Stay local and uncover the wonders of your area with doorstep adventure itineraries from Quirky Campers.

What better place to find adventure than right on your doorstep? This summer, stay local and explore all the delights within a short drive from London by hiring a campervan for a short break from the city. Whether you’re planning a long weekend at the coast or a midweek escape to avoid the heat of the underground, the Quirky Campers Doorstep Adventure London is perfect for a few days off. All suggestions are within an easy two-hour drive from Greater London, all stops are recommended and tested by Quirky Campers’ expert local staff, and all you have to do is choose from our incredible range of London-based campervans, and drive off into the sunset. Expect recommendations for cafés with deliciously brewed coffee, scenic walks in the country, great campsites, and of course, the best campervans.

Benefits of Local Travel

Save Yourself Money!

As the cost of fuel rises it has become the main expense of campervan travel, staying local to London will reduce costs and allow you to have more spending money once you arrive at your destination! Campervans should be driven slowly at a more economical speed of 60 mph or less – travelling shorter distances slower will leave you plenty of spare change for that cocktail in the sunshine.

Avoid Travel Stress

Traffic jams, train delays, long queues at passport control – you can bypass them all by a local trip in a Quirky Campervan. Stick to the smaller roads and enjoy the path less travelled, find local gems by taking the off-motorway route, and enjoy slow travel at its finest.

Eco-Friendly Travel

Embrace green travel by staying local, travelling in your local area will also help lower your carbon footprint. Short-haul flights and long-distance drives use more fuel and create carbon emissions. By exploring what’s already on your doorstep you’ll use less fuel, produce fewer emissions, and help prevent overcrowding at popular tourist spots.

Enjoy Slower Travel

Create a more relaxed experience for you and your travelling companions. You get enough of chaos in London – so why not escape it for your holidays? Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, friends, or family, taking a slower pace allows you to escape the mayhem of modern life, reconnect with nature and learn to relax.

Who are the itineraries for?

Anyone and everyone! Hiring a campervan doesn’t have to be a big drama – it can be a quick and easy way to get away that’s accessible to everyone. We have campervans to hire with 6ft+ beds for those who need to stretch out, pet-friendly campervans, even some with WIFI if you’re planning a mini remote working trip- no matter what your needs are there’s a Quirky Campervan to suit you.

Check out our guide on hiring a campervan for more info on how the process works.

Easy Family Weekend Away

Campervan travel is perfect for last-minute family escapes. With plenty of space for all your essentials, you can pile in all the gear, all the kids, and even the dogs (kitchen sink already provided!). Keep costs low by cooking up big family feasts in the evening, and never stress about sleeping arrangements or getting around. Staying local minimises is a guaranteed way of avoiding the stress of long journeys—no more bored kids kicking the backseat, just fun, adventure, and fantastic memories.

Romantic Getaways

For a date with a difference why not try a spontaneous weekend away from London in a campervan to recreate your honeymoon period? Enjoy the freedom to stop at the most romantic locations for a glass of wine and a picnic as the sun sets. Gaze at the stars from the comfort of your home on wheels.

Solo Adventure

If you’re thinking about taking an adventure alone and giving solo travel a go – travelling in a campervan is an excellent way to dip your toes in the shallows. You’ll be safe and secure in a locked van at night but have the freeing experience of travelling wherever and whenever you like during the day. Short trips rejuvenate the soul, give you an escape from work, and stress and could open a world of new experiences.

Adventures with Friends

Round up your housemates, old friends, gym buddies, or coworkers—any of your favourite people—and rent a campervan for a short escape from London. Discover new places, explore local sights, and enjoy a break that feels much longer than just a few days. There’s something special about sitting around a campfire at sunset, savouring great food, drinks, and company that brings everyone closer together.

Doorstep Adventure Series Part 3 – London to Kent

There are so many areas of outstanding natural beauty within a few hours of London. This is the first in a series of mini-itineraries for short-term campervan travel. You don’t need to travel for weeks or miles to discover jaw-dropping scenery, wonders of nature, hikes galore, epic architecture, delicious eateries, or artisan coffees. All you need is a few days and a campervan.

Step one – Hire a London-based Quirky Campervan

With so many Quirky Campervans available to hire from London, you’re sure to find the perfect match for you. They come in every style and size so no matter what adventure you’re choosing, your campervan companion will have your back. Just pick the dates, choose a campervan, and get driving!

