Campervan Hire in the Lake District: Everything You Need to Know (2027 Guide)
Updated: 5 days ago
There's no better way to see the Lake District than from behind the wheel of a campervan. You can wake up near the fells, put the kettle on before the day-trippers arrive and move on whenever the weather or your mood changes. If you've never hired a campervan before, though, the practical side can feel like a lot to take in.
This guide covers what you need to know before booking campervan hire in the Lake District: who can drive, how collection works, mileage, pets, cancellations and what to pack. Where we mention specifics, they're the terms we use at Fiordline Campers, a small independent hire and conversion business in Kendal, so you know exactly what to expect.
Why hire a campervan for the Lake District?
The Lake District National Park covers a big area of lakes, fells, valleys and coast, and the best of it is spread out. A campervan lets you link Windermere, Coniston, Borrowdale, Ullswater and the quieter western valleys into one trip without packing and unpacking every night. You carry your kitchen, your bed and your wet-weather gear with you, which counts for a lot in Cumbria.
It also suits how people actually explore the Lakes. You might want an early start for a fell walk, a long lunch by a lake, then a short drive to a campsite with a view. A campervan makes all of that easy.
Starting in Kendal: the gateway to the Lakes
Kendal sits on the south-eastern edge of the Lake District, close to the M6, so it's a natural starting point whether you're driving up from the south or coming by train. From Kendal you can be on the shores of Windermere quickly, then head north or west as your plans take shape.
Fiordline Campers is based in Kendal (LA9 7PF). You can leave your own car at our premises during the hire, at your own risk, so you can arrive, swap vehicles and go.
Who can drive a hire campervan?
Every hire company sets its own rules, usually driven by its insurer. Ours are:
Drivers must be aged between 25 and 75.
You need a full UK driving licence held for at least 2 years.
A maximum of 6 penalty points.
Two forms of proof of address dated within the last 3 months.
A DVLA licence check code, generated within 72 hours of collection.
Only named drivers may drive the van.
Check these before you book. It's far better to know at the start than to find out at handover.
Insurance, deposits and payment
Insurance is included with our campervan hire, with a £750 insurance excess. We also take a £750 refundable security deposit, payable by BACS or a pre-authorised card transaction. Full payment is made at the time of booking through our secure online checkout.
Breakdown cover is included too, covering roadside assistance and nationwide recovery, so help is a phone call away if something goes wrong.
Collection, handover and return
Collection is between 08:00 and 15:00, and the van should be back by 16:00 on your return date. Allow up to an hour at pick-up: we'll walk you through the van, the kitchen, the bed and the electrics so you leave confident. If it's your first campervan, ask anything. No question is too small.
The van comes with a full tank of fuel and should come back full. Return it clean and tidy inside.
Mileage: how far can you go?
Our hires include 1,000 miles per week (147 miles per day), with extra miles charged at £0.32 per mile. For a Lake District trip that's plenty. Distances between the main valleys are short, even if the roads are slow and winding. If you're planning a longer tour, say up to Scotland, keep an eye on the total.
Bringing your dog
Lots of people want to explore the Lakes with their dog, and we're dog-friendly. Dogs are £25 per dog per trip, and that includes our Bring Your Pooch travel pack: a Dog-G8 vehicle barrier, a collapsible water bowl, a food bowl, a towel, a lead and a placemat. One well-behaved dog per booking is the norm unless agreed in writing, and dogs stay off the seats and beds.
Useful add-ons
Bedding rental (£25): fitted sheet, duvet with cover, pillows with cases and an optional blanket, freshly laundered.
Portable toilet rental: a Thetford Porta Potti for extra independence.
Bring Your Pooch pack: as above, required when bringing a dog.
You can see the current add-ons on our rentals and add-ons pages.
Where can you stay overnight?
Campsites are the simplest and most reliable option in the Lake District, and many have electric hook-up. In peak season, book the popular ones ahead. Wild camping in a vehicle is a different matter. We cover it in detail in our post on wild camping in the Lakes, but the short version is to plan proper overnight stops and check local signage.
Planning your route
Lake District roads can be narrow, steep and busy in summer, and some passes are best avoided in a larger vehicle. Plan a loose route, allow more time than the sat nav says and build in rest days. If you want inspiration, our weekend North Lakes itinerary is a good starting point for a short break.
What to pack
Waterproofs and warm layers, whatever the season.
Walking boots and a small daypack.
Your own bedding (or add our bedding rental).
Food basics for the first night.
Driving licence, DVLA check code and proof of address.
A paper map. Phone signal in some valleys is patchy.
Cancellations
Plans change, so read the cancellation terms before you book. Cancellations more than 6 weeks before the hire start date receive a 50% refund of the total hire cost. Within 6 weeks there's no refund, and no-shows count as cancellations. Travel insurance is worth considering.
Taking the van abroad
Yes, you can. EU travel is allowed, and our insurance and breakdown cover both include it. Kendal is close to the M6, so it's easy to head north to Scotland, south to Wales, Cornwall or the ferry ports, or across to the East Coast.
Ready to book?
If you're thinking about campervan hire in the Lake District, we'd love to help. Fiordline is a small, independent business. There's no faceless fleet, just a well-looked-after van and someone who cares about your trip. Check availability and book your campervan, or get in touch with any questions.
And if your road trip leaves you dreaming of a van of your own, we build those too. Have a look at our campervan conversion services.
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