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The Campout Hub

Join us in The Campout Hub for expert talks, hands-on workshops, and a place to connect with fellow campervan enthusiasts

Hosted by Motorhome Matt

The Campout Hub

The Campout Hub is where the vanlife community comes together to learn, share and be inspired. Across the weekend, enjoy a packed programme of workshops, expert talks and interactive sessions covering every corner of campervan life — from self-build tips and travel advice to cooking demos and creative living on the road.

Back for 2026 is Creators Day, returning on Sunday after its hugely popular debut. Designed for content creators and aspiring storytellers, it features practical sessions on growing your YouTube channel, boosting Instagram reach, building camera confidence, video editing and photography — led by leading voices from the vanlife world.

A glimpse into The Campout Hub

Learn from experts

Guest speaker timetable

Friday

  • 13:00 | Self Built Stories | Our Self Built Story | From Empty Shell to Cosy Adventure Van Exploring the UK, Norway and Beyond

    Ever wondered what it’s really like to take an empty van and turn it into your dream home on wheels? Join Tim & Abi as they take you behind the scenes of their self-build campervan project — a Ford Transit transformation that started with curiosity, creativity and zero experience. In this inspiring session they’ll walk you through the highs and lows of their build, share practical tips and real-world lessons, and reflect on how taking the plunge changed the way they travel and experience life on the road. Whether you’re planning your own conversion, love hearing vanlife tales, or just want to be inspired by two everyday makers who dared to try something big — this talk is packed with heart, humour and handy insight to fuel your next adventure.

  • 14:00 | Vanlife Eats | Eating my way around Italy, with live cooking

    Join travelling chef Mark from Vanlife Eats as he cooks a classic rustico from Lecce, one of southern Italy’s most loved street foods. Inspired by his Italian foodie road trip, Vanlife Eats Eating My Way Through Italy, Mark shares the stories, traditions, and everyday food culture he discovered while travelling and cooking his way through Italy.

  • 15:00 | VanWiz & She Is The Lost Girl | Same Road, Different Ride - Two Vanlife Journeys, Two Very Different Experiences

    Vanlife isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your experience on the road can be shaped by far more than just your vehicle. In this eye-opening and honest conversation, Matt from VanWiz and Beth from She Is The Lost Girl share their very different journeys, perspectives and challenges travelling as a large white male and a solo female traveller.

    From Matt’s epic drive from Bournemouth to Beijing to Beth’s adventures through Europe and into Turkey, this session explores how identity, safety, confidence and perception can all shape life on the road. Expect real stories, surprising insights, and a fresh perspective on what vanlife is really like for different people.

  • 16:00 | Urban Motorhome | Offgrid camping - How to avoid 'the knock'

    Dreaming of swapping packed campsites for peaceful park-ups? Join Darran from Urban Motorhome for an honest and practical session on the realities of off-grid camping — and how to do it properly.

    Drawing on years of full-time vanlife experience, Darran shares real-world advice on finding the right spots, staying discreet, managing your power and water, and handling waste responsibly. Most importantly, he’ll talk about how to avoid ‘the knock’ — that unwelcome tap on the door in the early hours — by camping respectfully, confidently and within the law.

    With a no-nonsense approach and plenty of lived experience, this session is ideal for anyone looking to step beyond the campsite circuit and embrace true off-grid freedom. Whether you’re new to wild camping or refining your setup, you’ll leave with practical tips, greater confidence and a clearer understanding of how to enjoy vanlife the right way.

  • 17:00 | Wandering Bird | Chasing Fjords & Freedom - A Vanlife Journey Through Norway

    Dreaming of dramatic landscapes, wild camping and the freedom of the open road? Join Wandering Bird for an inspiring journey through Norway—one of Europe’s most breathtaking vanlife destinations. From towering fjords and scenic mountain passes to remote overnight spots under the midnight sun, this session brings Norway to life through real travel experiences.

    Alongside the inspiration, you’ll also get practical advice on planning your own trip—covering routes, rules, costs and what to expect—so you can turn your Scandinavian road trip dream into reality.

  • 18:00 | Motorhome Matt & Spartan Campers | Campervanning Made Simple | Choosing the Right Setup & Getting Started

    New to campervanning and not sure where to begin? With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. In this beginner-friendly session, Motorhome Matt joins Spartan Campers to break down the essentials—helping you understand what to look for, how everything works, and how to get started with confidence.

    From choosing the right van and layout to understanding electrics, water systems and everyday practicalities, this talk covers the questions people ask time and time again. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone thinking about getting into campervanning.

