tune in Now! Subscribe, leave a review, and join me next time for more UK travel and campervan inspiration. 🚐✨   Website - www.drivinghorizons.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Socials - @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

After over two years away, I’m back behind the mic! In this episode, I talk about why I stepped away, what’s changed, and why I decided to give this podcast another shot. 🔹 What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why I originally stopped podcasting  What’s changed in the past two years  What to expect moving forward  💬 Join the Conversation: I want to hear from you! What topics interest you? What would you like to see on the podcast? Let’s make this a two-way conversation. 📩 Stay Connected: Follow, subscribe, and reach out—let’s build something great together! 🎧 Thanks for Listening! See you in the next episode. 🚀 Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

The New Forest is a great place to explore, whether it be on foot, on bike, or visiting all the local villages to explore. There are lots of great campsites, and in this episode, I have gone through a few of our favourites, and also a few on our wish list. From ones with facilities, to ones with not as many, but allowing fires, there should be a campsite among these few to suit all needs. I have even included an Adults Only one...just don't tell Max!! Here is a blog post to the campsites I have discussed. Ii also chat about this weeks news, which includes information about the February NEC Show, and a bit about the AA Campsite Awards 2022. Don't forget to leave a nice review on your chosen platform, and if you have any suggestions for improving the show, then leave me a message! Links to my content: www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/richardchub Social: @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In this episode, I spend some time discussing what is coming up on the show over the next few weeks, and I drop in a recording of this week's news story. This weeks news story includes a new Sat Nav / GPS from Garmin. I also chat about a ruling that affects insurance companies, and how they price things, and finally, I talk about a story where the DVLA are perhaps not being as clear as they could, and should be. In the second part of the show, I go through some ideas I have for the Podcast, and what may be coming up over the next few weeks, and even months. Stay tuned, and I hope you enjoy this week's episode of the Driving Horizons Podcast. Auto-Generated Transcript of the Show It's Friday, the 11th of November. This is episode 63. And welcome back to Driving Horizon's Hello. Hello. Hello. And a Good morning. A good afternoon and a good evening to whenever or wherever you are listening to this. Welcome back to the podcast. And if you are new here, then welcome for the first time and if you are regular, then of course, welcome back. Driving Horizons is a podcast, website and YouTube channel all about camper van, life travel and generally seen as much of the UK in the world as we can. Bought you weekly by me Richard. So sit back and let us get into this week's episode. So welcome back to another show. And it is going to be a real quick one today. As you know, we are not travelling at the moment. But that is not going to stop me. So this week, I have not had much time to plan the podcast. And I've got loads of ideas that I want to do over the next few weeks. So what I thought I would. Do today. Is a quick, a quick preview, if you like. Of what's coming up over or what's coming up on this podcast over the next few weeks. And as I am hoping, like I said last week, to be a regular feature. I will replay a recording of this week's news. Which has been taken from my camping and camper van news video that I released over on YouTube earlier this. Week. And it is better to watch that on YouTube because you. See the screenshots and the items in the articles I'm talking about. And if you do want to, by all means listen to it here, it will give you the highlights, that's for sure. But if you want to see it with all the screenshots, then head over to Driving Horizons dot com forward slash. YouTube. And you can watch it there with me going through the screenshots and talking in a bit more detail or showing you a bit more detail of what I'm talking about. So first up, we're going to play that segment from this week's Industry News, after which I will. Let you know. What exciting stuff we have coming up over the next few. Weeks. So here's that recording and I'll be right back. This Weeks News Hi, Richard here from Driving Horizons and it's time for the news roundup of all the stories in the camping and campervan world. That have caught my eye this week. So welcome to this week's news. And I have three stories for you this week. And first up, and I am a little bit late to the party on this one, but Garmin Have released. A couple of new satnav’s or GPS’s Garmin Camper795 and the CamperCam795 The seven inch display should make it easy to see and read while driving. Plus, there are tons of features on these ones, things like. Road warnings, telling you all about steep. Grades, sharp bends and even weight limits. And there is also. An. Environmental zone, which is a. Feature that warned you. About certain restrictions, perhaps a low emission zone in a larger city, something like that that would normally be chargeable. But my favorite and possibly the most useful for me. Anyway, is when, especially if we ever. Bought a bigger van, is. The custom motorhome routine, which among other things, gives you the ability to load in the dimensions of your motorhome or caravan so that you don't find yourself going down small roads like this one in a huge van. A quick snapshot of their features. It is a seven inch screen. You can travel confidently along your chosen route