If you've been thinking about getting away from it all and hitting the open road in a van, you're not alone. The van life movement has been growing in popularity in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to simplify their lives and live more sustainably. And there's no better place to do it than the UK. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and abundance of van life events, the UK is the perfect destination for your van life adventure. In this blog post, we'll round up some of the best van life events in the UK for 2023. So whether you're looking for a music festival to dance the night away or a camping trip to get back to nature, we've got you covered.
The first step to getting involved in van life is to find an event or group that aligns with your interests. There are van life events happening all over the country, so there's bound to be one near you. Once you've found an event, the best way to get involved is to reach out to the organizers and let them know you're interested in attending.
Most van life events are free, but some may have a small fee associated with them. This is usually to cover the cost of things like porta-potties or other amenities. Some events may also require you to bring your own camping gear. But don't worry, the organizers will usually list everything you need to know on their website or social media page.
Once you've attended a few van life events, you'll start to get a feel for the community and what it's all about. From there, it's up to you how involved you want to be. Some people choose to stay on the side-lines and just enjoy the experience, while others get more involved by helping out with event planning or sharing their own van life tips and advice with others.
The Best Van Life Events in the UK in 2023
Looking for something exciting to do in the UK in 2023? Why not check out one of these fantastic van life events!
Vanlife Eats 2023
25 August 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 28 August 2023 @ 10:00 am
Dummer Down Farm Dummer Down Farm, Dummer, Hampshire
Van life Eats Festival 2023 / Big Picnic. Join us for 3 days and 3 nights camping at a stunning farm in Basingstoke. Everyone's favourite Campervan Motorhome festival in the UK.
Mighty Dub Fest
16-18 June 2023
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
A fantastic weekend filled with live music and plenty of entertainment to keep you going all weekend long. Including 3 stages, craft workshops for the kids, Slater's fairground, trade stands, dog shows, fantastic street food and on-site bars. Show and Shine on the Sunday in the main arena. Everyone is welcome, you don't have to have a VW.
Vans In The Valley
30th June - 2nd July 2023
Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6AW
The ultimate chilled out weekend for VW's lovers, campout with acoustic music, drink and food set in a stunning location surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales.
Vanlife & Overlander Celebration
28th to 30th July
Newbury show ground
We have a large variety of entertainment throughout the 3 days of the event with each day ending with a headline act. From DJs, karaoke and live musicians to talks and presentations we have something for everyone to enjoy. We also have a range of children's activities running throughout the event.
The International Campervan Show
15-16 APRIL 2023
Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse
Following another successful 'Late Summer' edition of the event last September, the 'Spring' edition of the International Campervan Show is on its way!
Camp Quirky 2023
May bank holiday weekend April 28th to 1st May 2023 on Kelmarsh Estate, Northamptonshire.
There are workshops and talks aplenty, music to fill your ears and beautiful stalls for you to peruse. And of course lots and lots of campervans.
VanLifeChill23
FRIDAY, 28 APRIL 2023 AT 09:00
Turnpike Showground
If you're wanting to go away camping with your friends and make new ones, then this is the chilled out weekend for you!
Setup camp, show off your van, have good food, good drink and listen to good music!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Campervan Campout 2023
South of England Showground Selsfield Road Haywards Heath RH17 6TH
5-7 May South of England Showground
The Ultimate van life festival, with live music, van life personalities, campervans for sale, wellness sanctuary, artisan food & drink...
Dubbed Out Festival 2023
27th of July to the 30th of July 2023
The Royal Cheshire Showground in Knutsford
Dubbed Out is a family oriented Volkswagen and vanlife festival organised by the largest VW Community in the UK. This incorporates big top tents, bands, DJs, huge fairground, hundreds of stalls, displays, shows and activities.
Campervan Meet Up, with 'Living the Campervan Dream' 2023
Waters' Edge Visitor Centre & Country Park, Maltkiln Road,Barton upon humber, United Kingdom, Beverley, United Kingdom.
Sun Apr 16 2023 at 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
This is a chance for campervan owners to show off their vans, catch up other van owners and enjoy the picnic area in our beautiful Birch grove.
Vee Dub Family Birthday Weekender 2023
Unity Farm, Brean, Somerset TA8 2
April 13, 2023 @ 14:00 - April 16, 2023 @ 14:00
The Vee Dub Family Birthday Weekender 2023 sees us back at Unity in Brean for our 8th Birthday camp out – this is a chilled out camp where you can reconnect with friends after the winter break and make new ones.
ClubFest 2023
Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire
26-29 May 2023
ClubFest 2023 festival takes place from 26 - 29 May in the beautiful grounds of Kelmarsh Hall, in the heart of Northamptonshire. With this all inclusive package, you’ll be able to enjoy some fantastic live on-stage entertainment over the four days at the Arena, as well as taking part in a variety of free fun activities and sports for all the family.
VanLife Festival 2023
West Midlands showground, Shrewsbury
2 - 4 June, 2023
Vanlife Festival bills itself to be “a major event never seen before in the UK”.
Van Love Fest 2023
Elvington Airfield, York.
JUNE 23 - 25 2023
The UK's favourite vanlife festival returns to Elvington Airfield, York! Part-time, full-time or just curious, come together in 2023...
Camper Marmalade 2023
Bramley Farm, Bay Tree Lane, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 6QN
now in its 4th year and has grown year on year and gone from a small gathering in a field with some great friends to a full on festival with live music kids entertainment and so much more.
Camper Jam 2023
Weston Park, Shifnal, TF11 8LE.
Dates: 7th - 9th July 2023
Camper Jam is one of the most recognised and hotly anticipated VW festivals in the UK. A whole weekend dedicated to the VW community, celebrating everything from T1s to T6s.
Van Life Fest 2023
Scampston Hall, Malton, North Yorkshire
MAY 5 - 7, 2023
VanLifeFest is a 3-day family-focused Camper based event.
Live music, the trade village, loads of FREE family entertainment, fully licensed bars, climbing walls, a circus, a gaming van and MUCH MORE!
The January Motorhome & Campervan Sale 2023
East of England Arena and Events Centre, Oundle Rd, Alwalton, Peterborough
Friday 10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2023
Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow
2 - 5 February 2023
Plan your great escape with the biggest brands in one destination
Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show 2023
NEC, Birmingham
21 - 26 February, 2023
Five halls will host more than 350 exhibitor stands, showcasing the latest campervans, motorhomes, touring caravans, tents, trailer tents, folding campers, holiday homes and lodges.
Go Explore 2023
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
24 - 26 March 2023
The biggest brands in Motorhomes, Caravans, Holiday Homes, Luxury Lodges and Camping will showcase their latest ranges
The Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show 2023
Great Yorkshire showground
17-19 March, 2023
Campervan & RV Show 2023
Excel London
14 - 16 April, 2023
A brand new event for those who love the freedom and adventure of exploring the great outdoors by campervan and recreational vehicles.
Southern Motorhome and Campervan Show 2023
Newbury Showground, Newbury
19-21 May, 2023
Famed for its 60s themed line-up, the Southern Motorhome & Campervan show is popular with music lovers.
Open to both campers and day visitors.
The Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show 2023
The Norfolk Showground
from 21-23 July
The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be offering free motorhome manoeuvring courses for those of you who are unfamiliar with driving larger vehicles.