by Naomi Fiddes-Baron

Exploring London in a camper van might not seem like the most obvious choice for a camper van holiday. However, with so many of our Quirky Camper vans for hire in London, it’s a choice we think you should consider!

Hiring a camper van in London opens up a world of cheaper travel and accommodation possibilities. Maybe you’re having a long weekend sightseeing or taking in a show – if you don’t fancy spending £100s on a fairly unexceptional hotel room, maybe a quirky camper is a fabulous alternative?! Are you flying in to Gatwick or Heathrow and looking to kickstart your travels around the UK? Well, starting in the capital city in your very own rolling home can absolutely be done!

Where to Stay

You might not fancy wild camping in the heart of the city and, to be honest, we wouldn’t recommend it. A good idea is to get a great campsite on the outskirts of London, and then travel in to the city for the day. There are plenty of London camping options, from basic camping grounds to campsites with more facilities that are perfect for families. Lee Valley, Crystal Palace Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, and Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site are three pretty good options.

Parking and Congestion Zone Fees

When you do take a camper van into London, be mindful that depending on where you venture, you may be required to pay a congestion or low emission charge. Check out the tfl website for more info on the various fees that may apply to you. Being the largest city in the UK, you can expect a fair bit of traffic. Use that same website to plan the best time for your route, so you don’t get caught up in rush hour traffic! It’s also a good way to locate the most relevant parking you want to make use of.

What to See in London

Well, aside from the more obvious (and awesome) tourist lures such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Parliament, or Big Ben, there are many more things you can do in the city that won’t break the bank.

• Alternative London runs pretty amazing tours around the ever changing street art in East London;
• The V&A does V&A Lates on the last Friday of every month. It’s free, and you’ll experience anything from live performance, film, installation, debate, DJs and late-night exhibition openings;
• Check out Hackney City Farm for a complete sense of countryside in the city!

Whether London is your arrival destination, or you’re planning on heading straight out into the surrounding UK wilderness, we’d urge you to consider a couple of days in the capital city in your camper van first.