Finding My Place in Nature: A Caravan Story

My love for the outdoors began in childhood. My dad was a rambler; he’d walk miles from where we lived right up to the furthest edge of Scotland. He was also a wild camper. Even now, with dementia, the stories he holds onto are about walking, caravanning, being in nature, and riding his motorbike. I know I get my love of the outdoors from him.

A Caravan Dream Sparked by Mum

My own caravan journey started when I was young. When my mum was struggling with cancer, she passed away at 53. She had two wishes: to visit Venice (my dad took her), and to buy a caravan.

They bought one about three years before she died. They would take my little son to the caravan, and I’d go with them. It was peaceful, perfect weekends of quiet and calm. I always wanted a caravan of my own, but I didn’t really think it would happen.

Buying “Dotty”

About five years ago, I had a little spare money and decided to buy a caravan. My budget was small, so I found a 25-year-old, very clean and tidy caravan, old but well-kept. I drove to Leicester (about an hour and a half from home) to see it.

I’d never towed before; my only experience was watching my dad do everything. The caravan had belonged to one elderly couple since new and looked like it had been wrapped in cotton wool. I fell in love, paid the deposit, and named her Dotty (she was an Avondale Dart).

A Week to Learn: Tow Bar, YouTube, and Nerves

Reality hit me quickly: I’d promised to collect the caravan the following week, but I had no tow bar, I’d never towed, and I had nowhere to store it. The deposit was non-refundable, so I had to sort it out fast.

I spent four days glued to Beginner’s Guide to Towing videos on YouTube, booked a tow bar fitting, and found a caravan storage site that, miraculously, had one space left.

First Solo Drive (and a Crash Course in Reversing)

I went back alone to collect Dotty. I’m not usually fearful, and I’m a confident driver, but I remember thinking, What have you done? I took a deep breath, trusted the universe to keep me safe, and set off. The drive was an hour and a half on motorways and country lanes with big trucks and fast cars.

I learned on the spot, recalling everything I’d watched. At the storage site, a kind man spent the day teaching me how to reverse (which is all opposite!), hook up, unhook, and stay safe. I was so grateful.

Weekends with Two Dogs and a Wide-Open Sky

That was five years ago, and it sparked a real passion for caravans. Most weekends I’d head out, never too far, as I travelled alone with my two dogs.

I’d find a beautiful spot, pitch up, and spend two or three days in peace: no phone, just nature and birdsong. Dotty and I had so many simple, happy weekends.

When Dotty Grew Tired

I kept Dotty for about three and a half years. At the time, money was tight, I was setting up my yoga business and still working full-time, so any spare money went back into the business. I also wanted to be sure caravanning truly fits my life before investing more. Dotty was old, a bit damp, and very basic, but she gave me so much joy.

Upgrading to a Little Luxury

Last year, I treated myself and upgraded to a newer caravan, only six years old and absolutely beautiful.

I was blessed to have a bonus from my full-time job and, instead of putting it back into the business, I decided to trust that the business would grow and use the bonus for something my heart wanted: a better caravan.

Choosing a Seasonal Pitch (and Balance)

With the studio getting busier, I didn’t have the time to hook up, tow, set up, and store the caravan every time.

So I chose a seasonal pitch in Worcestershire, about 40 minutes from home. It’s permanently there with the awning up, which means no heavy setup each visit. It’s perfect: I can still give time to my job, my students, the studio, and the retreats, and when I need to escape the city, my caravan is waiting.

Most Fridays, when the weather is kind, I jump in the car with the dogs and head to my little place in nature. It feels like the perfect way to live.