    You’ll learn:How to choose the right type of campervan for your needs
    The different door styles and layouts—and what to consider
    The basics of electrics and how systems work
    How water systems function in a campervan
    Packing tips and making the most of your space
    An introduction to the campervan community and lifestyle

    Perfect for:
    First-time buyers, beginners, and anyone curious about getting started with campervanning

Saturday

  • 10:30 | Touring With The Kids | The truth about family vanlife...

    What’s it really like to live and travel full-time as a family of five in a self-converted lorry?

    Join Ric and Keira from Touring With The Kids as they share the honest reality of family vanlife — the highs, the hurdles and everything in between. Travelling across Europe with their three children, they’ll talk about education, routines, space, budgeting and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

    An inspiring and refreshingly real session for anyone curious about taking family life on the road. 🚐

  • 11:30 | Tash (Life Beyond Bricks) | In conversation with Heidi Joanne - The Journey Behind the Content

    Join Tash from Life Beyond Bricks in conversation with Heidi Joanne as they explore the realities of vanlife, creativity and building a life on the road. From sharing her journey into vanlife to creating content and carving out a lifestyle that works for her, Heidi offers an honest and relatable look behind the scenes.

    Blending personal stories with practical insight, this session dives into the balance between travel, creativity and everyday life—perfect for anyone curious about turning vanlife into something more than just a weekend escape.

  • 12:30 | Motorhome Matt | Wandering Bird | Touring Europe in a Motorhome:Changes to European travel in 2026

    Matt and Kat (Wandering Bird) team up to deliver everything you need to know about navigating post-Brexit requirements, insurance, licences, and must-have documentation. Packed with fresh insights and the latest travel tips, they’ll help you plan a seamless and stress-free European adventure. 

  • 13:30 | bFrank | Feed Your Freedom | Fuel your body, not the food industry

    We invest so much time, money and effort into our vehicles to take us on amazing adventures, but what about the vehicles driving the vehicle?! Too often we neglect the very thing that allows us to experience this life: our own bodies. In this interactive talk we’re giving healthy eating the glow up it deserves. We’ll cover how ultra processed foods are killing us softly, how to identify them in the supermarkets and how to see through their clever marketing that’s preventing you from feeling your best. Then you’ll learn the best foods to power your brain and body so you can carry on adventuring for as long as possible. Food is our fuel! 

  • 14:30 | Motorhome Matt | In conversation with Kim Anderson - Full-Time Vanlife, Rebuilding & Living Differently

    What does full-time vanlife really look like—and what does it take to make it work long-term? Join Kim Anderson in conversation with Motorhome Matt as she shares her unique journey into life on the road. From renting out her flat and moving into a campervan with two dogs and a cat, to completely rebuilding her van into a functional full-time home, Kim’s story is one of freedom, creativity and rethinking “normal” living.

    Blending honest insight with practical experience, this session explores how vanlife can fit into everyday life—not just big adventures.

  • 15:30 | Ashley Azzurro | From Manchester to Morocco | A Vanlife Journey Beyond Europe with Ashley Azzurro

    What’s it really like to take your van beyond Europe and into North Africa? In this honest and eye-opening talk, Ashley Azzurro shares her journey from Manchester to Morocco—covering everything from why she chose Morocco to the realities of getting there, navigating unexpected van problems, and adapting to a completely different culture.

    From countless police stops to moments of connection and kindness, Ashley offers a raw and refreshing look at life on the road in Morocco. This session goes beyond the highlights to explore the challenges, surprises and lessons learned along the way—helping you decide if it’s a journey you’d take yourself.

    You’ll learn:

    Why Morocco is becoming a popular vanlife destination
    The logistics of driving from the UK to North Africa
    What to expect when it comes to borders, police stops and paperwork
    The realities of vanlife in Morocco—both good and challenging
    Cultural differences and how to navigate them respectfully
    Key lessons from Ashley’s experience on the road

    Perfect for:
    Adventurous vanlifers, long-distance travellers, and anyone curious about taking their van beyond Europe

  • 16:30 | Tash (Life Beyond Bricks) & Special Guests | Solo, Not Alone - Women, Vanlife & the Freedom to Travel

    Thinking about travelling solo but not sure where to start—or what to expect? Join Tash from Life Beyond Bricks alongside an inspiring panel of female travellers—She Is The Lost Girl, Kim Anderson, Heidi Joanne, Simone Stewart and Ashley Azzurro—for an honest and empowering conversation about solo female travel.

    Together, they’ll share real experiences from life on the road, tackling common fears, breaking down myths, and offering practical advice to help you travel with confidence. From safety and mindset to freedom and personal growth, this session is all about showing what’s possible—and encouraging more women to take the leap.

