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Exploring Edinburgh and the southeast of Scotland in a campervan is ideal, thanks to the abundance of campsites open throughout the year. With so much to experience in Scotland’s capital, it’s no surprise that 24.8 million people visited in 2019!
Traveling in a motorhome is a great way to get an authentic feel for what the city is like, and as Edinburgh is on Scotland’s east coast, you can find some impressive overnight parking spots. Wild camping is legal in Scotland, so the options for choosing a camp spot for the night are almost endless. Renting a campervan means you can park overnight in the heart of the city on a campsite or head outside the city to a remote forest spot—it’s up to you!
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh's charm lies in its harmonious blend of historic grandeur and contemporary flair. With its warm and friendly people, vibrant cultural offerings, and stunning natural beauty, the city embodies the essence of Scotland's spirit and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. If you visit during winter, you’ll see the city transform into a white, magical wonderland.
Across the UK, many family-run pubs allow campers to park overnight in their motorhome, provided they have a meal or drink inside. Edinburgh is no exception to this, so it’s the perfect excuse to have a cheeky single-malt whiskey and see how the locals like to spend their evenings.
Discover Edinburgh your way by choosing a class of campervan that suits your travel needs.
Ford Zefiro
VW California Ocean T6
Compact Plus
Family Standard Sunlight T67
Volkswagen Camper Car
Voyager 4-Berth
Family Luxury
VW Camper
Ford Zefiro
Family Luxury
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
The cost of renting a campervan in Edinburgh can vary depending on several factors, including the size and luxury level of the vehicle, the time of year, the length of the rental, and any additional features or services you require. Typical daily rates for a smaller 2-berth campervan rental range from around £70 to £160 per day.
Standard 4-berth motorhomes typically range from £140 to £170 per day. A super luxury 4-berth model could cost from £185 to £300 daily. Use our search engine for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Renting a luxury motorhome provides the ultimate comfort experience, as you have everything you need on board—and even more! Luxury motorhomes have a higher rental price, so if you’re looking for a cheaper option but don’t want to compromise on features, a budget-friendly camper may be a better way to go. Edinburgh’s surroundings are stunning, and one of the best ways to explore them is to venture off and see where you end up! A 4WD camper is a good option to get an authentic feel for the epic east coast of Scotland and can get you to remote park-ups where only trees and wildlife are your neighbors.
The cheapest time to rent a campervan in Edinburgh is during the low season, typically in April and October. This is when you can find the lowest rates for smaller 2-berth campervans and larger 4-berth or 6-berth motorhomes.
It's important to note that while costs may be lower during these times, the weather can be more unpredictable, which could impact your travel plans.
Nicknamed “Athens of the North”, Edinburgh is more than just Scotland’s capital; it’s a place to fully immerse yourself in Scottish culture and absorb its deep history. The city's iconic centerpiece, Edinburgh Castle, sits majestically atop Castle Rock, overlooking the city's winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. The Royal Mile stretches from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is lined with historic landmarks, charming shops, and traditional Scottish pubs.
Edinburgh is also known as the 'Festival City' due to the number of festivals throughout the year. The most famous is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival that transforms the city every August and attracts performers and visitors from across the globe. Its numerous museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, showcase the country's rich heritage and artistic achievements.
Edinburgh boasts several impressive hikes, many of which offer sweeping views of the city itself. There's no better time to tackle the trails than when you're exploring Scotland in your RV. Many are suitable for a range of fitness levels, children, and furry friends, too, so it's the perfect time to get the family out and soak up Scotland's natural beauty. Be sure to add Arthur's Seat, Water of Leith Walkway, and Caerketton Hill to your itinerary, as you won't want to miss these hikes.
We've put together some recommendations on how to get the most out of your RV vacation here:
Walking through the streets, you'll notice the air occasionally being filled with a sweet, cookie smell that'll make your mouth water. Shortbread is arguably the taste of Scotland, and you'll find plenty of local artisan bakeries here for you to enjoy some shortbread at its finest.
If savory foods are more your thing, this is also the home of haggis, a traditional Scottish meat pudding. You can either head to a restaurant to try it out or pop into a bar and have some haggis with a drop of Scottish whiskey. For plant-based visitors, Edinburgh was voted the best city in the US for vegans in 2022, so you won't have to settle for a salad with a side of fries when you visit!
Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world and offers everything from dance and music to theater and comedy, lighting up the city with color, sound, and energy. The festival usually takes place during the summer, and visitors worldwide travel to see and be a part of it. If you plan to visit, book a campground early, as they will get booked out!
