Iconic Campervan Adventure

Highlights

  • Tour the UK on your own terms and discover the best of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and beyond
  • Enjoy the freedom of being to pitch up wherever you want - and wake up to stunning views
  • Get off the beaten track in a classic VW campervan, the only way to take a road trip
From £100 per night
  1. Pick up days are MONDAY or FRIDAY ONLY
  2. Choose your campervan
  3. Select your start date
  4. Select your return date ( minimum stay 4 days = 3 nights)
  5. Choose how many people are in your group
  6. Check availability!
Request Availabilty

What you'll do

Experience the sensation of true freedom on the open road on this adventure entirely of your own choosing in an iconic VW campervan. Whether you take the camper van for a few nights to explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District, or you decide to go a bit further afield, this is one adventure that will live long in the memory.

Pick up your campervan from your starting point just outside the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales, and from there, it’s totally up to you where you travel. Note: Pick up is on Monday or Friday only.

Head to the Lakes and cruise through mountain scenery, stopping for hikes wherever you feel like it and camping in gorgeous beauty spots, or within handy reach of a great local pub.

Or you could drive to the Yorkshire Dales, where the scenery can be equally stunning, often without the crowds. The real draw of this experience is the ability to get properly off the beaten track, as you plan your own routes and simply enjoy your holiday at your own pace.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and have a little time on your hands, why not drive up towards Scotland, drinking in some of the best driving roads and scenery that Europe has to offer. These classic vans are for enjoying a relaxing sojourn in some of the Islands most gorgeous scenery rather than clocking up the miles, but if you do pootle up to Scotland you can camp in true wilderness, waking up to nothing but the sounds of nature before settling outside for a morning cuppa.

Wherever you go with one of these cute and iconic campervans, we can guarantee that by the time you have to part with her, back in Lancaster, you’ll have developed a strong bond with your little mobile home and unique accommodation, and will already be planning your next trip with Heidi.

All Campervans have access to heating, with an electric convector heater provided with each van which you can power when connected to a hook up point on a camp site.  All come with fully comp insurance and national breakdown cover.

Choose from Heidi(green), Winnie(orange) and Daisy(yellow)

These are our newly refurbished, 2012 T5 VW campervans in fetching shades of green, orange and yellow. They come with everything you need to have an incredible journey around the Lake District or beyond in total comfort, including kitchen hobs with all cooking essentials, a table, heating, USB ports, power sockets, a fridge, and a rear showerhead. Heidi has a full width bed downstairs and a pop top upstairs with a single bed. Winnie and Daisie have a 3/4 width bed as well as the upstairs pop-up. They each seat 6 and quite comfortably sleep a family of 4, or you could even fit 4 adults. As they’re all a bit more modern they’re even good for trips up to Scotland!

 

Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a very popular route for camper vans, with it’s spectacular scenery and plenty of places to stop along the route. Why not take 7 to 10 days exploring this amazing bucket list route in your own way, making amazing memories!  

What's included

Included

  • The Classic VW Campervan of your choice (availability dependent)
  • Fully Comprehensive Insurance. No extra costs for additional drivers. Must meet criteria noted in the drivers section.
  • Full National Breakdown Cover with RAC
  • Fully Equipped Kitchen - 3 gas hobs, pots, pans, cutlery
  • Sink with running water
  • Fridge
  • Radio with in built bluetooth and speakers
  • BBQ
  • 2 Camping Chairs
  • Sheet and mattress protector included
  • Leisure Battery and Electric Hook Up
  • Power socks & USB Ports
  • Heater. There is an electric heater for when you have a hook up and a gas heater too.
Your local host

Dean

We are a family run business created in the summer of 2020. Growing up, we spent years exploring the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. We combined our love for the outdoors and passion for Classic VW Campervans and bought our very first van, Daisy in August 2020.

Having worked in the travel industry for 10+ years, we live by providing outstanding customer service and providing lifelong memories to our customers.

We look forward to welcoming you to the family and Daisy, Winne & Heidi can’t wait to get exploring!

We are a family run business created in the summer of 2020. Growing up, we spent years exploring the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. We combined our love for the outdoors and passion for Classic VW Campervans and bought our very first van, Daisy in August 2020.

Having worked in the travel industry for 10+ years, we live by providing outstanding customer service and providing lifelong memories to our customers.

We look forward to welcoming you to the family and Daisy, Winne & Heidi can’t wait to get exploring!

Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

The pick up and drop off point for the campervans is in Lancaster, just off the M6 and en route to the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Scotland.

Pick up is between 3pm  and 7pm , and drop off on your return date is between 8am and 11am.

Once you pick up your campervan, you are free to explore anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales! With national parks and stunning coastlines within easy reach of your start point, there’s no better way to explore our magnificent little island.

FAQs

Who can drive?

Drivers:

1. Must be 23 years of age or older
2: Must have at least 2 years driving experience (Full UK or EU Licence)
3: Maximum of 6 points on your driving license.
4: No more than one fault or outstanding accident/claim/incident in the last 3 years
5: We will need valid id and documentation for proof of address.

Where can I leave my own vehicle?

Once you have collected your VW Campervan there is secure parking ready for you onsite for you to safely leave your vehicle whilst on your trip. The storage facility is secure and monitored with 24/7 cctv but please note we hold no responsibility for your vehicle during this period.

