The Good Van Life

A Memorable Retreat at Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park – A Camper Van’s Delight

Butler — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:51:31 +0000

Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park – A Memorable Retreat – A Camper Van’s Delight

Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park

Welcome to our review of Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park, a picturesque campsite nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire. Our one-night stay at this charming destination was a memorable experience, despite the rain that decided to join us. As avid campers with our beloved Ford Transit Custom camper van conversion, and equipped with the versatile Vango Air Cove 2 awning, we embarked on a delightful adventure to explore the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

Campsite Ambiance and Facilities:

Upon arriving at Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park, we were greeted by the tranquil surroundings and well-maintained grounds. The campsite’s layout was organized, and despite being fully booked, it didn’t feel crowded. We easily found a spacious pitch, perfect for our camper van and awning set up. The lush greenery and serene ambiance instantly put us at ease, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area.

The campsite facilities were excellent, boasting modern amenities to cater to all campers’ needs. The well-kept shower and toilet blocks were conveniently located, ensuring easy access from our pitch. Hygiene has always been a priority for us, and we were impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities throughout our stay. The availability of pot washing areas was also a thoughtful touch, making camp life much more comfortable.

A Haven for Camper Vans:

As self-converted camper van enthusiasts, Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park was an ideal destination for us. The ample space and motorhome-friendly facilities catered perfectly to our needs. We appreciated the well-designed pitches, offering plenty of room for awning set-ups and outdoor activities. The campsite staff were accommodating and understanding of our requirements, making the whole check-in process hassle-free.

Our Ford Transit Custom camper van conversion felt right at home, providing us with a cozy and comfortable haven. Despite the rain, we were grateful for the convenience of our mobile accommodation. The van’s well-thought-out design, with all the amenities we needed, ensured that we could relax and enjoy the camping experience even when the weather didn’t cooperate.

The Versatility of Vango Air Cove 2 Awning:

With rain in the forecast, our decision to bring along the Vango Air Cove 2 awning proved to be a game-changer. Setting up the awning was a breeze, thanks to its inflatable AirBeam technology. Within minutes, we had a spacious and weather-resistant shelter that acted as an extension of our camper van.

Throughout our stay, the awning served as our outdoor living area, providing protection from the rain and wind. We enjoyed delightful meals under its canopy, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of North Yorkshire. The additional space allowed us to spread out comfortably, making our stay at Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park all the more enjoyable.

Adventures in the Yorkshire Dales:

Despite the rainy weather, we couldn’t resist exploring the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. Armed with waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots, we set out on an unforgettable trek to Aysgarth Falls. The cascading waterfalls were a sight to behold, and the walking trails offered breath-taking views despite the overcast skies.

Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park Conclusion:

Our time at Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park was an unforgettable camping experience that exceeded our expectations. The campsite’s serene ambiance, top-notch facilities, and accommodating staff made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Our Ford Transit Custom camper van conversion proved to be a wonderful home-away-from-home, while the Vango Air Cove 2 awning added an extra layer of convenience and versatility.

Though the rain tried to dampen our spirits, it failed to overshadow the beauty of North Yorkshire and the joy of camping in such a charming location. We left the Caravan Park with fond memories, already planning our return to this camper van haven in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. If you’re seeking a tranquil retreat and appreciate the freedom of camper van life, this delightful campsite is a must-visit destination. Happy camping!

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Exploring the Tranquillity of Fallowfield Dene Camping Site and Beyond

Butler — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:50:22 +0000

Fallowfield Dene Camping Site

Our recent stay at Fallowfield Dene Camping Site near Hexham, Northumberland. It was nothing short of a delightful escape into nature’s embrace. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and surrounded by a wealth of attractions, including the charming village of Corbridge. Our experience was filled with memorable moments. Accompanied by our trusty Ford Transit Custom Sport camper van, complete with a Vango Air Cove2 awning. We embarked on a journey that offered tranquillity, exploration, and an immersive connection with nature.

