I have been wanting to go out for an adventure in a camper for a long while. This current "van-life" trend looks really exciting for me but I think it would be something I would much more enjoy as a holiday rather than an actual lifestyle. Specifically, I really wanted to hire a VW camper. After umming and arring for far too long, I found the perfect camper for me. Meet Bertie!
Bertie is a 1978 VW T2 that I rented from Anne's Vans for a long weekend with my partner. Isn't he beautiful! He was far more technical to drive than I imagined- you really notice the brakes, the lack of power steering and the stick for a handbreak that stops you from using first gear! But it was 100% worth it (so much so we're already planning the next weekend away in him!). He really did capture my heart!
The Route
Day One: Lincoln-Peak District
We couldn't pick up the van until 2:30 so we spent the day in Lincoln. We especially enjoyed our visit to Doughnotts for some gigantic doughnuts! We have spent a lot of time in the city previously so we mostly stuck to the shops but if you've never been before, I recommend seeing the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle (despite the giant and cobbled walk up the aptly named Steep Hill). Think coffee shops, used book shops and cobbled paths.
After we picked up the van (and I got mildly used to driving him!) we headed over to Beltonville Farm for our first night. The campsite was super quiet and had amazing views. You could choose to camp up at the Upper Field for beautiful views or Lower Field to be near the toilets and the (amazing!) showers.
Day Two: Peak District-Illkly
Today was our hiking day! I really had my heart set on having a bakewell tart from Bakewell so we decided to park up (we parked on some on the road parking just passed the Jet Garage) and start and end our walk from Bakewell. We began the day tucking into a breakfast to fuel our walking. We ended up doing this 6 mile walk from Bakewell to Ashford-in-the-Water then back to Bakewell. It was a beautiful walk, not too long. And after we ate our well-deserved treats from The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop! All within the 4 hours allowed of the parking.
After our walk and treats, we headed over to our second campsite, Clarion Lodge Campsite & Wigwams (it's cheaper if you book direct). We treated ourselves to electric tonight so watched a DVD before heading to a local pub for some dinner.
Day Three: Illkley-Harrogate-Yarn
Today was another city day, this time Harrogate. We parked up on some free on road parking near Coach Road, although we were lucky to get a space because it was quite full. We headed over to the Royal Pump Room Museum (which was good if you're a water nerd like me but was quite small), the Spirit of Harrogate (an alcohol shop but I think it would be cool to go for a tasting here!) and for a takeaway Fat Rascal from Betty's (the queue to eat in was massive but a takeaway treat suited us just fine). Honestly though, if I was to do the days differently, this would have been the day I would cut!
After Harrogate, we headed for our next night stay, the Old Mill Hot Tub Rooms in Yarn. We were essentially parked in their car park but we had access to their hot tub, which was amazing!
Day Four: Yarn-Whitby-Hull
One place I can't recommend you visit enough is Whitby. It's beautiful! We parked for free near 30 Green Lane, although there was a bit of a dodgy hill to get there! It was right next to Whitby Abbey. There were beautiful views of the abbey and Whitby itself without having to pay the entry fees. We ambled down the 199 steps to the town (think cobbled streets and old buildings), as well as walking over to the beach with their colourful beach huts. I also headed up to the Whalebone Arch for a photo. 100% one to spend the day at.
Ice creams eaten and fish and chips gobbled, it was time to head to our final campsite, Greengrass Park Static & Touring Caravan Park, where we had booked a lake-side view.
Day Five: Hull-Lincoln
Before then, sadly, dropping Bertie off back home to Anne's Vans.
This holiday was the perfect van life taster and was a proper little adventure! Thanks Bertie for joining us on the trip! We can't wait to see you again!
