Staying with Your Camper & Dog
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Campervan in the UK? Lets take a moment to explore the real cost of adventure.
Campervan Packing List: Everything You Need to Ensure This One Is the Smoothest of Them All!
Read by a Wild Viewpoint Bring a stack of paperbacks (or your Kindle), a cosy blanket and pick a dramatic overlook—cliffs, fields, or woodland nooks. Challenge yourself: no moving until the sunset or you finish a chapter (or the whole book!). Ask Locals for Their Secret Spots Skip the tourist traps, Chat to a friendly local and discover hidden waterfalls, secret trails, or that cosy country café known only to the regulars. Wild Swim Adventure Find a secluded river, pine‑fringed lake, or coastal cove and take the plunge. The shock, giggles and eventual triumph are pure magic. Afterwards, lounge on a rock and sip tea from your flask while the world wakes up. Create a Road‑Trip Sketchbook No skills needed, doodle road signs, clouds shaped like sheep, or the face of that grumpy village shopkeeper. Captions optional but highly encouraged! Stumble Upon a Local Market, Then Picnic Wander the stalls, grab cheeses, fresh bread, berries, or something unrecognisable and feast al fresco. Imperfect utensils? No problem crisps double as spoons here. Local‑Only Cook‑Off Challenge yourself to cook using only fresh, local ingredients, egg, wild herbs, mystery veg, maybe a local cheese. Whip it up over your camp stove or under the stars. Take a “Stay‑Put” Day Park by a lake or forest and simply don’t drive. Nap, journal, stretch, cloud‑watch, or turn your camper into a spa with a face mask. No world-saving required today. Scatter Little Kindness Notes Leave cheerful messages (“You’ve got this!”) tucked into menus, trail rocks or loo mirrors. You’ll never see the smiles you spark, but it’s a quiet joy to spread. Navigate the Old‑School Way Pull out a paper map, plot your route with coloured pens, doodle stops and surprises. No GPS? No problem, embrace the mystery. Postcard Time Capsule Buy cheesy postcards and write to your future self about this moment how free, silly, peaceful you feel. Don’t mail them… stash them away and revisit during a dreary Tuesday back home. Why Go Offline? Unplugging from Wi‑Fi helps you plug into real moments: breathtaking views, spontaneous conversations, and the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing without distraction. You'll return with stories, smiles, and perhaps just a tad of mud, exactly what makes a campervan trip unforgettable.
Discover how to make campervan adventures unforgettable for your pets with our top tips on comfort, safety, and pet-friendly travel across the UK.
Van ownership is exciting, but it’s also a big decision. What if it is not for you, but you find out too late? Consider camper van hire to find out if it is for you.
Our Vision: Why We Built Gatwick Campers — A Community Born from the Call of the Open Road — Every great adventure starts with a spark. Ours was the simple thrill of the open road, the joy of waking up with the mountains in our window, and the deep satisfaction of a coffee brewed on a campervan stove while the sun rises on a new horizon. That’s how Gatwick Campers was born, not just as a business, but as a movement. A growing community of explorers, tinkerers, travellers, and dreamers. A crew united by curiosity, courage, and a shared belief: life is better when it’s lived outdoors, under your own steam and with a van full of possibilities.
Adventure happens Bring your bikes and gear with the rear bike rack and roof solar panel. Stay powered anywhere with 12 V internal supply, dual battery, external 230 V hookup, and onboard generator. Back safely with rear‑vision camera parking aid. Live well on the road Fully equipped kitchen: sink, fridge & freezer, stove, hotplate, microwave & oven All utilities covered: fresh + hot water, internal toilet, personal shower suite + solar camp shower outside Extra creature comforts: outdoor awning, BBQ grill—plus pets are welcome! Entertainment on demand USB/AUX, radio, TV with DVD/satellite—Cosmo keeps you entertained from motorway to campsite lounges.
The heart of the van is its all-in-one kitchen: 3‑burner hob, oven, 142 L fridge/freezer and deep cabinetry make campsite cooking a joy. A separate domestic-standard bathroom with shower, cassette toilet and vanity keeps things fresh, while the generous rear garage, accessible from both sides, easily holds bikes, boards, or luggage. Premium living features include: 2.10 m interior height and ambient LED lighting. Truma gas/electric central heating plus hot water system Cab air-con, cruise control, reversing camera, TV aerial, Bluetooth stereo, and 12 V/230 V sockets Euro NCAP 5‑star safety rating on the Fiat Ducato chassis At home on the road or off-grid, the S70 SC is your all-terrain companion: practical dimensions, smart storage, luxurious comfort, and smooth driving dynamics combine to elevate every adventure. Why the S70 SC stands out: Family-ready layout with flexible sleeping and seating High-end living comforts in a mid-size coachbuilt Robust build and storage for long-haul journeys Perfect for: families, couples with gear, or adventurers who want comfort without bulk. It’s the kind of motorhome that invites you to unwind, explore, and go wherever the road leads—without compromise.
Adventure-Ready. Comfort-Loaded. Memory-Making Machine.
Meet Calvi – Your Chalet on Wheels
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Campervan in the UK? Lets take a moment to explore the real cost of adventure.
Campervan Packing List: Everything You Need to Ensure This One Is the Smoothest of Them All!
Discover how to make campervan adventures unforgettable for your pets with our top tips on comfort, safety, and pet-friendly travel across the UK.
Van ownership is exciting, but it’s also a big decision. What if it is not for you, but you find out too late? Consider camper van hire to find out if it is for you.
Get that feeling of waking up to a sunrise in the Scottish Highlands with nothing but birdsong and a warm brew. If that’s your vibe, then camper van hire UK is your golden ticket.