A little south of Edinburgh and away from the hustle and bustle are beautiful nature areas offering impressive views and tranquility. Glencorse Reservoir is a fantastic place to visit if you've spent a few days in the city and are looking for a quieter change. It's the ideal place to escape the busyness of the center and even rent a boat for the ultimate romantic afternoon on the water.
Saving money is easy and can be done in a few simple ways. There’s so much to see, do and eat in Edinburgh, so it’s important to prioritize if you’re on a budget. Effortless things like renting a campervan with cooking facilities can save you a substantial amount, as you’ll be less tempted to eat out every night if you have fresh food to cook in your camper.
Here are some top tips to save money on your campervan vacation:
Visit in off-peak season: Peak season is summertime when visitors come from all around the world to walk the streets, taste the food and feel the vibrant energy of the city. It’s a beautiful time to visit the city, as flowers are in full bloom and the sun illuminates the grand architecture. This also means campground prices increase, and it can be harder to book onto a site unless you get ahead and book early. Traveling at the tail end of spring or the beginning of fall is a quieter and cheaper time to visit.
Use wild camping spots: The area boasts some superb campgrounds for your motorhome vacation, but using them for the whole trip can cost a lot. Head out of the city center and slightly inland to find free, wild camping spots. Wild spots also allow you to capture the true essence of Scotland. Not to mention parking outside the city is likely to be quieter, and you’re less likely to draw any unwanted attention.
Rent a campervan: Renting a campervan saves you from splurging on hotels and car rental. The capital tends to get very busy with tourists during the summer, and prices of hotels soar, so save yourself some money and explore in a campervan instead. Parking a little outside of Edinburgh costs less as parking lots are cheaper, and you can get your step count up by walking into the city instead.
The average annual temperature for Edinburgh is a chilly 48℉, so if you want to experience sunshine and blue skies, the best time to visit in a campervan is definitely during the summer!
Don’t be put off by the cold weather, though, as Edinburgh is a magnificent place to visit regardless of the season and tends to be milder than rural Scotland. If rain starts to fall, you can always dip into one of the many cozy cafes lining the streets and dry off around a crackling fire.
Spring (March-May):
Spring brings a welcome hint of warmth after what is usually a cold winter season. Along with sunshine and quieter roads, spring also brings lower campsite prices than summer. The average temperature is a mild 59℉, but as the UK’s weather can often be dubious, it’s best to pack waterproofs and an umbrella just in case!
Summer (June-August):
Summer days have an average temperature of 66℉, and since it doesn’t tend to get dark until 9 pm, you can enjoy alfresco dining as the stars slowly begin to light up the sky. The energy of the city during summer is infectious, and you can expect the streets to be lined with color, music, and traditional Scottish food.
Autumn (September-November):
If you’re hiring a campervan and heading to Edinburgh in autumn, you can look forward to the stunning red, orange, and yellow leaves that coat the streets. It’s a blissful time to visit the city as the high energy from summer fades and is replaced with an air of nostalgic calmness. Temperatures drop considerably, with the average autumn temperature being around 48℉, so be ready for some crisp mornings in your camper!
Winter (December-February):
With an average temperature of 44℉, winter is on the colder side, so you’ll need to pack a blanket or two in your motorhome. Make sure you choose a camper with a good heating source, as temperatures can drop below zero.
Edinburgh isn't a huge city, but it's easy to run out of time before you've done everything you wanted to do. If you're on a tight schedule, 5-7 days is a decent amount to scratch the surface. To delve deeper into the city's history and visit all the sites on offer, two weeks is a better amount of time for your campervan trip.
The best way to find water for your campervan is to visit one of the nearby gas stations or swing by a campsite and ask if you can fill your water tank. Make a good impression with the locals and ask before using a faucet at a garage.
Whether you want to be right in the middle of the action or on the outskirts of Edinburgh, there are plenty of parking spots. We've put together a few places where you can park overnight in your RV hassle-free and maybe even meet some fellow campers!
RVing has become very popular, and if you're a social person, talking to other campers is a great way to find out about other overnight parking spots in the area. Regardless of where you park, leave no trace and respect locals if you stay overnight in a residential area.
Parking overnight in the center of Edinburgh might be difficult; however, if you drive your campervan a little further away from the city, you'll find a wild spot or campsite in no time.
Unlike the rest of the UK, wild camping in Scotland is legal, so options are nearly endless when choosing a spot for the night. As traveling in a motorhome has grown in popularity, some wild spots have been closed due to litter being left by campers. If you find a spectacular spot in the forest, take everything away as bins or facilities to dispose of waste are scarce.
