Sometimes the Best Campervan Adventures Aren't Planned

The best adventures aren't the ones you've spent months planning.

On Friday afternoon we threw a few clothes into the campervan, stopped at the shops for a handful of supplies and headed off to the Norfolk coast.

No itinerary.

No expensive campsite.

No plans... other than spending some quality time together.

We'd been promising the boys a beach trip for weeks, but life kept getting in the way. So when they realised we were actually going, they were beyond excited.

Just us, the boys, the dog and a couple of days by the sea.

Sometimes that's all you need.

Friday Evening

We arrived at Sea Palling just after 6.30pm and parked in the long stay car park next to the beach.

Parking was £11.50 for 24 hours, although you only pay during the daytime hours, so by the time we'd added a couple of extra hours on Sunday morning, our total came to just over £16.

Although the signs say no overnight camping, we simply parked responsibly, kept everything tidy and made sure we left absolutely no trace. There were a few other campervans there too, all quietly enjoying the evening.

Within minutes over the dunes you are on the beach.

The beach was almost empty and the sun was starting to set.

And before we'd even unpacked dinner, the boys were straight into the sea.

Burgers, Bare Feet & Sunset

Dinner was nice and easy...Burgers on the BBQ.

The boys disappeared off to play, while Orlaith charged up and down the beach living her best life.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Warm enough to sit in shorts all evening.

It was one of those evenings where nobody was looking at the time.

Obviously marshmallows had to happen too! The boys absolutely loved toasting them over the fire pit and, if I'm honest, I think marshmallows somehow taste even better when you're watching the sun disappear into the sea.

Slow Campervan Mornings

I think campervan mornings might actually be my favourite part...Sliding open the door, letting the fresh air in and just taking things slowly. The boys are usually still in their pyjamas, the kettle goes on and somehow nobody seems to be in a hurry.

Breakfast was deliberately easy.

Smoothies.

Porridge pots.

The boys love them and I love the fact there's hardly any washing up afterwards!

(There's definitely something to be said for keeping campervan meals simple.)

A Full Day That Cost Almost Nothing

Saturday was spent almost entirely on Sea Palling beach.

Buckets...Spades...Waves & Sandcastles.

Running in and out of the sea.

The boys didn't need expensive attractions...Just space to be kids.

Lunch was equally simple - Wraps, pitta breads, hummus, cucumber sticks and fruit from.

I'll be honest... it wasn't exactly glamorous!

But somehow sitting on the beach eating homemade wraps tasted better than most café lunches.

Dinner was even simpler - Hot dogs in buns with plenty of ketchup!

After a whole day on the beach nobody cared what was on the menu.

Sometimes the easiest meals end up being everyone's favourite.

Pancakes & Seals

Sunday morning was another gorgeous one.

I'd mixed some pancake batter before we left home, so breakfast couldn't have been easier.

I just got the pan on, made a coffee and cooked pancakes while everyone slowly woke up.

(I'll definitely share the recipe in another journal because they're brilliant for campervan trips.)

We sat outside eating pancakes in the sunshine while drinking coffee and talking about what we'd do before heading home.

Those slow campervan mornings are honestly my favourite.

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Once we'd packed everything away, we drove the five minutes down the road to Waxham Beach to see if we could spot the seals - We definitely weren't disappointed.

It was lovely to watch them popping their little heads up out of the water, almost as if they were just as curious about us as we were about them.

Of course, the boys couldn't resist one last run on the beach before we headed off.

Horsey Windpump

On the way home we made one final stop at Horsey Windpump.

Again, lunch wasn't anything fancy.

We simply used up the last of our wraps, cheese and hummus while watching the boats drift past.

We did, however, treat ourselves to ice creams afterwards.

Ironically, they ended up being the most expensive part of the whole weekend!

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What Did We Actually Spend?

One thing that really surprised me was just how little the weekend actually cost.

Parking

• Sea Palling – £16.10

• Horsey Windpump – £8.00

Treats

• Ice creams – £17.60

Everything else was food we'd either packed from home or picked up on the way.

For a weekend full of beaches, sunsets, marshmallows, seals and family time...

I'd say that was money well spent.

Why We Love Campervan Life

Driving home, I asked the boys what their favourite part of the weekend had been.

One said,

"Seeing the seals!"

The other said,

"Playing on the beach all day!"

-Neither of them mentioned the campervan.

-Neither mentioned where we'd stayed.

-Neither mentioned how much we'd spent.

And I think that's exactly the point.

Sometimes children don't need expensive days out or jam-packed itineraries.

Sometimes they just need fresh air, sandy feet and time together.

That's why we'll keep throwing a few things in the campervan and disappearing whenever we get the chance.

Those little weekends are often the ones we remember the most.

We'll be sharing more of our own campervan adventures, favourite recipes, hidden places and little tips from life on the road here in The Campfire.

We'd love you to join us.

Until next time...

Up Sticks & Go.

Lucy x