How It Works

Can I hire?

Hiring a VW Campervan can be done easily via our ‘Book Now’ page, but beforehand here are some of the key requirements to check for the driver(s) to meet the insurance criteria:

• Must be between the age of 23 and 75 and have at least 2 years driving experience in the UK.
• Hold a full valid UK driving license.
• Have no more than 2 x 3 points & 1 incident claim in last 3 years.
• Must be able to provide two address IDs that match the name and address of the driving licence, no older than 3 months from your holiday date. Documents include: utility bills, council tax, bank or card statement, payslip, mobile bill etc. The full list will be provided once you have booked, and you will be given a link to upload your ID documents securely to our DropBox account.

If you are not sure about meeting the driver criteria, please contact us and we can provide further information and speak to the insurers if required.

Additional information and further details can be found in our terms and conditions

How to Book

1. Visit our Book Now page and select the campervan you want to book
2. Click on the start date and then the end date (changeovers are set to Mondays & Fridays), for 3, 4, & 7 night hire periods
3. Check you are happy with the price and then click the orange Book button, to go to the next step
4. Enter your details in the booking form and choose any optional extra’s that you might want. (subject to availability, if you change your mind extras can be added at a later date)
5. You will then be asked to pay a £100 deposit payment via PayPal to secure your chosen dates. You don’t need a PayPal account, just checkout as a guest using a credit or debit card

There is a £650 security deposit that is refunded upon the safe return of the campervan, for those drivers aged 23 and 24 years old, the security deposit is £850.

If you would prefer to complete your booking over the telephone, please call us via the details on the contact us page.

Next Steps

Once your booking has been made you will receive a confirmation email explaining what you need to do next. We are here to help you through the steps, and to make sure you are ready for your VW adventure!

If you have any special requirements, please contact us directly and we will try and accommodate you if we can.

We love making your holiday really special. When you are hiring a classic VW campervan from us, we make sure that you’ll be getting all the essential equipment you need. You’ll find listed below all the key items that we include when you hire one of our campervans.

As part of your booking we will provide you with a link to gain temporary membership to the Caravan and Motorhome Club. The Campsite+ scheme enables you to access Caravan and Motorhome Club campsites for the duration of your campervan hire. See campsite deals for more info.

Looking for additional items such as an awning? You’ll find many options available on the optional extras section of our website. If you don’t see what you are looking for, please contact us and we will do our best to help. We love helping you to get the very best out of your VW campervan experience.

When hiring a VW Campervan, you can begin adding these optional extras when you make your booking via the availability page. We will add the charge to the total holiday cost. We’re all about making your holiday as smooth-running as possible so, if you decide later you need something extra, we’ll be happy to add this to your booking (subject to availability). Please do ask us if you can’t find something you’re looking for!

• Driveaway Inflatable Air Awnings (£65.00 per booking)
• An awning Inner tent, can be supplied FOC with awnings, if required please ask for more info.
• Standalone Inflatable Air Shelter 2m x 2m with removeable sides, ideal for extra storage or just to provide some shade (£30.00 per booking)
• Flushing Chemical Portable Toilet supplied with Chemicals and Storage Bag (£4.00 per day)
• Single Inflatable Airbed with pump (£2.50 per airbed per day)
• Additional Camping Chairs (£2.00 per chair per day)
• Larger Freestanding Table , for use outside (£2.00 per day)
• Additional Drivers – Maximum of two extra drivers per booking (£5.00 per day per extra driver)
• Pets (£25.00 per booking)
• Bedding packs (duvet & cover – pillow & case with sheet). If you’re arriving by train, or even by bike and are not able to bring bedding or towels, please contact us and we can discuss your individual requirements.

If you’re looking for a car or booster seat for your child, we suggest bringing your own with you. We often find children and parents prefer their own.

All our VW Campervans are fitted with gas safety lockers, with drop vents to outside. Keeping you safe is a priority so if your gas runs out during your holiday, Freebird Campers will reimburse you for the first replacement gas bottle. (Please keep your receipt and let us have this when you’re returning your Campervan.) If you are exchanging the gas bottle, please ensure that is the same type and size. Failing to do this will incur costs. Further details can be found in our terms and conditions.

You might like to bring along a few useful little home comforts as well, such as kitchen roll, a small bottle of cooking oil, plastic shopping bags for rubbish, cling film, phone charger, baby wipes (for sticky BBQ fingers!), a pack of cards and torches.

When using disposable BBQ’s please take note of the campsite rules.

We love packing our clothes in soft bags as they can easily squash in anywhere.

We love making your holiday special, so when booking your holiday/short break with us, we can offer you a few options for gaining access to campsites in the West Country. We have listed below some of the most popular places to help you find that perfect campsite. But if you still can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to offer further guidance.

Don’t forget to check out our news page which does contain some useful information about campsites.

Caravan and Motorhome Club – Campsite+

When you hire a VW campervan from Freebird Campers we will provide you with a link to register for temporary membership during the period of your hire.

