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.
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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.
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.