1. VINTAGE ADVENTURES: Travel the UK in classic style

It had to be didn't it? In case you didn't already know, I am a bit of a VW camper van fan and have written two books on the subject of camper vans and camper van cooking, The Camper Van Cookbook and The Camper Van Coast. I also appeared in the BBC2 TV series 'One Man and His Campervan'. So I know a little about the joys of travelling around the UK in a camper. I would happily recommend it to anyone as a novel and exciting way to see the UK. Seeing the UK in a classic camper is a Great British Adventure all of its own. So it's a good place to start.
Of course, other makes are available but the old VWs are hard to beat. They are icons, and it's no surprise that they have become the vehicle of choice for a new generation of cool campers. Vintage campers are quirky and fun. They rarely work properly, often won't start and go very slowly but nobody minds because, despite all the shortcomings, they make people smile. It's really lovely to see kids stop and stare as you go past, their parents smiling at the thought of heading off in search of adventure too...
Vintage VW owners will also give each other a flash and a wave as they go by. It's something that makes you feel as if you belong to a big friendly club as you pootle along. And if you get to visit a VW festival (yes they do have them - our fave is CamperJam, which takes place in July) ) you'll get to toot the horn at all kinds of beautiful money-no-object restorations as well as barn finds, cherished family vehicles and hyper valuable collector's pieces. You will rarely see so many objects of desire in any one place. The  it's time to book up a rental camper for a long weekend or week to see how you like it. There are plenty of rental companies around (there is a full list in The Camper Van Coast) but my favourite are O’Connors Campers VW Camper Van Hire in Devon. Expect to pay around £600 a week for a classic camper.
So, if you were in any doubt, here are some reasons why travelling theUK in vintage style is a brilliant way to begin a Great british Adventure:

• Sleeping in a camper van is better than sleeping in a tent
• You'll be self contained so you can camp almost anywhere - it's a cheap holiday!
• Driving an old camper will make you smile
• Driving an old camper will make other people smile at you
• You can eat, cook, sleep and hang out in your own little home on wheels
• You'll see more when you go slowly
• Going slowly makes you chill out a little
• The possibilities for combining it with other Great British Adventures are endless
• You'll meet all kinds of people along the way who wil want to talk about your ride
• You'll feel free. And it's not often you can say that.