Beginner’s Guide to Hiring a Campervan in the UK
Everything First-Timers Need to Know Before Your First Trip
Thinking about hiring a campervan for the first time?
You’re not alone. Campervan holidays are one of the fastest-growing ways to explore the UK — offering freedom, flexibility and the chance to stay in some of the country’s most beautiful places.
If you’ve never done it before, though, it can feel slightly daunting.
The good news: it’s far easier than most people expect.
Here’s everything you need to know before your first campervan adventure.
Is Driving a Campervan Difficult?
For most people, the answer is no.
Modern campervans drive very similarly to a normal car or small van.
If you’re comfortable driving:
SUVs
estate cars
small vans
you’ll usually adapt within minutes.
The biggest adjustment is simply remembering:
take corners slightly wider
allow a bit more braking distance
be aware of height barriers in car parks
After the first short drive, most first-time renters say it feels completely natural.
What Do You Actually Get Inside a Campervan?
Most UK campervans (including Trailblazer’s) come fully equipped for travelling and sleeping.
Typically included:
proper bed setup
cooking hob
fridge
storage cupboards
seating area
electric hookup capability
basic kitchen equipment
This means you don’t need to pack camping gear — just your clothes, food and personal items.
For beginners, this makes campervan travel far simpler than traditional tent camping.
Where Can You Stay Overnight in the UK?
For your first trip, campsites are the easiest option.
They provide:
toilets and showers
electric hookup
waste disposal
safe parking
Across the South West, Devon, Cornwall and Wales, campsites are plentiful and easy to book online.
Many also offer spectacular coastal or countryside locations you simply couldn’t access with a hotel stay.
As you gain experience, you can also explore:
certified motorhome stopovers
farm campsites
small rural touring parks
How Much Does Campervan Hire Cost in the UK?
Costs vary depending on season, but typically:
Low season: around £110 per night
Mid season: around £140 per night
Peak summer: around £160 per night
(These reflect Trailblazer Campervans’ real 2026 rates.)
Campsites usually cost:
£20–£30 per night
Because your accommodation and transport are combined, campervan holidays are often cheaper than multi-hotel road trips — especially in coastal tourist areas.
What Should You Pack for Your First Campervan Trip?
Beginners often overpack.
You really only need:
Essentials
clothes for variable UK weather
comfortable walking shoes
toiletries
phone chargers
Useful extras
reusable water bottles
fast-drying towels
flip-flops for campsite showers
groceries for simple meals
Remember: storage space exists, but packing lighter makes life much easier.
How Long Should Your First Campervan Trip Be?
For first-timers, the ideal trip length is:
✅ 3–4 nights minimum
This gives you time to:
settle into the vehicle
travel at a relaxed pace
explore multiple destinations
Shorter trips can feel rushed, while longer ones are best once you’ve experienced campervan travel once.
Best First Campervan Routes in the UK
For beginners, choose routes with:
short distances between stops
lots of campsites
scenic driving
Some of the easiest starter regions include:
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Devon’s south coast
Cornwall’s north coast
Pembrokeshire in Wales
These areas combine beautiful scenery with well-developed touring infrastructure.
Why Starting Locally Makes Your First Trip Easier
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is planning a long motorway drive immediately after pickup.
Starting from a West Country base like Trailblazer Campervans means:
you reach scenic areas faster
less stressful first-day driving
more holiday time exploring
easier weekend trips
For first-timers especially, this makes the experience far more enjoyable.
Is Campervan Hire Worth It for Beginners?
For most travellers, absolutely.
A campervan holiday gives you:
freedom to change plans anytime
accommodation in stunning locations
simpler packing than hotel hopping
the ability to explore multiple regions easily
Once people try it once, many never return to traditional road-trip holidays.
Ready to Plan Your First Campervan Adventure?
If you’ve been considering a campervan holiday, the South West and Wales offer some of the UK’s best beginner-friendly routes — packed with beaches, national parks and charming coastal towns.
With Trailblazer Campervans, your adventure begins the moment you collect the keys.
Low season from £110/night
Mid season from £140/night
Summer from £160/night