Steve & Kate Road trip to Spain - Living in the T7 California

Chasing Sunsets, History, and Adventure in the All-New VW T7 California Ocean

We’re on the road again – this time in the stunning all-new T7 VW California Ocean, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the journey with you!

Over the coming days, we’ll be writing up our experience of living life on the road in Volkswagen’s latest campervan, as we explore the open roads in search of sunshine, beach vibes, historic towns, and even desert landscapes.

We were thrilled to receive another new California from loaned to us by Volkswagen – this time in the sleek and eye-catching Florida Metallic Blue, and for this longer adventure, we’re behind the wheel of the 150PS TDi diesel, a perfect fit for the long journey ahead.

Our trip began with a smooth drive from London to Portsmouth, fully loaded with gear – bikes, beach chairs, the works – and still averaging an impressive 38mpg. From there, we boarded the Brittany Ferry to Bilbao, a relaxing two-night crossing that gave us time to unwind, take in the sea views, and even catch a movie onboard.

Our first stop? A return to a beloved campsite we hadn’t visited in nine years: the newly transformed Camping Gavina, just north of Tarragona, a city famous for its incredible human tower festivals. Camping Gavina has been beautifully landscaped, revamped with modern facilities, and a fantastic on-site restaurant, our beach side pitch was the perfect start to our Spanish adventure.

We then headed south to campsite near Valencia, called Kiko Playa Camping....

Want to come along for the ride? Head over to our Instagram and Facebook for stories, reels, and behind-the-scenes moments – and stay tuned here for our full write-up coming soon! 🚐☀️🇪🇸
 

Why the New VW T7 California Is a Game-Changer for Camper Van Travel

We’ve just returned from a sun-soaked trip to Spain, putting the brand-new VW T7 California through its paces—and we’re thrilled to say it exceeded expectations. Loaded with gear to test compatibility, comfort, and convenience, we discovered a host of clever design upgrades that will help customers tailor this van to suit their individual needs like never before.

The first thing you'll notice is how transformative the living space feels. Thanks to its reimagined layout and twin sliding doors, the T7 delivers a truly open, flexible environment that's ideal for both long journeys and laid-back camping days. The extra legroom in front and behind the passenger seat means real comfort when you're relaxing with seats turned around. The fridge is now easier to access from outside, and the ingenious summer kitchen is both a space-saver and a delight to use—just add an awning on the passenger side to make the most of it in any weather. This dual-living aspect, especially in great weather, really shines and gives the California a whole new vibe.

There are quirks, of course. Storage space has shifted, with more compact and oddly shaped cupboards, and some areas (like under the cutlery drawer or the inverter socket cupboard) could be tricky to access. The longer sliding doors can be prone to closing if you’re not careful with your setup, and the factory-fitted VW mosquito screens aren’t the easiest to use with electric windows—though aftermarket solutions from Brandrup are on the way. The bed area may be a tight squeeze for pet owners and wider campers, and the automatic electric sliding doors, while impressive, were more frustrating than helpful as they could close if you accidentelty brushed the button or key fob in your pocket—we will skip this option for our rental fleet.

But where the T7 California really shines is in the cab: it’s brimming with cutting-edge technology and comfort. From advanced driver assistance systems like blind spot and lane assist and predictive adaptive cruise through speed sign reginition camera, to a heated steering wheel and customizable seating, driving this van feels like piloting a modern electric vehicle (unsurprisingly, since it shares tech with the ID. Buzz). The infotainment and connectivity features are seamless, and the integrated California camping app lets you control everything from the heater to lighting right from your bed. After jumping back into a T6.1 Ocean, the difference was instantly clear—it felt dated, and that was our ‘eureka’ moment. The T7 isn't just a step forward; it’s a bold leap into the future of van life.