Category: Motorhome Advice

If you are thinking about getting a motorhome, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) we receive about the subject.

Can I drive a motorhome on an ordinary driving licence?

This is probably one of the most common questions we are asked here at Derby Motorhomes.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, thankfully, the answer is quite simply “yes, you can”. The exceptions largely relate to the weight of the motorhome you want to drive, how long ago it was that you passed your driving test, and your current age.

Essentially, anyone with a full driving licence for a car can also drive any motorhome up to 3,500kilos of Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) or the weight of your vehicle when it is fully loaded. To drive a motorhome with a MAM of more than 3,500kilos, you will need to have passed your test before 1st January 1997.

Note that if you’re over 70 years of age, you will need a medical examination if the vehicle weighs more than 3,500kilos.

To double-check your eligibility to drive any particular motorhome, refer to the date on which you took your driving test, your current age, the weight of the vehicle in which you are interested and cross-reference to the official government website.

Can I import a supersize motorhome from the USA?

Yes, it is possible to import a US motorhome to the UK, but there are certain steps and requirements you will need to follow to do so legally and ensure that the vehicle complies with UK regulations.

The Government website states that to import a motorhome into the UK permanently you’ll need to register it. There is also a limit on size – you can’t register a motorhome more than 12 metres long and 2.55 metres wide.

The measurements do not include driving mirrors, rear bumpers, lamps, or reflectors.

While there is no height limit, if the motorhome is over 3 metres high, you must have a notice showing the height where the driver can see it.

Here’s a general outline of the importation process:

  • Import Duty and VAT: You may need to pay import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) when importing the motorhome. These fees can vary based on the vehicle’s value and age. Check with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the latest rates and requirements.
  • Vehicle documentation: Gather all necessary documentation for the motorhome, including the title, bill of sale, and any other relevant paperwork. You’ll need these documents to prove ownership and value when importing the vehicle.
  • Conformance to UK standards: Ensure that the motorhome complies with UK vehicle standards. This may involve making modifications such as adjusting lighting, installing side mirrors, etc.
  • Type approval: Some vehicles may require type approval in the UK to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. Check with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to determine if this applies to your motorhome.
  • Insurance: Obtain UK insurance cover for your motorhome. Insurance providers may have specific requirements for imported vehicles.
  • Registration: Register the imported motorhome with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork and pay any required fees.
  • MOT Test: Ensure the motorhome passes the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test, which is mandatory for all vehicles over three years old in the UK. This test checks the vehicle’s roadworthiness and emissions.
  • Road Tax: Pay the appropriate road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) based on the motorhome’s emissions and specifications.
  • Drive on the left: Keep in mind that in the UK, you drive on the left side of the road, so make sure the motorhome’s controls and driving orientation are suitable for UK roads.
  • Customs clearance: If you are shipping the motorhome to the UK, you’ll need to go through customs clearance processes at the port of entry.
  • Consult experts: It’s advisable to consult with experts or specialists in vehicle importation to ensure that you follow all the necessary legal and safety requirements.

Please note that regulations and requirements may change over time, so it’s essential to check with the relevant UK government agencies (HMRC, DVLA, DVSA, etc.) for the most up-to-date information before importing a US motorhome to the UK.

Additionally, consider consulting with a customs broker or import/export specialist for assistance with the process.

Also bear in mind that if you do import an RV, you may have difficulty with parking spaces when you use it, due to its size.

Do motorhomes need an MOT?

Once your motorhome is more than 3 years old – just like your car – it will need an annual MOT test.

There’s nothing special about it apart from the fact that some MOT testing stations might not be big enough to accommodate larger motorhomes.

Can I take my motorhome abroad?

Indeed, you can.

It’s one of the big attractions of this type of leisure holiday because the world becomes your oyster. In fact, many EU countries have arguably more and better facilities for casual motorhome parking than you might typically find in the UK.

Make sure your vehicle is fully legal on the road and that your motorhome insurance is up to date and valid for EU cover.

Pay particular attention to the fact that many motor insurance policies have a maximum number of consecutive days outside the UK or the maximum number of permissible days in total throughout the year.

If you are considering taking your motorhome outside of the European Union, plus those countries that are associated with it such as Norway and Switzerland, the position may be a little more complex.

First of all, you may be faced by the fact that your motor insurer requires the payment of an additional premium for such extended cover.

Secondly, some countries outside of Western Europe and the EU may have quite different rules of the road and particular requirements and rules governing the use of motorhomes.

If you are thinking about taking your motorhome to places in the Middle East, North Africa or countries in the far eastern parts of Europe, such as Russia, you might want to pay particular attention to government travel advice.

The Caravan Club also has some additional, useful information.

If I buy a motorhome second-hand from a private owner, are there risks involved?

If you are looking to purchase a motorhome through a private sale – because you’ve seen it advertised online or in the classified ads of your local newspaper, for instance – you need to be aware of the risks you are running.

Just like buying a second-hand car, the seller’s responsibilities after sale are limited – arguably, to the point of being zero.

By contrast, a dealership will have legal responsibilities that are more demanding and some of those will continue after the sale – particularly if they offer warranties, guarantees, or special servicing agreements, and the like.

Of course, you might sometimes find slightly lower prices from a private seller. It’s a question of weighing up all the risks of buying privately against the benefits of buying from a franchised dealer.

How easy would it be to customise my motorhome’s interior?

Assuming that you have the tools and equipment required, changing the layout of the interior of your motorhome can be relatively straightforward. However, it’s necessary to pass on a word of warning.

Firstly, be aware that there may be certain regulations governing health and safety of things such as electrical and gas fittings. Changing those about, as an amateur, might contravene regulations and be dangerous – not to mention the extent to which it will probably invalidate your insurance cover.