Once registered you will be issued a code that enables you to access Caravan and Motorhome Club campsites for the duration of your campervan hire. You will be able to save £15 per night on Club Campsites, and also have access to the network of smaller 5 pitch ‘Certificated Location’ campsites.

Each campervan will have a Caravan and Motorhome Club Handbook and Map to help guide you during your journey around the West Country.

Additionally, if you would like to upgrade to a full Caravan and Motorhome Club annual membership, we are still able to provide this at a discount rate when you hire one of our classic VW campervans.

Camping and Caravanning Club

Freebird Campers is a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club Motorhome Hire Scheme. When you’re hiring any of our campervans you’ll enjoy gaining access to the network of participating campsites at discounted rates throughout the duration of your hire period – saving you up to 30% off your pitch fees!

Hirers will need to book their chosen site on line at the CCC website using a code given on the confirmation of booking form. This form will be issued following a booking with us that is secured by the £100 deposit. The code is only for use with a Freebird Campers campervan, its is not transferable and no monetary alternative is available. The code will need to be entered as a one off promotional code when progressing thorough the online booking with CCC.

Visit https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/ukcampsites/ to find out more.

Pitchup

Find a Campsite – Pitchup is an award-winning online agent for booking over 5,300 camping and caravan parks across the world. Since they launched they have helped over 7m holidaymakers book their perfect outdoor break. Many of those hiring our VW Campervans use Pitchup to find a campsite in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset.

Visit Pitchup to find out more.

Other campsite finder websites

Please find below a selection of other websites that contains campsites which might also be helpful when trying a suitable campsite.

Camping UK Directory

Love Camping

The Camping Directory

Premier Parks

Why not hire a dog friendly VW campervan and take your four-legged friend on holiday? So many more people are looking to holiday in the UK and take their pets with them. We welcome up to two small size dogs or one medium size dog when hiring our classic campervans.

There are many fabulous pet friendly beaches in the West Country. Devon alone has approximately 68 dog friendly and a further 37 with restrictions – there are only 3 that have a complete ban. Check out the Beach Guide list to see which you’d like to visit. Linking the beaches, the Southwest coast path is the UK’s longest and best-loved national trail with over 600 miles to explore, perfect for dog walking.

If you hire one of our beautiful campervans you can explore the hidden depths of the countryside, the open coastal area’s any anything in between, our vans are not much bigger than a family car so perfect for adventuring in new places.

The Dog Friendly website This website offers a host of information on accommodation (we are on there!), eating out, place to visit, advice on travelling safely, and so much more.

We love making your holiday special, so if you are looking for some guidance when planning your route throughout the West Country, you might find the information below helpful.

South West 660

South West 660 is a brand new and exciting set of iconic routes around the West Country peninsula. With 12 unique sections, each around 50 miles long, you will experience the diversity and splendour of the four counties that make up this corner of the UK.

The 660-mile drive uses a careful selection of smaller roads that hug the coasts of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and North Somerset. That’s why the route offers great views of sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages, rugged headlands…and the sea. The route is well suited to our classic VW campervans that are not much bigger that the standard family car, and are completely at home in the narrow roads of the West Country.

Annual membership is £20, but we will provide you with a £5 discount code off your first year’s subscription when you book one of our campervans.

For more information, visit South West 660 and be inspired to escape to the stunning West Country.

Uncover Britain Road Trips

Uncover Britain’s award-winning, self-drive road trip routes and maps puts you in the driver’s seat, to leave no stone unturned, uncover hidden gems and travel the path less explored. A well-researched collection of online UK road trip routes, guides & maps with destinations, directions, attractions & more. Uncover Britain provide the inspiration and have undertaken the leg-work to save you hours searching the internet and remove uncertainty.

All regional road trips are offered as free road trip route maps with a selection of experiences along the way. Membership offers the whole package: travel destination guides, plus themed road trips and premium content for £29.99 per annum. We can provide you with a £10 discount code off your first year’s subscription when you book one of our campervans.

Visit https://www.uncoverbritain.com/ to get all the info.

Why not buy someone a VW campervan experience voucher. With vouchers available from £50, these can then be redeemed against a future booking for one of our classic VW campervans.

Many people purchase our vouchers for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions. But the possibilities are endless, don’t forget Valentine’s Day or a Christmas present.

Gift vouchers can only be redeemed against the cost of a Freebird Campers booking. Vouchers are valid towards hirer periods taken within 12 months from date of issue, and our normal terms and conditions apply.

No change can be given if the booking is less than the voucher value.

Hiring a classic VW campervan is a fun and special way to arrive on your wedding day, helping create a day to remember. Getting your day just right is important so you’ll be pleased to know that all our vans are maintained to a high standard to provide comfort and reliability. They are fitted with modern seatbelts, so you will arrive safely. Campervans are available on a self-drive hire basis; We don’t currently offer a chauffeur driven option.

