Ed Rayner

VW Campervan rental

Active Kampers would like to welcome you to our 4^th and final pre-season blog, for your travelling pleasure.

So far in our last 3 blogs, we’ve covered Europe and our beloved South Coast for those of you wishing to travel compact with a VW Campervan rental – but what about the rest of the UK? Read on for the definitive guide to road tripping some of the best that Great Britain and Ireland has to offer…

Active Kampers – VW Campervan Rental : England / Ireland / Scotland

The South-West Coast, Ireland

Take a drive from the eastern ferry ports to Limerick – This route is 450 miles…

From Limerick, head south via Blarney to Cork and Kinsale. Then turn west for Skibbereen, following the sequence of picturesque peninsulas and deep, fjord-like bays back round to Limerick via Tarbert. You can add a circuit of County Clare’s coast and the cliffs of Moher, returning to Limerick on the N18 from Ardrahan.

Keep an eye out for the lush, green countryside, rugged coastlines, islands, lakes and rivers. Park up for charming country towns and villages of thatched cottages and friendly local pubs. Also, check out Cork’s city craic, Cobh’s historic harbour and Kinsale’s posh waterfront. The west coast road really does have some of Europe’s finest scenery – notable is the Dingle peninsular.

This route ends where you started; Limerick has a memorable medieval castle on a river island in an old centre full of all the shops, cafes and culture you would hope for.

Yorkshire Wolds, England

Turn off the M62 at J38, through North Cave village up to Beverley.

This route is 135 miles – from Beverley’s likable minster, galleries and doily-laden teashops. Head north to the seaside charms of Bridlington. From Bridlington, head south via the proud East Riding country towns of Driffield and Pocklington, where Burnby Hall Gardens’ pretty lakes are home to the national water lily collection.

Finish off by re-joining the M62 at the comfortable market town of Howden (J37), with its minster standing tall in the old town centre.

You’ll be taken in by the long straight roads and ancient villages nestling between smooth rolling hills. Worth a look in Rudston is the mysterious 26ft monolith, the tallest standing stone in England.

The Atlantic Highway, England       

Turn off the M5 at Bridgwater (J23) and admire the watercolour landscapes of the Somerset Levels, heading west on the A39. This route is 135 miles and is easy… Simply follow the A39, and enjoy the views. On one side of the road are increasingly wild hills; on the other, some of Britain’s best coastline.

The route ends in laid back Bude’s collection of windy dunes, Victoriana, beach cafes and great surfing marks the first seaside town in Cornwall – however, stay on the A39 for Padstow or Newquay.

Keep an eye out for the charming, little-known villages of the Quantocks and Brendon Hills; the National Trust’s lovely Selworthy village; the view from Lynmouth’s water-powered cliff funicular railway; and scenic detours to Ilfracombe and Combe Martin’s rocky seashores and Hartland’s bohemian end-of-the-worldness.

And for those of you really wishing to push the envelope…

The Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Firstly you’ll need to get CalMac ferry from Ullapool in the North west of Scotland to the island of Harris. Drive straight off the ferry onto the windy streets of Stornoway, the Outer Hebrides‘ main town.

This route is 150 miles…  It’s winding, single-track road all the way, and one of Britain’s greatest travel experiences. We recommend heading across Lewis’ vast, flat, open, treeless landscape to see the Stevenson’s lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis, and Port of Ness fishing. South are the impressive Callanish standing stones – which truly give a sense of prehistory that Stonehenge doesn’t match.

What to look out for – A sequence of islands, with great views of mountains, sea, lochs and glorious white-sand beaches. Highlights include driving through Harris’ mountain pass and through sea spray on the causeways linking the central islands. You can also spot seals from your van, plus an array of wildflowers in spring.

We hope that’s enough Euro, South Coast and UK inspiration to get you out of the old routine and firmly into a VW Camper for your 2015 holiday.

Whatever you wish to do and wherever you wish to go this year – get in touch with us at Active Kampers – and let us help you do it in true compact style and comfort with a VW Campervan rental…

VW Camper for Hire

Welcome to our 3rd blog of 2015 – to entice, encourage and engage you with a VW Camper for Hire!

