For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental London - Complete Guide 2026 guide.
Best London RV Itinerary for long term rv rental — Overview
Embarking on a long-term RV rental from London typically means venturing beyond the immediate city limits to explore the rich tapestry of England's diverse regions. While London itself presents urban driving challenges, the surrounding areas offer incredible scenic drives and historical exploration. Avi Bandana, a true RV specialist, recommends a minimum rental duration of 7 days for a satisfying experience, though 14 to 22 days truly allows for a comprehensive immersion into the UK's heritage and natural beauty. For instance, the '
7-Day Classic Route in London
This 7-day classic route is designed to quickly guide you out of central London and into the scenic South East of England, adhering to Avi Bandana's advice of averaging no more than 100 miles (150 km) per day for a relaxed RV journey. Day 1 starts with RV pickup near the M25, heading to Canterbury (~100km / 62 miles) to explore the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, with an overnight stay at a touring park nearby. Day 2 takes you a short distance (~30km / 18 miles) to Dover or Folkestone, where you can visit the historic Dover Castle and admire the iconic White Cliffs, spending the night at a campsite in the Dover area. On Day 3, you'll drive to Brighton (~120km / 75 miles) to experience its vibrant pier and the unique Royal Pavilion, finding a caravan park near Brighton for your overnight stay. Day 4 involves a shorter drive (~50km / 31 miles) to Arundel or Chichester to discover Arundel Castle and Chichester Cathedral, with overnight accommodation in the vicinity. Day 5 sees you heading towards the New Forest National Park (~100km / 62 miles), where you can enjoy walking among wild ponies and ancient woodlands, staying at a New Forest campsite. Day 6's journey (~50km / 31 miles) brings you to Winchester to explore its cathedral and the Great Hall, before finding a campsite nearby. Finally, Day 7 is the return journey (~100km / 62 miles) from Winchester back to the London RV drop-off region, carefully planning your route to avoid central city driving challenges.
14-Day Extended Journey in London
An extended 14-day RV journey originating from London allows for a deeper exploration of England's varied landscapes, always keeping Avi Bandana's recommended daily driving limit of 100 miles (150 km) in mind. Days 1 through 7 would follow the '7-Day Classic Route,' covering Kent, Sussex, and the New Forest, concluding in Winchester. On Day 8, you'll travel a short distance (~40km / 25 miles) to Salisbury, where you can visit the iconic Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, overnighting at a site near Salisbury. Day 9 is a scenic drive (~60km / 37 miles) to Bath, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history of the Roman Baths and admire the Georgian architecture, with a caravan park outside Bath as your stop for the night. Day 10 is a very brief journey (~20km / 12 miles) to Bristol, where you can discover Brunel's SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, finding a site near Bristol for your overnight stay. Day 11 takes you to Cheddar Gorge (~30km / 18 miles) to explore its famous caves and sample local cheese, staying overnight near Cheddar. On Day 12, you'll drive towards Exmoor National Park (~100km / 62 miles), enjoying scenic routes and stunning coastal vistas before finding a campsite in Exmoor. Day 13 is a longer but rewarding drive (~150km / 93 miles) to the Cotswolds, where you can wander through charming villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, camping in the Cotswolds. Finally, Day 14 involves returning to the London RV drop-off region (~150km / 93 miles), concluding your journey by returning the RV to a designated depot outside the immediate London urban area.
Recommended RVPlan Trip for London
For those seeking a perfectly curated, long-term RV adventure starting from London, the '
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Avi Bandana, drawing on extensive industry experience and personal travels, highlights must-see stops on a long-term RV journey from London that blend historical significance, local culture, and natural beauty. His recommendations include visiting the ancient Roman Baths in Bath and exploring Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol for a dive into history. For cultural and industrial heritage, consider the National Trust's Sutton Hoo, an important Anglo-Saxon burial site, and the National Trust - Arlington Court and Carriage Museum. To truly experience local flavors, Avi suggests seeking out traditional markets for artisanal goods and visiting a local industry, such as the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, to taste authentic British craftsmanship. For enriching cultural experiences, he recommends fascinating museums like the Shrewsbury Prison, an interactive historical site, or the Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, which offers engaging experiences for all ages. Finally, don't miss the opportunity to appreciate England's five significant natural wonders, from dramatic coastal cliffs to rolling hillsides, which provide stunning backdrops for your RV adventure.
Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in London
Avi Bandana's key recommendation for RV travel in the UK is to maintain an average daily drive of no more than 100 miles (150 km), encouraging a slower pace that allows for genuine appreciation of each destination. Driving an RV in and around London requires careful planning due to urban complexities such as narrower roads, potential low bridges, height restrictions, and weight limits that can affect larger vehicles. For example, a drive from an RV depot situated just outside London (like the Heathrow area) to Canterbury typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, covering approximately 100 km (62 miles). Similarly, navigating from the New Forest National Park to Bath, a distance of about 100-120 km (60-75 miles), can reasonably take 2 to 2.5 hours, depending heavily on road conditions and traffic flow. First-time RV drivers in the UK should pay extra attention to driving on the left-hand side of the road, familiarizing themselves with unique UK road signs, and mastering roundabouts, all of which can contribute to longer perceived drive times. It's crucial to be aware of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Congestion Charge; most RVs will likely incur charges if driven within these zones, making pickup/drop-off and initial travel outside of central London highly recommended for a smoother start to your journey.
Best RV Class for This Itinerary — Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right RV class is paramount to enhancing your long-term rental experience from London, striking a balance between comfort and maneuverability. For couples, a Class B - Camper Van is an excellent choice. Bandana's fleet of these vehicles averages 6.2 meters in length and comfortably sleeps two adults. With an average load capacity of 304 kg, these smaller RVs offer superior maneuverability on the UK's often narrower roads, easier parking, and better fuel efficiency, typically consuming 8-10 liters per 100 km, making them ideal for navigating diverse landscapes.
For families, the Class C - Alcove motorhome provides ample space and comfort. Bandana's Class C vehicles average 7.2 meters in length and are designed to sleep up to 4 people comfortably. With a generous average load capacity of 312.5 kg, they accommodate more passengers and luggage, while still offering reasonable fuel consumption of 11-13 liters per 100 km, perfect for extended family adventures. To simplify your planning, consider Bandana's 'Rent & Plan' service, which bundles your RV rental with a ready-made, expert-designed itinerary and full access to trip-planning software, ensuring a seamless journey from London.
What You Shouldn't Miss
- Historic England: Explore iconic landmarks like Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, and Winchester Cathedral for a deep dive into Britain's past.
- Coastal Charm: Visit Brighton for its vibrant pier and Royal Pavilion, and take in the stunning White Cliffs of Dover.
- Natural Beauty: Immerse yourself in the tranquil New Forest National Park, known for its ancient woodlands and wild ponies.
- Roman & Medieval Wonders: Discover the ancient Roman Baths in Bath and the medieval charm of Arundel Castle and Chichester Cathedral.
- Prehistoric Marvels: Stand in awe at the enigmatic Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument that continues to fascinate visitors.
- The Cotswolds' Idyllic Villages: Wander through picture-perfect villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold for a taste of quintessential English countryside life.
Final Thoughts
Renting an RV for a long-term exploration from London opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to experience the diverse landscapes and rich history of England at your own pace. By following expert advice, planning your routes, and selecting the right vehicle, you can ensure a comfortable and memorable adventure.
Remember that Bandana Caravan is here to support you every step of the way, from comparing vehicles to understanding your itinerary. We handle the details, so you can live the journey.
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