Motorhome Rentals United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The UK is one of the top places in Europe to explore by motorhome. While it's a busy little country where traffic is often an issue, there is so much to see, from the Cornish coast and Welsh Valleys to the lochs of Scotland and cute villages of Northern Ireland. National parks and motorways are free and there's a vast network of country roads with cheap campsites.

The road network is one of the most comprehensive in the world, with thousands of miles of good quality motorways and dual-carriageways, bolstered by 'main' single carriageways. The real clincher is the profusion of country 'B' roads, which open up the countryside. While busy, the quality of roads, along with signage and safety, is generally good.

The single most expensive thing for travel in the UK is accommodation and while fuel is still relatively expensive, you can save a huge amount with motorhome rental. Some camping van companies also offer pick-ups and relocation options.

Note: consider a smaller motorhome to both save on fuel and negotiate the UK's roads better. If you don't have a 3G package, download Google/Apple maps to your smartphone for use offline.

The UK's weather is highly changeable, often wet and windy, though it tends to be overcast and cloudy a lot as opposed to rainy for days at a time. The best time of year to travel by motorhomes is from May to September, but pack for cool/wet weather at any time, especially when visiting Scotland.

Campsites are all around; every city and town has them and sites are cheap compared with hotels and B&Bs. Most are located along the south coast of England; Cornwall especially (Monkey Tree is excellent), the Lake District (Wrynose & Hardknott Pass) and the north and south coasts of Wales. Wild camping-where you pull up on the roadside-is also popular and free.

Attractions

Most visitors take in the south coast and the national parks of northern England. Scotland is more 'out there' and comes with jaw-dropping scenery, but don't overlook Wales, which also has some fabulous coast and mountain drives.

London is great, but get out when you can to explore its surrounds. Canterbury, Brighton, Southampton and Portsmouth are all close, from where you can drive the south coast all the way to Cornwall. The latter has the best of the UK weather and beaches and, consequently, a huge amount of self-contained van sites.

From here, you can wind your way up through the villages and parks of Devon and onto Bristol and Bath, both hugely historic cities with many attractions. A day at each place is warranted, along with perhaps a side trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury from the latter.

Alternatively, head across the Severn Bridge to South Wales, where capital city Cardiff is at, with Swansea and the quieter Welsh coast to the west. The Brecon Beacons are also at hand. You could easily spend a week in South Wales alone.

Also from London, both Oxford and Cambridge are close, along with the Cotswolds and the Midlands. Birmingham has some excellent attractions and shopping, while walking tours can also be done of Liverpool and Manchester. Best sites in the north of England are the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District; the latter requires at least three or four days.

Tours of Scotland typically start in Edinburgh or Glasgow. You could loop around from either and take in the famous Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. There is dramatic scenery all around-the Cairngorms are stunning-so just pick a route; the farther north you go, the more remote you will be.

Driving United Kingdom

Cameras and speed traps are liberally dispersed, so avoid speeding or drink driving. Driving is on the left and the majority of drivers are courteous. Parking can be hard and expensive in the main cities, especially in London, but Park and Rides are popular outside towns and come with transport to the city.

• Speed limits in the city: 30mph
• Speed limits on national roads: 50-70mph.
• Help number: 999.