There is something wonderfully freeing about the idea of campervanning. No rigid itinerary, no rushing to check in before reception closes, just you, the open road and the freedom to wake up somewhere new whenever the mood takes you. If you have never tried it before, England is honestly one of the loveliest places to start. You are never too far from a pretty village, a stretch of coastline or a quiet country lane, and the sheer variety packed into such a small country is part of the magic.
Swapping crisp hotel sheets for a van might feel like a big leap, especially if you usually prefer your creature comforts. But campervanning has a charm all of its own, and once you settle into its slower pace it is easy to see the appeal. If a first campervan trip is on your list this year, here are the things worth knowing before you set off.
Why Campervanning Is Such a Lovely Way to Explore
The biggest draw is the freedom. You can follow the good weather, linger an extra night somewhere you love, or change your plans completely on a whim. There is no packing and unpacking at every stop because your little home comes with you, which makes it brilliant for seeing several places in one trip without the faff.
It is also wonderfully cosy. Waking up to a sea view or a misty field, making a cup of tea in your pyjamas and watching the morning slowly unfold is a simple pleasure that is hard to beat. And it can work out far more affordable than a string of hotel stays, especially if you are travelling as a couple or a family.
Hiring Your First Campervan
For a first trip, hiring is by far the easiest way to dip your toe in. It lets you try campervanning without the commitment of buying, and you can pick a van to suit your group, whether that is a compact two berth for a romantic getaway or something roomier for the whole family.
It is well worth shopping around before you book. Prices, layouts and included extras vary a lot between suppliers, so it pays to use a comparison site like Campstar to weigh up your options rather than booking the first one you come across. Look closely at what is included, such as bedding, kitchen kit and mileage allowance, as these little details make a real difference to your trip.
Do You Need a Special Licence?
This is one of the first things people worry about, but the good news is that it is usually very straightforward. Most hire campervans weigh under 3,500kg, which means a standard UK car licence is all you need to get behind the wheel. Larger motorhomes can be heavier and may need additional entitlement, so it is always worth checking the weight and licence requirements with your hire company before you book.
If you have only ever driven a small car, do not let the size put you off. Modern campervans are designed to be manageable, and after half an hour of driving you will likely feel right at home. Just take it slowly on narrow country lanes and give yourself a little extra room when parking.
Where to Go for Your First Trip
For a first outing, I would choose somewhere that is not too far from home, so you are not spending the whole holiday behind the wheel. England is wonderfully spoilt for choice. Cornwall is a classic for its beaches and coastal paths, while Dorset and the Jurassic Coast offer dramatic scenery and pretty seaside towns.
If you prefer rolling countryside, the Cotswolds are impossibly charming, with honey coloured villages around every corner. Further north, the Lake District and the Peak District are made for slow, scenic drives and plenty of walking. Picking one region and exploring it properly tends to be far more relaxing than trying to cram everything in.
Booking Campsites Along the Way
While the idea of parking up anywhere sounds romantic, in England you generally need the landowner’s permission to stay overnight, so it is best to book proper campsites rather than pulling up in a random lay-by. There are loads of lovely sites to choose from, ranging from fully equipped parks with showers and electric hook ups to simple, back to nature spots.
In the summer months, popular areas book up quickly, so reserving your pitches in advance is sensible. Plenty of apps and membership clubs make it easy to find sites, read reviews and check facilities before you arrive, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of planning.
A Few First-Timer Tips
Pack lighter than you think you need to, as storage is limited and clutter builds up surprisingly fast. Take plenty of layers, because the British weather does love to keep us guessing, and bring a few basics like a torch, reusable water bottles and a paper map in case the signal drops out. Most of all, try not to over plan. Some of the best moments come from the unexpected little detours.
Final Thoughts
Campervanning is one of those things that sounds far more daunting than it actually is. Once you have settled into your van, brewed that first cup of tea and watched the countryside roll past the window, you will wonder why you waited so long to give it a go. England, with all its coastlines, villages and rolling hills, is the perfect place to begin. I have a feeling that once you try it, you will be planning your next trip before you have even unpacked.