Secondly, buyers are typically inclined to be suspicious of DIY-type modifications to the interior of motorhomes. In fact, many dealerships remove all such modifications to get the vehicle back to its manufacturer’s standard in situations where they have purchased one that has been modified.

Of course, there are specialist organisations and workshops who will modify the interiors for you – if you require a more professional job to be done.

I have heard that parking at home can cause disputes

This is often very significantly over-stated and problems over parking your motorhome at home are rare.

We would suggest that there are basically five issues you need to think about in advance:

  • your local council might ban on-street parking for safety or environmental impact (if you live in a conservation area, for example);
  • the same might apply in rarer cases for on-driveway parking – this is usually again related to concerns about the appearance of the local area;
  • it’s possible your deeds or lease might be subject to covenants prohibiting the parking of motorhomes or caravans on driveways – although these may not always be enforced or even known about by potentially affected neighbours;
  • in some situations, parking your motorhome on your property might be an issue with neighbours if their view or light is suddenly restricted;
  • your motorhome insurance might have restrictions on where you can park at home – on-street parking, for example, might be excluded while some policies might also require that your motorhome is parked in a garage (at your home or on an approved site) when it is not in use.

Is it easy to sell a motorhome?

This is another question we are often asked – together with related enquiries about the extent to which a used motorhome may hold its resale value.

Broadly speaking, there is a significant demand for pre-used motorhomes. As a result, they typically hold their value well – particularly when compared to conventional motor cars.

It is rare indeed for any motorhome to appreciate in value so, it is best not to look upon it as any type of financial investment. There might be some exceptions, such as if you’ve significantly improved or enhanced your motorhome – but generally they depreciate. In other words, it will typically be worth less when it is 7 years old than when it was brand new.

However, typically motorhomes depreciate far more slowly than the typical car. In that sense, they hold their value well. Of course, a lot depends upon things such as the condition of your vehicle, its age and mileage plus where you are selling it.

Although you might typically anticipate a higher value by selling to a private buyer, the delays in finding someone can be longer on average than if you’re selling to a dealership or using it as part-exchange.

Remember to be careful and adopt all “best practices” to protect your interests against fraud if you decide to sell to a private individual.

Just when you thought it was all over, with summer long gone and the nights drawing in, a spell of fine weather tempts you behind the wheel of your motorhome again for a final outing or two before winter sets in.

Just where to go for one of those quick motorhome trips fairly close to home depends, of course, in which part of the country you live. But one of the great things about the diversity of Britain is that, wherever you live, there are certain to be spots worth visiting for a long weekend or so.

Let’s consider just a few of them.

The South of England

Visiting the South of England in your motorhome offers a delightful travel experience, with a mix of stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage.

The South of England is blessed with beautiful coastlines and sandy beaches. From the white cliffs of Dover and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset to the vibrant seaside towns of Brighton and Bournemouth, there are plenty of picturesque spots to explore.

The region is home to numerous historic landmarks that are not to be missed. You can visit iconic sites such as Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salisbury Cathedral with its stunning spire, and the mystical ruins of Tintagel Castle.

Don’t forget the picturesque countryside! The South of England boasts idyllic countryside landscapes, with rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush green fields. Areas like the Cotswolds, the New Forest, and the South Downs National Park offer peaceful settings for leisurely drives, walks, and outdoor activities.

There are also vibrant cities with rich cultural offerings. Cities like London, Oxford, Bath, and Bristol provide a blend of history, art, music, and diverse culinary experiences.

The South of England is renowned for its beautiful gardens and parks. From the famous Kew Gardens in London and the stunning gardens at Hampton Court Palace to the exotic flora at the Eden Project in Cornwall and the magnificent gardens of Sissinghurst Castle, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

Spotlight on the New Forest

If you live in southern England, the New Forest National Park is a relatively short drive away from most places.

In all its autumn glory, the New Forest is awash with every hue of green, amber russet as the leaves begin to fall. An overnight stop at one of the many campsites within the National Park, lets you begin your walk at the best time of day – the early morning, as the mist begins to clear above wooded glades and open heathland. Kick softly through the fallen leaves lest you disturb a grazing deer.

From Longmeadow Campsite you may take a delightful 20-minute stroll through the forest to the village of Brockenhurst, which is at the very heart of the National Park

The Midlands

Visiting the Midlands in your motorhome offers a wonderful opportunity to explore a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty

The Midlands is home to several historic cities and towns that are worth exploring. Cities like Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, and Coventry offer a blend of rich history, vibrant cultural scenes, and modern amenities. You can discover historical landmarks, visit museums and art galleries, explore beautiful parks, and enjoy shopping and dining experiences in these urban centres.

The region is known for its architectural treasures that span different eras. From the grandeur of Warwick Castle and the medieval charm of Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace) to the magnificent cathedrals in Lincoln and Lichfield, the region is rich in impressive buildings and structures.

While the Midlands is often associated with its urban centres, it also boasts beautiful countryside and picturesque landscapes. The Peak District, located on the southern edge of the region, offers stunning vistas, rolling hills, and delightful villages.

In addition, there are numerous canals, such as the Trent and Mersey Canal, that wind through the Midlands, providing opportunities for peaceful walks and scenic boat trips.

The Midlands offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historic cities and architectural wonders to enjoying the region’s natural beauty and literary heritage.

Spotlight on Sherwood Pines Forest Park

One of the biggest publicly accessible forests in The Midlands is at Sherwood Pines Forest Park – and the open all year round Sherwood Pines Campsite is within its boundaries.

It’s in the East Midlands part of Nottinghamshire, near the village of Edwinstowe, between Ollerton and Clipstone.

This is the place where you might also want the kids to let off steam before the quieter days of winter by letting them take to the activity trails, hire a bike, swing through the play areas – or just run wild.

