Stealth Van Life in The UKs Most Expensive Village

[@comealongdear]

When we first stumbled upon you I wasn't sure what kept us watching and coming back, but it soon becomes obvious - you are so charming, naturally funny and sweet, with complete honesty on some of the nonsense around us, it's perfect. You could film a video in a sewerage works or a 5-star hotel, but it doesn't matter, your personality and humour shine through and truly cut through the crap. Love it ❤

[@bythecurb]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that 🙂

[@barnsleymat]

'I'd rather live in Barnsley' Brilliant. If I ever see you in town I'll buy you a pint. You're my new favourite KZbinr

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate 😊

[@barnsleymat]

@@bythecurb it's weird watching a KZbinr driving about on roads I know. You Reds

[@yorkslad9589]

Sometimes just driving somewhere with no plan is the best way. If you'd looked into it with more detail you probably wouldn't have gone but, as a result you produced ,what I felt, was an interesting video. Weather was crap and the village appeared to be like something out of the Stepford Wife's, so what. Makes you appreciate what you have up here in't North. Keep em coming mate.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate, I appreciate it

[@twish1999]

We watch your videos, and think that the two of you are so engaging and the sort of people that we are too! You already have almost 19 thousand subscribers, so well done! 🙂

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, it's going well!

[@judithgittins4625]

Love to watch you

[@danielbromley6624]

It just shows how little there is to do in most places in the uk for free. The powers above have made it virtually impossible to live a free and entertaining life. Everything costs an arm and a leg, consumerism is awful.

[@gunnerlangy]

Socialism is much, much worse.

[@ayres174]

Hi james If you are still in Virginia waters I own a yard in Shepperton witch is 2 miles away you are welcome to stay they as long as you like

[@bythecurb]

Thank you so much, I'm back up north now

[@ayres174]

@@bythecurb if you come back down you are welcome

[@karlos55555]

Hey James what a shit hole that was. Big houses to rattle about in, no pubs or sense of community, everywhere shut off with gates and no doubt stuck up, stuffy people looking down their noses at outsiders. At least we know you can have all the millions in the world and still be unhappy. Till the next vlog mate, thanks for the vid x

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate 😊

[@Gothic55]

Welcome to the South. I spent quite a lot of time at the Civil Service college which was located in Sunning-dale which is neat Virginia Warner. The college has sadly been shut due to government cuts. Really enjoying your videos.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 😊

[@richarddonlan9232]

You know it's gonna be a good 'un when it starts with "Ey up!".

[@robhines4537]

Great vlog James, whatever you put out its entertaining and we love it...

[@bythecurb]

Thank you!

[@glennwilliams5869]

Nothing ventured eh James. Can't believe I'm spending my Saturday night watching a fella eating fish, chips & watery curry sauce. At least you were actually there 😀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@bythecurb]

Haha I love going down youtube rabbit holes on a Saturday night 😂

[@johncally4429]

That curry sauce were definitely too “Moist”! 🤣. Next road trip could be to the Cotswolds, many beautiful villages to explore, we recently went to ‘Bourton on the Water’ amazing place, Helen would love it for sure, another one is ‘Castle Combe’, we stayed overnight in the car park at the top of the hill, no charge overnight. 🍻

[@bythecurb]

Thanks, we need to check that out 🙂

[@Wakeupfromyourslumberpeople]

Your benidorm trip popped up on my KZbin ive been playing catch up on your videos since, cracking channel.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, glad you like it

[@grahamhgt6468]

Really enjoyed watching this James, brilliant...but £12.65 for fish n chips, bloody hell!!! Keep up the good work 👏

[@hayleybarr1380]

I live in Bristol a lot of fish and chip shops are that price now it madness

[@bythecurb]

I know, it's crazy prices now 😔

[@Sthilboy56]

The richest person is the one who is content with what they have , I am content with what I have

[@bythecurb]

Great quote 🙂

[@groovytravels]

❤

[@daveswallow8351]

Spot on👍

[@Sthilboy56]

@magnacarta7956 what are you on about

[@Zalley]

Clever idea!

[@garyreece5172]

I remember the days like you when pay to park didn't exist . You should check out North Norfolk coast head to Kelling heath to park up for free before it's gone . England use to be a fun place in the past it's all about money now.😮

[@gregsimister2396]

Having watched your blog the best part of that place was the road out 😂

[@shannonjones9261]

The Karl Pilkington vibe you give is hilarious.. cheer up love 😉

[@LeisureBit]

What a nightmare! The place / village looked really soulless- you are right Barnsley would of been better! 😂 I was feeling your stress! The fish and chips did look lovely - expensive abs Shame about the curry sauce. At least you found a place to park in the end Great vlog Rachel & David

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I was very stressed on this trip, I'll upload a video this evening explaining.