Previously, we looked extensively at European holidaying options for our VW fleet – now, we’d like to focus on the good old British Isles, for probably the best staycation you’ll ever have!

Being based in Brighton, we love the South Coast with all its natural beauty and striking landmarks. From the breath taking South Downs to the soaring white cliffs of Beachy Head – it truly does contain some of England’s most stunning scenery. What’s more, it’s the sunniest place in mainland Britain! Yes – many of our beaches are pebbly, but who really enjoys messy sand in their sandwiches?!

VW Camper for Hire – Some of Sussex’s Best Bits …

Remote, wild and unspoilt, Climping is a natural haven on the built-up coast between Bognor Regis and Brighton. Pebbly at high tide, vast and sandy at low tide, it’s good for swimming and dog-walking. Be warned – naturists do frequent the sand dunes, parts of which are a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The beach has moody charm with its weathered groynes and constantly changing skies.

Shaking off its dusty 70’s caravan-park image, Camber Sands has experienced a huge comeback, fuelled by fashion photography, music festivals and the opening of The Place, a boutique hotel and brasserie. With seven magnificent miles of sand and mountainous dunes plus its shallow seas – Camber is the perfect spot for families.

West Wittering is one of Britain’s best all-round beaches with good sand, excellent swimming and plenty of amenities. It’s popular with Frisbee-playing families – however, the sand dunes at the East Head nature reserve are a respite from the crowds on the main beach. The shallow lagoons and tidal pools make for warm waters and safe swimming.

What to do and see:

The striking De la Warr Pavillion, a 1935 Art Deco building, is alone worth a trip to Bexhill-on-Sea. Following an £8 million restoration in 2005, it is a cultural hot spot, with an art gallery, free exhibitions, concert hall, bar, restaurant and roof terrace.

The South Downs Way, an ancient 100-mile footpath and now cycle-path from Winchester to Eastbourne, takes in some spectacular coastal scenery, from the hills and wildflowers of Ditchling Beacon to the cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. Often dubbed England’s prettiest town, Rye is the definition of chocolate box: half-timbered inns, narrow cobbled streets and a salty maritime air. Its mixture of Norman, Tudor and Georgian buildings is an architectural crash course.

Drusilla’s Park is a fascinating small zoo, specialising in animals of Lilliputian proportions and exotic origin, from monkeys to meerkats. Children can walk through Lemurland, or take a Thomas the Tank Engine ride through a llama paddock. Why not stay at the nearby simple and beautiful downland campsite in Alfriston perfect for exploring the Seven Sisters and popping out to a charming pub or tea place?

Wants some more Sussex inspiration for a VW Camper for Hire – check out this link to National Trust’s South East highlights page, shortlisting the must see natural beauty spots that Sussex has to offer…

Stay tuned for our 4th and final pre-holiday season blog landing next week…

All the very best – Active Kampers…

VW Campervan Hire Europe Travel

If you missed our 1st blog of 2015 covering VW Campervan Hire Europe – then don’t despair, as Active Kampers are giving you the roundup – plus even more good reasons to travel light – and in style with our VW California’s when journeying to Europe!

VW California Campervan Hire Benefits:

Our vans are stylish, very economical – and drive just like a car. They also take up 5 passengers for both travel and sleep.

The campers have enough storage for all your holiday and travelling needs – they come equipped with a 2-burner hob, sink, spacious fridge, heater, rollout sun canopy, and clever hidden features, such as the two chairs in the tailgate.

Our VW California hires even come complete with kitchen and dining equipment – without a plastic knife and fork in site!

European Destinations from First Hand Active Kampers Experience

Our Euro travel option comes WITH insurance, breakdown AND all required euro driving safety gear!

Click here for our tried and tested European itineraries…

Active Kampers – Environmentally Friendly Travel:

In addition to looking good on the road – the Active Kampers experience ensures your environmental impact is kept to a minimum.

Our low emission VW Campervan hire is perfect for reducing your holiday carbon impact. The vans emit far less carbon for a family than taking a short flight and are fuel efficient to 40mpg.

