While studying in the UK, it's important not just to bury oneself in books. Holidays are a perfect time for students to relax and achieve a study-life balance, exploring new facets of the UK. Pack your personal items and set off for a camping trip in the UK. The British countryside is rich in natural beauty, with many scenic camping spots. Whether you plan to rent a campervan to enjoy a British road trip or take a train to the campsite, you'll find joy in nature walks. What are some of the camping locations in the UK? What should students know when renting a campervan? What are the essential items to bring? Cyclopes takes you through two renowned UK camping spots.
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Three Ways to Camp
When it comes to camping, one might think of carrying tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear, setting up camp, and lighting a fire before dusk. As one of the UK’s favourite leisure activities, the camping industry has matured over many years, evolving into the following three styles of camping. If you are new to camping, consider these options:
Renting a Motorhome
Compact yet complete, small motorhomes are equipped with basic living facilities, such as beds, washrooms, shower rooms, and a small kitchen. However, be aware that not all campervans offer these facilities. Smaller campervans may sacrifice kitchen and shower amenities or position the bed on the roof.
Glamping
If you don’t have a driving license, consider taking a train to a camping location in the UK. Many sites have dedicated camping areas operated as clubs, so you must book in advance and pay an entrance fee to access the site. These areas provide comprehensive amenities, including water and power supplies. Simply bring your required gear to enjoy camping in the UK.
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Camping
If you're on a budget but still want to experience camping, the UK also has areas specifically for setting up camp onsite, although these might not have water or electricity facilities. Ensure you bring sufficient supplies and gear to the site.
How to Rent a Campervan in the UK?
There are numerous platforms for renting campervans in the UK, such as Goboony and Indie Campers, operating similarly to the Airbnb model for accommodations, with most campervans being listed by their owners.
Renting a campervan in the UK is straightforward. Simply enter your destination, rental dates, and number of passengers on the website, and it will filter suitable campervans for you. Once you find a campervan you like, you need to send a booking request to the owner and fill in details such as pick-up and drop-off locations, rental duration, number of passengers, current driving licenses, and a brief introduction about yourself. Once the owner responds, you're all set.
What Camping Gear Should You Bring to the UK?
Proper preparation is key. Since camping areas may not have nearby supply stations, it's crucial to be well-prepared before heading out. In addition to basic warm clothing, the amount of gear you bring can depend on your budget, campervan facilities, and campsite amenities. Typically, you should bring the following camping essentials:
- Tent
- Folding table
- Stove
- Sleeping bag
- Lighting equipment (camping lamps, torches, etc.)
- Insect repellent
- Shower equipment
- Utensils
- Water carrier
- Cooking gear
- Dry food
- Waterproof accessories (like backpack covers, umbrellas, etc.)
- Compass
- Swiss army knife
- First aid and medical supplies
Recommended Camping Locations in the UK
After introducing UK camping gear, you might not be familiar with specific camping locations in the UK, so it's advisable to start with popular areas to gain enough experience before exploring further. Here are two recommended UK camping spots:
Trewall Farm Campsite
Located in Cornwall near the city of Plymouth, Trewall Farm is close to Looe, Adrenalin Quarry, and Wild Futures, all about a 15-minute drive away. Situated near the coast with a long, winding shoreline and lush green fields, it offers a serene environment to enjoy camping. The site can accommodate five motorhomes, five caravans, and 12 tents, with charges based on the number of people, costing £27.50 per night. An additional fee is required for pets.
Considerations When Renting a Vehicle
When planning to rent a campervan, students should pay close attention to two important points to avoid any additional charges.
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Pickup and Return Times
Like hotel check-in and check-out times, renting a campervan in the UK follows similar time constraints. Students need to pick up and return the campervan at designated times and locations. Generally, most pickups are scheduled for the afternoon, while returns are expected in the morning. Therefore, it's crucial to plan your itinerary well in advance to avoid late returns and subsequent extra charges.
Mileage Limitations
Have you considered the total distance of your journey? Many people think that after renting a campervan, they can travel freely around the UK and visit various camping spots. However, most campervans in the UK come with a total mileage limit. If you exceed this limit, the owner will charge an additional fee per mile. For example, some campervans from the rental company Goboony have a limit of 1,450 miles for a 10-day period, with a charge of £0.45 for each additional mile.
All About Studying Abroad with Cyclopes
While camping in the UK is undoubtedly fun, it's important to respect the environment. Remember to take your rubbish with you when leaving the campsite and remove all personal belongings before returning the campervan. If students wish to learn more about studying in the UK or other countries, they are welcome to consult the Cyclopes study abroad team. We will tailor a study plan based on your preferences and academic performance.