[@valeriehepplewhite8890]

Hi just started watching we love your content , Benidorm vlog was amazing x

[@bythecurb]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mrdeafa25]

30 years running pubs and I still find it scandalous when I hear of people getting ripped off. £6.60 for a pint is ridiculous. I don’t know how they keep a straight face.

[@jmick7191]

Ha! You reminded me of me and my old man driving around places saying "even if we HAD the money, wouldn't live 'ere!" 😁. We do the same with our old moho too: "wouldn't have a new one THROWN at me" (..... we would😬). Keep on keeping on James - and look forward to the next vlog with Helen 🤗 (PS have you tried the car park nr the Castle in Lincoln - a good night out for official £4.50 overnight parkup👍)

[@bythecurb]

I'll have to check that one out. I know what you mean about the motorhome, a rich couple I know have just bought a top of the range motorhome and now they're suddenly van lifers! They are nice people but it secretly winds me up a bit 😂

[@helenreasbeck1348]

Was in Lincoln last weekend and went in the witch and wardrobe for a swift one OMG some characters in there 😂😂😂 moved on after just one lol

[@helenreasbeck1348]

Best place we went where lots of posh houses was Brockenhusrt in the new forest, we really enjoyed it and the locals wasn’t stuck up, in fact we got talking to one guy who had just been to the boat show in Southampton and he was really nice and had good banter with about football etc

[@bythecurb]

I'd like to go to the new forest 😊

[@shellvlogs132]

“It’s not posh, it’s crap” “I’m not even interested in golf” 😂😂 you crack me up, bloody hilarious 🌟

[@HolyFreakinDragonSlayer]

James what you should have done in a suit n packed a tent in stealth mode into a supermarket bag, walk into the gated bit and do a wild camp. Public are permitted to walk through gated communities (even posh ones) you just could get stopped and escorted out say if you were a hoodie in a tracksuit. There might be a park inside.. did you have alook on Google earth beforehand?

[@bythecurb]

No, I must admit my research was not good enough 🙄

[@trevorbarnes4731]

Wow cool going in that Hotel . I got thrown out of a pub in Windsor just up the road because my shirt was hanging out. He said you cant come in here dressed like that.

[@bythecurb]

Bloody snobs!! 😳😂

[@veronicalucas-b5y]

A really interesting place is cockington in Devon and babbacombe really good places good pubs food nice people and affordable👌👌😁

[@SandraPrice-c5g]

What an eye-opener eh ? Thanks for the info, a place I’ll never go to. After all the various & interesting places you’ve seen on your travels you have seen how the other half live. Have you ever tried the SW of England ? For character and beautiful coastal seascapes you can’t beat it. Cornwall fills my soul; makes my heart sing; be interesting to see what you & Helen make of it.

[@bythecurb]

I've only ever been to Cornwall once but would love to head back down there again soon 😊

[@SandraPrice-c5g]

@@bythecurb Don’t ever go in high Summer, go early Spring or Autumn. The roads are more freed up then.

[@leemacgregor]

Hi mate, TBH it was a great video ! as far the village even if i could afford it looks a bit dead ! well worth the effort well done budd all credit for sticking it out and going to the posh bar ha ha keep it up luv ya both !!

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate 😊

[@simonlove9178]

Just started watching you guys ,already watched a few of your videos ,enjoyed everyone of them it's great what you do ,and the most important thing is that you both enjoyin life .keep it up 👍🍺🍺

[@bythecurb]

Thanks for watching, glad you like 🙂

[@NigelTrafford-d3u]

There’s a huge lay by almost opposite the wheat sheaf pub on the A30

[@garyreece5172]

I'm from the same generation as you I share your idealistic nature Now it's about dialling down your expectations nowadays. Good luck my friend.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Good show James, I now know where not to stay the next time I visit from across the pond 😆 Haddock, my preference too matey. That curry sauce was a soup, and a watery one at that 🤮

[@bythecurb]

It was terribe 😂

[@johnnoonan7482]

Health and happiness most important

[@bythecurb]

Absolutely 😊

[@NICKEXRN]

I think you were having one of those days mate, that I get living in my van. Nothing seems to fall into place, and you get angry and peed off at everything! I get that often mate, oh and boredom as well……. I feel your pain buddy

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate, it definitely was one of those days!