All our VW California’s recharge their leisure batteries as you drive, which means you can use them for several days without the need for an electrical hook-up.

We wash our vans using waterless cleaning products and good old-fashioned elbow grease! We also include Ecover cleaning products in your welcome pack and re-usable recycling bags – and we’ll even take-in your recyclable items at our base when you return!

VW Campervan Hire Europe Travel

VW Campervan Hire Europe Travel – Route tips and tricks…

There’s no better way to see Europe than on the road – especially from the comfort of a California. Here’s three more routes to get the juices going for your European adventure!

The Grand Tour: Switzerland, France, Italy

Kick off at Geneva’s Lake Léman waterfront. Then head along the south shore, passing from Switzerland into France.

Take the D902 south, climbing steeply to Chamonix via Thonon-Les-Bains. The seven-mile Mont-Blanc tunnel under the highest Alp is a strange thrill; emerging into Italy’s deep Aosta valley is even better. From Turin, head south for Alba, hitting the Med at Savona. Enjoy the Levantine Riviera as far as La Spezia, then find the little roads climbing up the Apennines to Abatone, and then twist down into Florence. Make a circuit by returning on the winding minor routes to Bologna or Modena, then back up to the Alps via Milan.

Route distance: 500 miles

Pas de Calais, France

Take the little D940 via Boulogne along the Côte d’Opale to Le Touquet. Passing the pretty coastal cliffs and villages, such as Wimereaux and its big sandy beach, perhaps stopping at a seafront cafe for lunch?
The D349 to Hesdin along the river Canche is one of northern France’s prettiest drives. Head north on the D928 to pretty St Omer and its vibrant and historic town square, then the N43 north-west back to Calais via Ardres.

Route distance: 160 miles

Basque Circuit: Spain, France

Start your journey from Bilbao’s port (served by ferry from Portsmouth) at Santurtzi has great motorway connections: Madrid is only three hours’ drive, Barcelona six. But this Basque country circuit makes a more interesting driving holiday. The Basque country seafood is not to be missed, neither is the challenging surfing!

Route distance: 300 miles

Want some more assistance?

This handy app lets you access your full travel itinerary on the go, while also having access to local maps, route details, and driving directions.

http://www.tripit.com/destinations/european-road-trip-planner/

Hopefully we’ve now filled you with enough inspiration to get in touch about your European adventure – give us a call on 01323 486858 and let us help you get on the road to a trip like no other!

Stay tuned for our next two blogs coming later this month – to keep you up to speed with all the latest info and goings on from Active Kampers HQ…

vw campervan hire europe

With March finally upon us – and the ever gloomy winter a distant memory (we hope!) – the 2015 holiday season is now fast approaching – and Active Kampers would very much like to welcome you to our 1st blog of the year covering European Camper Hire…

Over half of our summer hires go to Europe and with good reason – read on for the lowdown and some Euro inspiration!

VW Campervan Hire Europe

Here at Active Kampers – we believe that travelling by campervan in Europe is an amazing option. With zero restrictions and the freedom of the open road – Active Kampers provide all the flexibility you need, at a cost you can very easily stomach!

Enjoy Europe with the ultimate transport and accommodation. Our fleet of VW California’s come fully equipped with all you need to live in comfort, while still being able to see the sights as you wish.

Active Kampers – Camper Van Rental Europe – The Vans…

We have a select fleet of modern, compact vans that are cost-effective and full of amenities. Our VW California’s come with air conditioning, climate controlled heating, a sun shading roll-out canopy, power front windows, lots of internal storage + external options such as roof bars, roof boxes and bike racks. There’s a pop-up roof, a roof bed, further roll-out bed, a spacious fridge and two gas burners. Seats swivel 180 degrees to create space for dining – and the kitchen is all ready to go with pans, plates and cutlery!

Hiring the optional integrated tent awning is highly recommended if you’re staying for more than a couple of days at a campsite. It will enable you to store kit, set up the VW California table and chairs in and also hold your ideal space when you drive down the beach or elsewhere!