If you’re looking for a fun escape, you’ll love the West County. Why not book one of our campervans and camp in vintage style? In regular times there are many festivals such as Glastonbury that you can enjoy. Many have dedicated areas for campervans and motorhomes.

Links

We have listed below some useful links that you might find of interest.

Please note: Although our campervans are all fitted with good condition 75Ah leisure batteries and power management system to protect the vehicle battery. With the campervans at festivals and therefore not traveling or having access to electric hook up, the electric fridges can flatten the leisure battery in a couple of days (depending on the temperature settings selected).

We are delighted to have been through the approval process of the nationally recognised Trading Standards scheme.

The ‘Buy With Confidence Scheme’ provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

In order to become a ‘Buy With Confidence’ member, a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme and must then pass a set of tailored background checks. Membership of the scheme is not given lightly – amongst other checks, each applicant will have their

complaints history reviewed and will be audited by a Trading Standards qualified person. Good references are required from previous customers and applicants must agree to abide by the scheme’s code of conduct, which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law. Criminal records basic disclosure may also be required in some circumstances.

Only if all the scheme requirements are met, will a business be granted membership, and their conduct will continue to be monitored thereafter.

The performance of members of the scheme is continuously monitored via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service and through customer feedback submitted directly to us. In the unlikely event that concerns are raised about a member we take appropriate action and if necessary will remove them from the scheme.

Made in Devon is run by Devon County Council and is part of Trading Standard’s well-established Buy with Confidence trusted trader scheme.

What age do I have to be to drive a campervan?

One driver of 25 years or over and up to 75 is covered in the standard hire price. We can cover 23 to 24-year olds for an additional charge. Up to 2 additional drivers can be added for £5 per day each. Drivers must have held a full licence for at least two years. If you have penalty points or motoring convictions or are unsure, please contact us before booking and we can clarify any points with our insurers.

How do I collect the campervan, and can it be delivered to me?

If you’re hiring a Campervan, you can collect it from us in Colyford, Devon. We are easy to find on the A3052. Alternatively, if you are coming by train, there is a good bus link (885) from the train station at Axminster (Devon) which is only 5.5 miles from us. (We do not deliver the campers).

What does the hire price include and are there any additional charges?

We love keeping all our customers happy so all our classic VW campervans are fully equipped and ready for you to drive away with no hidden costs. The quoted price includes self-drive insurance for the main driver, full breakdown cover, unlimited mileage within our operating area and camping gas. (If you are a younger driver, need an additional driver or if you’re a driver with minor motoring convictions there is a small extra charge.) There is a £650 security deposit that is refunded upon the safe return of the campervan, for those drivers aged 23 and 24 years old, the security deposit is £850. There are also some extras available for hire, but these are not necessities.

Do we need to bring bedding? Or Towels?

Yes – Please bring your own bedding and towels; we suggest sleeping bags are the most practical and easiest option. If you’re arriving by train, or even by bike and are not able to bring bedding or towels, please contact us and we can discuss your individual requirements.

Are the campervans easy to drive?

We only supply RHD campers that have been well cared for and not mistreated, they have light clutches and steering and a positive gear change. Driving them is fun and you’ll find it’s just like driving a large car once you get used to right at the front of the vehicle. One thing to remember is the Campervans don’t travel as fast as modern cars so do allow extra travel time. The top speed you can expect is around 50mph – but hey you are on holiday!

Are my personal belongings covered on the insurance?

Our insurance company doesn’t offer this option. Please take out your own travel insurance as you would with any holiday. In addition, do check the small print to make sure you are covered for your needs.

Can we take dogs in the campervans and is there an extra charge?

We’re happy welcoming two small/medium dogs. The charge for pets is £25 per booking. We just ask that the campervans come back in the condition they went out in.

Where can we travel in the campervan?

The campervans can travel throughout our operating area of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Can I leave my car with Freebird Campers while I’m out in the campervan?

Yes, we have one off-road parking space available for the hirer. There is no charge for this facility, but it is left at your own risk.

What documents do I need to provide?

When hiring a VW Campervan, you will need to be able to provide for each driver (aged 23-75), copies of the following documents: A Full UK driving licence (photo ID version). Two secondary address IDs (which must be different i.e. not two bank statements) that match the name and address of the driving licence, in the form of 1 x utility bill and one of the following: council tax, bank/credit card/mortgage statement. All dated within the last 3 months preceding your holiday date.
We also need you to supply a DVLA driving licence code – this can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence – you will need to know your driving licence number, NI number and your postcode. The code is only valid for 21 days so don’t do this too early!

What equipment is included?

We love making your holiday really special. When you are hiring a classic VW campervan from us, we make sure that you’ll be getting all the essential equipment you need. You’ll find a list of all the key items we include on each of our Campervan pages. We also have an excellent list of optional extras to help you enjoy your holiday. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Get all the facts!

To get the full facts and answers to most of the questions that we get asked, it is worth having a look at our terms and conditions.