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Coming back to my home town Barnsley can’t wait to have a fish Pattie god I’ve missed them

[@richgixer]

I'm from Kent just outside London you'll find people in London are rude / stressed unlike the people I've met up north mate 👍

[@bythecurb]

I don't like London but feel like I need to go and make a video there

[@richgixer]

@@bythecurb no need to go to London it's not the greatest go to Kent Dartford just on the outside 😎

[@Simon-fr4ts]

Yes, as a Northerner living way down south for over 25 years, Londoners and busy city folk are ratty as hell.

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

Those fish and chips looked amazing!! 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@bythecurb]

They we're pretty good

[@joline2730]

They had better be good at that price - and I thought £6.50 was expensive ... 🍽

[@martinlanigan803]

All countryside is poluted with car and van exaust fumes cities are worst

[@cherrypickingdiaries]

Google earth everything! Gives you a great insight into an area you haven't been to. Here in Cornwall there are many great places for camping in uour van...free!!!!

[@bertiebassett2823]

That fish and chips was about the same size as our small fish and chips on Flamborough road Bridlington at ship to shore mate 👍 only 5.30

[@bythecurb]

I'm in Brid now, will check it out

[@denzil040709]

'Need to get saving, really'. Love it.

[@Bought_by_the_blood]

Ahh Virginia Water now that brings back memories. I used to go there with my brother and my boyfriend to visit the beauty spot not the actual village. On one visit back in the early eighties, after walking around the lake, we fancied a coffee so we stumbled upon the Wheatsheaf and in we went to find refreshment. There were a couple of bar areas and some staff wandering around doing not a lot. We found a table and I went up to the bar to get the coffees. The young lad who served me had a mocking look on his face when I asked for coffees and as I walked away he muttered to his mate ‘stupid c***s’ I was enraged!! I sat down and told my brother and boyfriend what he’d called us then I started loudly protesting. ‘How dare he call us that! I want the manager!!’ My brother and boyfriend tried to shut me up but I carried on very loudly. The bloke behind the bar looked extremely nervous. I still wish I’d tipped my coffee over his head. Virginia Water I also found out had a witchcraft coven where human sacrifice took place. I read a book once by a lady who’d joined the coven . She would get the train from London to Virginia Water late at night and would be met by a chauffeur driven car. Then after being blindfolded she would be taken to the coven. Thankfully she eventually became a Christian and got away from involvement in that darkness.

[@colinclarkesmusic]

Can't believe Elton never got to see your T-shirt. Gutted for ya mate.😉

[@bythecurb]

I'm still very sad about it tbh 😔

[@linpownall4381]

I just love watching you and you two the honesty is great and James it doesn’t matter where you live in one of those massive houses or under a bridge in a cardboard box nobody is better than anyone else we all have the right to be wherever we want just some people think they have more right take no notice you’re amazing and I’d be chuffed to see you anywhere I’ll let you know where I’m dragging me cardboard box to next 😂😂😂 stuff them and their barriers 🙄

[@bythecurb]

😂😂 Please let me know and I'll move next door 🙂

[@sarahstorey8492]

Great video. Authentic and although I wish you had enjoyed it. It was good x

[@bythecurb]

Thank you

[@margaretnicol3423]

Not so much a village - more a gated community!

[@oldrunnerstepx2638]

Wife and I working our way through your videos starting from the oldest. This one has been one of the best yet, made me laugh out loud. Elton John T-shirt, but no Elton John and runny curry sauce. BTW I just don’t get curry sauce with fish and chips. Salt and Vinegar only.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks for watching the videos :-)

[@clairewalker2842]

Brilliant video you made me laugh out loud 😂 I'm currently lying in bed in my van with my dogs😊

[@bythecurb]

Thank you

[@mydog1234]

Great video mate, never do research as it wont be as authentic, love your groans haha

[@bythecurb]

thank you

[@749JODY]

Brave, you are on the right track. Keep going 🙏

[@chriswilkinson1166]

At least even with loads of money the can’t change the weather . Great video keep it up .cheers.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks 👍

[@Anth-c9p]

Just like to wish you and Helen a very merry Xmas

[@andrewsmith3069]