The sustainability of our new VW campervans are yet another good reason to travel and stay under one roof. The carbon emission is lower than journeying by bus or plane, and the vans deliver an extremely healthy 40mpg!

We think that Europe is one of the ultimate road trip experiences – and getting around is easy in our California’s, with more freedom than an organised package tour – and less money than a bus and hostels!

So that’s the Vans – what about the Destinations?

If you’ve not already seen it – then click here for our Campervan Hire Europe page, which shares a few first hand Active Kamper experiences…

Want some serious driving routes?

Here’s 3 more destinations for inspiration when thinking of Euro travelling our VW Califonia’s…!

Col de la Bonnette / Alps Maritimes

The Col de la Bonnette is one of the most famous roads in the Alps, and at 2807 meters it’s the highest road in Europe.

The Col de la Bonnette ascent is not as difficult as you might expect from the highest road in Europe, the road surface is very smooth and the scenery is breathtaking.

Route 500 Schwarzwald Hochstrasse / Black Forest / Germany

The world famous Black Forest has an endless number of sweeping trails and deserted tree lined roads that are a drivers dream, occasionally passing fairy-tale homes and or even a castle.

This route takes you south to north, starting in Knibes, finishing at the delightful spa town of Baden Baden, but can equally be travelled in the opposite direction, and you might just like to turn around and do it again anyway!

Stelvio Pass / South Tyrol / Italy

The Stelvio Pass – officially the third highest in the Alps at 2757M – and the most dramatic mountain of passes to drive in the European Alps.

Top Gear voted this the best driving road in the world in 2008. It’s a truly stunning road and the wall of 48 switchback turns running up its north face really are a sight to behold.

The nearby Dolomites and their pink granite peaks make the ideal destination, or head down to the Italian lakes like Garda, or Como.

Active Kampers Euro Hire – Contact:

So, whether you’re after a family break away from the norm – or an unforgettable epic road trip, Active Kampers has everything you need to make it happen, in comfort and style.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements – 01273 203 681 – we’ll be happy to accommodate you, wherever you want to go and whatever you want to do!

If you know or meet anyone who has travelled in a campervan, then you know that it’s an experience of a lifetime. It’s always exhilarating to begin with, but as time goes by its all about balancing what you see and do, with doing too much and going too far too quick. That said, there are only a few things in life that come close to the experience of travelling in a campervan.

Active Kampers – Campervan For Hire

While finding a campervan for hire is easy around most of England, you can never be so sure when you’re travelling to unchartered territories, especially when you have plans to travel around Europe. However, with these tips, you won’t have trouble finding a reliable and fun campervan service that can make the expedition all the more worthwhile.

Freedom to Roam

You should be able to go anywhere in the UK or Europe without restriction of mileage or insurance.

Most reliable campervan companies will provide advice and suggestions to travel to specific locations. If you’re thinking about going to Ireland, or Europe for that matter, then it’s best that you discuss your plans with the campervan agency.

Campervan for hire – New and reliable vehicles

These will get you to your destinations without breaking down and without breaking the bank in fuel costs! Make sure your campervan is under three years old if you are going far or to more remote destinations.

Campervan for hire – Size matters

However, campervans are available in varying sizes, and ideally, you should hire a service that has a fleet rather than a couple of vans. You can view our fleet by clicking here.

For the UK compact campervans are best because of the small parking spaces and narrow country roads. Those in bigger vans, usually have quite a struggle getting off the main roads. It’s similar in European towns and cities too, although bigger vans cope better there on the road network. Bigger vans will have a bathroom and toilet, this is the call you need to make on whether this is essential to your trip or not. As an experienced campervanner, I never used them when hiring a larger van, although it can be comforting to know its there.

Campervan for hire – Amenities and Features

While you shouldn’t expect anything lavishing from a campervan, unless you’re hiring an RV, these are the basic amenities that an ideal campervan service should offer:

• Cooking pans and utensils.
• Kettle, bowls, and cups.
• Cutlery, plates, and wine glasses.
• Basic cleaning products and toiletries.
• Toilet and sinks.
• Heating system.