You can see our full campervan listings here or check out some of our best Bristol based campervans at the end of this blog.

Step Two – Drive to Kent

Kent is known as the garden of England, the stunning lanes are filled with abundant flowers and greenery, you’ll pass by ancient castles, and stately homes and drive through the North Weald and the North Downs – both home to stunning scenery, rolling green hills, lush woodlands and quaint villages ripe for exploring.

Step 3 – Choose Your Activity

Hike the white cliffs of Dover

Park up in the historic town of Deal, Kent. This picturesque town is right on the seafront, there’s plenty of cute colourful houses, a long shingle beach to relax on, cafes, and the beautiful Walmer Castle and Gardens to explore. Pull up and fuel up with a delicious breakfast and coffee to start your day right. Then grab a short train to Dover and hike back along the famous white cliffs.

Distance – (estimated) 10 Miles

Time – 3-4 Hours walking (Pace dependant)

Highlights

Experience the stunning views over the channel, grab a mid-walk pint or some chips for fuel at the Zetland Arms, and then finish up with a refreshing ice cream or iced coffee at Deal Pier.

Wander The Deal Market

Deal’s Saturday market is one of the most vibrant local markets in Kent. Packed full of fresh local goods and produce, including fruit and veg, seafood, bread, cakes, vintage and restored homewares, and even a little wine bar for a cheeky Saturday tipple. If you’re in search of a caffeine kick to fuel your browsing, check out the local cafe, Real Deal Roasters for freshly roasted coffee.

Eat and Drink

Quirky Campers’ recommendations for local eateries and excellent coffee stops along the way. Nothing like a steaming hot, fresh coffee and cake just baked that morning to fuel your adventures!

Hut 55 – Deal

Address: Marine Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7RD

Located in Deal, this charming beachside cafe offers fresh coffee, delicious doorstop sandwiches, and giant slices of cake. They also offer pre-made picnics to order for a day at the beach or bike hire for some exploring on two wheels!

“If you’re thinking about a walk, run, or bike ride from Kingsdown or Walmer to Deal, Hut 55 is the perfect spot to recharge with some caffeine. I usually end my long, sweaty runs there; the striped deckchairs and amazing baked goods are a fantastic way to refuel. Plus, if you need to take the load off, they offer bike rental!”

Alex – Quirky Campers

Pop-Up Cafe – Deal

Address – Popup Cafe, 16 High Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 7AE

Located in Deal the Popup Cafe offers specialty coffees, freshly cooked brunches, lunches, and everything in between. Choose from a selection of freshly baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and toasties in a stylish and relaxed dining atmosphere.

“When you find yourself in the bustling seaside town of Deal, you’ll probably stumble upon this gem while searching for coffee or breakfast. Recommended by a lifelong Deal residient, Pop Up Cafe is my go-to spot for a weekend on the Kent coast. If you’re craving something sweeter, they also have fantastic pastries and cookies.”

Alex – Quirky Campers

Step 4 – Choose Your Campervan Camping Spot

Campsite: Kingsdown Campsite

Enjoy beautiful views over the channel at this well-equipped clifftop site. Take advantage of the weekend food vans including stonebaked pizza and Peck Chicken.

Address – The Avenue, Kingsdown, Deal CT14 8DU

Looking for a different place to park overnight…? Check out our guide on the 5 easiest ways to find overnight campervan camping spots

Campervans Available to Hire from London

There are so many beautiful hand-crafted campervans to hire from London you are spoiled for choice. No matter what route you plan on taking or how many people you are travelling with there will be a campervan ready to hire for you from Quirky Campers.

Karma – Available to hire from London

Good Karma and good vibes will be all you experience in this beautiful, wood-clad home away from home. Karma is waiting to sweep you away from hectic city life and out into nature. Get ready to explore all the magical wildernesses the UK and Europe have to offer with a road trip in Karma.

Claude – Available to Hire from London

One look at Claude and you’ll be eager to switch off all your devices and hit the road for a wild escape. Located in London, Claude is perfectly situated for all types of adventures. Dip your toes in the ocean along the Kentish coast, kick up the dirt while hiking trails through the South Downs National Park or stay local to London and immerse yourself in city life.

Doorstep Campervan Adventures – London