Hi guys, I’m a newby, but I love the content ! You two should have your own TV show !! Helen is like a really really fit Jane McDonald, and her brilliant sidekick is Karl Pilkingtons slightly older brother !! A match made in heaven. ❤️❤️

[@bythecurb]

Thanks for watching, glad you like. Btw, I'm the same age as Karl Pilkinton!! 😂😂

[@sueterry7300]

😂even the vlogs u r not happy with makes me smile. Just brilliant. I envy u big time. 🫶🏻x….luv to Helen xx

[@ourvanviv8858]

I bet all their dogs wear Barbour jackets and the owners have big watches haha

[@bythecurb]

You just know they do 😂

[@louisemaddox4404]

You and Helen would luv newquay west wales and surrounding areas. Car park as u come in charges 10pd a nite 4 camper vans. Fabby place,luvly people, plus the resident dolphins😍.

[@bythecurb]

We will definitely get there soon 😊

[@janbedpan6822]

Come to Penicuik… fish supper is a tenner and twice the size from that posh place!, Penicuik is outside Edinburgh…

[@bythecurb]

Might head up that way 😊

[@johnnoonan7482]

Way to posh James!!! Bet it’s way expensive there x

[@M.Mchale]

You made me laugh more than once in this video HAHAHA, im full time in my van, I know these days very well lol....

[@bythecurb]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@karenentwistle6635]

James you and Helen will have to come over to cleithroe for night out pubs brill , there is a mill pub that has the longest bar , shops fab it's a old town , nice castle right where town is , and just out of town is cleithroe is auction market on Sunday that holds carboot sale and opens early doors , you'll love town , the mill bar is near a Sainsbury's if wanting to find it , it as a food shop and little cinema all together, get then self there lad , grand beers , 👍😘x

[@bythecurb]

I've been to Clitheroe quite a bit over the years, lovely place. Will take Helen sometime 🙂

[@karenentwistle6635]

James , you sound fed up with work at mo , because you like walking have you thought of dog walking , my friend does it full time , does 3 walks a day with around 10 dogs in different hours of day , she's bringing in around 400 quids a week doesn't do weekend , but 2 vans best one for dog walking and one for camping ,

[@harrysmith846]

James you could of just nipped into ascot and plotted up there, and there’s shops, pubs etc

[@john_halifax]

I enjoyed the video James. Really different and a good idea

[@bythecurb]

Thanks 👍

[@groovytravels]

Vanlife

[@spendover]

I see your plan here as your latest business venture, your clever 👍

[@force7773]

You’ll like finchingfield mate. Most photographed village in England by all accounts.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks, I'll look it up :-)

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

“I’d rather live in Barnsley” You do make me laugh James:)

[@CFCseventy]

Should have stayed in egham good pubs decent food plenty of free parking

[@alecporter1784]

Also maybe the bar man thought you were part of Elton's roadies

[@Saturntabbytype2]

Head up to Watford and whippendell woods is nice place to walk

[@jackiewheatland9691]

Come to Shoreham by sea pub crawl is easiest pub crawl ever !! 🙂

[@simongreen3120]

I liked the video because your always genuine and actually very good with your social skills and speaking. A bit of feedback. )))

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I'm getting better at talking to people 😊

[@sophieboult310]

Cotswolds is pretty nice walks local pubs shop cafes

[@markmangan845]

Nice vid James 😊😎👍

[@mikeyphoto48]

So James all in all … a great place to live 😂🤣come to Australia with Helen mate,, you’ll love it.

[@bythecurb]

I'd love to

[@Emma-ec1is]

I can’t imagine you not fitting in anywhere yr such a nice down to earth bloke ! Curry sauce looked revolting and in my opinion so did those huge houses ! Soulless

[@bythecurb]

Thank you! 🙂

[@j5778]

ha ha he never stops moaning.

[@davidwoodcock139]

If you ever go down south try Poole and sandbanks we've been a few time

[@bythecurb]

I fancy going to Sandbanks

[@kizzyfin6348]

fish chips looked yummy curry sauce looke terrible ,great vlog xxx

[@markplenty2631]

I love being in a jeans and a well worn t shirt in a place with suits because they may have the money but they won’t be as interesting.. nice vid! There’s no consistency with curry sauce is there!