  • 17:30 | Touring With The Kids | Discovering beauty on our doorstep | Touring Britains coastline

    Explore the magic of the UK’s coastline through the eyes of a full-time travel family! Join Touring With The Kids as they share stories and insights from their unforgettable adventures around Britain’s beaches, cliffs, seaside towns and hidden coastal gems.

    In this session they’ll talk about what makes Britain’s shores such a perfect playground for vanlife families — from scenic stops and wild camping spots to family-friendly activities, practical planning tips and making the most of every tide, view and sunset. Expect real-life experience, inspiring ideas and plenty of encouragement to get out and explore closer to home.

    Whether you’re planning your first coastal road trip or looking for fresh places to visit with kids in tow, this talk will leave you excited and ready to hit the road. 🌊🚐✨

Sunday (Creators Day)

  • 10:30 | bFrank | Journaling | Future You Starts Here | Rewiring your brain to create your dream life

    Keeping a journal is an amazing way to recall your travels, but have you ever thought of journaling as a way to create your dream future? You might think this sounds ridiculous, but your brain is constantly filtering billions of pieces of information to only show you what aligns with your current beliefs. Convinced you don’t have time? Lack money? Don’t have certain skills? Are unlucky in love? That story (and therefore that experience) will never change unless you rewire your brain. Don’t brush off journalling because you think it’s too ‘woo-woo’, this is fully based in neuroscience, so get ready to learn how to rewire your brain for the life you dream of! 
     

  • 11:30 | Heidi Joanne with special guests | Stand Out on Instagram - Growing Your Audience & Telling Your Story

    With Heidi Joanne, featuring Simone Stewart & She Is The Lost Girl
    Want to grow your Instagram without losing your authenticity? This workshop breaks down what actually works—from content ideas and consistency to storytelling and engagement. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build momentum, you’ll learn how to create content that connects and stands out in a crowded feed.
     

    You’ll learn:
    What types of content perform well right now
    How to build a consistent and engaging profile
    Storytelling techniques that connect with your audience
    Simple strategies to grow your reach and engagement
    Common mistakes to avoid


    Perfect for:
    Beginners, aspiring creators, and anyone looking to grow their Instagram presence

  • 12:30 | Urban Motorhome | Click-Worthy Thumbnails - Designing YouTube Images That Get Views

    Your thumbnail can make or break your video. In this hands-on session, learn how to design eye-catching thumbnails that stop the scroll and drive clicks. From composition and text to colour and emotion, this workshop will help you understand what works—and how to apply it to your own content.
     

    You’ll learn:
    The key elements of high-performing thumbnails
    How to use text, colour and imagery effectively
    Common thumbnail mistakes that reduce clicks
    Tools and techniques for quick, effective design
    How to create a consistent visual style
     

    Perfect for:
    YouTubers, content creators, and anyone looking to improve video performance

  • 13:30 | Motorhome Matt | Confident on Camera - Presenting for Video, Podcast & Social

    Feel awkward on camera or unsure what to say? You’re not alone. This workshop is designed to help you build confidence when presenting—whether you’re filming videos, recording a podcast or going live. Learn how to communicate clearly, feel more natural, and connect with your audience.
     

    You’ll learn:
    Techniques to feel more confident and relaxed on camera
    How to structure what you want to say
    Tips for voice, delivery and body language
    How to handle mistakes and keep going
    Ways to build confidence over time
     

    Perfect for:
    New creators, presenters, and anyone wanting to feel more confident speaking on camera or mic

  • 14:30 | Michael Douglass & Maddie Elliott | Edit Like a Creator | Video Editing, Storytelling & Producing Content That Connects

    Editing is only part of the story. In this expanded session, Michael Douglass is joined by producer and marketing specialist Maddie Elliott to explore what really goes into creating compelling video content—from the edit suite to working with talent on camera.

    With experience producing the Motorhome Matt Podcast and shaping content for That Leisure Shop, Maddie brings insight into the full production process—covering storytelling, directing contributors, and creating content that connects with an audience. Together, they’ll break down how to take your footage and turn it into something engaging, professional and purposeful.

