How to take a sustainable staycation: Travelling the UK in your campervan

There’s never been a better time to slow things down, stay closer to home, and make the most of what the UK has to offer.

With rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines, and friendly local towns at every turn, there’s plenty to explore without needing to go abroad. And what better way to do it than in your own campervan?

A camper gives you the freedom to roam, sleep under the stars, and wake up somewhere new – all at your own pace.

Plus, with a few small swaps and mindful choices, you can enjoy a cracking holiday that treads a bit lighter on the planet too.

Why a UK staycation in your campervan just makes sense

There’s something magic about hitting the open road in your ‘van, knowing the whole of the UK is on your doorstep. From the wild moors of Yorkshire to the craggy coastlines of Cornwall, there’s no shortage of adventure right here at home.

And the best bit? Choosing a UK staycation means you're already giving the planet a helping hand.

Fewer flights = smaller footprints. Plus, every penny you spend on a pitch, a pasty, or a pint in a local pub goes straight into supporting small UK businesses. It’s a win-win.

You can also skip the faff of airport queues and the cost of ferries – no passport panic or suitcase stress. Just pack up, hit the road, and enjoy the Great British weather... when it behaves itself!

You needn’t worry, though – our ‘vans are properly insulated and built to be comfy in all weathers, rain or shine.

Making your van holiday more sustainable doesn’t have to mean going full off-grid wild warrior either. Just a few small swaps here and there can make a real difference.

Choose local, camp local

One of the absolute joys of van life is uncovering hidden gems without venturing too far. 

🌲 Fancy a forest escape? Check out the New Forest or Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire. 

🏖️ Craving coastal views? Pembrokeshire’s got you.

🏕️ Love a lake? The Lake District never fails.

By staying closer to home or picking one region to explore slowly, you’ll burn less fuel and see more.

Plus, when you book into small-scale campsites, eco-conscious farm stays, or off-grid spots, you’re giving your money to folks who really care about the land you’re staying on.

Travel light and drive smart

Packing light isn’t just good for space, it’s good for your fuel bill, too.

The heavier your ‘van, the more juice it guzzles. 

So ditch the "just in case" extras, and plan your route to avoid zig-zagging all over the place.

Apps like Park4Night and Campercontact can help you find nearby stopovers that make sense, and if you’re driving an EV or hybrid, you can also scope out charge points ahead of time. Smooth, steady driving also helps save fuel, so take your time and soak in those scenic routes.

Power up sustainably

Got solar panels on your campervan roof? You're already winning. If not, we offer these as an extra.

Watch the video below on why they’re a game-changer.

When it comes to powering your ‘van, a few mindful habits go a long way.

Use power-saving LED lights, unplug things when you’re not using 'em, and think about upgrading to a lithium leisure battery – longer-lasting, lighter, and more efficient.

We’ve covered the ins and outs of that too, right here.

Off-grid camping? Invest in eco-friendly lighting, USB chargeable gear, and solar-powered gadgets. Less faff, less waste, more freedom.

Want your own adventure?

Sustainable van life isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making better choices where you can, and enjoying the ride while you do it.

We’d love to see how you do your low-impact road trips – tag us in your pics or share your tips with the Orange Campers community!

Fancy your own? Join the Waiting List now

We’ve got a queue forming for our Trouvaille Classique MWB build slots – and we don’t blame you!

If you want to be next in line for your own life-changing compact camper, head over to our waiting list and pop your name down.

Join the wait list for your Orange Camper

Any Questions?

Want to take a closer look for yourself? We may be at a show near you soon – check where we'll be next. And make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter to hear the latest news and updates.

Or, come and see us in our workshop – book in a tour or a test drive. We’ll be happy to show you around!

Get in touch