VanVentures

20/05/2026

Some of the best travel photos happen when the plan changes.

Flat skies, rain moving in, evening light arriving sooner than expected, or a quick stop at a viewpoint can all change what is realistic with a camera. When you are travelling by van or campervan, photography is rarely just about settings. It is also about space, power, weather, parking and knowing when to wait or move on.

I’ve written a practical guide to outdoor photography on the road, covering kit, light, composition, camera settings, editing and responsible stopping.

19/05/2026

Small BBQ, useful setup.

The Campingaz Party Grill 400 R is the sort of camping kit that makes sense when space matters, whether you’re packing a car boot, campervan cupboard or van storage box.

I’ve looked at how it does for portability, setup, cooking options, cleaning and general camp cooking.

14/05/2026

The North Coast 500 is easy to rush, but this trip reminded me why it works better at a slower pace.

Beaches, short walks, viewpoints, ruins and time to stop properly all made the route feel more worthwhile.

A reflective NC500 road trip from the post-lockdown period, with a few useful reminders for planning your own.

A reflective North Coast 500 road trip through quiet beaches, short walks, historic ruins and dolphin spotting after lockdown eased, with practical pacing notes.

14/05/2026

Bigger is not always easier.

A larger campervan can be more comfortable, but parking, narrow roads, height barriers and turning space all start to matter more.

This guide looks at the real trade-offs before choosing a van for summer.

Choose a campervan that suits your route, parking plans and travel style, with practical advice on size, layout, facilities and summer touring.

13/05/2026

Snake Woodland is easy to miss from the A57.

It sits just off the Snake Pass, with pine trees, the River Ashop and a short stretch of woodland that works well as a quiet break from the road.

Useful if you’re passing through and want somewhere simple to pause for a bit.

A quiet woodland beside the River Ashop, just off the A57 Snake Pass, with a short walk, places to pause and practical notes for road-trippers.

13/05/2026

A portable fire pit that actually fits in the van without taking over the storage space.

We tested this one on a cold November evening and it gave off decent heat, packed down small and felt much easier than carrying a bulky fire pit.

The main trade-off? It does get through firewood fairly quickly.

https://www.vanventures.co.uk/portable-outdoor-fire-pit/

12/05/2026

Soft morning light at Snake Woodland
The drizzle brought out the mossy banks, dark stream and those orange-tipped trees among the conifers.
Does anyone else have photos from this spot in different conditions?

12/05/2026

The half onion was the real test.

I tried Heyeco Beeswax Food Wrap on sandwiches and leftovers, but the onion showed both the useful bit and the drawback.

It reduced the smell better than cling film, but the smell lingered on the wrap afterwards.

Useful, but worth keeping one piece for stronger foods.

https://www.vanventures.co.uk/heyeco-beeswax-food-wrap/

12/05/2026

Bebbanburg was the detail that made Bamburgh Castle click for me.

The setting is memorable, but it is the link to The Last Kingdom that gave the visit more focus.

I’ve written up what to expect, including parking, access, dogs, facilities and campervan notes.

https://www.vanventures.co.uk/bamburgh-castle/

11/05/2026

Humber Bridge is one of those places I’d usually just drive over.

But stopping on the north bank gives you a proper leg stretch, with the bridge walk, Hessle Foreshore and Humber Bridge Country Park all close by.

It’s not peaceful, and it can be windy, but it works well as a practical van stop near Hull.

https://www.vanventures.co.uk/humber-bridge/