    You’ll learn:
    The fundamentals of editing for flow, pacing and storytelling
    How to direct and work with talent on camera (short & long-form)
    The role of a producer and how it improves your content
    Using music, captions and visuals to elevate your videos
    Common mistakes in both filming and editing—and how to avoid them
    Tools, workflows and tips to streamline your process

    Perfect for:
    Creators looking to improve not just their editing, but their overall content quality—from filming through to final output

  • 15:30 | Motorhome Matt | Filming Your Travels: Storytelling on the Road with Karen Walsh

    Hosted by Motorhome Matt, featuring Karen Walsh

    Award-winning TV producer and director Karen brings over 30 years of experience filming for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, National Geographic and more to this inspiring session. Having travelled to 90+ countries, Karen knows exactly what it takes to capture unforgettable moments on camera.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to tell engaging stories through your travel films
    • The essential shots you should always capture on the road
    • How to get great results using any camera – from pro kit to your smartphone
    • Tips for planning, shooting and editing your content more effectively
    • How to bring your adventures to life for friends, family or an online audience

    Perfect for: 

    Anyone looking to film their travels, from motorhome and campervan owners to aspiring vloggers and content creators.

  • 16:30 | Tash (Life Beyond Bricks) & Special guests |Earn as You Travel - How to Make Money on the Road

    Hosted by Tash, featuring Urban Motorhome, Kim Anderson & She Is The Lost Girl

    Dreaming of funding your travels while living life on the road? This workshop explores realistic ways to earn money remotely or on the move. From content creation and freelance work to alternative income streams, you’ll learn what’s possible—and what it really takes.

    You’ll learn:
    Different ways to make money while travelling
    The realities of remote and location-independent work
    How creators monetise their content
    Tips for getting started and building income streams
    Common challenges and how to overcome them

    Perfect for:
    Aspiring vanlifers, digital nomads, and anyone wanting to earn while travelling

  • 17:30 | Creator Connections - Bringing the Community Together

    Wrap up Creators Day with a relaxed, informal meet-up designed to bring people together. No presentations, no pressure—just a chance to chat with creators, ask questions, share your own experiences and connect with like-minded people. Whether you're just starting out or already creating, this is your space to swap ideas and be part of the community.

    Perfect for:
    Creators, aspiring creators, and anyone wanting to connect, collaborate and be inspired

Meet the speakers

We have gathered together a group of the speakers from every aspect of vanlife, from solo female travellers, to full time vanlifers, weekend adventurers, podcasters, industry experts, self-builders and more...

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Motorhome Matt

Motorhome Matt

Meet Motorhome Matt, the lively voice of the motorhome world and BBC Radio 5’s go-to motorhome guru! At the helm of several award-winning motorhome ventures, Matt brings the fun and facts of motorhomes to life. His podcast, the Motorhome Matt Podcast, is a rollicking ride through the ins and outs of motorhome adventures, peppered with honest advice and answers to those “too-embarrassed-to-ask” questions.

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sh - Beth - She Is Lost Girl

She Is The Lost Girl

Seasoned traveler and digital storyteller. Beth's transition from a backpacker to a van life enthusiast began in 2014 and has since evolved into a journey of over nine years on the road, capturing hearts and imaginations on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. In The Campout Hub, she will offer insights into her nomadic lifestyle, sharing expertise on a myriad of topics including social media navigation, the intricacies of European and UK van life, the challenges and joys of traveling, and the craftsmanship of van building. Her narrative is not just about travel—it's a testament to living life on one's own terms, and she's here to inspire you to embrace your own adventures with open arms.

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Darran - Urban Motorhome

The Urban Motorhome

Darran, also known as “The Urban Motorhome,” is a UK-based full-time motorhome dweller and YouTuber from Essex. Living in his motorhome since April 2017, he primarily parks in urban areas such as streets and industrial estates. Darran shares his experiences, tips, and motorhome modifications through his YouTube channel and website, offering practical advice and insights into the van life.

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Life beyond bricks

Life Beyond Bricks

Tash and Jon, the couple behind Life Beyond Bricks, have been living full-time in their motorhome since 2018. They offer a wealth of knowledge on long-term motorhome living, from managing everyday life on the road to finding work and staying connected with loved ones. Their down-to-earth approach and honest experiences provide valuable insights for anyone considering a full-time motorhome lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent life on the road or just curious about the challenges and rewards, Tash and Jon’s sessions will give you a realistic and inspiring look at life beyond bricks and mortar.

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Wandering Bird

Wandering Bird

Kat from Wandering Bird is an experienced motorhome traveller and blogger who shares her extensive knowledge and passion for life on the road. With years of experience navigating the UK's scenic routes and beyond, Kat offers invaluable advice on planning trips, finding the best spots, and making the most of your motorhome adventures. Her engaging stories and practical tips will inspire both new and seasoned travellers to explore the open road with confidence.

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Blue-fix energy

Bluefix Energy

BlueFix Energy Solutions specialises in providing sustainable energy solutions for motorhomes. Their team of experts offers advice on making your motorhome self-sufficient with the latest electrical systems and technologies. BlueFix’s sessions are invaluable for those looking to travel off-grid and reduce their environmental impact while on the road. Balancing full-time work with our passion for travel, we take every opportunity to hit the road and share our experiences (and mishaps) with others.

