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Rutland Water: the easiest weekend away you'll ever plan

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:27:32 GMT

Twenty minutes from the depot, and one of Europe's biggest reservoirs

Twenty minutes from our depot and you're parked up looking at one of the biggest reservoirs in Europe. Not bad for a Tuesday evening escape, let alone a proper weekend.

Rutland Water gets overlooked. Everyone's so busy planning the big trip to Cornwall or the Lakes that they forget there's a genuinely brilliant, genuinely easy weekend sitting right on Leicestershire's doorstep. No six-hour drive. No services queue on the M5. Just you, the van, and a lake big enough that you'll forget how close to home you actually are.

What to do once you're there: Cycle the full loop around the reservoir if you're feeling energetic (about 17 miles, flat). Take the dog down to the nature reserve at the western end. Or just do nothing, park up somewhere with a view, put the kettle on, and watch the water. Normanton Church, the little half-submerged church, is worth the short walk for the photo alone. Oakham has a proper market town feel if you fancy a wander off the water.

Where to park up: several sites right around the reservoir take motorhomes and campervans comfortably, most with hookups if you want them. Book ahead in summer.

Why it works as a first trip: short drive, easy roads, somewhere to bail out to if the weather turns (Oakham, Uppingham nearby), and enough to do that a weekend doesn't feel long. We'd recommend it as a first outing if you're new to hiring.

Fancy trying it out? Betty and Marty both know the way. Check what's free and go and have a look at that lake for yourself. ��

How much does it actually cost to hire a motorhome for a weekend?

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:27:31 GMT

A straight answer to the question we get asked the most

Fair question, one we get asked a lot, so let's just answer it properly instead of making you dig through a booking form.

The short answer: a weekend hire (Friday to Monday) typically works out cheaper per day than you'd expect once you factor in what's included. We won't quote an exact figure here since it depends on vehicle and season, but live pricing is on the booking page.

What's included in the price (and what usually isn't, elsewhere): insurance included, breakdown cover included, plus a full kit, kitchen equipment, camping chairs, a table, cooking gear. A lot of hire companies charge these as extras.

What actually changes the price: which vehicle (a 2-berth like Elsie costs less than a 6-berth like Ronnie), when you're going (school holidays and bank holidays cost more), and how long for. Midweek is usually the cheapest way in.

Our honest advice if you're on a budget: book early and go midweek or just outside school holidays if you can. Keep an eye on our page for cancellations, they're usually the best value going. ��

Want an actual number for your dates? Check availability and you'll see exact pricing straight away.

Betty's guide to a long weekend in the Peak District

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:27:25 GMT

She's been more times than we can count, and she's started to develop opinions

Betty's been to the Peak District more times than we can count now, and she's started to develop opinions about it. So we let her write this one. Sort of.

An hour and a half north of the depot and the scenery changes completely. Flat Leicestershire fields give way to proper hills, dry stone walls, and views that make you understand why people bang on about the Peak District so much. It's one of our most requested trips, and honestly, one of ours too.

The route Betty knows well: head up through Ashbourne into the White Peak first, gentler, all limestone villages and river valleys. Bakewell is obligatory. Monsal Head has a view worth the short walk every single time. With more confidence behind the wheel, push on into the Dark Peak around Edale and Kinder Scout, bigger, wilder, proper walking country. Take it steady on the tighter bends.

Where Betty likes to park up: several sites around Bakewell, Hartington and the Hope Valley take larger motorhomes comfortably. Book ahead for weekends, especially summer.

Dog-friendly, obviously: Betty's pet-friendly like the rest of the fleet, and the Peak District is about as good as it gets for a dog that likes a proper walk.

Fancy taking Betty up there yourself? She's already packed, metaphorically. Check availability and see if she's free for your dates. Where would you take her? ��️��