Understanding motorhome hire costs in the UK
The lure of the open road, the wind in your hair, and the freedom to explore wherever the fancy takes you – yes, that's the magic of a motorhome adventure in the UK.
But before you dive headfirst into that dream trip, there's one factor that needs careful consideration: cost. While hiring a motorhome and travelling across the UK and Europe is a cost-effective and more sustainable way to holiday, there are still costs that you need to consider.
The big three costs: Size, season and sleepers
First things first, the three biggest cost-drivers are:
Motorhome size: Compact campervans for two tend to be the most affordable, while spacious six-berth beasts come with a higher price tag.
Seasonality: Summer (June-August) is the peak season, so expect prices to reach their sun-kissed zenith. Mid season (April-May & September-October) offer sweeter deals, and off-season (November-March) lets you steal the best bargains.
Our low season prices are just £99 for a night. Don’t let the weather put you off - you can have some amazing motorhome adventures during these months!
Sleeping arrangements: More beds usually mean more moolah. Choose a layout that balances comfort with cost, like convertible dinettes or bunk beds for the little ones.oth are
Both of our vans - Skylark and Kestrel - sleep four, making them the ideal choice for a family or for a couple wanting a bit more space.
“We chose both our motorhomes with families in mind: whether you’re travelling together, as a couple or with older children popping in for part of the trip, there’s plenty of space for everyone” says Vicky, Co-Founder of Skylark & Co.
The hidden costs
Beyond the base hire price, most motorhome hire comes with additional costs. For example, we add a cleaning fee of £35 per booking. Here are some other costs you may not have factored in:
Mileage: Don’t forget you need petrol! Our luxury motorhomes average approximately 30 mpg (depending on load, driving style and conditions). We ask that you return the motorhome with a full tank of fuel.
Toll roads: Swapping bustling airports for the open road isn't just liberating, it's a chance to truly immerse yourself in a destination. Whether it's exploring quaint villages in Kent or cruising through vineyards in Italy, a road trip lets you savour the journey.
But before you hit the road, take a moment to consider potential toll road costs. Sure, the Dartford Crossing might only set you back £2.50, but abroad, toll costs can dramatically inflate your travel budget. A one-way drive from Paris to Marseille, for instance, can rack up a hefty £52.59 on the A6/A7, doubling for a round trip. Ouch!
Insurance: Don’t forget to make sure you have travel insurance before you go out on the road. This then covers the risk of unavoidable cancellation.
Campsite fees: Your rolling home needs a parking spot! Research campsite prices where you plan to stay. Remember, you can park overnight in some car parks, which can reduce the costs.
You can cut your campsite costs further thanks to our partnership with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and their Campsite+ scheme.
This gives you free temporary membership of the club for the duration of your stay in one of our vehicles, which means you get discounted access to over 2,700 of their UK and European campsites, as well as offers on ferry crossings.
Remember, planning is key! By understanding the factors that influence motorhome hire costs, you can craft a budget-savvy adventure that lets you experience the joys of the open road without breaking the bank.