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sh - Campervan Campout - Vanlife Eats - Campout hub

Van life eats

Mark, from Vanlife Eats, is a passionate vanlife cook who, along with Sophie, has been instrumental in building a community around cooking in a campervan. Their website, Vanlife Eats, showcases a variety of recipes and tips for cooking in a van, aiming to inspire and encourage sharing of van food creations. This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to elevate your cooking in a van setting. 

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sh - Campervan Campout - bFrank - Campout hub

bFrank

Tom and Amy (bFrank) quit their jobs in 2019 to live full-time on the road after converting their first van. Now running their health coaching business, bFRANK, they help others take control of their health through natural diet and lifestyle changes. Their mission? To show how small, consistent habits can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life.

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Touring with the kids

Touring With The Kids

Kiera and Rick from Touring With The Kids are passionate family travellers who share their adventures on YouTube. They focus on making motorhome travel enjoyable and stress-free for families with children. From planning kid-friendly routes to engaging activities on the road, Kiera and Rick offer practical tips and personal insights to help families create unforgettable memories together.

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2026 Campout Hub - Kim Anderson

Kim Anderson

Kim lives in her campervan with two dogs and a cat, travelling in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians, with occasional adventures further afield. Four years ago she put her flat on Airbnb—now occupied about 80% of the year—and moved into the van. In 2023 she stripped it back to a shell and rebuilt it with a Murphy bed and everything she needs to live comfortably full-time on the road. 🚐✨

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Self Build Stories

Self Built Stories

We're Tim and Abi and we decided to convert a Ford Transit into a campervan in search of an alternative lifestyle, and are now enjoying life on the road. We built our cosy home to have everything we need to be off-grid, filming the whole build for our YouTube channel, Self Built Stories. We’re now having a great time exploring the UK and Europe, sharing our travel adventures and all the upgrades we make to the van along the way. 

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Heidi Joanne

Heidi Joanne

Heidi Joanne is a vanlifer and content creator sharing an honest and creative look at life on the road. Through her storytelling and social content, she documents the realities of vanlife—from the everyday moments to the bigger adventures—while building a lifestyle centred around freedom, creativity and self-expression. Her work inspires others to explore alternative ways of living and to start their own journey, whatever that may look like.

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Ashley Azzurro

Ashley Azzurro

Ashley Azzurro is a travel and lifestyle creator documenting her experiences on the road, sharing insights into vanlife, adventure and personal growth. With a focus on authenticity and connection, Ashley’s content captures both the challenges and rewards of life beyond the conventional path. She brings a fresh, relatable perspective to the vanlife community, inspiring others to explore, create and live differently.

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VanWiz

VanWiz

VanWiz, led by Matt, is a van conversion specialist and content creator sharing practical advice, honest insights and real-world experience from building campervans. From the nitty-gritty of tools and techniques to the lessons learned along the way, VanWiz offers a transparent look at the realities of self-build projects. His content helps others approach van conversions with confidence, knowledge and realistic expectations.

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Simone Stewart

Simone Stewart

Simone Stewart is a content creator and social media storyteller with a passion for capturing life on the road and sharing it with an engaged audience. With a strong focus on creativity, connection and authentic content, Simone offers valuable insight into building a presence online while documenting real experiences. She inspires others to tell their own stories and grow their platforms with confidence.

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Karen Walsh film director with camera

Karen Walsh

Karen is an award-winning TV producer and director with 30+ years’ experience creating documentaries for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, National Geographic and more. She’s filmed in over 90 countries across a wide range of genres, from travel to engineering.

An experienced camerawoman, Karen has filmed on everything from high-end broadcast equipment to her iPhone, and brings a practical, real-world approach to capturing great content. Passionate about storytelling, she believes the key to any great film lies not in the gear you use, but in the story you tell and the shots you choose to capture.

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Maddie Elliott

Maddie Elliott

Producer and Marketing Manager of the Motorhome Matt Podcast and That Leisure Shop, Maddie shapes both brands through strategy, brand identity and creative output. With a background in professional photography, she has a strong eye for storytelling and communication, producing content that connects with audiences.

''The setup was incredibly professional'

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to be a guest speaker at the Campervan Campout Festival. The setup was incredibly professional and the technical team went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. I was able to focus entirely on my talks, knowing I was in good hands. A huge thanks to the team for their support and attention to detail!

Amy, VanFam Tribe

Not sure what to expect? Check out some of the talks from last year

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