Depending on how long you will be travelling, you will need more amenities from your campervan agency. That said, the listed amenities are some of the basic necessities that you should expect from a good campervan service.

Campervan for hire – Hiring Period

As a practice, many campervan services do not provide campervans for any stays less than four days. Although it is no hard and fast rule, it is a standard in the industry across the UK and other parts of the world. This is because a campervan service will likely have a small fleet, for which they will have different hiring periods based on the time of the year. Hence, if you’re planning to hire a campervan, make sure you get one for at least 4 to 7 days.

Reviews and Testimonials

The campervan industry is one that thrives on reputation and word of mouth. If you’re looking for a campervan service online, then consider review websites, social media and testimonials. Review websites feature reviews from people who have hired a campervan service and wanted to share their experience. Testimonials, on the other hand, should exist on the website of the campervan service. Testimonials, just like reviews, are written by people who have had a good experience with the service. As a matter of fact, for campervan hire in Europe, it is best that you consider the reviews that exist about the service before hiring it.

Now that you’ve read the whole blog, why not take a look at our testimonials on our website or Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/activekampers and see what makes us one of the best campervan for hire in England!

Active Kampers provides fun VW camper van rental at an affordable cost. A Campervan trip allows those of you who are not comfortable with camping to experience the sights of camping, with a touch of added luxury, otherwise known as Glamping!

Our business has been established for four years and is based in Brighton, East Sussex, just 30 minutes away from Gatwick Airport. If you are stuck for ideas, we have some suggestions for some trips that you may want to consider, if you already know exactly where you want to go, even better!

VW Camper Van Rental Destinations

The New Forest:
The New Forest, one of the UK’s newest National Parks, is less than two hours’ drive away from us and perfect for every camper. You can explore the woodland and nature surrounding you for miles and take in the picturesque views. There are quieter places to camp, if you are looking for a more relaxing stay, however if you are interested in meeting some other campers, getting some tips and sharing your experiences, then you will definitely meet them here.

Scotland- Loch Lomond:
If you are looking to travel a bit further then this may be an area to consider. Scotland is famous for its various landmarks around the country and what better way to go and see them than in a journey from the South to North of England to Scotland in a Campervan. What is not to stop you stopping off along the way to see the rest of England, make the Peak District or Lake District National Parks? A recommendation is to park up and take a ride around Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. You will be given your very own Segway to travel around and explore the park.

Cornwall:
A place that people instantly think of when considering VW camper van rental is Cornwall. Cornwall situated in the West of England with a stunning coastline and beaches, has something for everyone, which is ideal for those of you hiring in a bigger group. Cornwall people and visitors are constantly pulling up at the beach and going surfing for the day. However, if you do not like water sports, there is plenty more to do. Cornwall is home to the largest Rainforest in captivity and largest greenhouse, the Eden Project. If you chose to visit Cornwall a place you cannot miss is St Michael’s Mount. You can drive close by, park up and go across by boat or walk on the causeway, and the view is amazing! The sun sets and rises behind the castle perched on the hill morning and evening and it is breathtaking, one not to be missed!

These are just a few suggestions, of course you can plan your trip with wherever you desire to go, when you have the Campervan you can plan your trip to what you want and where you want to go. With a Campervan, you really can explore anywhere!

VW camper van rental – Contact

If you have any questions or inquires about our services or where to visit whilst you have your campervan hire, please contact us or visit our website to explore our booking form to find out more about our other VW camper van rental
services.

Using one of our VW Campervans is a great alternative to a weekend away allowing you to travel around the coast of England, starting in Brighton, where Active Kampers is based.

Rent A Campervan – Active Kampers

When you rent a campervan, your holiday does not just start when you reach your chosen destination; it starts as soon as your get in the Campervan. Whilst driving to your first or only stop you will see beautiful landmarks and places along the way. As you are in a Campervan, if you see something you like, you have the choice stopping and admiring the views.