Arrival and First Impressions:

Firstly, as we arrived at Fallowfield Dene Camping Site, we were greeted by a serene atmosphere that instantly put us at ease. The well-maintained grounds and friendly staff made us feel welcome from the start. Our spacious pitch provided ample room for our Ford Transit Custom Sport camper van and the Vango Air Cove2 awning, ensuring we had a comfortable setup throughout our stay.

Camping in Style:

Our Ford Transit Custom Sport camper van proved to be the perfect choice for our adventure. With its sleek design and well-equipped interior, it offered both functionality and comfort. The Vango Air Cove2 awning provided additional space, allowing us to relax outside and enjoy the refreshing breeze while being shielded from the elements.

Exploring Fallowfield Dene:

The camping site itself was a haven for nature enthusiasts. Because it’s surrounded by lush greenery, tranquil streams, and enchanting woodland, it was a paradise for hikers and photographers alike. We embarked on numerous walks, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty that surrounded us. Also, the peaceful ambience and the sounds of birdsong created a soothing backdrop, allowing us to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Day Trip to Corbridge:

Also, one of the highlights of our stay was our visit to the nearby village of Corbridge. Located just a short distance from Fallowfield Dene Camping Site, Corbridge exuded charm and history at every turn. We strolled through its quaint streets, admiring the well-preserved buildings and browsing the unique shops. The Corbridge Roman Town, a historic site, provided us with a glimpse into the region’s rich past, leaving us in awe of the centuries-old ruins.

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences:

No trip would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. We had the opportunity to savour traditional Northumbrian dishes at various restaurants and pubs near Fallowfield Dene. From hearty stews to freshly caught seafood, every bite was a celebration of the region’s culinary delights. Also, the warm hospitality of the locals added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experiences. Tip: you must try the deserts at Grants Bakery undoubtedly one of the best desert shops around.

Nights under the Stars:

After days filled with adventure, returning to our campsite was always a joyous occasion. As the sun set and darkness enveloped the sky, we gathered around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and laughter. The peaceful ambience and the absence of city lights allowed us to witness the brilliance of a starry night sky, reminding us of the vastness and beauty of the universe.

Fallowfield Dene Camping Site: Conclusion

Our recent stay at Fallowfield Dene Camping Site, coupled with our exploration of Corbridge and the surrounding areas, was an experience that rejuvenated our spirits and ignited our sense of adventure. The tranquillity of the camping site, the convenience of our Ford Transit Custom Sport camper van, and the warmth of the local community all contributed to a memorable trip. We departed with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature and the joy of immersing ourselves in new surroundings. Fallowfield Dene Camping Site and its enchanting surroundings are undoubtedly a destination we will eagerly return to in the future.

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Hard Rock Hotel Cancun Review

Butler — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 18:54:57 +0000

Hard Rock Hotel Review August 2022

This is our Hard Rock Hotel Cancun review. We originally book this trip in January 2020, then six weeks later the world stopped!!! Booked through travel agent Tui, we were supposed to travel in August 2020 but because of travel restrictions we moved it to July 2021, and then again to August 2022. Tui were actually very good about this and the re-arrangements were no trouble at all. The flights were direct from Newcastle so being from Sunderland this was perfect.

The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is an all-inclusive resort that overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming in one of the three outdoor pools, and lounging on the sandy beach. The resort also offers a variety of dining options, from casual Poolside Grill to the more upscale Zen Restaurant.

Cancun, Mexico, is situated on the Yucatan Peninsula and is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and lively nightlife. In addition to its many resorts, Cancun is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops and attractions. Visitors can explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, snorkel in the clear waters of Isla Mujeres or simply relax on one of Cancun’s many sandy beaches. So, whether you’re looking for adventure or simply a place to unwind, Cancun has something for everyone.

