Half Term Campervan Hire

Half term always seems to come around quickly. With children off school and parents looking for something special to do, it’s the perfect chance to take a short break. Hotels and flights can be costly, but hiring a campervan gives you freedom, comfort, and flexibility — all at a pace that suits your family. A half term campervan hire means you can pack up, head off, and explore without the hassle of check-ins or set timetables.

Why hire a campervan at half term?

For families, half term is often the only opportunity between summer and Christmas to get away together. Hiring a campervan allows you to turn that short window into a real adventure.

Main benefits include:

• Flexibility – Go where you like, stop when you want, and change plans on the go.
• Family friendly – Plenty of space for children, bags, food, and activities.
• Cost-effective – No need to pay for multiple hotel rooms or meals out every day.
• Comfort – Heating, cooking facilities, and sleeping areas included.
• Local starting point – Based in Swindon, you’re minutes from the Cotswolds and less than two hours from the coast.

Ideas for a half term campervan adventure

Explore the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are right on the doorstep. Villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe offer family-friendly walks, tea rooms, and beautiful scenery.

Coastal break

Head south to Dorset or Devon. Half term beach walks, fossil hunting, and seaside fish and chips are fun whatever the weather.

National parks

Take a few days in the Brecon Beacons or Dartmoor. Wide open spaces, waterfalls, and fresh air make the perfect antidote to screens and homework.

City visits

Bath, Oxford, or Cardiff are all reachable from Swindon in under two hours. Park up, enjoy museums, food, and shopping, then retreat to your campervan.

What’s included in your hire

Our VW California Ocean campervans are designed to be practical and enjoyable for families. You’ll find:

• A fully fitted kitchen for easy meals
• Beds that sleep up to four comfortably
• Heating for cooler nights
• Storage for luggage, coats, and toys
• Easy pick-up from Swindon, just off the M4

Tips for travelling with children

• Plan shorter drives – Break journeys into smaller chunks to keep kids entertained.
• Pack activities – Books, games, and devices keep them busy during quiet moments.
• Use campsites with facilities – Half term is a great time to find sites with play areas or swimming pools.
• Cook simple meals – Pasta, wraps, and toasties work perfectly in the onboard kitchen.
• Bring bikes or scooters – Many campsites and destinations are cycle friendly.

FAQs

• Are campervans suitable for families during half term?

  Yes. Our VW California campervans are designed with families in mind. They can comfortably sleep up to four people, making them ideal for parents and children. The vans also come with a fitted kitchen, heating, and plenty of storage space for clothes, toys, and food. Unlike staying in hotels, a campervan gives you the flexibility to stop at family-friendly locations, cook your own meals, and keep everything you need in one place. This makes travelling with children much easier and more enjoyable.

• Can we book a campervan for just a few days?

  Yes. Half term breaks don’t always mean a full week away, so we offer flexible booking options. You can book for a long weekend, midweek trip, or the entire week if you prefer. Many families choose a three to four night break, which allows time to travel, settle in, and enjoy a couple of destinations without feeling rushed. Shorter breaks are popular for those wanting a quick escape without using too much holiday leave from work.

• How do we keep children entertained on the road?

  We recommend planning your route with regular stops to break up long drives. Many families bring books, games, or tablets to keep children occupied while travelling. Our campervans also have enough space for small bikes or scooters, which are perfect for campsites and parks. By choosing a campervan, you can also stop off at interesting towns or attractions along the way, making the journey part of the adventure rather than just time on the road.

• What about the weather in October or February half term?

  British weather is always unpredictable, but our campervans are equipped for all seasons. They include built-in heating to keep you warm on chilly nights, and the compact kitchen means you can make hot meals and drinks at any time. Half term often brings crisp mornings and cooler evenings, but with the right clothing and the comfort of a heated campervan, your trip will still be enjoyable. Many families find that autumn and spring breaks are a refreshing change from busy summer holidays.

• Where can we travel from Swindon in a week?

  From our base in Swindon, you can reach a wide range of destinations within a week. Many families head west to the Cotswolds for a relaxed few days of countryside and village visits. Others travel further to Devon or Cornwall for a coastal adventure. You could also plan a city break in Bath, Oxford, or Cardiff, all less than two hours away. With a campervan, you can mix countryside, coast, and city into one itinerary, giving your family a variety of experiences during the half term break.

Conclusion

A half term campervan hire is the perfect way to turn a school break into a memorable adventure. Whether you want to explore the countryside, visit the coast, or head into a city, a campervan gives you freedom and comfort without the costs of hotels. With heating, space, and flexibility built in, it’s an option that works just as well for young families as it does for couples.

Check availability and book your campervan today with Beach Life Campervan Hire.