Beginners Tips For Hiring Campervans in the UK

Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome in the UK?

If the vehicle weighs under 3.5 tonnes, you can operate a motorhome in the UK with a standard driving license. There may be age restrictions based on the rental company and insurance policies. Having points on your license could impact the cost due to additional insurance requirements, though this isn’t always the case.

Can I park my motorhome anywhere overnight?

The simple answer is NO. However, the rules vary by country and season, with some areas being more stringent than others. It’s essential to check local regulations. In the UK, there are many designated motorhome parking spots. Some require reservations, while others allow for drop-ins.

How can I find appropriate campsites or overnight parking spots?

There are several apps and websites available, but we recommend Park4Night – a free app for overnight motorhome parking in the UK. While you can’t reserve spots through it, it provides all the necessary information about facilities, occupancy levels, and other helpful details. We managed just fine with the free version.

The Camping and Caravan Club, also offers discounts of up to 30% on some of their sites, including those in the Camping In The Forest program.

Where can I dispose of waste from my motorhome?

Most campsites offer facilities for disposing of grey water (from sinks and showers) and black water (toilet waste). After consulting experienced motorhome travelers, we kept the external grey water valve open most of the time and chose parking spots where a little wastewater wouldn’t be an issue. The runoff is surprisingly minimal, and if you’re only using it for a shower or washing a few dishes, the water is clean. While this might not be ‘best practice,’ it seems acceptable.

Many public restrooms have signs against toilet waste disposal, but we found that if the public restrooms were part of a parking area allowing overnight stays for motorhomes, it was usually fine to use their facilities for disposal.

The Park4Night app also includes this type of information in its listings.

What safety measures should I take when driving a motorhome?

Ensure your motorhome is loaded properly for stability, be mindful of height and weight limits, and take your time on the road. Practicing reversing and maneuvering in an open area before your trip could be beneficial.

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome?

As mentioned earlier, some companies have ‘hidden extras’ during checkout. Long Way Round Adventures includes everything in their flat fee:

  • Fully Comprehensive European Insurance.
  • Unlimited mileage.
  • 24-hour UK/European breakdown assistance.
  • A fully equipped motorhome with everything you’ll need for your holiday—just bring your food and clothes!

Renting a motorhome from Long Way Round is straightforward. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, there’s a single flat fee. The only variables are the season you want to rent in, and there’s a minimum rental period of either 3 or 5 nights, depending on the season.