A brutally honest (and slightly heroic) review of Britain’s most ferocious garden game
Your First Campervan: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide So, you're ready to own the open road. Let's make sure you do it right. Buying your first campervan is a big decision—but it's also one of the most exciting investments you’ll ever make. Whether you're dreaming of spontaneous weekends, cross-country road trips, or a new lifestyle altogether, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy a campervan with confidence. 1. 🧭 Define Your Adventures Before you even look at vans, ask yourself: How will I use my van? (Weekend trips, long-term travel, festivals, remote work?) How many people will travel? (Solo, couple, kids, pets?) Where do I want to go? (City stealth camping, off-grid, UK only, Europe?) 👉 Your answers shape the kind of van you need—don't skip this step! 2. 🚐 Know the Campervan Types There are a few main styles to consider: Micro Campers: Compact, car-like, perfect for stealth city trips and solo adventurers. Converted Vans (e.g., VW Transporter, Ford Transit): Flexible, customisable, and great for couples or small families. Coachbuilt Motorhomes: Bigger and bulkier, but full of space and comfort—think bathrooms, fixed beds, and big storage. Campervan Conversions: At Gatwick Campers, we specialise in quality converted vans with great layouts for real adventures. 3. 🛏️ Choose Your Layout Wisely Think about: Bed type: Fixed bed? Rock-n-roll fold-out? Pop-top? Kitchen setup: Full hob, sink, fridge—or are you a BBQ-in-the-wild type? Toilet/shower: Necessary for some, not for others (hello, campsite facilities). Storage: Bikes, boards, boots—make sure your gear has a home. 4. ⚙️ Understand the Tech & Specs Here’s where we get a bit geeky (but it’s worth it): Mileage & service history: Lower isn’t always better—reliable service history is gold. Fuel type & MPG: Diesel is still popular for torque and economy. Leisure battery & solar: Want to go off-grid? You’ll need the right power setup. Insulation & heating: For all-year comfort, check thermal lining and diesel heaters. 5. 💷 Budget & Financing Set a realistic budget, and consider: Initial cost: Vans range from £10,000 to £50,000+. Ongoing costs: Insurance, tax, MOT, servicing, campsite fees. Finance options: At Gatwick Campers, we can help arrange flexible finance or leasing plans. Rental income: Offset costs by renting your van through our campervan management service. Inspect Before You Buy Whether new or used, always check: 🚨 Signs of rust or damp 🧰 Mechanics (get an independent inspection if unsure) 🔌 Electrical systems and gas safety 🛠️ Conversion quality—professional builds are safer and better long-term We offer expert pre-sale inspections and only sell vans that pass our high standards. Try Before You Buy Still not sure what’s right for you? Rent first. At Gatwick Campers, many of our buyers start with a hire. It’s the best way to see what works in real life before committing. The Long Game: Resale & Upgrades Look for: Good resale value: Popular models like VW Transporters hold value well. Upgrade potential: Can you add solar? Extra beds? A bike rack? Community & support: We offer servicing, storage, and upgrade options to keep your van adventure-ready. Why Buy from Gatwick Campers? Handpicked, quality vans Expert advice & no-pressure sales Test before you commit with rental try-outs Earn while you’re not using it with our rental management program After-sale support, servicing, and community events Ready to Start? Come visit us, chat with our team, or browse vans online. We’re not just selling vans—we’re helping you start your next adventure. 📍 Based near Gatwick Airport 📞 01293 123 456 📧 hello@gatwickcampers.com
Thinking about hitting the road in a campervan for the first time? High five. You're about to unlock the kind of freedom hotels just can't compete with, sunsets from your bed, breakfast with a view and the power to chase the coast (or hide from the rain) at will. But before you turn the key and roll into the sunset, here are some tried-and-tested tips from the team at Gatwick Campers to make your first campervan trip smooth, safe, and seriously fun. 1. Choose the Right Van for You Not all vans are created equal. Are you a couple craving cosy weekends? A family of four with bikes and board games? A solo explorer needing stealth and simplicity? At Gatwick Campers, we help match you to the right van—before you book. 2. Don’t Overpack (Seriously) Space is premium in a camper. Pack layers, not wardrobes. Essentials, not “just in case” extras. Pro tip: soft bags fit better than hard cases. And you can always add marshmallows. 3. Plan (but not too much) Book your first night or two, especially in peak season. After that? Let the road guide you. Part of the joy is following your nose—and maybe a rainbow or two. 4. Know Your Power Campervans run on leisure batteries. Want lights, a fridge, and phone charging? Know what’s plugged in, and when to recharge (a campsite hook-up or a good drive will do). 5. Practice Parking & Setup Take a quick spin before the trip. Practice parking, reversing (hello, mirrors!), and setting up your awning if you’ve got one. You’ll thank us at the first stop. 6. Use Campsites (at least sometimes) Wild camping’s cool, but sites have showers, Wi-Fi, waste disposal, and often great views. Plus: fewer awkward “where do we park?” convos at 11pm. 7. Bring Entertainment Rain happens. Pack games, playlists, books, and download a few offline maps and shows before you go. Campervans are cosy—make the most of it. 8. Respect the Road & the Outdoors Drive slower than you would in a car. Wave at fellow campers. And always leave a spot better than you found it. Nature’s our playground—let’s treat it well. 9. Ask Questions (we love them!) Not sure about gas bottles, heating, or how to fill the water tank? We walk you through it all before you set off—and we’re just a call away if you need us mid-trip. 10. Relax Into It Things might go a little wrong. You might forget the corkscrew or take a wrong turn. That’s part of the magic. Campervan life isn’t perfect—it’s fun, freeing, and real. Ready to Rent? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or your first vanlife taste-test, Gatwick Campers is here to help you rent with confidence. Drop us a message or browse our campervans, we’ll get you road-ready in no time.
