Are you planning a vacation in England and looking to explore the country in an RV? If so, you’re in for a treat! England is a beautiful and diverse country with many natural and cultural attractions. From the rolling hills and picturesque countryside to the bustling cities and charming towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
To make the most of your RV vacation in England, it’s important to plan and do your research. Here are a few tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip:
Choose your route carefully
England is a relatively small country, but it’s packed with things to see and do. Decide what you want to experience and plan your route accordingly. Consider visiting some of England’s top attractions, such as Stonehenge, the Lake District, and the Cotswolds, or explore some lesser-known gems off the beaten path.
Book your campsites in advance
England is home to various campsites catering to RVs, from basic sites with just a few amenities to more luxurious options with all the mod cons. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure you secure a spot.
Stay connected
While on the road, it’s important to stay connected, whether you need to navigate, make reservations, or stay in touch with loved ones back home. Ensure you have a reliable GPS or map app and a good phone or data plan to keep you connected..
Be prepared for the weather
England can experience a range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and cold temperatures. Packing accordingly and having a backup plan in case of inclement weather is important. This might include bringing rain gear, warm layers, and sturdy shoes. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast before setting out on your trip and plan your activities accordingly.
Respect the local customs and laws
Familiarizing yourself with the rules and regulations for RV travel in England is important. This might include restrictions on overnight parking, driving on narrow roads, or accessing certain areas. It’s also important to be mindful of local customs and respectful of the communities you visit. This might include being quiet in campsites at night, disposing of trash properly, and respecting any rules or regulations set by the campsite or RV park.
Take advantage of the local cuisine
England is known for its delicious food, including traditional dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, as well as international options. When RVing in England, try some local specialties and visit local markets or farms to sample the freshest produce. Many campsites and RV parks also have onsite food options, so you can enjoy a meal without leaving the site.
Don’t miss out on the rich history and culture
England is home to many historic landmarks and cultural attractions, from the Tower of London to Stonehenge. Plan your itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on these must-see destinations. If you’re interested in history, consider visiting some of the country’s many castles, churches, and museums. To taste English culture, you could also attend a local festival or sporting event, visit a pub, or take a walk in the countryside. There are many ways to experience England’s rich history and culture, so include some of these activities in your RV vacation itinerary.
By following these tips, you can have a fantastic RV vacation in England, exploring all the country has to offer at your own pace. From the stunning landscapes and rich history to the friendly locals and delicious cuisine, England is a must-visit destination for any RV traveler.
20 Things to do in England for RV Vacationer
There are many things to do in England for RV vacationers. Some ideas for activities and attractions to consider include:
- Visit the historic city of Bath, with its ancient Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and beautiful parks.
- Explore the stunning countryside of the Cotswolds, with its charming villages, rolling hills, and picturesque gardens.
- Take a tour of the historic castles of England, such as Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, or Leeds Castle.
- Visit the vibrant city of London, with its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and bustling streets.
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches and coastal towns of the south coast of England, such as Brighton, Eastbourne, and Bournemouth.
- Take a trip to the Lake District National Park in the north of England, with its stunning lakes, mountains, and charming villages.
- Visit the historic city of York, with its medieval walls, beautiful churches, and fascinating museums.
- Explore the charming countryside of the Peak District, with its rolling hills, quaint villages, and beautiful national park.
- Take a trip to the vibrant city of Manchester, with its world-class museums, bustling streets, and vibrant nightlife.
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches and charming villages of the north coast of England, such as Whitby, Scarborough, and Blackpool.
- Visit the historic city of Oxford, with its beautiful colleges, historic buildings, and charming streets.
- Take a trip to the beautiful countryside of the New Forest, with its rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning national park.
- Explore the charming towns and villages of the Cotswolds, with their charming pubs, beautiful gardens, and historic churches.
- Visit the stunning countryside of the Peak District, with its beautiful national park, charming villages, and rolling hills.
- Take a tour of the historic castles of Scotland, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle.
- Visit the beautiful beaches and charming towns of the south coast of England, such as Margate, Eastbourne, and Bournemouth.
- Explore the vibrant city of Bristol, with its beautiful harbor, world-class museums, and bustling streets.
- Take a trip to the stunning countryside of the Lake District, with its beautiful lakes, charming villages, and stunning national park.
- Visit the historic city of Cambridge, with its beautiful colleges, charming streets, and fascinating museums.
- Explore the charming countryside of the New Forest, with its rolling hills, beautiful national park, and charming villages.
There are several things to consider when planning an RV vacation in England:
.Route
It’s important to plan your route in advance and ensure you understand the distance and time it will take to travel from one destination to the next. You’ll also want to research any potential rest stops, campsites, and other amenities along the way.
.Campgrounds and RV parks
There are several campgrounds and RV parks in England, but it’s important to book ahead of time, especially during peak season. Be sure to research the amenities offered at each location, the cost and any additional fees.
.Weather
England can experience a range of weather, from sunny and warm to rainy and cold. Be sure to pack appropriately and have backup plans in inclement weather.
.Vehicle
If you’re bringing your RV or renting one, ensure it’s in good working order and equipped for the trip. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place in case of any mechanical issues while on the road.
.Safety
As with any trip, taking safety precautions while traveling in England is essential. This includes being aware of your surroundings, using common sense, and following local laws and customs.
.Costs
It’s a good idea to budget for your trip in advance, considering the cost of gas, campgrounds, food, and any activities or attractions you plan to visit
things not to do while on an RV vacation in England.
Here are some things to consider while on an RV vacation in England:
1. Don’t drive on the wrong side of the road.
While on an RV vacation in England, paying attention to the side of the road you’re driving on is essential. In England, as in many other countries, traffic travels on the left side of the road. If you’re used to driving on the right side, it can be easy to forget and accidentally drive on the wrong side. To avoid accidents and potential injuries, make sure to stay on the correct side of the road at all times. Pay ‘attention to road signs and traffic signals, and double-check before turning or lane changes.
