Our first overnight trip in the 1991 Hymer B564 felt like a big moment. After weeks of planning, cleaning, checking systems, and talking about where we’d go first, we finally set off for Willowbank Holiday Park in Ainsdale, Southport. It wasn’t far, but it didn’t need to be – this trip wasn’t about distance, it was about taking that first step into a new way of travelling.
One of the simplest but best parts of the weekend was setting up the BBQ for morning sausage sarnies in the sunshine. Sitting outside with a coffee while the grill warmed up, birds in the trees and the Hymer quietly parked behind us, felt like a proper moment of “this is what it’s all about”. It didn’t matter that we were only a short drive from home – it already felt like a different pace of life.
The first evening was also full of little learning moments. We worked out how to fit the wrap-around front window covers, which instantly made the van feel more private and surprisingly cosy once the light started to fade.
There were a few less glamorous lessons too, like learning how to empty the toilet waste for the first time. Not the most exciting part of campervan life, but definitely one of those rites of passage that makes you feel like you’re officially doing it properly.
It turned out to be a really hot weekend, and we were genuinely impressed by how well the Hymer handled it. The roof vents and skylight made a massive difference, letting fresh air flow through the van all day and night. We were even pleasantly surprised to discover that the vents have built-in fly nets and blackout blinds, which felt like a luxury we weren’t expecting in a van from 1991. Windows open, gentle breeze inside, and no insects – it was far more comfortable than we ever imagined.
Even the drive there felt like part of the adventure. Taking the Hymer through the Mersey Tunnel for the first time was a bit of a moment – suddenly everything felt very real. The noise, the lights, the feeling of piloting something much bigger than a normal car and being left hand drive… it was equal parts exciting and slightly nerve-wracking. But once we popped out the other side, we both just laughed – we’d officially taken our first proper journey in the van.
By the end of the trip, it already felt like we’d learned a lot. Not everything went perfectly, but that was half the fun – every small task, from making breakfast to setting up for the night, made the whole experience feel more real and more rewarding.