Wales

Wales is renowned for its magnificent landscapes, from majestic mountains and rolling hills to pristine coastlines and serene valleys. From Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia) to the Pembrokeshire Coast, there’s an abundance of scenic beauty to discover.

You can explore ancient castles, such as Caernarfon and Conwy, and delve into the stories of Welsh royalty and medieval times. Additionally, Wales has a strong sense of national identity, with its own language, traditions, and music

It is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, surfing, or wildlife spotting, there are endless opportunities for adventure. The country is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, which offers stunning hiking trails.

The coastline provides ample opportunities for water sports and coastal walks. In fact, if you love coastal walks, the Wales Coast Path is a must-do experience. This 870-mile path encompasses the entire coastline of Wales, offering stunning views, hidden coves, and charming seaside towns.

Wales hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate its culture, arts, music, and heritage. From the Eisteddfod, a renowned Welsh cultural festival, to food festivals, music events, and sporting competitions, there’s always something happening in Wales.

Spotlight on The Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula and the impressive sweep of Rhossili Bay are more than worth a visit at any time of the year. But autumn brings with it a certain sense of rugged urgency as the first of the winter’s squalls darken the endless skies and add a thrilling drama to the scene.

So, if you are within a day’s drive of the Gower, why not head your motorhome in the direction of Nicholaston Farm Campsite – a family-friendly working farm, with immediate access to the Gower’s marvellous coastline.

The North of England

If you live in the North of England, you are well and truly spoilt for choice when it comes to a quick motorhome trip to beat the oncoming winter.

The North of England is blessed with diverse landscapes that cater to different preferences. From the rugged beauty of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales to the stunning Northumberland coast and the rolling hills of the Peak District, there is a wealth of natural beauty to discover.

The region is steeped in history and boasts an abundance of historical sites and landmarks. You can visit iconic places such as Hadrian’s Wall, York Minster, Durham Cathedral, and numerous castles and stately homes.

Springfield Farm offers one of the most scenic sites you might hope to find along the glorious coastline of Northumberland. Gaze out across open fields towards the North Sea’s Farne Islands, or drive the short distance north to Bamburgh Castle, or west into the Cheviot Hills to enjoy the best of a British autumn

If you enjoy outdoor activities, the North of England won’t disappoint. The region offers ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, watersports, and wildlife spotting. Whether it’s exploring the stunning trails of the Lake District, embarking on a coastal walk along the Northumberland coast, or indulging in water activities in the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, you’ll find plenty of adventures to embark on during your motorhome journey.

The North of England is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth exploring. These include the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, the historic city of Durham, the majestic Hadrian’s Wall, and the iconic Liverpool waterfront.

Spotlight on the Lake District

Lake Windermere may be bustling in the height of summer, but by autumn the crowds have thinned out appreciably and from Park Cliffe Motorhome & Touring Caravan Park, you can enjoy your own wide-open vistas of the Lake itself.

Scotland

Scotland has majestic mountains and tranquil lochs as well as picturesque coastlines and enchanting glens. Travelling in a motorhome allows you to immerse yourself in these natural wonders and explore remote areas that are often inaccessible by other means.

It has a rich history and vibrant culture that spans centuries. From ancient castles and historic ruins to traditional music and folklore, there is no shortage of fascinating heritage to explore.

If you love road trips, Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a must-do route. Often referred to as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, this scenic journey takes you around the northernmost part of the country. You’ll encounter stunning vistas, charming villages, and iconic landmarks like the dramatic cliffs of Cape Wrath and the famous Dunrobin Castle.

Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, golfing, kayaking, or wildlife spotting, there are endless opportunities for adventure.

Scotland is, of course, renowned for its whisky production, and visiting distilleries along your motorhome journey allows you to learn about the fascinating whisky-making process and sample some of the finest spirits in the world. Additionally, Scotland’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of delicious dishes, including traditional haggis, fresh seafood, and delectable baked goods.

Spotlight on Loch Ness

You can stay at the Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Situated on the banks of the legendary Loch Ness, the  campsite offers a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience. Wake up to panoramic views of Loch Ness and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the surrounding landscapes. With direct access to the loch, you can enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline or even try your luck at spotting the legendary Loch Ness Monster!

As we’re one of the country’s leading motorhome dealers, is hardly surprising that we are often asked for tips and suggestions about choosing and using a motorhome.

Here are just a few of the ideas we have offered over the years. We offer them again in the hope that you, too, might find them useful.

Take the time to choose a motorhome that’s appropriate for you

Your aim, of course, is to choose a motorhome that is the right size for you and its intended use. If it turns out to be just too big or too small – or any other fault for that matter – it can be a serious annoyance and potentially a poor use of your money. So, choose carefully by taking your time and remembering that nine times out of ten there is absolutely no need to rush.

Take as long as you need to size up what is a varied, diverse, and competitive market, therefore, to choose the vehicle that’s likely to prove appropriate for you, your family, and your lifestyle.

We make no secret of the fact that we’d be delighted to help you in achieving just that excellent result!

Think about how you plan to use your motorhome – and where

Motorhomes are nothing if not versatile and adaptable – they’ll take you to those parts many other vehicles simply cannot reach.

It’s only realistic to accept that some of the smallest campsites in remote, rural, or especially wild locations that are well off the beaten track may be difficult to access if yours is one of the larger or heavier motorhomes available on the market.

Some of the campsites identified by the Cool Camping website as “almost wild” might give you a snapshot of the wilder side of adventures you could get up to in your motorhome.

The upshot, of course, is that if you have your heart set on getting off the beaten track, then a smaller motorhome might be more practical.

Get the family involved in your choice

Whether you are buying a new or a pre-loved motorhome, the financial outlay will be nothing to sneeze at. It’s the kind of sum you’d almost certainly want to discuss with your partner or spouse – and, possibly, even any grown-up children still at home.