What days and times can I pick up a campervan?

Pick up days are on Monday and Friday only. You can drop the campervan off at any time of the week.
Pick up is between 3pm and 7pm , and drop off on your return date is between 8am and 11am. 

What campsites should I stay at?

Some wild camp for a few nights but most book pitches on a campsite.

At the moment with Covid 19 restrictions in place its advisable to book campsites early in case they are operating at reduced capacity.

You will find that most campsites in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales have shower & toilet facilities and a small shop with essential items; everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Mainly they come with electric hook up. Even though our vans have a leisure battery, it’s good to be on an electric power so you can use the plug sockets and have full power. One heater runs off gas but there’s also a convection electric heater you’ll be able to use when at a site, which is even better in the colder months.

Can I bring a dog?

We do our best to accommodate all pets but there are limitations. Small, medium and large dogs are okay. XL - St Bernards are a no no. Even 2 dogs can be accommodated if they are well behaved.

However we ask guests to bring their own blankets to put over the vinyl seats to avoid scratches and marks. Please note any rips or damage will result in loss of some deposit so we can repair, so the risk is up to you, but we do try to be as accommodating as possible.

We have our own dogs (Lucy & Jessie) so we know how enjoyable bringing them along can be.

Is there a mileage limit?

Yes. Older vans can't venture too far without getting tired. Our mileage limit is set to 125 miles per day, which is plenty for exploring all over the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and beyond on a week long booking. If you do have somewhere slightly further in mind then get in touch with us, in a newer van like Heidi even long distance road trips like the NC500 could be do-able.

Is there a deposit?

Yes a £500 deposit is required before or on the day of your hire. You can pay this by bank transfer. Please allow us 48 hours after your booking to return this to allow us time to check over the vehicle for any damages.

The excess is £500 if a full claim were to be made. This can be reduced depending on the circumstances and note it's the same amount as the deposit.

What paperwork do I need to supply?

To add you to our insurance policy we will need the following:

1. Copy of your drivers’ licence
2. Online DVLA Check code (you will need your driving licence and national insurance number to get the code)
3. Two forms of proof of address
4. Cleared a traceable security deposit of £500
5. Signed rental agreement featuring all drivers wishing to drive the vehicle, which we'll send you ahead of your booking.

Are the campers suitable for families?

Yes. Our vans are 4 berth and we have 3 point seat belts so child seats can be fitted securely.

Will I have electricity?

Yes. If you stay at a site our vans have hook up which power domestic plug sockets and usb ports, lights etc. We also have a leisure battery which powers the lights and USB ports if you decide to wild camp. This vans battery will charge up as you drive around and all have a usb port for charging phones.

Will I have heating?

Yes. We have a gas powered heater that we'll show you how to use and an electric plug in heater for when you're at a campsite and have an electric hook up.

What if I break down?

In the unlikely event of a breakdown, all of our vans are covered with 24/7 RAC national breakdown cover. We also include a box of emergency spares which can be used to fix common problems. Hopefully the breakdown mechanic can fix a possible issue and you can be on your way.

If for some reason the camper can't be repaired we'll do our best to provide a replacement (no guarantees) or refund the remaining nights. Fingers crossed this doesn't happen and your trip runs smoothly but please bare in mind there's an element of slight risk involved with hiring a 1971 vehicle.

What do I need to know about wild Camping?

There are no official rules prohibiting wild camping in the UK, but it tends to be up to each local government and law enforcement.
These tend to follow the unofficial rule of allowing it unless it’s on private property.

Staying in a public lay by or car park most likely won’t get you in any trouble.
But if you stayed on someone’s property or the car park of a business then you’ll likely be asked to move on.

If you follow the general rules of the trucker, parking just overnight, take up one spot, be respectful and courteous then there shouldn’t be any issues.

Car parks can be practical but don’t always make for the most scenic of spots to wake up to.

To find the best spots in the Lake District why not try using the app ''Park4Night''
It has recommendations from fellow campervan drivers including the most scenic spots they have found, updated regularly and with maps and photos.

Please always ''Leave only Footprints, Take only Photographs''

Plan ahead and prepare. 
-Dispose of waste properly - leave no trace!
-Avoid overcrowded spots. If there’s already too many campervans find somewhere else.
- Respect others - Keep noise to a minimum
-Take care of the environment
-Be prepared to moved on if asked and always be polite
-Always use a stove and leave no trace of a campfire
-Chose your toilet carefully, especially away from any open water
-Always camp away from houses, public pathways or farms 

Is Wild Camping Safe ?

Always use common sense and take precautions.
Let someone know where you are and what your plan is, lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.
Be aware of your surroundings.

In general it’s what you feel comfortable with. If it’s not in your comfort zone, head to a campsite.

How much bedding do I need to bring?

You should bring bedding for the double bed and also for the extra bed if you are using it

You will need mattress protector or topper if you want to be more cosy, sheets, duvets and pillows.

Is there a mileage limit?

A mileage allowance of 125 miles per night is included (any extra and there is a charge of 30 pence per mile). Please note the only van able to do a Scotland run is Heidi. For the older vehicles we ask they remain in the Northwest area.

Can any of the vans fit a family of 5?

The Heidi has 6 seats/seatbelt points, so if the kids don't mind sharing - go for it!

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