Flight Out

The flight time was around 9 hrs travelling on the Dreamliner 787 – 300. We booked extra leg room, just because of the long flight time. It was a nice smooth flight with the only problem being one of the toilets was out of order on our side of the plane which only left 1 toilet (3 in total but you had to cross over the aisle) this meant long queues all flight of our toilet. Heaven forbids they let us the premium toilets!!!

Transfer to the hotel was via a minibus which was only around 10 -15 minutes on a very nice bus.

The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

First impressions were fantastic, we were met at the entrance by staff who gave us a very welcome cool towel. Baggage staff took care of our luggage and arranged for it to be delivered to our room. We were then led to the check-in desk where we were given our all-inclusive wristbands and they explained how everything worked.

Our room was on the ground floor but was two levels below the entrance and reception, but the lift was out of order which meant it was the stairs for us (not the best first impression). They were out of order for the whole ten days, this wasn’t too much of a problem for us but may have been for people with mobility issues.

The Room

Our room was for 2 adults and 1 child, and it came with two very comfortable double beds. There was a well-stocked mini bar which could be refilled by calling room service. Also, the washing facilities were great, with a shower room which also housed the toilet and a double sink area behind the hot tub that was also inside the bedroom. We didn’t use the hot tub, but I imagine it’s very popular with couples. The TV came with various TV stations from around the world, but it mostly catered for US travellers.

Overall, the room was fine, id have preferred to have been on a higher floor rather than the ground floor as I always feel secure but at no point did we feel insecure in our room. Also, the views are better the higher you go.

Personally, I think our room could have benefited from an updated décor, but it was cleaned very well daily, so that’s always good.

Pool Area

The Hard Rock Cancun pool area is easily the best pool area I’ve been to whilst on vacation. The temperature was great even at 8 am and only got warmer as the day went on. There was always something going on in terms of entertainment by the hotel staff or just people watching. The two swim-up bars are great for getting that cool drink whilst in the pool. But if you’re on a lounger the many staff never leave you waiting for a refill. We worked out that if you give your waiter a tip early you will receive an even better service but they were excellent with or without a tip.

We were very disappointed with one aspect of the pool area. Any guests that had the ‘Rock Royalty’ or ‘Hall of Fame’ upgrade had access to the members-only pools and a few spots around the main pool (fair enough). But we also found they were reserving the best loungers around the main pool. This meant we normal guests couldn’t get access to these better positions making the fact they had their own private pools pointless.

Private Beach

The beach was stunning, white sand and turquoise clear waters were fantastic. There’s a lot of seaweed but on the days where it wasn’t washed on shore, it was beautiful. You have waiters on hand with drinks just like in the pool area. It was a great place to top up the tan.

Food

The food was fine, not totally to our taste but that’s our issue, not the hotels. The breakfast set you up for the day. They serve every from cooked breakfast to shakes, something for everyone. The menus for dinner weren’t the full menu that was on the website but I’m guessing this was because of covid restrictions etc. Everything was cooked well, and the staff were fantastic just not exactly to our taste. But you will still find something nice to eat.

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun Review Conclusion

Overall, the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is a great place to stay. The staff are excellent, always on hand to help and make your holiday as enjoyable as possible. The pool area is beautiful with plenty of sun loungers and activities going on all day. The private beach is also lovely with waiters on hand for drinks. The food might not be to everyone’s taste but there’s something for everyone at the buffet-style restaurants. We would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing holiday in paradise!

I hope our Hard Rock Hotel Cancun Review was helpful.

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Convert a Ford Transit Custom into a Campervan

Butler — Sun, 15 May 2022 13:31:19 +0000

Convert a Ford Transit Custom into a Campervan

Thinking about a Ford Transit Custom Campervan? There’s something about a camper van that just seems to call to us. Maybe it’s the thought of being able to travel wherever we want, whenever we want. Or maybe it’s the idea of having our own little home-on-wheels. Whatever the case may be, more and more people are converting their ford transit custom vans into camper vans. In this blog post, we will teach you how to do it yourself!

