Campervan Hire near Bournemouth

Motorhome Hire Bournemouth

Just 150 kilometres south-west of London, Bournemouth was nothing more than coastal heathland right up until 1810 when it was founded by Lewis Tregonwell, a captain in the army. A popular seaside resort for more than a century, it boasts a historic pier. This sits at the heart of more than 10 kilometres of sandy beachfront welcoming more than five million visitors a year. In many ways, Bournemouth is rather modest with its attractions, since it lies just a few minutes by road from the New Forest National Park to the east, Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north, and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the west. All this natural beauty is easily accessible with your campervan rental in Bournemouth. 

Getting to Bournemouth

Getting to your motorhome hire in Bournemouth is simple as Bournemouth is approximately 35 kilometres from the southern end of the M27 motorway, which follows the south coast towards Portsmouth and connects up with the wider UK motorway network. The town’s main railway station forms part of the South Western Main Line and has regular services to and from London’s Waterloo station. Bournemouth Airport is located just seven kilometres from the town centre and currently has flights to 23 different destinations in nine European countries, largely on a seasonal summer basis through services by easyJet, Ryanair and TUI.

Parking in Bournemouth

In the centre of Bournemouth, parking suitable for campervans is limited. Your best option is to try the Queen’s Road Car Park inland from the West Cliff area of the town. This has a handful of larger bays available, with charges of around €1.50 for one hour, and €6 for up to 24 hours. Although open 24-hours a day, it is not permitted to stay overnight in your vehicle here. Further out, the Park and Ride site at Kings Park, off the A338 Wessex Road, also welcomes campervan hire in Bournemouth. Parking costs roughly €6 for an all-day stay, and free buses run every 15 minutes to the town centre from 9 am until 7 pm. Neither site has height restrictions.

Annual Events in Bournemouth

• Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival, Southbourne, August. Three outdoor stages are the focus of this event, which aims to bring back the music of the early twentieth century. Expect everything from Lindy hop demonstrations to local beers. Free.
  
• Bournemouth Air Festival, seafront, August/September. This four-day event attracts a stunning range of aircraft from right around the world by day and night, including the UK’s own Battle of Britain Memorial Flight of WWII Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane. Free.
  
• Arts by the Sea, city wide, October. One of the south coast’s foremost cultural events, Arts by the Sea fills the town with parades, nighttime illuminations and musical performances. Free, although some venues may charge.

Camping in Bournemouth

•  Back of Beyond. Approximately 10 km from central Bournemouth, this site lies within 30 acres of countryside. One of the area’s larger campervan-friendly stays includes free fishing on the local river. From €27 per night with electric hook-up.
  
• Gundrys Farm. Just a short drive from the New Forest National Park, this is a peaceful option amid wonderful scenery and family-friendly. From €29 per night.
  
• Wilksworth Caravan Park. The family facilities at this caravan park are second-to-none, with an outdoor heated pool, children’s play area, and even a BMX track. Grass and hardstand pitches cost from €19 per night.