If you’re one of the many people in the UK embracing the motorhome lifestyle, staying up to date with regulations, tourism trends and legal changes is key. From tax updates to tourism tensions and even a success story in Birmingham, here’s your March 2025 round-up of essential UK motorhome news.

Whether you’re planning an epic road trip or just getting your motorhome ready for spring, we hope this blog will help you stay road-legal, responsible, and well-informed.

Highland ‘campervan tax’ falls flat

The Times newspaper reports that a voluntary “campervan tax” introduced by Highland Council in Scotland has raised less than £1,200 – well short of the £500,000 target.

The £40 scheme was intended to help manage growing motorhome tourism in rural communities by offering perks like designated parking and access to facilities.

The underwhelming uptake has sparked debate about whether more formal measures are needed to manage tourism pressure in hotspots like the North Coast 500 (NC500). With the number of motorhomes in the Highlands rising steadily, many now expect councils to rethink their approach.

NC500 residents complain about motorhome mess

Following on from the above news bite, while scenic routes like the NC500 are increasingly popular with motorhome travellers, not everyone is enjoying the boom. Scottish residents have expressed anger at irresponsible behaviour from some vanlifers – ranging from littering and waste dumping to inconsiderate overnight parking.

A recent interview with The Scottish Sun reveals how local frustrations are mounting, with calls for better infrastructure, clearer guidance, and stronger enforcement.

If you’re heading to the Highlands this season, make sure to use official sites, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and leave no trace behind. Responsible travel protects both your reputation and these incredible landscapes.

New DVLA number plates and tax changes now in force

The Independent newspaper reminds us how, from 1 March 2025, the DVLA released its new ‘25’ number plates for all newly registered vehicles. More significantly for owners of electric campervans or tow vehicles, changes to vehicle excise duty (VED) come into effect from 1 April.

Electric vehicles registered after this date will face a £10 first-year tax rate, and those worth over £40,000 will be subject to a £195 per year Expensive Car Supplement. While these changes don’t impact traditional diesel motorhomes directly, they may influence buyers exploring electric alternatives or tow vehicles for caravans.

Motorhome show success: Sales surge at NEC Birmingham

In brighter news, the 2025 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham saw a major boost in activity. Many exhibitors reported up to a 20% rise in sales compared to last year, signalling continued strong demand for motorhomes, campervans, and touring accessories.

The event showcased the latest innovations in leisure vehicles, with growing interest in sustainable features, smart layouts, and compact designs ideal for UK road trips.
Read the full event wrap-up from The NCC.

Couple fined for stowaway – then cleared

An Essex couple were initially fined £1,500 after returning to the UK from France with an unexpected stowaway in their motorhome – a 16-year-old Sudanese boy.

However, reports The Guardian, the fine was overturned when the couple proved they had promptly reported the discovery to the authorities.

The case raises important awareness for motorhome owners travelling across borders: always check your vehicle thoroughly and follow official guidance when returning from Europe.

Smarter van conversions have been rising in popularity across the UK in recent years – and it’s easy to see why. From cost-effective travel to remote working opportunities, these conversions tap into a range of modern lifestyle trends. Here’s why more people are choosing to upgrade their vans with smarter, more flexible designs:

1. Freedom and flexibility

Van conversions allow people to travel on their own terms, without relying on hotels or fixed itineraries. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full-time van life lifestyle, a well-designed conversion makes it easy to hit the road comfortably.

2. Cost-effective holidays

With the rising cost of living and travel, many are turning to van conversions as a way to enjoy low-cost, high-quality breaks. Once the initial conversion is complete, ongoing travel expenses are significantly lower compared to traditional holidays.

3. Remote working and digital nomad culture

The rise of remote working has fuelled demand for mobile office setups. Smarter van conversions often include Wi-Fi, charging points, and compact desks, making it easier to work from anywhere – whether parked in a forest or by the coast.

4. Sustainability and minimalism

Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly interested in reducing their environmental footprint. Smarter conversions often include solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable materials – appealing to those who want a greener lifestyle.

5. Customisation and comfort

Unlike off-the-shelf campervans, smarter conversions can be tailored to specific needs – whether that’s extra storage, pet-friendly spaces, or clever tech integrations. This bespoke approach adds both comfort and practicality.

Smarter designs for a smarter lifestyle

There are also plenty of reasons why these conversions make sense for everyday use. Smarter van conversions are not only popular for leisure – they’re also practical. They can easily double up as a second vehicle, and they’re an ideal step down for anyone wanting to downsize from a larger coach-built motorhome.

