Volkswagen T5 Camper - 2011

The Volkswagen T5 camper is one of those vans that just fits into everyday life as easily as it does a weekend away. It’s as happy doing the supermarket run as it is wandering through little villages in the UK or heading off for an adventure across the channel. Up front, the cab keeps things comfortable with air-con, a radio and SatNav built into the headunit, plus hands-free controls right on the steering wheel, so everything’s easy to reach while you’re on the move.

Once you’ve arrived wherever you’re staying, you just pop the roof up and the whole space instantly feels bigger. It means you can cook, get changed and move around in comfort. The rear windows are dark-tinted and there are curtains too, so you have privacy when you settle in for the evening. During the day, the rear bench makes a lovely little seating area, and because it’s fitted with seatbelts, you can bring friends or family along for the ride – perfect for those spontaneous trips to the seaside for fish and chips. When night falls, the bench folds out into a double bed in just a few seconds.

If you fancy eating inside, there’s a fold-away table that sets up quickly, and the kitchen has everything you need for simple, comforting meals – whether that’s a quick omelette, a bowl of pasta, or a proper breakfast in the morning. There’s storage tucked neatly around the kitchen for your bits and pieces, plus a fridge for keeping food fresh. You’ve got other cupboards dotted around too, along with a big space under the bench that’s ideal for clothes, bedding or anything else you like to bring on your travels.