Involve the whole family not just in the choice of your preferred make and model, but also about such details as the appropriate interior layout or even the powertrain of that particular vehicle.

To help you in any such family discussion, we can point you in the direction of our helpful guide: Buying the right motorhome.

Consider driver training – and break yourself in gently on your very first trip

You’ll need to make sure that you have the appropriate licence allowing you to drive the motorhome you’re thinking to buy. The official website compiled by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the place to start, of course, but if you’d like further help about what that all entails, by all means, please contact us and we’ll happily explain.

With the appropriate driving licence in your pocket, it might be time to consider some basic training in driving a vehicle as big as your new motorhome and familiarise yourself with the controls. Suitable training is unlikely to be all that expensive.

Finally, even if you’re an experienced old hand in driving a motorhome, almost every vehicle handles and performs differently from another. It’s probably a good idea to make your first trip in your new motorhome a short one – on which to learn its handling characteristics.

Plan a few journeys based largely around bigger roads and motorhome parks with good access and turning facilities. Avoid trying to test your close manoeuvring and reversing skills in a tiny site on your very first trip.

Don’t skimp on motorhome insurance

Your motorhome, its accessories, and all your camping gear will be expensive.

As with almost all forms of insurance, the cover provided by one policy might be significantly different from that offered by another. It’s not a question of being better or worse but simply the suitability of a particular policy for you, your motorhome, and the way you plan to use it.

For that reason alone, you might want to avoid choosing the cheapest insurance policy and instead spend some time researching which motorhome insurance offers the most cost-effective cover for the level of protection you need. That is the way you might be assured of getting good value for money.

Head over to our motorhome insurance guide which discusses how to choose the most appropriate insurance for you as well as covering the possibility of GAP insurance and breakdown insurance.

Research the rules of the road when going abroad

Over the last 30-40 years, most rules of the road have more or less converged throughout continental Europe.

Nevertheless, significant differences remain and the UK’s departure from the EU has thrown some of the details into starker relief – against a background of practices that might catch out the unwary.

Two examples of lingering divergence, for example, are the “priority to the right even if a minor road” and some old “priority to vehicles that are joining the roundabout” systems which are still fairly widely found in France.

Even if you know these from car driving, remember that your braking distances will be longer in a motorhome – because it’s a heavier vehicle.

As always, the bottom line of any advice on driving abroad is to research in advance the road systems in the country you’re heading off to in that new motorhome! You might also want to review our guide: Taking your motorhome to Europe.

The freedom of the open road – it’s what travelling in your motorhome is all about. And, once you venture into continental Europe, that open road is practically endless. Day after day, you can open your eyes to new vistas of the coastline, beaches, forests, lakes, or mountains wherever you had parked up just the night before.

Whether you are planning a late-season trip to Europe or thinking ahead to next year, however, a little advance planning and attention to what you need to take with you may save heartache – not to mention disaster – further down the road.

Your length of stay

If you are in the enviable position of being able to take an extended break, one of the critical considerations will be the way that immigration rules for visitors have changed post-Brexit. Whereas a stay of unlimited duration may have been possible in the past, since the 1st of January 2021 visitors from the UK to most of Europe are restricted to a stay of 90 days in every 180 days.

The rules are based on the borders of the so-called Schengen area within which there is freedom of travel. Following the UK’s departure from the EU, it is now regarded as a third country as far as the Schengen area is concerned. Hence, the 90-day rule of visits within every rolling 180 days. Within that 90-day period, you can visit as many countries within the Schengen area as you choose but the total must not exceed 90 days.

As you enter any country in the Schengen area, you will have your passport stamped and these can give you a handy way of calculating just how long you have been travelling and how much of your 90-day allowance is remaining.

In any event, a period of roughly three months is typically quite long enough for the majority of British motorhome owners touring the EU and Schengen area countries.

Passport

All this goes to show that you will need to have a valid and up-to-date passport when taking your motorhome to Europe.

More than that, the official European website advises that your passport must be valid “for at least a few months” after your proposed date of departure from the UK.

The required period of remaining validity is likely to be either three or six months, depending on the rules in the particular countries you will be entering. Check your passport before you leave the UK, therefore, and the passports of others travelling with you, and review the precise requirements of those countries you will be visiting – otherwise, you could find yourselves denied entry at a border checkpoint.

Driving licence

Brexit led to no changes in the freedom to drive throughout Europe on your current, up-to-date, photocard UK driving licence. If you still have an old-style paper licence or one issued in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar, however, you may be required to produce an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Although you will need to check the specific requirements of the countries concerned – because there are 3 different types of IDP in issue – it is easy enough to acquire an IDP. Probably easiest of all will be an application at the Post Office where you will need to show your current UK driving licence (together with your passport if yours is a paper licence), a passport-standard photograph, and the fee of £5.50.

Insurance

A minimum of third-party insurance is required to drive a motor vehicle in any European country. Fortunately, therefore, all motor insurance policies issued in the UK also extend third-party cover while driving in the EU. But you’ll need to keep that certificate with you at all times as proof of the legally required cover.

Beware, however, that even if your UK insurance policy is comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft, when you are driving abroad your cover may still be restricted to third-party cover only.

That is unlikely to be enough for any motorhome you are driving, so make sure to contact your insurers in advance of your holidays and arrange the appropriate cover you need for driving in the EU.

Green cards

In the summer of 2021, the European Commission waived a previous obligation for UK motorists to hold a green card as proof of the required thirty-party insurance.

If your touring takes you outside the area covered by this agreement (which covers the EU, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland) you might still need a green card – which you will need to request from your UK motor insurer.

Preparing your motorhome

It is not just a question of carrying the right documents when you are taking your motorhome to Europe. Different European countries have different rules about the equipment that must be carried within your motorhome – so check carefully what is required in the countries through which you will be driving.