A camper van is a vehicle that has been converted into a small home for travelling. It usually has a bed, kitchenette, and storage. Camper vans are a great way to travel and see the world on your own terms!

First, pick a suitable van

Ford Transit Custom Sport

Firstly, a ford transit custom van is a great option for a camper van conversion. It’s spacious and has a lot of potential for customization. Plus, it’s easy to find parts and accessories for a ford transit custom van. Once you have your van, it’s time to start planning your conversion! You’ll need to decide what kind of layout you want, what amenities you need, and how you’re going to power everything. The layout is important in a camper van conversion. You’ll need to decide where everything will go and how you want it to function. For example, do you want a permanent bed or a fold-out bed? What about storage? Where will you put your kitchen?

Amenities are another important consideration in your camper van conversion. Do you want a toilet? A shower? A fridge? Solar panels? Again, it’s all about deciding what you need and how you want your camper van to function.

Power is an important part of any camper van conversion. You’ll need to decide how you’re going to power everything in your van. Solar panels are a popular option, as they’re environmentally friendly and relatively easy to install. You could also opt for a generator, but keep in mind that this will add weight and noise to your van.

Once you’ve planned everything out, it’s time to start the conversion! This is where the real work begins. You’ll need to gut your van, insulate it, wire it for electricity, and install all of your fixtures and fittings. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, there are plenty of camper van conversion companies that can do the work for you.

How much does it cost to convert a van?

Of course, one of the big questions, when you want to convert a Ford Transit Custom Campervan, is cost. How much does it cost to convert a ford transit custom camper van? The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends. It all depends on your budget, what kind of layout you want, what amenities you need, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself.

A basic camper van conversion can cost anywhere from £5000 to £10000. This includes things like insulation, a bed, and some basic storage. If you want more amenities like a kitchen or a toilet, you can expect to pay more. And if you’re hiring someone to do the work for you, that will also add to the cost.

Should you fit a poptop roof?

Skyline Lift Up Roof

One of the most popular upgrades for a camper van is a poptop roof. A poptop roof is an elevated section that pops up from the main body of the van. It usually has windows and can be used for sleeping, storage, or even just to get some fresh air. Poptop roofs are great for vans because they add extra space without taking up any extra room on the road. They’re not something a DIYer can do themselves but they are not impossible.

What type of bed? Fixed or Rock and Roll Bed?

Rock & Roll Bed

So, you’ve decided to convert your ford transit custom van into a camper van! Congratulations! But now the big question is: what type of bed? A fixed bed is a bed that is built into the van and can’t be moved. A rock and roll bed, on the other hand, is a bed that can be folded up during the day to give you more space.

There are pros and cons to both types of beds. A fixed bed is great because it’s always there when you need it and you don’t have to worry about setting it up each time you want to use it. However, a fixed bed can take up a lot of space and it can be difficult to make if you’re not handy. A rock and roll bed is less space-intensive and can be easier to make, but it’s not as comfortable as a fixed bed. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of bed you want in your camper van. Do some research and figure out what will work best for you.

Do I need special insurance?

Yes, you will need special insurance for your camper van conversion. Most standard car insurance policies won’t cover a camper van, so you’ll need to find a policy that specifically covers recreational vehicles. This can be tricky, as not all insurers offer this type of coverage. Do your research and find an insurer that meets your needs.

Also, I use Brentacre, they weren’t overly expensive, and you are able to update the policy as the build progresses.

Conclusion

To sum up, Converting a ford transit custom van into a camper van is a great way to explore the United Kingdom. It’s important to plan your conversion carefully, as there are many factors to consider. The cost of converting a van can vary depending on your needs and wants, but it’s generally between £5000 and £10000. Also, you’ll also need to decide what type of bed you want and whether you want a poptop roof. Finally, once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, it’s time to start the conversion! Good luck.

Finally, If you have any questions about converting a ford transit custom van into a camper van, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m happy to help!

Happy travels!

P.S. If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends! Thanks for reading.

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