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Exploring the great British Isles by campervan is one of life’s little pleasures. In fact, there are an estimated 225,000 campervans and motorhomes on the UK’s roads right now, meaning more of us than ever are choosing those mode of transport as a way of getting out and seeing our amazing country.

Campervans are affordable, reliable and give you the chance to set off on a new adventure at a moment’s notice. In fact, that was one of the key benefits of owning a campervan according to a survey of owners carried out by Campervan magazine in 2018.

Quoted on the Out & About Live website, managing editor of Campervan magazine Daniel Attwood said: “The wonderful vision of escaping everyday life and setting off on an adventure is not unattainable dream – thousands of people have literally turned their dream into a reality with a campervan.”

There is so much to see – from sweeping Scottish mountains to the breathtaking Lake District and the surfer-filled beaches of the south, the UK is the perfect place to embark on your next campervan adventure, whether with friends, family or on your own.

But which vehicle is best to do it in? When it comes to new and second-hand campervans, you’re spoilt for choice and restricted only by your budget. The best thing to do before you buy is to work out the types of trips you’re most likely to do. Perhaps you’re a retired couple hoping to spend weeks at a time travelling around in your van? Or perhaps you’re a family looking for a cheap way to escape at the last minute at the weekends? Whatever type of campervan you’re searching for, remember to get some quality campervan insurance in place before you set off.

Lancaster Insurance can compare hundreds of campervan insurance quotes to make sure you get the best one for your circumstances. It won’t just cover you for accidents remember – it’s a good idea to protect your campervan’s contents, too.  

So after you’ve got your cover sorted, it’s time to start shopping for your next ride! Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of campervans being launched in the UK, and some of the more classic models, to help you decide which one could be right for you.

Three of the best new campers

1. Lunar Campers Lerina campervan

According to Out & About Live, if you’re on a budget, one of the best campervans you can invest in this year is the Lerina from Lumar Campers. Coming in at a cool £42,000 it stands up well against competitors in a similar class but where it really excels is in what it offers as standard. From the air con and the cruise control to the DAB radio and sat nav, everything you need is at your fingertips. Plus, the more eco-conscious travellers among you will be please to know that the Lerina comes with a start-stop system that helps cut down on fuel emissions so you can be more environmentally friendly whilst on your travels. You can choose from the 120bhp or the 180bhp versions – the latter of which is still over £12,000 cheaper than a VW California Ocean.

2. Rolling Homes Magellan Campervan

This mid-sized long-form VW Vito T6 boasts great interior space as well as being only 1.93m in height. Not only does this mean no dramas when you’re trying to get it back into the garage at home or into a multi-storey car park, but it also makes the driving position much more like a car than a campervan. At just under £46,000 new on the road, it’s a pricier option than the Lerina and you can easily find yourself going over that with all the cool spec options available. But the quality interior and handcrafted cabinets make this a really luxurious space to be.

3. VW Grand California

If you’re a surf fanatic, VW’s new larger Grand California campervan should be on this year’s Christmas list. VW has a great campervan heritage and this latest model carries on the tradition in modern style. From temperature-controlled showers to Bluetooth speakers, this new van really has all mod cons covered in spades.

Three classic campers we love

4. Splitscreen VW campervan

Say the word ‘campervan’ and the classic ‘Splittie’ instantly springs to mind. Synonymous with the outdoor lifestyle, the classic T1 and T2 models are the ones most people want to own – if they can afford it. Bonhams Auctioneers have a 1960 VW Splitscreen coming up in their September sale with a guide of £30,000-£40,000 if you have a few thousand to spare?

5. Mazda Bongo

If you like your practicality mixed with quirky looks, you’ll love the classic Mazda Bongo. According to Inside Mazda, this super-cute rear-engine camper was originally sold in 1966 with the promise of being perfect for everything from ‘camping holidays to tennis tournaments’! This was the first cab-over one-box van with the engine hidden under the floor. The first generation models with their funky round headlights are now extremely rare, thanks to rust, so you’re more likely to find the third generation (1983-1999) for under £10,000.

6. Bedford CF

If you want to experience an early 80s-style campervan adventure, look no further than the classic Bedford CF250 Autosleeper. There was plenty of head height in the seating area and the dinky ‘dinette’ meant you could rustle up some bacon and eggs on the go! With a WC, hot and cold running water and four comfortable berths, this was truly a home away from home. The classic two-tone Bedford White and Caramel paint job was our particular favourite!

Comparing campervan insurance

Not all campervan insurance is created equal! If you’re over the age of 21, you’ll be able to visit Lancaster Insurance and compare a range of policies to suit your specific needs and budget.

Remember that campervan insurance can’t protect you for every situation so it’s imperative that you check the coverage that your policy provides. For instance, it might not cover you for things like punctures or damage caused to your tyres through braking or damage caused by animals, vermin or pests.

It’s also essential that you understand the difference between a campervan and a motorhome when you’re buying campervan insurance. Campervans are usually smaller with the driving cabin integrated into the living space. Motorhomes are usually larger and used for longer-term adventures.

The cost of campervan insurance will vary depending on several factors including the vehicle’s model and age so it’s always best to speak to the specialists at Lancaster so they can help you gather quotes that are right for you.

Call the friendly team today on 01480 484826 and get the campervan insurance you need at a price you can afford.