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate. I agree about the curry sauce

[@mikesmart390]

I was expecting Henry the eight to pop out the wall of the hotel lol should wear a shirt for posh Town lol

[@angeroper6839]

Hi still enjoyed it james ,everyt8 we go anywhere we allways look and research the place and what peaple thinks of it ange

[@bythecurb]

Thanks Ange 🙂

[@garylistersmith4246]

You show the real side of things. Do not under any circumstances change anything, that's why we watch you. Take care and continue to be real and happy....best way always.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you

[@hughphillips1427]

I was just watching your video on Sunny Scunny, I was bought in a village between Scunthorpe and Grimsby. Now I live about 10 miles from Virgina Waters, to be honest I think it is not my kind of place, and anyway I would never have the money to live there even if I wanted too 😀 As you say Virgina Waters has no soul.

[@TeaandTickers]

Your humor reminds me of Tim on Corrie. ...🤣🤣

[@andrewdavis9223]

Back streets down there oh dear 😳

[@janeevans4758]

That pub was beautiful inside! Shocking prices though...the village definitely didnt have alot if anything going for it,but saying that as there wasnt anything around or shops etc, i bet the street crime rate is almost zero! The most expensive village but other than the property's it had nothing going for it. Id have taken that water ( curry water back) terrible and i bet it was about £2 a pot for the large... Have you seen the new ish selling platform, whatnot? Its free to list and a auction style selling platform. Give it a look.. great to see you out on your travels again and i bet you wish you were in that sun still now 😂...

[@bythecurb]

Yep, missing the sun now 😊. I've not seen that selling platform but will check it out, the online stuff has been really quiet.

[@nickslade606]

I do love your vids and i watch them all BUT sometimes i feel like i need to take a vallium after 😅😅..

[@bythecurb]

Haha yes it was a whinge fest that one 😂

[@jamiecooksey9037]

Have you thought about Wales? Lots to see. North Wales is more convenient for you. Anglesey. Portmeirion. Conwy. Snowdonia. Jeez its got to be better and cheaper than Surrey! Fish and chips looked crackin though 😋

[@bythecurb]

We've done Conwy and Snowdonia but need to go back soon 😊

[@jamiecooksey9037]

​@bythecurb missed that one. I see it in your library, so I will check it out. Bound to be a riot 😂 so definite thumbs up 👍

[@gazwolves9489]

Mate just ad weekend Eccleshall castle great pubs great people £10 quid a night happy holidays not posh but Brill

[@DianeJohns-x5x]

Helen , you are such a happy bubbly person. You make the videos so enjoyable.

[@sobyrne10]

I enjoyed the video is was good :)

[@bythecurb]

Thank you

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

That was a good video, you kept it real. You didn't need to drive quite so far though. Come across here and I'll show you a good walk, and good places to park. 😁 ilona

[@bythecurb]

I fancied a bit of a road trip but I didn't plan it properly. I also visited Windsor, Southend on sea and clacton on sea. Glad to be back up north now 😊

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

@@bythecurb I have been thinking about this video. You brought up some very valid differences between the affluent south and the working class north. Plain for all to see. The divide is obvious.

[@scotty20040]

Cobham is another commuter village to take a look at.

[@LoftechUK]

Curry sauce and chips. Mmmmmmmm nice in Hull and I’m a Watford boy

[@ROUTEPLANNERPAUL]

James & helen keep up the good work 👏

[@markyd121]

Love your content, whether on your own or with Helen. Keep it going. I always look forward to it 👌

[@groovytravels]

❤

[@suzyd3471]

Ditto to some below comments love Yr content nice just to watch you chatting lol getting frustrated with parking the fish and chips looked good but maybe you should have drank the curry sauce lol .. look forward to the next hope u got some kip ❤

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I had a decent night's sleep in the end 😊

[@suzyd3471]

Aww good just to say we all love helen very much and enjoy both of you but don't ever lose confidence I remember Yr first video u decided to live in a van ❤️ very brave I thought and a dream of some of us to stick a finger up to bills etc it was u who we subscribed to so remember that much love to you and also Yr helen xxx

[@suzyd3471]

Yr two beautiful souls this world needs more of u both 💗

[@bettyourcampervan]

Every video is a gem 👍👍

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 😊

[@lessismore83009]

Get yourself to Trawden, voted best village to live in 2022. Community owned shop/library and pub the Trawden arms.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look it up 😊

[@veronicalucas-b5y]

Don’t like class we like down to earth people like yourself😊😊

[@seanmcelhatton9368]

The Bruce forsyth comment cracked me up 😂 great video james

[@craigmelvin5206]

something different aye mate.... good om ya