For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental London - Complete Guide 2026 guide.
Best London RV Itinerary for rv rental - Overview
A typical RV trip from London involves exploring historical sites, charming villages, and natural parks across Southern England, offering a delightful blend of experiences. While a comprehensive circuit like the "
London Roundtrip - A circuit around England
7-Day Classic Route in London
This 7-day classic motorhome route from London offers a perfect introduction to Southern England's rich history and picturesque landscapes, keeping daily drives manageable. * **Day 1: London Area (Arrival & Setup)** - Pick up your rented RV from the London depot. Settle into an RV-friendly campsite just outside London, such as the Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site (south-East London) or Crystal Palace Caravan and Motorhome Club Site (south London), both offering excellent public transport links into the city center. Use public transport for a city glimpse, perhaps visiting the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace. *Overnight: Campsite near London.* * **Day 2: London → Oxford (approx. 90 km / 56 miles)** - Drive your campervan to the historic university city of Oxford. Explore its ancient colleges, the Bodleian Library, and the charming streets. You'll find several campsites just outside the city. *Overnight: Campsite near Oxford.* * **Day 3: Oxford → Bath (approx. 100 km / 62 miles)** - Head to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture like the Royal Crescent. Public transport from local campsites is ideal for city exploration. *Overnight: Campsite near Bath.* * **Day 4: Bath → Salisbury & Stonehenge (approx. 60 km / 37 miles)** - Journey to Salisbury to see its magnificent cathedral, home to one of the four original Magna Carta documents, then a short drive to the iconic ancient monument of Stonehenge. *Overnight: Campsite near Salisbury.* * **Day 5: Salisbury → New Forest National Park (approx. 50 km / 31 miles)** - Experience the wild ponies and scenic beauty of the New Forest, Britain's smallest national park. Enjoy leisurely forest walks or cycle rides through its ancient woodlands. *Overnight: Campsite within New Forest.* * **Day 6: New Forest → Brighton (approx. 100 km / 62 miles)** - Drive to the vibrant coastal city of Brighton. Explore the exotic Royal Pavilion, the bustling Brighton Pier, and the unique shopping district of the Lanes. *Overnight: Campsite near Brighton.* * **Day 7: Brighton → London (Return) (approx. 85 km / 53 miles)** - Enjoy a final coastal view, then return to London for your RV drop-off. Remember to account for potential traffic congestion, especially on the M25, and allow ample time for cleaning and refueling.14-Day Extended Journey in London
An extended two-week RV adventure from London allows for deeper exploration of Southern England and adds delightful stops in Kent, Cambridge, and the Norfolk Broads. * **Days 1-7: Southern England Highlights** - Follow the 7-Day Classic Route outlined above, covering Oxford, Bath, Salisbury & Stonehenge, New Forest, and Brighton, providing a solid foundation for your journey. * **Day 8: Brighton → Kent Heritage (approx. 60 km / 37 miles)** - Explore coastal towns like Rye, with its medieval charm and cobbled streets, or the unique shingle beach and lighthouses of Dungeness. *Overnight: Campsite in Kent.* * **Day 9: Kent Heritage → Canterbury (approx. 60 km / 37 miles)** - Drive to the historic city of Canterbury, home to the famous Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural marvel. *Overnight: Campsite near Canterbury.* * **Day 10: Canterbury → Cambridge (approx. 120 km / 75 miles)** - Head north to Cambridge, another prestigious university city. Enjoy a traditional punt on the River Cam and visit some of its stunning college grounds. *Overnight: Campsite near Cambridge.* * **Day 11: Cambridge → Norfolk Broads National Park (approx. 80 km / 50 miles)** - Discover the tranquil waterways and abundant wildlife of the Norfolk Broads, perfect for gentle cruising, birdwatching, or peaceful walks. *Overnight: Campsite in Norfolk Broads.* * **Day 12: Norfolk Broads → Bury St Edmunds (approx. 90 km / 56 miles)** - Explore the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, with its impressive abbey ruins, cathedral, and charming town center. *Overnight: Campsite near Bury St Edmunds.* * **Day 13: Bury St Edmunds → Colchester (approx. 60 km / 37 miles)** - Visit Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town, known for its Roman castle and ancient town walls. *Overnight: Campsite near Colchester.* * **Day 14: Colchester → London (Return) (approx. 90 km / 56 miles)** - Make your way back to the London RV rental depot for drop-off, allowing ample time for potential traffic congestion, particularly when approaching the M25.Recommended RVPlan Trip for London
For those seeking a comprehensive tour of England, the RVPLAN trip "
London Roundtrip - A circuit around England