If you are going with a partner for a relaxing trip, the best thing about hiring a VW Campervan is that you do not have to have a destination. Why not pick a place at random on the map and drive there. Hiring the VW Campervan can be a great way to unwinding the weekend away, where you do not need to worry about anything. This hire is the perfect affordable idea for an alternative holiday for you and your party; it also includes your transport and your accommodation for your trip.

Rent A Campervan – Flexibility

Not only would you be able to have the experience of driving a VW Campervan, you will also be able to have as many destinations as you desire, in the time that you have the VW Campervan. This hire enables you to get as many holidays as you can out of one. If you are going with friends, for a festival, a mini holiday or with family then this trip is perfect for making sure that there is something for everyone.

Rent A Campervan – Booking & Rates

We currently have on offer a range of six VW California Campervans to choose from.
If you would like to rent a campervan and have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to pop into the shop that is located by Brighton Train Station, go to our website, or visit the booking site to find out more details on our rates.

If you are not completely sold on the idea of sleeping in a VW Campervan then keep reading and if you are not sold by the post then it is a losing case, however I am confident this will not be the outcome. On offer we have six campervans for hire. We are a Brighton based company situated near Brighton train station. Our VW California’s are the ultimate Campervans. They are designed to sleep 4 or even 5 people in the two beds, one in the raising roof and one formed from the sliding bench seat.

Campervans For Hire – Comfort

We understand that if you have bad accommodation in any trip, it can put you off for life and for those of you, who the thought of camping terrifies you we want to change this. Our VW California campervans for hire are both your accommodation and your transport. Whilst this may seem quite daunting for you non-‘kampers’ we can assure that you will not want it to end. The vans are kitted out with lots of neat storage spaces, a 2-burner hob, sink, spacious fridge, heater, rollout sun canopy all thought out with your trip in mind by us.

As well as the campervan, the sights that you will experience will also make your trip. Lakeside and mountain morning vista, or sunny sandy beaches, are yours to wake up to.

As we said, the VW California Campervan can sleep 4 or 5 people and is perfect for bigger parties so you can get everyone involved. Our vans are very will travelled; in 2013 Boris went all the way to Norway and its Fjords. So do not be afraid to take them near or far.

Campervans For Hire – Flexibility

The service we provide allows you to see stunning landscape and destinations that you would not be able to see whilst travelling by various other transports. The VW California Campervan hire enables you to stop off at any point in your journey to appreciate the sites, and maybe even overnight.

We love the vans so much we decided to name them, so we hope you will take care of them as much as we do. So, if we have converted you into camping or if you just loved the idea anyway, and have any enquiries about our campervans for hire – please contact us. Please call us, go onto our website or transfer onto our booking form to find out more information.

Do you go on holiday to the same place every year? Why not have a complete change this year with an unforgettable holiday? Here, at Active Kampers we offer VW campervan hire UK for you with our lovely new California campervans. We are a Brighton, Sussex, based company, easy accessible, located at Brighton Train Station, 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport.

Active Kampers – VW Campervan Hire UK

One of the best things about our service, VW Campervan hire UK is your journey starts as soon as the key is in the engine and you could not start your trip at a better place than Brighton. Brighton is famous for its stunning, pebbled beach and lively pier. So why not explore the Sussex Coasts and South Downs as an added bonus to your trip.

This trip is perfect for a cheap alternative for city hopping in England or even Europe. This service provides you with transport and accommodation in one. The versatility with having your transport and accommodation in one allows you to park up at any time within your journey and takes in the sights; an advantage you would not be able to do if you were on public transport.

VW Campervan Hire UK

The VW California can be used for many trips, festivals, romantic long weekends or a get away with friends. This is an experience that requires little planning, can be a last minute thing and be done on a small budget. From experience, unless you have a set idea of where you want to do, we find there is no need to plan where you want to go exactly as you can always find different places, which is much more exciting. It is the excitement of driving and not knowing where you are going that makes the trip. Some of the stuff that you will see along the way is also part of the journey that is amazing.

VW Campervan Hire UK – Get In Touch

If you have any questions or queries about our VW Campervan hire UK, please contact us, visit our website, or explore our booking page to find more information on all of our hire information. We believe that everybody should have this experience, so why not come visit us today for more information.