Throughout Europe, for example, you must carry a warning triangle for use in roadside emergencies – and in Spain and Croatia, you need two.

For similar purposes, you must also have on board a reflective jacket while driving in Spain, Austria, France, Belgium, Portugal, and Croatia.

A first aid kit must also be carried when you are in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, and Croatia – although it is clearly a sensible precaution to have one onboard anyway.

A similarly wise precaution is to carry a fire extinguisher within your motorhome – and it is specifically recommended (although not obligatory) in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

France has finally abandoned legislation – which few French drivers complied with anyway – requiring motorists to carry a breathalyser kit.

Visit The RAC for more information.

Please note: This information is based on our current understanding of the law and may be liable to change. Please always make the necessary checks before you travel.

One of the great things about Britain is its sheer diversity. And if you are looking for a touring destination in your motorhome, Scotland has all of those contrasts – in landscape, geography, history, and culture – in spades.

In the unlikely event of you being in any doubt, The Scottish Banner website offers its top ten reasons for visiting Scotland in 2023 while Visit Scotland reminds readers that National Geographic magazine rates the Highlands of Scotland as one of its Best of the World destinations.

But let’s pick our own top five favourite locations for touring in your motorhome.

1. The Western Highlands

There is no other part of the British Isles that offers the rugged majesty of mountains and coastline as the Western Highlands of Scotland.

Start your drive from the lowlands of Glasgow and you’ll soon find yourself skirting iconic Loch Lomond for your first taste of the mountains, deep waters, and gentler landscape of the Trossachs National Park.

As you drive north and west, however, the scenery becomes decidedly more rugged and spectacular as you head along the coast towards Fortwilliam, enveloped in the chilling atmosphere of Glencoe, or relaxing in the quaint coastal towns of Tobermory or the gateway to the Western Isles at Oban.

From Oban, you can spend a leisurely day or three simply island-hopping. Make sure to include the picturesque splendour of the Isle of Mull, dominated by Ben More, before wending your way over to the sacred Isle of Iona, with its Abbey, Benedictine Nunnery, and the Graveyard of the Kinds.

On the uninhabited island of Staffa, you can marvel at the acoustic wonder of Fingal’s Cave.

The well-appointed Oban Holiday Park is probably one of the most attractive large sites at which to overnight in your motorhome.

2. The sunshine coast

For an altogether different perspective on the contrasts Scotland has to offer, you might aim for a longer drive and tour the country’s north-eastern seaboard or “sunshine coast” as it is also known.

The beaches here are sufficiently remote to remain unspoiled, with the town of Moray and the village of Lossiemouth recording some of the driest weather in Scotland.

Right by the sea at Lossiemouth is the Silver Sands Holiday Park where you will find a grassy or hardstanding pitch to spend a night or two before continuing your tour.

The Moray coast is also a spot where you may be able to see one of nature’s great phenomena – the Northern Lights!

3. Edinburgh

No trip to Scotland is likely to be complete without a visit to its capital, Edinburgh – and the centre of all things cultural.

The height of the season, of course, is August, when the city plays host to the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival of established and rising fringe theatre and comedy. Depending on your tastes, therefore, you might want or not want to avoid this time of the year.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Edinburgh campsite is ideally situated for city visits, yet it is located outside the busiest areas, in a more peaceful spot along the Firth of Forth.

4. Ayrshire and Arran

Your tour of Scotland doesn’t need to involve a long drive. Hop just across the border into the tranquil rolling countryside in the southwest of the country and you may enjoy the perfect motorhome tour around Ayrshire and Arran.

You’ll find yourself in the heartland of Robert Burns’ place of birth, with a host of quaint countryside towns, sandy beaches – and golf courses galore, with some 50 from which to choose. Indeed, you might even venture as far as Turnberry – the golf course owned by a certain former President of the United States.

Since you are driving your own home away from home, though, avoid the huge expense of staying at Turnberry’s centrepiece and instead park up for a night or two at Ayr Craigie Gardens Caravan Club Site, which is just a short way up the coast and offers up to 90 pitches for motorhomes and caravans.

5. Scottish borders

For a similarly quick hop across the border, but on the eastern side of the country, you might instead make your base in Jedburgh and tour these equally quiet and picturesque roads of the borderlands.

Jedburgh itself is a pretty market town and the distance by road from Newcastle upon Tyne is only 56 miles (91.58 km), which takes around one hour and 10 minutes to drive.

Just four miles south of Jedburgh itself, situated on the quiet banks of the River Jed, you’ll find Jedwater Caravan Park in the heart of perfect walking and horse riding countryside.

We hanker after the sea. Maybe it’s because we’re a proud island nation that the coastline has a special allure. Whether it’s wintertime gusts to blow away the cobwebs or the gentle breezes of summer, the coastline seems always to beckon – and the memories are long-lasting.

It might be a small island, but Britain has a surprisingly long coastline. The authoritative Ordnance Survey puts the total length of our coastline at a precise 11,072.76 miles (17,819.88 km).

When it comes to exploring any part of that long, long coastline it is probably difficult to know just where to start. And whenever you’ve worked out where you want to start, you’ll also want tips on the best places to stay mid-route.

With a motorhome or auto-sleeper, of course, that’s a problem easily solved. And there are some real gems – probably not far from your doorstep – accessible by motorhome and with well-appointed campsites perfect for an overnight stay.

Here are just a few tempting stretches of coastline for your next coastal trip.

A taste of history

The coastline between Worthing and Hastings is not only a short drive from London – or anywhere in the southeast of England for that matter – it is packed full of history.

The “Haestingas” – as they were then known during Saxon times – became a still richer part of the country during the Roman occupation. Later, the Battle of Hastings in 1066 is probably one of the few dates in history likely to be remembered by most of us.

