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Campervan Hire Edinburgh: Explore the city of contrasts in a motorhome

The skyline of Edinburgh is unforgettable, with its towering castle and old world charm. It’s a compact city that is easy to explore and the surrounding countryside and coastline are scenic and picturesque. Sounds perfect for a motorhome road trip. Pick up a UK campervan rental in Edinburgh and explore the breathtaking views of the city and the rest of the Scottish Highlands.

 

Viewing the Edinburgh Skyline on your motorhome trip may look like watching the opening salvo of a film. - from Andrew Colin at Flickr

 

Hiring a campervan rental in Edinburgh, Scotland

Campervan hire in Edinburgh has grown popularity in recent years with the growing demands from both local and international tourists. Serving as a gateway to the stunning landscapes and sceneries of Scotland, Edinburgh is an ideal jump off point for your motorhome adventure.

 

Organise your Edinburgh campervan hire with Motorhome Republic and have the freedom to choose from a wide range of motorhome rental vehicles. Choose a private motorhome hire Edinburgh when traveling solo or with a partner for a short tour of the countryside or opt for an extended tour in a luxury motorhome rental across Scotland. Pick up your campervan hire near Edinburgh Airport or from rental depots located in the city centre.

 

Where to hire a campervan in Edinburgh

  • Bunk Campers are located 15 minutes from the airport and offer transfers. Their fleet of motorhome rental is large and you can choose to drop off your camper in another city.

  • Spaceships’ Edinburgh depot can be found at The Workship, Union St, which is around 25 minutes in a taxi from Edinburgh Airport. The team there have great advice on local itineraries and the right vehicle for your campervan Edinburgh road trip.

  • McRent are the ‘campervan experts’ and are located just 6km from the airport at Ratho Coaches Newbridge Inudstrial Estate. Their rental vehicles have top-of-the-range fittings and McRent have an outstanding international reputation

  • Pure Motorhomes UK pride themselves on the quality of their campervans and RVS, while not compromising on service. Check them out at Motorhome Republic.

  • Compass Campers deal in Edinburgh motorhomes and campervans, across a variety of rental brands that come in all shapes and sizes


Handy hints for your camper hire in Edinburgh

  • Choose an area you really want to see, with plenty of things to do during the day. 

  • Bring a good map to help you navigate the area in your motorhome rental.

  • Make sure you take any essentials if you’re you’re heading out of the city in your Edinburgh motorhome hire, as chances are you may not be able to pick stuff up locally.

  • It can get very cold at night, so bring extra-warm clothing.

 

Castle and crag, the history of Scotland’s capital

Edinburgh grew around its Old Town until the late 18th century, and this medieval heart of the city still has a distinct atmosphere from the iconic Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket below, where public hangings formerly took place.

At the bottom end of the Royal Mile, in the middle of the city, is a dormant volcano, 251m above sea level. Arthur’s Seat is the remains of a 2000-year-old fort at the top. The view is not to be missed. Right next to the fort is Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland.
 

The Edinburgh Castle is sure to complete that motorhome adventure in Scottish lands. - from BBC News


Edinburgh Castle is a definite must-see when you're on a UK motorhome trip. Overlooking Princes Street Gardens that were once a loch, stands the most famous castle in Scotland. At the centre of Scottish life for more than 900 years, Edinburgh Castle was one of the strongest fortresses in the kingdom. Here you’ll find the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and unparalleled views. Time your visit for the deafening One O’Clock Gun, part of a tradition that once set maritime clocks.
 

To complete your historical and cultural immersion in Edinburgh, you will never go wrong with paying a visit to the following national institutions:

  • Scottish National Gallery
  • Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
  • The City Art Centre of Edinburgh
  • National Museum of Scotland

 

It’s not all history and stonework, though. The other half of the city centre is the Georgian New Town, where the shops are at their best. Also, modern architecture such as the Scottish Parliament sits alongside the beautiful baroque buildings. There are monuments to writers all over this UNESCO City of Literature so find inspiration at gourmet tea and coffee shop, the Elephant House, loved by Alexander McCall Smith, Ian Rankin and JK Rowling.

Camping accommodation in Edinburgh

  • Mortonhall Caravan & Camping Park is peaceful, even when busy. There is a pub and restaurant on site and friendly staff. It has access to a bus stop nearby so is great to get into the city. 

  • Edinburgh Caravan Club Site is close to the coast and has welcoming staff. Buses run every 10 minutes into the city during the day, and every half hour in the evening.

  • Just west of Edinburgh is Linwater Caravan Park. It has good facilities for your campervan hire and lovely walks nearby.

  • Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh is Drummohr Caravan Park. It has 108 pitches and an excellent bus service into Princes Street.

Eating out in Edinburgh

Leith is home to some of Edinburgh’s most welcoming and best quality restaurants. The Ship on the Shore is seafood heaven with a delicious bowl of chowder, catch of the day and steamed Shetland mussels. Ondine is also seafood-inspired, yet a little more refined. Feast on the sea bream curry or roast shellfish platter. The dishes are all exquisite, but you can’t beat their oysters.

Kweilin’s food is spectacular. Their eight treasures duck has to be tried. Again, the menu is seafood heavy and the prices might be a little higher than your average Chinese restaurant. Dusit is a Thai eatery in Thistle Street, nestled between boutique designers and champagne lounges. A little fancier than your everyday Thai, some dishes can even be ordered with venison for that Scottish twist on a classic. For a delicious dinner that won’t empty your wallet, head to BiaBistrot. They have a locally sourced menu with dishes of venison carpaccio, glazed pork belly and perfectly cooked fish. Authentic Spanish tapas can be found at Tapa in Leith. For less than a tenner, you can try patatasbravas, meatballs or aubergine drizzled with honey.