after programing the size of. Your rig, and it gives you a warning. For steep curves, sharp bends, things like that. And it also discovers the best stops, the best spot. Sorry to stop along your route with the inbuilt Michelin Green Guide prices are around £390 for the camper795 or £500 for the camper cam 795. Which, from what I could see, the main difference is that the camper cam has a built in dashcam. And next up, if you are about to undertake a van conversion, then you probably know that you have to let the DVLA know. The primary use of the van has changed from a normal van to, say, a motorhome or a motor caravan, I think they call it. However, it may not be as simple as that. I found a story on Out and About Live where the DVLA has been criticized by the government ombudsman over camper van confusion. The story involves would be camper vanner informing the DVLA. They have converted their normal van to a camper van, only to be told by the DVLA that no they haven't. It was just now a van with windows What’s the different then. All vans have windows. Otherwise why would you need window wipers anyway? Having a vehicle. Registered as a van with windows rather than a motor caravan means the owner can face a number of issues, including higher fees on toll road. Costlier MOT’s, having to abide by different speed limits and not being allowed on some camping sites that don't allow commercial vehicles I guess After being rejected, they asked the DVLA for advice on what they had to do to to get it changed. And the answer was vague, suggesting that they add Awning rails or stickers to the exterior. So they did. And one of them added a big sticker that said camper van to four sides. I'm not sure that would work. And it seems the issue is they won't tell them exactly what they need to do to satisfy the requirements, because the two people involved said if they did, then they'd obviously do it and they would get reclassified. Now there are two separate complainants in this story and it would appear that David and Mary. May not be alone as the number of successful applicants to the DVLA for a change in body type to motor caravan dropped by 95% from almost 2500 to under 150 between January 2019 to January 2020. The DVLA eventually said this was due to making changes to the way they process applications after realizing in June 2019 they had not been applying their existing vehicle body type policy as originally intended. Now the Ombudsman found that not only communicating about this significant change in a clear way, in a timely way, it was a mistake and administration error and part of the DVLA. They also found guilty of not being transparent about what's required to register a vehicle as a camper van and its processes. And they recommend that they apologize to the complainants and give them £100 in recognition of their distress and confusion and frustration. But they should also create an action plan about how it intends to ensure the applicants have sufficiently detailed information available to them before undertaking a conversion about what elements constitute a vehicle, body or vehicle of body type motor caravan and what they need to do. And they also need to provide the Ombudsman with details of how it intends to make clear to customers the process involved in determining a body type and in particular making a decision on what body type to assign an application for a body type motor caravan. And at this point, I'm still not sure if David and Mary have managed to classify their camper van correctly. I hope you have guys if you're watching, which you probably aren’t. And the third article today is all about insurance, and it is a story that I found over on the Caravan and Motorhome Club websites excuse me is an older story, but I wasn't aware. So perhaps some of you are not aware of this either. Now we've all been frustrated when new customers and not just insurance get better deals than those that are renewing with their current provider. Well, the Financial Conduct Authority, the FCA, have brought in their fair pricing initiative, which is aimed at not penalizing those loyal customers that do choose to renew. The FCA found that some existing customers that remained loyal were being punished as new customers were getting better deals, I guess to entice them into signing up with that new insurance company. But from the start of this year, 2022, see told you it was an older story and both new and existing customers must be offered the same price for the same cover, which is kind of a blow for insurance companies, because now that he's going to raise their new business prices or lower their renewal prices so that they match, that is what I have you for this week's Camping and Caravan News and the round up the things that caught my eye. And don't forget, if you did. Like this video, then give. It a thumbs up. And if I carry on getting likes and views, then I'll definitely spend the time to bring you the weekly news all about camping and camper vans. And finally, if. You haven't already. Why not subscribe to the channel that notification bell so that you can see all our future videos on travels, camper van, news and reviews and all things that we do here. If you click here, you will find last week's news video. Thanks for watching and we'll see you in the next video. So there we go. That is this week's news and one of the stories there about the DVLA. There were a couple of comments on my YouTube channel, which I'm going to go through in next week's news. And I've also reached out to three or four van conversion companies to see to try and get their thoughts and their experiences on if they register with the DVLA or is that down to the people they sell it onto when they change the logbook to do it? So I'm trying to understand that in case that might prove helpful for other people. So stay tuned for that next wee