Today’s coastline also reflects the glories of those iconic English seaside resorts of ages past. Promenades abound and provide a gentle drive until you get out to stretch your legs.

The Victorian facades of the buildings still echo the times when these resorts were in their prime, yet just a mile or two along the road and you come upon some of the most well-known and stunning views of the English coastline – where the Downs meet the sea at Birling Gap or Beachy Head, for example.

Fairfields Farm Caravan and Camping Park mid-way between Eastbourne and Hastings on the Pevensey Levels, is situated within an area of natural beauty.

Poldark country

Travel far enough along England’s south coast and you will eventually hit upon one of the most popular and frequently visited parts of the UK – Poldark country.

Since the mid-1970s a succession of Poldark series have appeared on television channels and brought even more awe and wonder to the glories of the country’s most south westerly county, Cornwall.

Cornwall – a peninsula – has the longest coastline in the whole of the UK. At more than 433 miles (697km.) even a fit walker is likely to take between 8 to 10 weeks to walk its length – admiring the county’s more than 300 fine beaches.

You could be joining the estimated 4.5 million tourists who visit Cornwall each year and share one of the 25 million or so nights that visitors spend in the county – where they contribute at least £1 billion every year to the local economy.

Amidst the inevitable crowds during peak season, therefore, you might want to choose one of the campsites known to remain relatively calm and peaceful – such as Tollgate Farm Caravan and Camping Park which is quietly tucked away in the countryside yet still well within walking distance of Perranporth Beach.

The Gower Peninsula

It’s no accident that this scenic marvel of the South Wales coastline should have been designated Britain’s very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – its reputation continues to attract birdwatchers, walkers, surfers, and sunbathers.

The Gower is a haven of peace and rural tranquillity that sits a mere stone’s throw from the more built-up and industrial areas of the principality. It packs a lot into its mere 70 square miles (180km2) as the peninsula spreads westwards from the Mumbles near Swansea – taking in some dramatic cliffscapes and the underground warrens of Minchin Hole Cave and Paviland Cave.

Hillend Caravan and Camping Park lays creditable claim to being close to probably the most breathtaking of the Gower’s many fine beaches – Rhossili Bay.

Northwest Wales

The grandeur of Snowdonia National Park comes down to the sea in this wild and rugged part of northwest Wales, with the historic and rolling countryside of the Llyn Peninsula just to the west.

There are beaches accessible by motorhome, too, when it’s time to just relax, potter about in the shallows or stroll along the front.

Cae Du Farm couldn’t be better – or more spectacularly – situated within the National Park, right on the coast, and with views on a fair day of the entire Welsh coastline as far as Pembrokeshire.

The wild, wild north

If you want to give your motorhome a really good run for its money, think about driving just about as far north as you can go in mainland Britain to the wild, wild coast of northern Scotland between Durness in the west as far as John O’Groats in the east.

Views across to the northern isles – coastal scenery to die for – and the certain probability of being able to explore wild and remote beaches all to yourself.

And, yes, there are well-equipped campsites even this far north! Try out John O’Groats Caravan and Camping site. Once you’re done, if you’re up for a drive the entire length of the country, head off to Land’s End in Cornwall – some 874 miles away!

It’s very nearly that time of year once again! The days are getting longer, warmer, and the sun more reliably appears. It’s time for getting ready for summer with your motorhome.

You might not have been using it so much during the winter months, so it’s worth pausing to think about what might need doing to take to the roads once again in a motorhome that is clean, orderly and comfortable.

Servicing and maintenance

Have you given your motorhome its annual inspection and service yet?

As you’ll see from our webpage, at Derby Motorhomes we offer a wide range of mechanical and habitation services, tailored to your particular make and model, MOT tests, repairs, accessory fitting, and warranty work – just let us know what you need doing and book it in.

MOT and insurance

If your motorhome has passed its third birthday since first registration, you must hold a valid and up to date MOT certificate – that is the law and you may be fined up to £1,000 if you do not have one.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

You must also make sure that your motor insurance is fully up to date, since it is illegal to drive your motorhome on the roads or in any public space without a minimum of third party insurance – and may again face stiff penalties, including the suspension of your driving licence if you fail to have the cover.

Re-familiarise yourself

If it’s been a while since you had your motorhome out on the road it may be worthwhile just spending a moment or two sitting at the wheel and familiarising yourself with all the controls once again.

It’s unlikely to take so very long – and you may be better prepared to react to the controls almost instinctively when something needs to be done.

Quick checklist

Next, follow these tips for making sure your motorhome is safe, clean and roadworthy …

  • Check your tyres: make sure the tyres are in good condition and are properly inflated to the correct pressure.
  • Change your oil: it is important to change your motorhome’s oil regularly. This helps to keep your engine running efficiently.
  • Check all lights: ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, etc) are in working order and replace any bulbs that need to be.
  • Check for leaks: look for any water or oil leaks coming from the engine. If you find any, get them fixed as soon as possible.
  • Clean the exterior: using a mild detergent and water, wipe down the exterior of your motorhome to remove any dirt and grime.
  • Clean the interior: vacuum the interior of your motorhome and make sure all surfaces are wiped down and any mould or mildew is removed.
  • Check the battery: make sure the battery is fully charged and all connections are clean and tight.
  • Test the brakes: to ensure your brakes are working properly, take your motorhome for a test drive and check the brakes at various speeds.
  • Check the gas: make sure the gas is topped up and all connections are secure.
  • Check the coolant: check the coolant levels and top up as necessary.
  • Check the awning: make sure the awning is in good condition, with no tears or rips, and all poles and fittings are secure.
  • Check the windows: ensure all windows are clean and functioning properly.
  • Check the seals: inspect all seals around the windows, doors, and any other openings to make sure they are in good condition.
  • Check the generator: make sure the generator is in good working order and all connections are secure.
  • Check the water system: inspect the water system for any leaks or blockages.
  • Check the chassis: check the chassis for any rust or corrosion, and inspect all nuts and bolts for security.
  • Check the filters: make sure all air, oil and fuel filters are clean and in good working order.
  • Check the hitch: inspect the hitch for any damage and make sure it is securely attached to the motorhome.