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Looking for expert insights from Avi Bandana? Top 5 Adventures - recommendations from Avi Bandana: * **Traditional Visit: The Roman Baths, Bath** - Avi Bandana highly recommends stepping back in time at this incredibly preserved ancient site, offering a unique glimpse into Roman history and architecture. Imagine the Romans relaxing in these thermal waters thousands of years ago. * **Traditional Visit: Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury** - A visit to this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site is a must for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich historical significance. Its stained-glass windows are truly breathtaking. * **Traditional Market: Borough Market, London** - Even if you're exploring London by public transport while your RV is parked, Avi suggests a visit to this vibrant food market for a taste of local produce and gourmet delights. It's a sensory feast! * **Local Industry: Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Cheddar** - Experience the origins of world-famous Cheddar cheese with a tour and tasting, a genuine local industry highlight. Pair it with some local chutney for a truly English experience. If you're inspired to try some RV cooking with your purchases, check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist. * **Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining: The Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath** - For a memorable culinary experience, consider one of the fine dining establishments known for traditional British or European cuisine along your route, like those found in historic cities such as Bath.🎬 Video coming soon
Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in London
Avi Bandana recommends a maximum of 100 miles or 150 km per day on average to ensure a relaxed pace, allowing ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the journey rather than rushing. Traveling slowly provides the flexibility to explore charming villages, find scenic overlooks, and fully immerse yourself in the UK's diverse landscapes. * **Example 1: London to Oxford** - Approximately 90 km (56 miles), typically takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours of driving, excluding stops. This route is fairly direct and largely motorway based. * **Example 2: Bath to Salisbury** - Around 60 km (37 miles), usually a drive of about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. This journey takes you through scenic countryside roads. * **Example 3: Brighton to Canterbury** - Roughly 100 km (62 miles), which can take 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the route chosen and potential traffic through towns and villages in Kent. Remember, driving slowly and carefully, you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention, especially on narrower country lanes. For an overview of navigating the entire country, consider our RV Rental England - Complete Guide 2024.Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right RV for your UK adventure ensures comfort and ease of travel on varied road types, including some narrower country lanes. Bandana offers a variety of motorhomes and campervans to suit your needs. * **For Couples: Class B - Camper Van** - An excellent choice for one or two travelers, Class B Camper Vans from Bandana's London fleet average 6.2 meters in length and comfortably sleep 2 adults. Their compact size makes them easier to navigate through smaller villages and park, offering common fuel consumption of 8-10 Liters/100 Km. Models like the luxury rv rentals example Carthago Malibu 600 or V2L are perfect for intimate adventures. * **For Families: Class C - Alcove** - Ideal for families or groups, Bandana's Class C Alcove motorhomes average 7.2 meters in length and are designed to accommodate 4-6 adults with an average of 5.8 sleeping places. The overhead "alcove" bed provides extra space, perfect for children, and they typically consume 11-13 Liters/100 km. Vehicles such as the cruise america rv rental example Explorer offer ample space for everyone. Beyond just renting, Bandana's "Rent&Plan" service offers both your RV rental and a ready-made itinerary crafted by travel professionals, providing full access to trip-planning software that eliminates the headache of organizing your journey. This ensures that whether you’re a couple seeking a cozy campervan or a family needing a spacious motorhome, your "RV Travel Guide to London - Tips and Top Spots 2024" is perfectly tailored.What is the best RV route?
The best RV route from London often involves exploring the historical sites and natural beauty of Southern England, prioritizing scenic drives over navigating London's urban core due to congestion and specific vehicle restrictions. For a classic week-long trip, a loop through Oxford, Bath, Salisbury (home to Stonehenge), the New Forest, and Brighton offers a blend of history, culture, and nature, keeping daily driving distances within manageable limits (under 150 km). When planning your RV rental in London, consider a campervan or a Class SI semi-integrated motorhome, averaging 6.2m to 7.3m in length, which is generally recommended for ease of navigation, especially through charming villages with narrower UK roads. Factor in potential tolls, like the Dartford Crossing, and specific campsite costs, as these are critical components of your comprehensive trip budget beyond just rental fees. Utilizing 'Park & Ride' facilities at the edge of towns or cities, then taking public transport, is a practical approach to exploring more congested areas without the stress of RV parking. You can find detailed expense tracking on RV PLANET routes.Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in the UK?