Welcome to this week's episode, where I chat about some news articles that have caught my eye. In addition, I run through all the Camping & Motorhome shows for 2023. News Articles include Facts and figures from the October NEC show, a 200k motorhome, and the MMM Motorhome and Campervans of the year awards. Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Shows are back for 2023, and so far I have found 14 shows happening between January and October 2023. If you are looking for some Top Tips on attending Motorhome shows, then check out a previous Podcast, or this article over on the blog. Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

Have you bit overwhelmed by the different types of portable camping toilets? What are the different types? How do they work? Where do you empty them? If you are new to camping, or you are just shopping for a new camping toilet, then this is the podcast for you. This show won't tell you which of the portable toilets is best for you personally, but it will help explain what options there are out there. Firstly though, do you even need one, you ask yourself. Again, that is not a question I can answer, but I can sow some seeds of thought, and perhaps ask you to think about the type of camping you are going to do. The type of campsites you will be visiting. Perhaps how you empty them will influence your decision on camping toilets, and the one you choose? Maybe having to deal with your own 1's and 2's will put you off the idea altogether! Accessories for camping toilets Yes, that's right, camping toilets need accessories. Do you choose a chemical toilet? How do the chemicals work, where do you put them? What types are there? A Bucket and Bag toilet? I am not sure I like the sound of that you may be thinking. How does that work? Is it really a bucket and a bag? Where do I empty that? There are a lot of options, a lot of questions, and therefore a lot of answers. I try my best to answer as many as I can, so why not take a listen to the show a,, about camping toilets, and let me know what you think? In the meantime, don't forget to subscribe to the show and leave a positive review if you have enjoyed it. If not, please head over to my contact page, and drop me a message! Until the next time, happy camping, and safe travels! Rich Links to my content: www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/richardchubb Social: @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

It is October, and Winter is fast approaching. That doesn't mean the camping has to stop though! We regularly get away in the Winter months and have visited quite a few campsites. These on this list include sites that are great for families, great for city visits, and also if you want a bit of luxury. Campsites included are: Freshwater Beach: Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PT Cofton Holidays: Near Dawlish, South Devon, EX6 8RP Brighton CAMC Site: East Brighton Park, Brighton BN2 5TS Concierge Camping: West Ashling, Chichester PO18 8DL Carnon Downs: Carnon Downs, Truro TR3 6JJ I explain the facilities on each, and who I think they will be good for. Links to my content: www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/richardchub Social: @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

Have you ever left a campsite halfway through your stay because it wasn't for you? In this episode, I talk about how we did this for the first time ever! We also embarked on our toughest hike to date, but we loved every minute of it! Links to my content: www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/richardchub Social: @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In this episode, I take you on a trip up Snowdown, the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. We also visit Anglesey, along with a trip to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Yes, that is the correct name. I have not just fallen asleep on the keyboard!! Enjoy, and don't forget to leave a comment or a review!! Links to my content: www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/richardchub Social: @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons

In today's show, I talk about the start of our Summer 2022 Wales trip, and our journey from Berkshire, to North Wales via Shropshire. We make it to Snowdonia National Park, before settling into our first Welsh Campsite, Bryn Gloch. Links to my content: www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/richardchub Social: @drivinghorizons Links to my content : www.drivinghorizons.com www.youtube.com/@drivinghorizons Social: @drivinghorizons