TV chef offers top tips for campervan holidays

The British summertime has officially arrived, and the Coast team was interested to read a piece by campervanning enthusiast Martin Dorey wrote on The Huffington Post website recently about how to make the most of a holiday in your home country.

Dorey, who has published The Camper Van Cookbook and starred in BBC 2 documentary One Man & His Campervan, recommends you begin with a strategic plan. Often with domestic trips, the key to maximising your time is organising several small camping breaks rather than a one-off fortnight’s holiday. He advises steering clear of traditional tourist traps like Cornwall in favour of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northumberland and the Yorkshire coast.

When it comes to keeping yourself entertained, Dorey is a huge fan of quirky pastimes and traditions. Among his favoured days out are visits to the bird men of Ilfracombe and Llanwrtyd Wells’ bog snorkellers. He also stresses the importance of celebrating local culture by sampling regionally sourced food and checking out the area’s biggest landmarks.

It’s not just land-based fun on offer in the UK; other recommendations by the television chef include kayaking, surfing and coasteering – a new sport that combines climbing, rockpooling and ocean swimming.

Dorey is also a big fan of low budget activities. For instance, it doesn’t cost anything to stay up late and do a bit of stargazing. Equally, you can create your own festival by camping with a group of friends and cracking out a guitar round the fire.

His article concludes with a few practical points to steer camping newcomers in the right direction. For instance, the UK’s notoriously unpredictable weather means it’s important to pack for a range of conditions. This includes wellies and waterproofs! He also urges campers to tidy up after themselves and pick up any litter around them.

Click here to read the full piece.

If, like Martin Dorey, you’re a campervan enthusiast, Coast can protect you from damage and accidents with our dedicated campervan insurance. For more information on our policy and prices, call Coast’s friendly sales team on Freephone 0800 614 849.