Cleaning your water system

It’s not only a good spring cleaning that your motorhome is likely to need, but a thorough flushing of the water system to rid it of any lingering and potentially unhealthy bacteria – even if you had remembered to drain down the system before over-wintering.

  • first, close off all the taps – including the drain cock – pour in some proprietary antibacterial cleaner and fill up your system with fresh clean water. While it’s filling, also turn on the heating system to your hot water supply too;
  • next, run the cold taps until the water runs perfectly clear and do the same with the hot water taps. Refill the water tank and flush the entire system through once again until you have drained it down. Refill with clean water;
  • check that the gas and electricity supplies are connected and that the appliances work. Replenish gas cylinders – including any you keep as spare or in reserve;
  • check for water penetration and any areas of ingress and damp. You might want to consider further waterproofing on the exterior of your motorhome;
  • the supplementary battery is unlikely to have been used much, if at all, over the winter, so will almost certainly need re-charging. Check that the battery is still capable of holding its charge and, if not, replace it.

Finally, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for your journey, including emergency supplies, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. With the right preparation, you can make sure your motorhome is ready to take on the British summer.

You don’t have to spend all that long on the road and touring in your motorhome to appreciate the wide range of gadgets that are available these days to make life that much easier.

Helping to sort the wheat from the chaff, here at Derby Motorhomes we suggest some of those motorhome gadgets you might consider the most useful:

Multi-tools

  • beloved of boy scouts, multi-tools are not strictly or exclusively the preserve of motorhome owners, of course;
  • but the neat way that a single tool can perform a whole range of functions can prove exceptionally handy when you’re exploring the great outdoors from the comfort of your motorhome;
  • the potential combinations are many and varied and can include tools used as knives, screwdrivers, scissors, and that indispensable gadget at the end of the day, as the sun goes down, a corkscrew for opening your favourite bottle of wine;

Solar panels

  • a portable solar energy setup is certainly something you might want to consider stowing away in your motorhome – solar panels not only provide you with a sustainable, eco-friendly source of energy, but they also provide it for free and that could help you avoid any camping site charges for an electrical hook-up;
  • if you are planning visits to more remote areas well off the beaten track, then access to your own free solar-powered energy generator will clearly be a boon;

Electronic gadgets

  • these days there is a mountain of small, electronic gadgetry – some of which few of us have learned to live without – and you can keep them all healthily charged simply by plugging into your solar panel array;
  • that includes a cellular telephone – that can not only serve as a handy navigation aid but might prove a literally life-saving device if you need to call for help;
  • thanks to the invention of e-book readers you can also pack into your motorhome a veritable library of reading material – without taking up so much space as even a single book;
  • reviews published in the Independent newspaper on the 5th of January 2023 suggest nine of the best currently available;

Universal hose pipe connectors

  • as you become a more seasoned and experienced motorhome user, you’ll realise that it’s the small things that can make the world of difference;
  • imagine the scene as you arrive at your well-equipped campsite only to find that none of the water outlets has the appropriate hose connector that you’ll need;
  • pack your own multi-purpose universal pipe connector and the problem’s solved;

Singing kettle

  • it goes by different names – a singing kettle, whistling kettle, or today’s fashionable audible kettle – but whatever you call it, you’ll get the idea;
  • they might seem a little outdated in the modern world but there’s probably nothing more annoying than settling yourself outside to enjoy those last rays of sunshine while completely forgetting you’ve left the kettle on – it boils itself dry, ruining the kettle, and wasting valuable camping gas;
  • let the kettle “sing” and you’ll know when tea’s ready;

Let there be light

  • no camping trip is ever complete without a quality torch or hanging lantern on standby;
  • thanks to the batteries in your motorhome, you might not have these trusty devices so high on your list of priorities – but they remain an essential piece of kit for anyone keen to enjoy the great outdoors;
  • a fully-charged torch and an energy-efficient lantern are likely to be considered “must-have” articles to be stowed in your motorhome;

First aid kit

  • try as you might to avoid any kind of mishap during your motorhome outings, accidents happen and minor injuries can be sustained;
  • immediate first aid can help to avoid more serious complications later so it’s worth investing in as good a travelling first aid kit as you can afford – there are plenty to choose from;

And lastly

  • once again, it’s those small things that can make all the difference – and here we’ll suggest an all-purpose, portable and compact, retractable washing line;
  • by rigging up a line – either within your van or undercover in your awning – you will have somewhere to hang all manner of kit that needs a thorough drying out after a sudden squall or downpour.

Though you might want to browse some of the suggestions we’ve made here, remember that even in the biggest motorhomes, space is usually at a premium – so focus on the essentials!

We’ve enjoyed some glorious summers these past few years. The Met Office has said that 2022 was the hottest summer in England since records began in 1884 – the sunniest too. Against that background, you can be forgiven for wanting to guard your motorhome with more than a little jealousy.

Sadly, though, there are very few of us who have the opportunity of spending every waking moment in our cherished motorhome. There are going to be too many days when it has to sit idly in storage while we are off to work to earn a living.

But the very attraction that keeps your motorhome so close to your heart is likely to captivate many other people too – those who are looking for a short break or holiday with a difference, or those who might be thinking about buying one for themselves and want a first-hand experience before doing so.