Parking Lots
It's worth making use of parking lots on the city fringes as they save you parking your motorhome in the center, where spaces are limited, and roads can be tight. A good alternative is to park outside the city, use a park-and-ride system, and head into the city on a bus. Many parking lots have height barriers, so if you've rented a large motorhome, check any restrictions before heading to a parking spot!
Street Parking
Edinburgh is a busy city with narrow streets that, unfortunately, often aren't very campervan friendly. Therefore, it's best to stick to parking lots that accept motorhomes and campsites that aren't too far from the city. If you want to spend several days exploring the city and are worried about where to park your campervan, many nearby campsites have bus stops not too far away.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a rich history and many stunning natural areas to explore. Although there aren't any national parks in the city itself, there are over 100 parks, making it the greenest city in the UK. Popular ones include Holyrood Park, Lochend Park, and Braidburn Valley Park.
Some of the best national parks to visit near Edinburgh include:
The Cairngorms National Park is located in the eastern part of the Scottish Highlands and is known for its rolling hills and rugged peaks that rise like jagged teeth. The deep glens and sparkling lochs in this park are like something out of a fairytale and provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. This park is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of trails to explore and breathtaking views to enjoy.
The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is located west of Edinburgh and is a verdant paradise, with its forests, lochs, and mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. The serene beauty of this park is like a balm for the soul, and its many hiking trails and waterways are perfect for a day of exploration.
Edinburgh is located in close proximity to these beautiful national parks, making it a great place for a campervan vacation. With a rental, you can easily explore the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and beyond.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is northwest of Edinburgh, and although entry to the park is free, between March 1st and September 30th, a ticket is required to stay overnight. You can buy a ticket up to four weeks in advance for £4 per night. The Cairngorms National Park is a couple of hours north of Edinburgh and is free to enter and park overnight in a campervan.
If it's your first time renting a campervan, driving into the city in search of a place to spend the night can seem daunting. Campsite prices in and around Edinburgh vary depending on the season, but on average, they cost around £25 per night.
Staying on a campsite a bit further away from the center can be a cheaper option and means you're away from the buzz, as the city doesn't sleep during the night! We've compiled a list of the top 10 private sector campervan-friendly sites near Edinburgh that are perfect for those who want to get in on the action and those who want a quiet night instead.
This immersive itinerary will guide you through rugged highlands, serene lakes, and ancient forests as you delve deep into the heart of Scotland's most majestic and unforgettable landscapes.
MORE: 7-Day Edinburgh ItinerarySoar around Edinburgh and then on through the highlands and both national parks in Scotland before heading over to the west coast so you can catch a little bit of everything on this epic trip.
MORE: 14-Day Edinburgh ItineraryWhile there are no rentals available right at the terminal at Edinburgh Airport, most rental centers are just a short drive away.
Many rental companies offer a complimentary shuttle along with your camper rental. There is also the option of a paid shuttle or public transportation.
The VW California camper is a favorite for campervan vacations and is offered for rent by several UK brands. Use our search tool to check availability and prices across multiple companies.
In general, vintage VW campervans are not offered by the major motorhome rental companies. However, they may be available from specialized rental companies.
Generally, no. Land in the UK is usually privately owned, and it is not possible to wild camp without obtaining prior approval. Doing so without approval is a breach of the law.
As wild camping (free camping) laws can vary in the UK, it pays to check in advance to find out the rules and regulations for the area you’re planning on traveling to. In England and Wales, it is illegal without prior approval, but in Scotland, for example, the laws can be much more relaxed.
Campsites are widely available in the UK, however, and are quite affordable, starting at around £12 per night. Many national parks also allow you to camp overnight. Details can be found here: https://www.nationalparks.uk/visiting/outdoor-activities/camping.
Check with the local government or a visitor information center if you are unsure of the regulations in a specific area.
All drivers must have a current and full driver’s license to rent a vehicle. If your license is from the UK it must entitle you to drive a category B vehicle up to 3500kg. If you have demerit points on your license or any convictions, extra fees or restrictions may apply.
Foreign licenses are acceptable if they are in English or accompanied by an accredited English translation, otherwise, an International Driving Permit is required.
Yes, unlimited miles are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in the UK. Our comparison tool will show you if your preferred vehicle has this included or if daily mileage is restricted.
Yes, a large number of rental companies allow for one-way rentals. Our comparison tool will automatically factor in any additional fees and show you which vehicles are available on your preferred route.
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