2. Don’t park in inappropriate places
While on an RV vacation in England, it’s important to follow parking regulations and only park in designated areas. This helps to ensure that you don’t block access for other vehicles or pedestrians and that you don’t get ticketed or towed. Look for signs that indicate where you can and cannot park, and pay attention to any restrictions that may be in place. Avoid parking in areas marked as no parking zones or that could obstruct the flow of traffic.
3. Don’t ignore weight restrictions
It’s important to be aware of weight restrictions on roads and bridges. Many roads and bridges in the country have weight limits to protect the infrastructure from damage. Before you travel, check the weight limits of any roads or bridges you plan to use and ensure that your RV doesn’t exceed them. If you do exceed the weight limit, you could cause damage to the road or bridge, and you could also be fined. To avoid these problems, check the weight limits and plan your route accordingly.
4. Don’t ignore speed limits
Adhering to speed limits is crucial for safety and compliance while driving an RV in England. Always follow the posted speed limits, as exceeding them can lead to accidents, injuries, and fines. To ensure that you don’t exceed the speed limit, pay attention to road signs and traffic signals, and be mindful of your surroundings. By driving at a safe and appropriate speed, you can help to prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
5. Don’t litter
Keep England beautiful by properly disposing of your trash while on an RV vacation in the country. Littering can have negative impacts on the environment and can detract from the beauty of the landscape. To avoid littering, properly dispose of your trash in designated trash cans or recycling bins. By taking care of your waste, you can help preserve England’s natural beauty and reduce your impact on the environment.
Where can you park an RV UK?
You can park an RV (recreational vehicle) in the United Kingdom at various locations, including campsites, caravan parks, and motorhome stopovers.
Campsites are dedicated areas where people can stay in tents, caravans, or RVs. Many campsites offer toilets, showers, and electrical hook-ups for RVs. Some campsites are open all year round, while others are open only during the summer.
Caravan parks are similar to campsites but are typically more geared toward people staying in caravans and RVs. These parks often have more amenities and facilities, such as laundries, playgrounds, and pools.
Motorhome stopovers are designated areas where people can park their RVs overnight. These stopovers are often located in convenient locations, such as near motorway service stations or in town centers. Some motorhome stopovers may have basic facilities, such as toilets and water points, but they may not have all the amenities of a campsite or caravan park.
It’s important to note that you need to check the local rules and regulations for each location before parking your RV. ‘Some areas may restrict where you can park or require you to obtain a permit before staying there.
Does the UK have RVs?
Yes, the United Kingdom does have RVs (recreational vehicles), also known as motorhomes or campervans. RVs are vehicles designed for use as a home on wheels, with living and sleeping quarters built into the vehicle. They are popular in the UK for holidays and long-distance travel, as they allow people to have their transportation and accommodation in one.
In the United Kingdom, it is uncommon for people to refer to their motorhome, caravan, or another type of mobile home as “a rig” or “an RV.” These terms are more commonly used in the United States to refer to recreational vehicles, large ‘vehicles designed for temporary living quarters for travel, camping, or other leisure activities.
In the UK, these vehicles are more commonly referred to as motorhomes, caravans, campervans, or van conversions. It is also worth noting that if someone in the UK were to use the term RV, it would likely be understood to refer to a large, imported recreational vehicle from the United States rather than a smaller, locally-made motorhome or caravan..
There are many RVs available in the UK, ranging from small campervans that can sleep 2-4 people to larger motorhomes that can accommodate families or groups of up to 8 or more people. RVs can be purchased new or used, and rental options are available.
RVs are a popular choice for holidays in the UK, as they offer the freedom and flexibility to travel to different locations and explore the country at your own pace. There are many campsites, caravan parks, and motorhome stopovers throughout the ‘UK, providing places for people to park and stay in their RVs.
Where can you park an RV overnight in the UK?
In the UK, there are several places where you can park an RV overnight, including:
- Campgrounds: Many campgrounds throughout the UK allow RVs to stay overnight. These may be independently run or part of larger holiday parks.
- Motorway service areas: Many motorway service areas in the UK allow RVs to park overnight. However, it is worth checking with the individual service area as some have restrictions on the size and type of vehicles they will allow.
- Pubs and hotels: Some pubs and hotels in the UK offer overnight parking for RVs in their car parks. It is worth calling ahead to check availability and any restrictions.
- Local authority car parks: Some local authority car parks in the UK allow overnight parking for RVs. It is worth checking with the local council to see if this is possible and to find any restrictions or fees that may apply.
- Private land: It may be possible to park an RV overnight on private land with the owner’s permission. This could include farms, country estates, and other private property.
It is important to note that parking an RV overnight on the side of the road or in a lay-by is generally not allowed in the UK. It is also worth checking for any local bylaws or restrictions that may apply in the area where you plan to park.
Can you sleep in a motorhome while driving in the UK?
No, sleeping in a motorhome while driving in the UK is not legal. It is illegal to drive a vehicle if you are unfit to do so through fatigue or any other cause. This includes falling asleep at the wheel. Taking breaks and getting sufficient rest before driving a motorhome is essential.
If you are planning a long journey, it is recommended to plan for regular breaks to rest and refresh. Finding a safe and legal place to park and sleep is also advisable if you need to rest during your journey.
How much does an RV cost in the UK?
The price of motorhomes can vary greatly, with used models starting at around £5,000 and new, top-of-the-line options costing over £100,000. It’s important to consider the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, ‘fuel, and camping fees when budgeting for your motorhome trip.