We Waited Out the Storm… It Was Worth It

We Waited Out the Storm… It Was Worth It | UK Vanlife West Country Adventure

Storm Goretti had other plans for our campervan trip — so instead of pushing on into Cornwall, we made the call to wait it out. And honestly? It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made on the road.

In this UK vanlife vlog, we take you along as we change plans, slow things down, and eventually head into the West Country once the weather settles. From peaceful overnight stops to historic pubs, hidden coastal paths, and dramatic Cornish landscapes, this journey reminded us why patience is such a big part of vanlife.

We start by sheltering in the New Forest, before heading west and staying overnight at a fantastic Brit Stops pub near Exeter. From there, we explore Shaldon Botanical Gardens, discover smugglers’ tunnels leading down to the beach, and stop at the incredible Church House Inn — an 800-year-old pub set in a beautiful village.

Once the storm fully clears, we finally reach Tintagel, finding great overnight options including a Camper Aire with extra facilities, grabbing what might be one of the best Cornish pasties we’ve ever had, and walking down to Merlin’s Cave and Tintagel Castle. We finish the vlog with the stunning (and completely free) Rocky Valley walk — one of the most epic coastal walks we’ve done, with huge views and very few people around.

This one’s all about real vanlife decisions, adapting to the weather, and trusting that slowing down can sometimes lead to the best experiences.

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🚐 What’s in this vanlife vlog
• UK vanlife during Storm Goretti
• Waiting out bad weather in our campervan
• Brit Stops overnight pub stop near Exeter
• Shaldon Botanical Gardens & smugglers’ tunnels
• Historic pubs in the West Country
• Tintagel campervan park-ups & Camper Aire
• Merlin’s Cave & Tintagel Castle walk
• Rocky Valley coastal walk (free & incredible)
• Honest vanlife decision-making on the road

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New Forest - https://www.tristandkez.com/ultimate-...

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🌿 About us

We’re Trist & Kez, a UK vanlife couple travelling full-time in our 1989 Talbot Express campervan, Old Gertie. We’ve spent years exploring the UK slowly, sharing real vanlife experiences — the good, the challenging, and everything in between.

If you’re into UK vanlife, slow travel, campervan adventures, and finding places that aren’t just on the postcard, you’re in the right place.

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💬 Comment below — would you have waited out the storm or pushed on?

Chapters
00:00 – Storm Goretti Stops Our Cornwall Trip
02:04 – Waiting It Out in the New Forest
04:18 – Brit Stops Pub Stop Near Exeter (Vanlife)
06:13 – Shaldon Coastal Walk & Botanical Gardens
13:04 – Church House Inn (800-Year-Old Pub)
15:22 – Tintagel Camper Aire & Facilities
22:24 – Tintagel Castle & Merlin’s Cave Walk
29:45 – Rocky Valley Walk (Cornwall Hidden Gem)