Britain’s van life movement has surged in popularity in recent years, and I was eager to experience it for myself. I embarked on a weekend getaway in Kent, staying in a converted Peugeot Boxer called ‘Franky’. Located on the Isle of Sheppey, I woke up to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore. As I sat up in bed, I admired the breathtaking view of the cliffs, painted with a rosy sunrise.
To explore the van life phenomenon without the commitment of purchasing my own vehicle, I opted to rent from Quirky Campers. Their unique campervans are available for rental across the UK for two or more nights. Among their collection, I chose Franky, a modern and stylish two-berth camper that instantly felt like home. Its interior design exuded a sense of comfort and coziness.
My road trip began in south London, where I picked up Franky. I planned to travel through Kent, with lunch at Blue Bell Hill in Aylesford, before continuing my journey to the Isle of Sheppey. From there, I drove to Dering Wood, near Pluckley village, and then to Whitstable before returning to London. Throughout the trip, Franky proved to be a fully equipped Airbnb on wheels. Its kitchenette had everything I needed to prepare meals, from pots and pans to utensils and a dining set. The rear of the van featured a cozy dining area with a rotating table that doubled as a comfortable double bed.
I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the bed was, and I enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of the sea with the door slightly ajar. The van was equipped with various creative design elements, including a magnetic wall rack for coffee cups, Velcro curtains, a privacy screen, and a compact indoor shower that doubled as a drying closet.
Thanks to non-slip mats and magnets, everything in the van stayed securely in place while I was on the move. I especially loved taking advantage of the outdoor kitchenette during my September road trip, enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes of Eastchurch’s wild cliffs and Pluckley’s enchanting woodland.
On my first night at Clifftop Camping on the Isle of Sheppey, I opened the van doors to immerse myself in the stunning countryside views. The campsite, located on a family-run hay farm, offered a unique experience where I could purchase fresh beef and eggs. I spent the evening cooking chargrilled vegetables and crispy lamb with tarragon in Franky’s cast-iron casserole dish, followed by a peaceful night of stargazing.
The following day, I woke up surrounded by miles of pristine forest at Dering Wood. This private forest in Pluckley village was a paradise for nature lovers, featuring trickling streams and towering trees inhabited by various wildlife. Franky’s self-sufficient appliances allowed me to stay off-grid for the entire weekend. With a 55-liter water tank and a 21-liter chemical toilet, I had everything I needed to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors.
During my stay at Hampton Bay Park, I took advantage of the van’s shore-line hook-up point for mains power. I transformed the van into a cozy home cinema using my portable projector, enjoying a cinematic experience in the comfort of my camper. Additionally, the park provided essential amenities such as a water tap, rubbish bins, a toilet waste disposal point, and an onsite restaurant.
Although van life was an incredibly enjoyable experience, it also presented some challenges. My initial plan to stop at Blue Bell Hill in Aylesford was thwarted by a height barrier at the car park entrance. Furthermore, parking restrictions prevented me from parking alongside the seafront near Whitstable. However, these minor setbacks did not dampen my overall enjoyment of the trip.
My weekend getaway in Franky cost £365, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone looking to embrace the van life movement. It has inspired me to design my own camper and continue exploring everything this unique lifestyle has to offer.
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