Pack the campervan and take a day trip in your Edinburgh motorhome hire

Empty beaches, unspoilt nature reserves and quaint fishing villages are dotted along the coast outside Edinburgh. Stretching from the village of Belhaven to the north of the River Tyne is Belhaven Beach, with sheltering sand dunes, rich salt marsh and colourful grasslands. It’s a great spot for walking, picnics and sunbathing, and has spectacular views across the Forth Estuary.

Linlithgow Palace is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Step inside the ruins only minutes from the historic, cobbled high street of Linlithgow. Just an hour from Edinburgh is the town of Crieff. It’s here you’ll find Scotland’s Oldest Distillery – The Glenturret Distillery. Novices and whisky enthusiasts alike will enjoy the tours, with a chance to see the Guinness World Record for the largest bottle of whisky.

Dirleton Castle is around 30km east of Edinburgh. A pretty and romantic castle with architectural history stretching back for 700 years, it is best known for its fantastic gardens. Tantallon Castle is a formidable stronghold set atop the cliffs on the Firth of Forth. Crichton Castle is a large and surprisingly sophisticated castle, tucked away beyond the village of Pathhead. The foreboding Blackness Castle, built in the 15th century, was once a garrison fortress and state prison.

When in Scotland, you must pay a visit to the beautiful Highlands and try to spot Nessie swimming in the Loch Ness, near Inverness. Dundee and Perth, are two other coastal cities not to miss. Finally, if you are in the mood for some shopping, you should make your way to Glasgow in your cheap campervan hire Scotland.

Expect the unexpected weather wise

Famous for its many festivals, Edinburgh is a great place to visit all year round. Rent a camper van hire in Edinburgh from May to September when the climate is most comfortable for the camping traveller. That said, the weather in Edinburgh is always changeable and visitors should expect both sunshine and rain, whatever the season.

Travel Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland

Exploring Edinburgh is more interesting if you visit these recommended places.

Linwater Caravan Park

Linwater Caravan Park is an easy 30-minute drive from central Edinburgh, which means it’s the perfect city escape. Linwater offers visitors a range of accommodation options to suit, including motorhomes, caravans, glamping and self-catered lodges. Kid-friendly, pet-friendly, free wifi, surrounded by nature and excellent onsite facilities means your stay at Linwood is complete. Nearby you’ll find Livingstone, home to one of the biggest shopping malls in the UK. Other points of interest around Linwater include the Kelpies statues which are approximately 40 minutes away in Grangemouth. Take you campervan hire Edinburgh across Scotland on an epic adventure stopping at Linwater Caravan Park along the way.

Opening hours: Open 24/7

Address: Linwater Caravan Park, Clifton Rd, Newbridge EH53 0HT, UK


Dynamic Earth

With plenty of excitement to offer the entire family, head to Dynamic Earth for a range of impressive earthly experiences. Journey to the bottom of the ocean in a submarine, explore the land and its tectonic plates and fly into space among the dazzling constellations with a range of interactive exhibits, exciting talks, unique events and inclusive activities. Kids will love discovering our beautiful world while learning along the way at Dynamic Earth. Stop by the onsite cafe to refuel and check out the gift shop for shopping. Because of its fantastic setup, it also serves as a conference and event venue. Dynamic Earth is the ideal activity to pair while exploring Scotland in your campervan hire Edinburgh. Learn more about this beautiful part of the UK and the world during your visit to Dynamic Earth.

Opening hours: Open 7 days, 10.00am-5.30pm

Address: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS

 

One exploration of Scotland's capital on a campervan hire creates a feeling of royalty! - from Earth.com

Motorhome Hire Edinburgh FAQs

Can you hire motorhomes in Scotland?

You'll be renting more than merely a vehicle when you book an Edinburgh campervan rental. You get to experience the heart of Scotland, its stunning views, interact with wonderful people, and discover more of the open road that only a motorhome holiday provides. You are free to take your own route and on your pace the moment your Scottish motorhome trip is underway.
 

How old do you have to be to rent a campervan in Edinburgh?

You must be at least 25 years old to hire and drive a campervan in Edinburgh. Some RV hire providers may rent to drivers from 21 to 24 years of age, but usually an underage surcharge is applied to the rental rates.
 

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in Scotland?

Scotland laws allow for sleeping in any location as long as that is not a “do not park” zone, and motorhomes / campers are parked a good distance away from main roads or tourist attractions. Further, if it is clear who owns the land you are aiming to overnight at, obtain a permission beforehand and be prepared to seek another parking spot as required.
 

Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan hire in Edinburgh?

No. All you need is a standard full car licence to rent and drive a campervan rental Edinburgh. A category C1 licence is required only if you plan to book and drive a campervan that is more than 3.5 tonnes. And, if your drivers licence is not written in English, there is a need to provide an IDP / International Driving Permit.
 

Can I pick up a campervan at Edinburgh Airport?

No. The Edinburgh Airport is not the pickup location as you rent a campervan Edinburgh. However, most depots are a few minutes drive away, with many suppliers offering a complimentary shuttle to go with the camper rental. You may also opt for paid shuttle service or public transportation to go to the Edinburgh depot.

 

How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Scotland?

Please be reminded that rates on campervan rentals Edinburgh UK depend on factors like the time of year you visit, vehicle availability, and the length of the rental. Make a search on our website to see available offers from various suppliers.
 

Can I rent a VW campervan?

Due to many factors, it is difficult to provide the final word about the vehicle models available to be rented. A VW campervan hire is also not usually offered by suppliers, but reach out to our reservations staff to check if such is available.
 

 

Continue your road trip in other UK locations, check and secure London RV rentals, or a Manchester campervan hire. Alternatively, grab motorhome rentals from Birmingham, Bristol, Luton, and every top destination in the UK, all with superb offers from Motorhome Republic.