No, wild camping or sleeping anywhere in a rented campervan is generally not permitted in England and Wales, with specific restrictions, although Scotland has more permissive 'right to roam' laws that apply to wild camping, but still require responsible practice. Designated campsites are the primary and legal option for overnight RV stays across the UK, offering essential services like waste disposal points, water hookups, and electric hook-ups for a comfortable stay. In London and its immediate vicinity, strict parking regulations, congestion charges (like the ULEZ), and limited space make wild camping impossible and often illegal; always opt for official RV-friendly campsites outside the city, such as those within the Green Belt. Always research and book campsites in advance, especially during peak seasons and near popular attractions like those on a "Cheap RV Rental in London - Budget Guide 2024" itinerary, as availability can be limited. Familiarize yourself with UK driving etiquette, including navigating roundabouts, understanding speed limits (which differ for RVs), and appropriate layby usage; overnight stays in laybys are generally discouraged and often prohibited.What is the best season for scenic drives?
The best seasons for scenic RV drives in London and the broader UK are generally spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October), offering pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush green scenery, particularly in the Cotswolds or Kent, while autumn showcases stunning foliage in reds and golds, ideal for picturesque journeys. While summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, it also coincides with school holidays, leading to increased traffic, higher campsite demand, and peak pricing for attractions and accommodations. Booking campsites well in advance is crucial regardless of the season, but especially during the busier summer months and around bank holidays, to secure desirable locations. Winter (November-March) can be challenging for RV travel due to colder temperatures, shorter daylight, and potential icy road conditions, although some festive routes to Christmas markets or a "Luxury RV Rental in London - Premium Prices 2024" experience might be appealing.Where to go within 2 hours from London?
Within a two-hour RV drive from London, popular destinations include the historic city of Oxford, the picturesque Cotswolds, the Kentish coast (e.g., Canterbury, Whitstable), and the New Forest National Park, offering diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. * **Oxford (approx. 1.5 hrs)**: Explore the famous university, historic architecture, and vibrant city life. Look for RV-friendly campsites or 'Park & Ride' options on the city's outskirts, such as Oxford Campsite, with excellent public transport links into the center. * **The Cotswolds (approx. 1.5-2 hrs)**: Discover charming villages like Burford and Bibury with their iconic honey-colored stone cottages and rolling hills, ideal for scenic drives and walks. Numerous campsites like Burford Caravan and Motorhome Club Site cater to RVs. * **Canterbury (approx. 1.5 hrs)**: Visit the historic Canterbury Cathedral and explore the medieval city center. RV parking is typically available at designated sites outside the central zone, such as Canterbury Club Site, followed by a short bus ride. * **New Forest National Park (approx. 1.5-2 hrs)**: Enjoy the unique landscape with free-roaming ponies, ancient woodlands, and heathland. Numerous campsites within the park, like Holmsley Campsite, cater to RVs, making it a perfect getaway described in our "One-Way RV Driving in London - Route Planner 2024" guide. * **Leaving the RV in London**: For city exploration, park your RV at a recommended campsite like Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site (south-East London) or Crystal Palace Caravan and Motorhome Club Site (south London), both offering direct public transport into central London without incurring ULEZ or Congestion Charge fees.What You Shouldn't Miss
- **Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge:** A quintessential university city experience, offering serene views of the colleges from the water.
- **Exploring the Historic Lanes of Brighton:** Wander through the narrow, twisting alleyways filled with independent shops, cafes, and street art.
- **Walking among the Wild Ponies in New Forest National Park:** An unparalleled opportunity to see native wildlife in its natural habitat.
- **Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover:** Witness England's iconic chalk cliffs and the historic Dover Castle, offering stunning coastal views.
- **Enjoying Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds:** Indulge in a traditional English experience with scones, jam, cream, and freshly brewed tea in a quaint village setting.
