Thinking About Van Life? Why Camper Van Hire is the Smart Way to Start

Ever scrolled through Instagram and paused on a dreamy shot of someone sipping coffee in a camper van, mountains in the background, sun peeking through the trees—and thought, “That could be me”?

Yeah, us too.


But before you go all in and drop cash on your own camper, here’s a savvy idea: try camper van hire first.


Try Before You Buy

Jumping into van ownership is exciting, but it’s also a big decision. What if you’re not sure which layout works best for your needs? Or whether you'll love the nomadic lifestyle as much as you think?


Hiring a camper van lets you test the waters. Spend a weekend (or a month!) behind the wheel, discovering what suits your travel style. Do you need a toilet onboard? Are you team pop-top or fixed roof? Solo adventurer or full-family road tripper?


Renting gives you the flexibility to explore all this, without the commitment.

Learn What You Love (and What You Don’t)

When you hire, you’ll quickly figure out:

  • What kind of storage works for your gear
  • How much cooking space you actually use
  • Whether you want solar panels, awnings, or extra tech
  • If you’re more wild camping or full-facility campsite

It’s like speed-dating for camper vans—except with more epic views.


Avoid Buyer’s Regret

We’ve met folks who bought their dream van… only to realize it wasn’t quite right for them. A short-term camper van hire experience can save you from making expensive mistakes and make your future purchase way more informed.


The Gatwick Campers Difference

Here at Gatwick Campers, we’re more than just a rental company—we’re your launchpad into the camper van lifestyle. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or planning to own, we’re here to guide you. Try a van, fall in love with the freedom, and when you’re ready to take the plunge, we’ll help you buy, lease, or even earn with your own van.


Ready to Get Rolling?

If you’re curious about camper life, the smartest move is to give it a test drive—literally. Check out our range of fully-equipped camper vans, perfect for a weekend escape or full-blown road trip. When you're ready, we’ll help you go from renter to owner with confidence.


Start your journey with Gatwick Campers—your van life adventure begins here.

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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.
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