London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and there’s so much to explore in a campervan rental. VroomVroomVroom can help you secure a great deal by comparing vehicles from major motorhome rental companies in the UK. Just sort your search results by price to easily find the cheapest campervan. If you prefer a smaller vehicle, you can also book a station wagon, van, or SUV in London with VroomVroomVroom.
London is a major tourist destination in the United Kingdom. England’s capital city has a rich history, which dates back to when the Romans founded the city and called it Londinium. Today, it is considered a leading global city with a huge influence on entertainment, fashion, arts, education, and media—to name a few. London is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world such as the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and the world’s oldest underground rail network.
Some of our favourite things to do year-round in London are:
Summer (June, July, August): London’s pop-up urban beaches such as those at Brent Cross and Royal Docks should be included in your summer itinerary. If you’re into theatre, check out the shows at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; and for sports enthusiasts, don’t miss the next Wimbledon tennis championships.
Fall (September, October, November): Witness the spectacular fall colours of Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, and Richmond Park. If you’re a movie buff, October’s London Film Festival awaits you, showcasing works from over 900 local and international filmmakers. For Halloween, ghost-hunting at the famous Highgate Cemetery is a popular thrill.
Winter (December, January, February): Hyde Park Winter Wonderland should be on top of your list if you’re exploring London in winter. There are so many fun attractions in store for kids and those who are young at heart, including a 70-metre observation wheel, ice skating shows, comedy shows, and karaoke bars. London is also known for its Christmas markets at Leicester Square and South Bank.
Spring (March, April, May): See flowers and plants in full bloom at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Let your kids experience an adventure of a lifetime at The Magic Garden located in the Hampton Court Palace and prepare to encounter mythical beasts, including the fire-breathing dragon.
Year-Round: There are many world-class museums in London that are worth visiting, such as the British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern. Best of all, you can get into some of these museums for free! When in London, be sure to catch the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. This ceremony happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:30 am.
Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site is the ideal camping and caravanning destination for those who wish to explore the numerous attractions in London. They offer a total of 89 pitches for caravanners and 18 tents for campers. The Crystal Palace is more than just a campsite, it is also a vibrant community because you can find a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and shops in this site. There is also a local museum, Paxton’s dinosaurs, and a national sports centre.
The Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park in Edmonton is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but at the same time gives easy access to Central London. It is located within the picturesque Lee Valley regional park and just a few minutes away from Epping Forest and River Lee Country Park. They offer excellent facilities for touring caravans and campervans in London. The complex features a world-championship golf course, athletics centre, and a cinema, which means that you will never get bored during your stay this campsite.
Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site, located at Federation Road, is a green oasis for caravanners and campers. They offer 108 touring and 60 camping sites that are open all year round. Despite its rural location, guests have easy access to central London because of the good railway connections. Greenwich is also nearby, which is a great place to explore, as it is home to the National Maritime Museum. There is a playground on-site for the kids as well as BBQ and dishwashing areas.
Buckingham Palace was originally called Buckingham House back in 1703 when it was still owned by the Duke of Buckingham. Today, this historic building is the principal workplace of the UK monarchy and has been used for national rejoicing. In celebration of the Summer Opening of the Palace, the State Rooms are open to the public during August and September.
The Palace of Westminster, or also known as the Houses of Parliament, is where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet. The magnificent palace can be found on the Thames riverbanks in Middlesex. The name of the palace was derived from the nearby Westminster Abbey, which is a massive Gothic church in Westminster where more than 16 royal weddings were held.
Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and this can be found on the northern part of the Palace of Westminster. The Great Bell is housed within the Elizabeth Tower, which was once called the Clock Tower. It is the third-tallest free-standing clock tower and the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. Many famous films have been shot here, including the “Shanghai Knights”, “V for Vendetta”, and was featured in animated films such as “Cars 2” and “The Great Mouse Detective”.
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most prominent sights in London because of its huge dome, beautiful spires and its towering height of 365 feet. It is currently the second-largest building in the UK. The cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of London and the seat of the Bishop of London. It can be found nestled on the peak of Ludgate Hill and boasts of its English Baroque style.
On hiring a campervan in London
Unlike when hiring a rental car, people tend to book a campervan a bit further in advance, and there are a few reasons for this.
When you’re hiring a campervan, you’re not simply hiring something with four wheels to buzz around a city for a few days, instead you’re hiring a vehicle that you could well be living in for days, weeks, or even months. As such, people tend to have far more specific needs — some may require a certain number of berths, perhaps an onboard kitchen, or more comfortable living space. All this means that doing your research to find the right campervan for you can pay off handsomely — but it also means that supply is more limited. When supply is limited, it is a good idea to book as far in advance as possible so that you know that the campervan you need will be waiting for you when you arrive.
With this in mind, while it isn’t unusual for people to book a hire car the day before they need it, with campervans, people often book their vehicle months in advance. So our advice to you is if you’re planning to rent a campervan, start researching today, and when you find the right campervan for you, book it!
One more point, another way campervan rentals differ from regular cars, is that bookings are not instant. Once you make a campervan booking it will need to be approved by the provider. Yet another reason not to leave your campervan rental until you’re sitting in the airport boarding lounge.
If you’re new to campervans and not sure where to start, please give our before booking a campervan rental page a read as it explains many of the basics you’ll need to know to make an informed decision.
We could start off by telling you that a typical customer hiring a campervan in London tends to look at campervans with two or four berths (including a toilet and shower). This isn’t really all that helpful though, as they type of campervan you should hire in London depends very much on the type of campervan you — rather than a typical customer — needs. Consider the following questions:
How big is your travel group? What is your budget? What facilities do you need — or not need? Where are you planning to go? How long for? Knowing the answers to these questions — and plenty more — is the best way to make sure the campervan you hire in London is the right one for you.
Solo travellers or couples might find a compact campervan to be more than enough, while families — especially those with young kids — or larger groups might prefer a more spacious motorhome with multiple sleeping areas.
Next, consider the facilities you need and the facilities you want. These might sound the same, but they are very different! Basic campervans often include a bed and simple cooking gear, while more luxurious options feature kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. For example, if you’re planning on camping, perhaps paying the extra for comfortable beds isn’t really necessary, but if you’re not even packing a tent, then the extra expense required to get more comfortable beds might be a smart choice.
Where you’re going also matters. If you’re planning to just potter around London and its immediate surrounds, then you could probably get away with a standard campervan. That said, if you’re planning to drive from London to Cornwall — or Glasgow — something more spacious would be a sound investment.
Think about your budget, as campervans vary in cost depending on size, amenities, and rental duration, and while shortening the length of your trip might bring different options within your budget, spending more to get a bigger van may mean you’ll spend even less on hotels. Either way, do the math!
In conclusion, when you’re booking a campervan for pickup from London, it pays to be honest when considering what you need versus what you want, along with what fits with your budget and overall travel plans. It’s the best way to maximise your chance of getting the perfect campervan for you.
For most rental caravan providers, the minimum age to rent a campervan is the same as for car rentals — 21 years of age. Depending on the campervan rental supplier, those under 21 may only be able to rent certain vehicles. Double check with the campervan rental provider to see what their specific requirements are.
In most cases, you won’t need to present a special type of licence to rent a campervan — you’ll only be asked to present your standard and valid full driving licence. Keep in mind that a probationary, learner permit, or provisional licence are not accepted for campervan hire. If your licence is in a language other than English, you’ll need to provide an International Driving Permit in conjunction with your valid licence. If you’re unsure as to whether your licence will be accepted, you should contact your prospective campervan provider prior to booking.
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