Best Campervan Rentals UK 2026: The Complete Comparison Guide
Introduction
Renting a campervan is the perfect way to try van life without committing to a full purchase. Whether you're planning a weekend trip, a two-week Scotland tour, or simply want to test the lifestyle before buying, campervan rental in the UK is more accessible and affordable than ever.
After testing over 30 different rental vans and working with most of the major UK rental companies, I've compiled the definitive comparison guide for 2026. This isn't a sponsored review — it's based on real rental experience across budget, mid-range, and premium categories.
Top Campervan Rental Companies Compared
1. Simple Travel Campers
Simple Travel is the UK's largest professional campervan rental company, with a fleet of over 200 motorhomes and campervans across 15 locations. They offer both driver and chauffeur models, meaning you can drive the van yourself or have a professional driver.
Pros: Largest fleet, multiple pickup locations, chauffeur option, comprehensive insurance Cons: Higher prices than independent operators, pre-pandemic legacy vehicles Starting price: £90-£150/day for a basic campervan Best for: People who want reliability and choice over novelty
2. Event Campers
Event Campers specialises in roof-top tent campervans, which are perfect for people who want camping simplicity without the weight of a full conversion. Their vans come with a fully equipped rooftop tent, camping gear, and kitchen equipment.
Pros: Quick setup (the tent deploys in 60 seconds), great for couples, includes full camping kit Cons: Less weather protection than enclosed vans, limited space for tall people Starting price: £80-£130/day Best for: Summer trips, couples, adventure seekers
3. Hopscotch Motor Company
Hopscotch is a premium rental brand offering converted Mercedes Sprinters and VW Transporters with full luxury interiors. Think leather seats, quartz kitchens, and underfloor heating. It's van life but make it five-star.
Pros: Stunning interiors, custom builds, exceptional quality Cons: Expensive (£200-£350/day), limited availability Starting price: £200-£350/day Best for: Luxury experiences, special occasions, Instagram-worthy trips
4. Minibus Conversion Co
A budget-friendly option offering converted minibuses at prices that undercut the major brands. Their vans are basic but functional, and the price is genuinely compelling for longer rentals.
Pros: Cheapest professional conversion, long-term discounts, good for groups Cons: Basic finishes, limited roof height, smaller inventory Starting price: £65-£110/day Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, groups, extended trips
5. Fleetgo
Fleetgo offers a wide range of campervan rentals from basic to premium, with particularly strong availability in the south of England. They're known for competitive pricing and flexible rental terms.
Pros: Flexible rental periods, good availability, competitive pricing Cons: Mixed quality across their fleet, some older vehicles Starting price: £70-£140/day Best for: Flexible rental periods, last-minute bookings
6. Spirit Campervans
Spirit Campervans is a smaller but highly regarded operator based in Surrey. Their converted Sprinters are particularly well-liked, and their personal approach means you get better customer service than the larger chains.
Pros: Personal service, well-maintained fleet, excellent reviews Cons: Limited locations (south England), smaller inventory Starting price: £85-£150/day Best for: People who value customer service over fleet size
Price Comparison by Category
| Category | Price/Day | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (DIY rental) | £65-£110 | Longer trips, budget trips | Minibus Conversion Co, Fleetgo |
| Mid-range | £90-£150 | Standard family trips | Simple Travel, Event Campers |
| Premium | £150-£250 | Luxury experiences | Hopscotch, Spirit |
| Roof-top tent | £80-£130 | Adventure camping | Event Campers, Rent a Campervan |
| Chauffeur | £200-£350 | Driver-free van life | Simple Travel, Spirit |
What's Included in Standard Rentals
Most UK campervan rental companies include:
- Basic insurance (excess £1,000-£2,000)
- Bedding + pillows
- Basic kitchen kit (plates, cutlery, saucepan)
- Water tank + pump
- Leisure battery + 12V
- Gas heater
- Dinette seating
Usually extra:
- Camping chairs
- Solar panels
- Personal GPS
- Additional driver (£10-£15/day)
- Full insurance top-up (£20-£40/day)
- Campervan GPS (£5-£10/day)
- Cat flap
- Wi-Fi hotspot (£3-£5/day)
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
1. Book Early for Peak Season
July, August, and school holiday periods see 30-50% price increases. Book at least 3 months in advance for summer rentals.
2. Consider Shoulder Season
May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of good weather and lower prices. You'll often find the same van for 20-30% less.
3. Rent for 7+ Days
Most companies offer weekly discounts of 10-20%. A 7-day rental at £100/day with a 15% discount works out to £85/day — that's £105 saved.
4. Look for One-Way Deals
If you need to pick up in one location and return in another, ask about one-way fees. Some operators offer these for free on certain routes.
5. Check What's Not Included
Some companies charge extra for everything — bedding, kitchen kit, even the gas hookup. Always compare the total cost, not just the daily rate.
The Verdict
For most people, the best value campervan rental in the UK is Simple Travel — they offer the best combination of fleet size, reliability, and competitive pricing. If you're on a budget, Minibus Conversion Co provides the cheapest professional conversions. And if you want a luxury experience, Hopscotch Motor Company delivers.
Whichever you choose, renting is the perfect way to experience van life before committing to a full conversion. The UK's campervan rental market has never been more competitive, which means better prices and better vans for everyone.