What’s more, manufacturers now see smarter conversions as the future of leisure vehicles. With demand on the rise, more independent converters are entering the market, bringing fresh designs and creative thinking to the sector.

Leisure conversions – changing ideas

The motorhome market is expanding rapidly, and much of this growth stems from the evolution of campervan conversions. People are seeing the benefits of packing more into larger van bases – extending from short-wheelbase to long- and even extra-long-wheelbase models.

This shift reflects changing attitudes. A van conversion isn’t just a camper – it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you’re touring the UK or heading to a festival, these vans offer the flexibility to match your plans.

Smarter buyers demand smarter features

Today’s buyers know what they want – and van converters are delivering. The average modern van conversion typically may include a host of smart extras and cab features, from cruise control and air conditioning to USB ports, solar energy setups, and Bluetooth tech for a connected experience on the move.

These additions don’t just make journeys more enjoyable – they reflect the growing demand for convenience and connectivity on the go.

Innovation is the driving force

As interest grows, so too does innovation. Van converters are pushing the boundaries with creative layouts, stylish interiors, and multi-use berth spaces. Whether you’re looking for something minimal or want to “pimp your van” with bespoke finishes, the range of possibilities is wider than ever.

These vans are ideal for long or short breaks, offering just the right amount of space for travel comfort without the bulk of a full-sized motorhome.

Come and see for yourself

We know it’s hard to grasp just how much comfort and flexibility a smarter van conversion can offer until you’ve seen one in person. That’s why we always encourage potential buyers to come and explore the range for themselves.

At Derbymotorhomes, we’re happy to talk you through the differences between van conversions and coach-built motorhomes. It’s a conversation best had while walking around the vehicles themselves – so you can get a proper feel for what suits you best.

Don’t hesitate – come and visit us to discover why smarter van conversions are one of the most exciting developments in leisure travel today.

Thinking about buying a motorhome but can’t manage an initial visit to the showroom? No worries! At Derby Motorhomes, we’ve made it super easy to explore your perfect motorhome from the comfort of your own home.

Here’s how we’ve got you covered.

Online services that bring the showroom to you

Thanks to today’s tech, getting a real feel for our motorhomes online is almost as good as being here in person.

On our website, you’ll find some video tours that show you everything—from the cosy interiors to the sleek exteriors—so you can really picture yourself in your future home on wheels.

But that’s not all. We also offer fully guided virtual tours where one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members will take you through the motorhome in real-time.

Got questions about the storage, kitchen layout, or where you’ll be sleeping? Fire away! We’ll give you all the answers you need to feel confident.

Personalised consultations, just for you

We know that buying a motorhome is a big decision, so we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Beyond the virtual tours, we offer personalised consultations over video or phone calls. Whether you want to talk motorhome finance options, part-exchange deals, insurance, or warranties, our team is ready to help.

Think of it as a chat with a mate who knows motorhomes inside out, you’ll get all the info and advice tailored to your needs..

Take your time in our virtual showroom

Once you’ve had your video tours and chats, you can keep browsing our virtual showroom at your own pace. See a motorhome that catches your eye? Go back to it as many times as you like. Compare models, check out key features, and weigh up your options without any pressure. One of the best bits? No queues, no tired feet—just you and your laptop or phone, browsing at your leisure.

Easy payment and hassle-free collection

We’ve made paying for your motorhome as simple as possible. Once you’ve made your choice and sorted out the details, you can pay for your motorhome by bank transfer prior to collection.

When it’s time to collect your new motorhome, our aftersales staff will arrange a morning or afternoon collection slot for you and we’ll even walk you through its full operation and features, so you’re all set to hit the road.

Ongoing support whenever you need it

Buying a motorhome is just the start of your journey, and we’re here to help you every mile of the way. Our servicing team is on hand for maintenance to keep your motorhome running smoothly. Got questions or need advice? We’re just an email or phone call away.

We’ve also packed our website with useful resources to help you keep your motorhome in great condition. From routine maintenance tips to seasonal prep guides, we’ve got everything you need to stay ahead.

Why choose Derby Motorhomes?

We know buying a motorhome is a big investment, and we want to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our focus on customer satisfaction, backed by our innovative online tools, makes us stand out. From browsing to collection, we’re here to make your motorhome purchase a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Start your motorhome adventure today

Check out our wide range of motorhomes online and see just how easy it is to make your dream a reality. With Derby Motorhomes, expert advice, virtual tours, and personalised support are just a click away.

Start your adventure today and discover the freedom of motorhome ownership with complete peace of mind.

