During lockdown, like many others, I found myself turning to YouTube for content (you can see our lockdown journey here >>). What started as a way to pass the time quickly turned into a habit, and one that’s stayed with me ever since.

I love travelling through the lens of other people. Content that isn’t overly polished, but raw and real, offering a genuine glimpse into another world. It feels honest, relatable, and sometimes a little bit magical.

Now, not only do I love to travel, but I also love a bit of DIY. So naturally, my YouTube viewing habits have two main themes: travel and renovation. I’m drawn to real people building their hopes and dreams, often one project at a time. It’s a small guilty pleasure of mine in the mornings. Once the kids are off to school, the dogs have been walked, I sit down with a hot cup of Rooibos tea and watch a YouTube episode before starting work. Bliss.

So today I thought I’d share some of my favourite YouTube channels with you.

My Favourite Travel & DIY YouTube Channels

1. Chateau Diaries (France)

The infamous Stephanie, or Persteffani as my sister-in-law calls her. I love her positive outlook, confidence and being unapologetically herself. Her community-run château and crowdfunded renovations are completely absorbing and will draw you in before you know it.

2. Escape to Rural France (France)

What I like to think of as a spin-off from Chateau Diaries. Dan, once Stephanie’s gardener, is now rescuing a château from near collapse. He’s currently battling a leaking roof but is edging closer to first fix stage. It’s gritty, realistic renovation at its finest.

3. Matt Harnacke (The Netherlands)

House renovation and horses all rolled into one channel. The lovely Matt mixes horses (I’d love to see more of his riding) with renovating their stunning property. They’re currently finishing off their stable block, and it’s the stuff of dreams.

4. Roaming Wild Rosie (Sweden)

Ever dreamed of throwing it all in, living in a cabin in the woods, and cycling through the forest? Rosie did just that. I love watching her cabinet making, she’s taught herself woodworking, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see what she creates.

5. Camp Out West (Wales)

This couple are photographers by trade, and it really shows. Their videos are beautifully shot and edited. They’re creating their own off-grid campsite, one project at a time, with a smattering of homesteading thrown in for good measure.

6. The Pethericks (France)

Billy and his family are converting an old convent into… something. He just doesn’t quite know what yet. The projects are huge, and his attention to detail is something I desperately wish my husband possessed when it comes to DIY.

7. Stories from the Cascina (Italy)

A Dutch couple who gave up their rental home in the Netherlands and bought their first home in Italy, an abandoned farm. They’re taking on countless renovation projects themselves and finishing them to a really high standard. They’ve got a long way to go, so there’s plenty more progress to come, plus, their drone footage is fantastic.

Summary

From château renovations in France to off-grid living in Wales and cabin life in Sweden, YouTube has become my go-to place for travel inspiration and DIY dreams. These channels offer a mix of honesty, creativity, and escapism, perfect for a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

I’m always on the lookout for more travel and renovation YouTubers, so please do share your favourites in the comments.