Driving Horizons - Campervan & Travel

E074 - It's Booked! Summer 2025 is falling into place

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E073 - Battles with the Van when wanting more space

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E072 - The Campervan isn't dying, but its not very well!!

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E071 - A Disappointing Pub Stopover, plus visits to Tyneham and Tank Museum

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E070 - The Lion, The Pitch but no downloads - Great Location but zero Internet

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E069 - Cofton Holidays - Great, but a couple of things annoyed me!

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 - @drivinghorizonsAffiliate Link to the Walk we did: https://alltrails.pxf.io/Qj2g1Y
Links to my content:www.drivinghorizons.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E068 - From Pitch to Pint: The Red Shoot Experience

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E067 - Pints & Pitches: An ultimate guide to Pubs with Campsites nearby

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E066 - Exploring the South of England – 2025 Travel Plans

🚐 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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons

E065 - Welcome Back - Giving the Podcast Another Chance

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.comwww.youtube.com/@drivinghorizonsSocial: @drivinghorizons