If you love travelling, touring and exploring the great outdoors or want to find out about how to get started, this is the event for you. Join Tim and Paul at the NEC, Birmingham this October to get a first hand look inside our extensive range of Auto-Sleeper models.

This is a brilliant opportunity to step inside the latest vehicles from Auto-Sleepers and get a real understanding of what a motorhome is all about and a feel for which layout suits you.

You will be able to find Auto-Sleepers in HALL 8 STAND 8.25

Event Opening Times: 

10.00am – 6.00pm 15th – 20th October 2024

Location Address – National Exhibition Centre, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT

Derby Motorhomes would like to wish all of our customers both new and old a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our 2023 Christmas hours are as follows:

Derby Motorhomes will be closed all Sundays during December.

SERVICE/AFTERSALES DEPARTMENTS

Our Service/Aftersales close on Friday 15th December.

Our Service/Aftersales reopen on Tuesday 2nd January 2024

SALES DEPARTMENT

Monday 18th – Thursday 21st of December 10.00am – 4.00pm

Our Sales will close on Friday 22nd December.

Our sales re-open Tuesday 2nd January 2024

We would like to thank all our customers for their business this year

and look forward to meeting you all again in the future

The Derby Motorhomes Team

For anyone who already owns a motorhome, is thinking of buying one, or is just itching to find out what makes them so popular, a motorhome show offers a showcase of everything you could hope to find out about these leisure vehicles.

Fortunately, the UK boasts a fairly full calendar of motorhome shows across the country and throughout the entire year. The biggest and probably most popular of these is the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), towards the end of February each year.

But there are plenty of other shows, too, so that you’re never likely to be far from one coming soon to where you live. Because of the range and variety of everything on display at these shows, it makes good sense to spend a moment or two thinking about how you can make the most of your time there:

Why are you going?

• it might seem like too obvious a question, but if you have sorted out in your mind just why you are heading off to the show, it may help you to make the most of the day;
• if you have a definite plan to buy a new motorhome soon, for example, you might find discounts and other deals being offered by suppliers at the exhibition – so you might want to line up any finance for your new motorhome before you go;
• if you are going just to browse, you might want to give yourself that extra time and space by organising a weekday visit, when there are fewer crowds, and you can wander to your heart’s content;

What’s there?

• of all the many motorhome shows around the country at various times of the year, just remember that every one of them is different;
• most have a website where you can find details of what is going to be on display and perhaps even a site plan of exhibitors;
• before show day, make a note of those manufacturers of motorhomes, suppliers of accessories, and any other exhibits in which you are likely to be interested;
• this is to help make sure that you cover everything you want to cover, in a place where you are almost certain to be side-tracked and distracted by the new or unusual – your list of “must sees” may help to provide some focus;
• the reason for going and knowing what’s there may help you to devise a plan for the best use of your day;
• you might want to regard it as a list of intentions, though, rather than any hard and fast schedule that you must stick to at all costs – allow for sufficient flexibility in your planning;

Motorhome show or permanent exhibition?

• although it is easy enough to find a schedule of different motorhome shows that are going to be staged at various times of the year in different parts of the country, remember, too that there are also more permanent displays and exhibitions;
• our own exhibition centre here at Derby Motorhomes in Derby, for example, offers year-round displays of a huge selection of new and used vehicles, supplemented by a comprehensive, user-friendly and personalised website and social media experience for anyone interested in buying their next motorhome;

What type of motorhome?

• it’s a motorhome show, so you might want to give some thought beforehand to the type of motorhome you want;
• where are you likely to be driving one, for example – how long do you plan to be behind the wheel and how long inside your motorhome once you’ve set up your base;
• what standard of accommodation are you looking for and how many people does it need to sleep – something as simple as adequate headroom for the tallest member of the family could make all the difference;
• where are you going to park or store your motorhome when it’s not in use and where can you take it for repairs, servicing, and maintenance;

A family day out?

• a motorhome show can make for a great family day out – and the kids are likely to be just as excited as you about the next holiday adventure;
• remember, though, that their attention span may be less single-minded than your own and you might want to be prepared to offer them other distractions, too – soft drinks and munchies for starters.

Your visit to a motorhome show is likely to prove a fun-packed and absorbing experience – but a little forethought and planning might help you make the most of it.

Bank Holiday Opening Hours 

                                Service                                 Sales

Saturday 27th        Closed                       10.00am – 4.00pm

Sunday   28th        Closed                       10.00am – 2.00pm

Monday  29th        Closed                      10.00am – 2.00pm