By renting out your motorhome – especially if it is one as highly sought-after as an Auto-Sleeper – you might ensure that it is not only being put to maximum good use, but you may earn a tidy amount of cash into the bargain. If nothing else, the income might help to cover the costs of maintenance, servicing and repairs. If you intend to let it out on a regular basis, the income might even allow you to invest in a higher-specification model.

Renting it out – legal considerations

As well as any income, you’ll also be taking on a degree of responsibility when renting out your motorhome – falling foul of any legal considerations could leave you with a hefty penalty.

As the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle, for example, you must continue to pay the road fund licence, maintain a valid MOT certificate if necessary, and keep valid insurance up to date. To comply with the law, the latter needs to cover a minimum of third-party risks but for your own protection, you are more likely to choose comprehensive insurance – and check with your insurer that cover remains valid during any period it is rented out to others.

Because you are still the owner of the vehicle, you will also need to ensure that the motorhome remains thoroughly safe and roadworthy – and, since renters will be sleeping in it, you might also want to arrange a comprehensive habitation service.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that anyone renting your motorhome is not only insured to drive it but also holds the appropriate driving licence.

Make sure you are also aware of any legal obligations and health and safety requirements you may have letting out your motorhome, such as gas and electricity records, carbon monoxide detectors etc.

Advertising

You might already know or have been recommended by someone who wants to rent your motorhome, but in many cases, it might mean advertising its availability.

When creating your advert, remember to give clear and precise dates on which it is available, an accurate description of its condition, size and how many people it may comfortably sleep. And, of course, the daily or weekly rental charge.

As you begin to receive expressions of interest, make sure – for your own security and peace of mind – to find out as much as possible about any potential renter. It’s your motorhome after all and you’ll want to know that it’s in a safe pair of hands.

Once you have established a degree of mutual confidence – and taken care of the legal considerations we have already outlined – you may arrange to meet and hand over your motorhome for the agreed period. It is worth having put the homework into drafting a formal hire agreement, inventory and checklist of “dos” and “don’ts”.

Run through these checklists carefully and remember to accept the renter’s money before the agreement is signed and you hand over the keys to your motorhome.

Internet help

In this day and age of the internet, there are websites and apps that offer to take over all this hard work on your behalf – effectively acting as letting agents for you and your motorhome.

Many have ready-made formats for advertising and listing your motorhome, pre-screen potential renters on your behalf, have pro-forma rental agreements, and also arrange to handle the collection and processing of rental payments.

Motorhome insurance

It is worth stressing once again the importance of reliable insurance cover before you rent out your motorhome to anyone else – it is essential for both your and your renter’s peace of mind and security. You are at risk of breaking the law if the insurance cover is inappropriate or inadequate.

Depending on your current insurance policy, renting out the vehicle could invalidate the policy so you might need to arrange specialist motorhome insurance that specifically covers your renting out the vehicle to others.

Have motorhome, will travel – with all the freedom of the open road. And, if you are motorhoming across Europe, that might be a very long way indeed.

It’s that freedom to follow wherever the road takes you that beckons many a motorhome owner. It’s likely to be inspiration enough to drive aboard a cross-Channel ferry every once in a while and make an extended trip onto the Continent.

If you are fairly new to motorhoming or have only ventured out on a few quite local weekend breaks, you might find the prospect of driving longer distances, far from home, in a country whose language you barely speak, more than a little daunting.

As the many thousands who have gone before you are almost certain to reassure you, however, it is really not so challenging as it might first appear – and the sense of first-hand adventure and satisfaction in discovering new and exciting places well off the beaten track are likely to prove their own rewards.

However, even for shorter stints of the travelling life, there are still a number of things to take care of when planning your motorhoming across Europe.

As a posting by the Wandering Bird warns, Brexit has meant that anyone venturing to Europe from the UK is now considered a visitor from a third country – so there are inevitably some major changes of which you must be aware (notably, the need to carry your passport, arrange suitable travel insurance, and check your driving licence).

Driving

If you can handle driving your motorhome in the UK, you are likely to feel just as at home on the roads and motorways of Europe.

Perhaps some of the variables that catch out many drivers are speed limits, which naturally change according to conditions in built-up areas, on country roads, and on motorways – and may depend on the size of your motorhome, specifically whether it is more or less than 3,500kg in laden weight (the Maximum Authorised Mass, or MAM, which you are likely to find printed near your vehicle’s VIN plate).

In built-up areas, the usual speed limit is 50kph but beware of variations.

If you are driving a large motorhome of more than 3,500kg, the restriction on motorways might vary from as slow as 50kph in Gibraltar to 110kph in Portugal.

In some countries, larger motorhomes are prohibited from using the “fast” outside lane of three-lane motorways, so lowering the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive.

Onboard essentials

Most countries in Europe have certain safety equipment and warning devices that must always be carried onboard a motor vehicle such as your motorhome.

One of the most notable changes post-Brexit is that, since late September 2021, any vehicle registered in the UK and entering the EU must bear a UK sticker (and not a GB sticker) near or incorporated into the number plate on the rear of the vehicle).

The list of additional onboard essentials varies from one country to another but might include such diverse items as hazard warning triangles (two of them in some countries), a reflective jacket, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and spare bulbs.

One of the quirks of driving in France was previously the need to keep on board a breathalyser kit. While that is no longer a legal requirement, it is worth remembering that the blood-alcohol limit when driving in France is lower than in the UK – so stay on your guard and preferably avoid alcohol altogether if you are going to be driving.

The RAC has country specific checklists on its travel pages.

Make the effort to learn a few words

Although courteous, the naturally official tone of any police that might stop you along your way is of course likely to be off-putting, especially if your knowledge of the local language is sketchy or non-existence. A trusty phrasebook – or these days, a translation app on your mobile, is likely to prove a God send.

Finally, before you travel, don’t forget to check your motorhome insurance includes continental cover and that you have carried out all the necessary safety checks for safe travels.