If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about switching off your phone, escaping the daily grind, and hitting the open road — you’re not alone. More and more people are discovering the freedom of a campervan holiday, and for good reason. It’s flexible, fun, and full of unexpected little joys. Whether you're exploring hidden corners of the UK or taking your time on well-loved coastal routes, a campervan gives you the space to breathe, the room to roam, and the chance to reconnect — with nature, with others, and with yourself. The beauty of choosing your own pace Unlike a fixed holiday itinerary, travelling in a campervan puts you in full control. Want to wake up by the sea? Or park up near a quiet forest trail? No problem. You decide where to go, when to stop, and how long to stay. That sense of freedom is something many of us miss in our busy lives. And let’s face it — how many holidays let you unpack just once and take your accommodation with you everywhere you go? No queues, no check-in times, no hassle One of the joys of van life is how stress-free it can be. You don’t need to worry about train delays or flight cancellations. There are no hotel check-ins to make or bags to drag around. Everything you need is already with you, ready when you are. It’s as easy as turning the key and choosing your next view. Families love this flexibility too — especially with young kids in tow. There’s space for naps, snacks on hand, and no need to keep little ones entertained in crowded lobbies or queues. You’re in your own bubble, and that makes for a calmer kind of adventure. Rediscovering the simple things Campervan holidays have a way of slowing you down in the best possible sense. You cook your own meals, sleep under starlit skies, and wake up to the sound of birdsong instead of alarms. Many of our customers say it’s this return to life’s basics that makes them feel most refreshed. Whether it’s an early morning cup of tea with the back doors open, or reading a book as rain gently taps the roof, it’s often the smallest moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Perfect for all kinds of travellers One of the best things about hiring a campervan is that it suits just about everyone. Couples love the cosy time together. Solo travellers enjoy the independence and quiet. Families find it brings them closer (and gives the kids a new kind of excitement). Even first-timers who have never been camping before quickly find their rhythm. And it doesn’t matter if you’re heading to a national park, a music festival, or simply doing a loop of the coast. With a campervan, you’ve got everything you need — including the freedom to change your mind. Tried-and-tested routes and local gems You don’t need to be a seasoned explorer to make the most of your trip. The UK is packed with brilliant driving routes and van-friendly stopovers. From the winding beauty of the Lake District to the wide skies of Norfolk or the surfy shores of Cornwall, there’s no shortage of inspiration. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re always happy to help you plan. Many of our vans come with route suggestions, campsite maps, and local food tips — all designed to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Thinking about trying it? If you're still wondering whether a campervan trip is for you, here’s something to think about: you don’t need to own a van or know everything before you start. Hiring gives you the chance to try it out, with none of the commitment. Our vans are clean, well-equipped, and easy to drive — no special licence needed. We’ll walk you through everything before you set off, and we’re always at the end of the phone if you have a question on the road. It’s all designed to give you confidence so you can focus on enjoying the ride. Final thoughts A campervan holiday isn’t just about the places you visit — it’s about how you feel while you’re doing it. It’s about pressing pause, taking time, and seeing the world from a different angle. So whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer break, maybe this year it’s time to do things differently. Time to pack light, drive slow, and sleep under the stars. Your road is waiting.
Buying a VW T5 Campervan? Here's What You Really Need to Know Thinking about buying a VW T5 campervan? Welcome to the start of something amazing. Whether it’s a weekend surf trip to Devon or a pan-European escape, the VW T5 is the van-life icon that gets you there with serious style. At Gatwick Campers, we don’t just sell dreams, we help you drive them. So here’s our straight-talking, adventure-inspiring guide for potential buyers eyeing up a T5. What is the VW T5 Anyway? The VW Transporter T5 is the fifth-generation model in the legendary Transporter line. Built between 2003 and 2015, it’s known for being robust, reliable, and downright fun to drive. It’s the Swiss army knife of vans, capable of being your weekday runaround and your weekend escape pod. Why the T5 Still Shines Bright Despite newer models hitting the roads, the T5 remains a top pick for campervan conversions. Why? Classic VW Design : It looks as good outside your house as it does parked up beside a Cornish cliff. Mod-Ready : Easy to customise—roof pop-tops, smart interiors, tech upgrades? Yes, please. Solid Mechanics : The T5’s engines are known for their longevity when well-maintained. Resale Value : Good conversions hold their value exceptionally well, especially with a little help from us (wink). What to Look For When Buying One Let’s cut through the fluff. If you're eyeing a T5, here’s what to check: Service History – Full service history? Chef’s kiss. Watch for regular oil changes and cam belt replacements. Mileage vs. Condition – High miles aren’t a dealbreaker if it’s been lovingly maintained. But signs of rust or neglect? Walk away. Conversion Quality – Not all conversions are created equal. Ours? Professionally crafted with safety and comfort in mind. Pop-Tops & Electrics – Check the roof mechanism and all onboard electrics. Flick every switch and button. (Then flick them again.) Ownership History – Multiple owners aren’t always bad, but fewer typically means better care. How Much Should You Expect to Pay? Prices vary wildly depending on age, mileage, conversion quality, and spec. Expect something between £15,000 and £35,000 . But remember, it’s not just a vehicle; it’s your ticket to freedom. Want income from your investment? Chat to us about our Campervan Management Programme . We'll rent it out for you when you're not using it. Adventure + passive income = win-win. Should You Buy or Let Us Build One for You? You’ve got two roads: Buy a ready-to-roll T5 from us or the market, with a conversion that suits your lifestyle. Start with a base van and let us create your dream on wheels. Our custom builds balance practicality with personality. Final Thought: The T5 Lifestyle A VW T5 isn’t just a campervan. It’s sunrise coffees in the Highlands. It’s sleeping under stars in the South Downs. It’s music festivals, mountain hikes, beach BBQs—and making Monday mornings optional. Thinking about buying one? Come have a look. Have a brew. Take a van for a spin. Gatwick Campers is here to help you own your adventure.
The Camper Van Bible (2nd Edition)
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.