The Road to Vanlove 2026: Turning the Journey to Thruxton Into Part of the Weekend
If you’ve been part of the Vanlove community for a while, you’ll know that 2026 marks one of the biggest changes in the festival’s story so far.
After four incredible years at Elvington, it was time to find a location that could hold everything Vanlove Festival has grown into. More vans, more community spaces, more creativity, more connection.
We weren’t looking for just a bigger site. We were looking for somewhere that could support where Vanlove is heading next, without losing what made it special in the first place. A place where the layout and atmosphere could evolve. Another unique setting where the community could keep growing in a way that still felt grounded and welcoming, even as the festival energy builds.
That search led us to Thruxton Race Circuit.
Set in the Hampshire countryside and known as the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton brings a completely different kind of energy to the Vanlove experience. Not the roar of race day, but the thrill of being right beside a piece of iconic British motorsport history.
A place with real history and presence, it’s a setting that feels iconic without being overwhelming, and spacious without feeling impersonal.
This move marks a new chapter for Vanlove - one that gives us the freedom to build a festival experience that truly reflects what this community has become.
We also know that for some of you, this change means travelling further than before. Rather than glossing over that, we want to lean into what makes vanlife special in the first place: the journey. The roads you take, the places you stop, the unexpected views and quiet moments that happen before you even arrive.
For Vanlove 2026, why not treat the road to Thruxton as the first chapter of the festival weekend.
The shift from everyday life into festival mode doesn’t have to happen at the gate - it can start miles earlier, with a slower pace, a planned route and space to arrive already present. By the time you roll in, you’re not just turning up - you’re already in it.
Whether you’re travelling from the North, East or West, the journey takes you through some beautiful, historic and varied parts of the UK. It’s the perfect excuse to turn your weekend into something longer, slower, and more intentional and making memories before the music even starts.
Why the Move South Opens Up New Adventures
We chose Thruxton because it gives Vanlove Festival room to grow without losing its soul.
The site has the space, layout and atmosphere to elevate the experience while staying true to everything that has shaped the festival so far. Community-first energy, freedom to explore and space to connect.
It also happens to sit in a part of the UK that’s exceptionally well connected. Thruxton Race Circuit is located just off the A303 and minutes from the M3, making it straightforward to reach for campervans and motorhomes of all sizes. No tight lanes or stressful final miles - just a simple route in.
Beyond that practical access, the surrounding region offers plenty of variety. Cathedral cities, chalk hills, ancient landscapes, market towns and quiet countryside roads all sit within easy reach.
Making the most of the journey isn’t a compromise, it’s an invitation to enjoy one of the most rewarding parts of vanlife: choosing detours because they feel good, and letting the journey set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Plan Your Trip, Your Way
One of the strengths of Thruxton’s location is how many different types of journeys lead there. Each direction offers a distinct feel, depending on how much time you have and what kind of adventure you want to build in.
Below is a starting point for planning your route - whether you’re keeping things simple or turning the drive into part of the festival experience.
Coming from the North:
Travelling south opens up some of the most varied landscapes in the country. Depending on your start point and route, you might pass through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, Peak District edges, canal-side stretches, rolling Cotswold villages or wide-open farmland.
This direction is ideal if you want to break the journey with:
gentle countryside walks to stretch your legs
market towns with easy parking for a lunch stop
viewpoints and open landscapes that don’t require long hikes
calm overnight stops that help you arrive rested rather than rushed
If you’re planning to arrive early or make use of the Thursday entry, this route lends itself well to adding a day or two without feeling over-planned.
Coming from the East:
From the East, the journey has a quieter, more historic feel. You’ll move through heritage-rich landscapes, rural villages and areas shaped by ancient routes and chalk downland.
This direction is well suited to:
weaving through cathedral cities and historic towns – with Cambridge and Oxford along the way.
riverside paths and flat walking routes
small villages with local cafés and bakeries
mellow countryside stretches ideal for a low-key overnight stop
It’s a balanced route that mixes culture, history and nature - perfect if you want to ease into the weekend and arrive feeling grounded.
Coming from the West:
From Wales or the South West, you’ve got flexibility. You can hug the coastline for harbours, sea views and dramatic landscapes, or head inland through greener, quieter countryside.
Depending on your mood, this route offers:
coastal detours and harbour towns
rural Dorset and Wiltshire landscapes
city stops via Bristol or Bath for a different pace
straightforward inland routes if you want to keep things simple
This is the most adaptable journey - whether you want a full adventure or just one standout stop before arriving at the festival.
Once your ticket’s sorted, everything else becomes easier to plan - arrival timing, routes, stop-offs and whether you turn the weekend into something longer.
Travelling Solo?
This Journey Still Works For You
If you’re coming to Vanlove on your own, the journey to Thruxton can be one of the most empowering parts of the weekend.
Travelling solo doesn’t mean doing everything alone, it means setting your own pace. Choosing when to stop, where to linger, and how you arrive. The road gives you space to settle into the weekend gently, without having to match anyone else’s energy or schedule.
Many people in the Vanlove community arrive solo - some for the first time, others by choice, and the journey itself can be a quiet confidence-builder especially if you are new to travelling solo. A good coffee stop, a peaceful overnight and time to reflect, reset and arrive feeling grounded rather than overwhelmed.
If you’re feeling nervous, keeping the journey simple can help. Choose familiar routes, plan one comfortable stop, and leave room to change your mind. You don’t need a packed itinerary for it to feel meaningful.
Once you arrive, you won’t be solo for long. Vanlove has always been shaped by openness, shared space and easy connection. The road may be something you do on your own, but it’s often where the stories you’ll share all weekend begin.
Make More of the Weekend:
Things to Do Near Thruxton
Even if you’re not travelling far to reach Vanlove Festival, the area around Thruxton offers plenty of opportunities to extend the experience.
Within around an hour’s drive, you’ll find inspiration for:
historic cities and characterful market towns
riverside walks and gentle countryside trails
scenic viewpoints with easy parking
small museums and heritage sites
quiet coffee spots and local markets
simple, van-friendly detours that stretch the weekend
Our Things to Do Near Thruxton guide acts as a quick-hit inspiration list for anyone who wants to arrive early, stay a little longer, or meet friends nearby before heading into the festival together.
Why This Matters to Us
The move south marks a new chapter for Vanlove, but it’s not just about a different pin on the map.
It’s about building a festival that grows alongside the community that shaped it. Thruxton gives us more space, more flexibility, and more opportunities to create an experience that feels bigger, better, and still unmistakably Vanlove.
By celebrating the journey as part of the weekend, we hope it opens up something new for you too. Moments that begin long before you arrive on site. Miles that feel meaningful and experiences that start the second you turn the key.
However far you’re travelling, and whichever route you choose, we can’t wait to welcome you to Vanlove 2026 and hear more of the stories that start on the road.
If this feels like your kind of weekend, we’d love to see you there!
New here? Welcome to Vanlove.
Vanlove is the heart of the UK vanlife community - bringing together campervan owners, weekend adventurers, and full-time travellers through festivals, gatherings, stories, and practical resources. What started as one festival has grown into a space for connection, inspiration, and real life on the road.
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Wherever you are on your journey, we’re sending you #peaceandvanlove 🚐 💛
