ENG
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
Over 50 000
rentals since 2011 !
rentals since 2011 !
Geopolitical situation in the Middle East : your travels with CoolDrive are protected.
Find out more ›
Find out more ›
Located in Essex County, Chelmsford is a charming town in the United Kingdom that offers numerous campervan rental opportunities. Whether you wish to explore the lush landscapes of the surrounding countryside or discover the historical attractions of the town, Chelmsford stands out as an ideal destination for your campervan getaways. From the medieval cathedral to the birthplace of writer Arthur Machen, the town is filled with fascinating sites to visit. Enjoy your stay by relaxing in one of the public parks or tasting local culinary specialties in downtown restaurants.
Itineraries and Road Trips from Chelmsford
Discover Chelmsford as an ideal base for campervan road trips, with its many welcoming sites like Whitehouse Farm Campsite or The Courts Campsite, all close to the center. These three iconic itineraries, ranging from 7 to 21 days, depart from Chelmsford to explore Essex and its accessible surroundings, favoring van-friendly roads and must-see natural or historical stops.
7-10 Day Itinerary: Authentic Essex
Start from Chelmsford for a 7 to 10-day circuit focused on rural Essex, perfect for campervans with its quiet roads and dedicated sites. Day 1-2: settle at Whitehouse Farm Campsite near Chelmsford, explore the cathedral and local markets. Head south via the A12 to Southend-on-Sea (1h), camp by the sea and enjoy the beaches. Day 3-4: head up to Colchester, the former Roman capital (45 min from Chelmsford), visit the castle and park in a caravan site. Return via the villages of Dedham Vale for nature walks. Day 5-7: wrap up at Hylands Park in Chelmsford for hiking, or push on to Maldon for its salt marshes. Campsites like those of the Caravan Club facilitate nights, with campfires allowed and amenities. This itinerary remains local, ideal for testing your van without long drives.
14-Day Itinerary: East Coast and London
For 14 days from Chelmsford, combine coastal Essex and an incursion into London, a must-see 45 min via A12 for its vibrant atmosphere accessible by campervan. Day 1-3: base yourself in Chelmsford, visit Chelmsford City Racecourse and camp at The Courts. Head south to Harwich and Felixstowe for ferries and ports (1h30), stopping at coastal campsites. Day 4-7: explore Cambridge (1h north), its colleges and punts, with van-friendly sites. Return via Stansted for nature parks. Day 8-11: head to London, park in the outskirts like Luton (close, 1h), use public transport for Westminster and the British Museum. Day 12-14: loop back to Chelmsford via Epping Forest for wooded hikes, with abundant campsites. M25 routes manageable outside peak hours, focusing on campervan flexibility with showers and electricity at sites like Pitchup.
21-Day Itinerary: Grand Tour of the South-East
Embark on a 21-day campervan journey from Chelmsford, covering the South-East up to the Peak District justified by its unique breathtaking landscapes (via M6, 4h). Day 1-5: deep Essex, from Chelmsford to Mersea Island for oysters and wild beaches, family-friendly campsites. Day 6-10: south to Brighton (2h30 via M23, iconic coasts), park at Buckle Holiday Park, coastal walks A27. Day 11-15: west to Stratford-upon-Avon (3h), Shakespeare and canals, caravan sites. Day 16-19: north to Peak District (a must for hiking), stony villages and Chatsworth, camps before Manchester. Day 20-21: smooth return to Chelmsford via M6 Toll, stop at Epping or Hylands Park. Prioritize van-friendly routes, with 20+ sites like Caravan Club for recharges, fires, and stunning views.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in the United Kingdom
Discover on this map all the cities in the United Kingdom where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.
Loading the interactive map...
Traveling by Campervan from Chelmsford: When to Go and How to Enjoy Essex County
When to Depart from Chelmsford
From Chelmsford in Essex, set off in a campervan during spring or summer to enjoy optimal conditions, avoiding the frequent winter rains like those observed around January 13 with highs of 8°C and precipitation risks near the historic city center.
The months from May to September offer mild temperatures around 15-20°C in Chelmsford, ideal for exploring the roads to the Suffolk coast in a van, with moderate winds of 11 to 24 km/h typical for the region.
Weather and Pricing Seasonality
In Chelmsford, winter brings variable weather with lows of 4°C and cloudy spells, as forecasted for January 15, making campervan rates lower near Central Park due to low footfall.
During the summer high season, prices increase by 30 to 50% around Chelmsford for vanlife sites, benefiting from often clear skies and highs of 10°C even in mild January, perfect for departures to the Essex countryside.
Types of vehicles to rent in the United Kingdom
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in the United Kingdom. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Traveling by Van from Chelmsford: Practical Guide
Driving and Regulations
In the United Kingdom, traffic drives on the left, and from Chelmsford, located in Essex near the A12, equip your campervan with a warning triangle, a reflective vest, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher to comply with local rules. Also, be aware of low emission zones like the LEZ and ULEZ near London, accessible via the A130 from Chelmsford, where campervans must register at least two weeks in advance and pay up to £100 per day depending on weight if Euro standards are not met.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas around Chelmsford, 100 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on the motorway; check the green signs on the A12 for motorway directions.
Sleeping and Hooking Up
Wild camping is not permitted in England, including near Chelmsford and in rural Essex areas like Hylands Park, where local authorities patrol to prevent unauthorized overnight parking; opt for dedicated sites like those of the Chelmsford Camping and Caravanning Club to hook up for electricity and water. Arrive late and leave early if you test a discreet spot near the River Chelmer, leaving no trace to respect local rules.
Local Tips and Safety
From Chelmsford, avoid importing meat or dairy products via the Eurotunnel or ferry, prohibited since April 2025 at the borders to the UK, and equip yourself for winter with 3PMSF tires if driving to cold areas like the Cotswolds via the M25. For safety, report any incidents to the Chelmsford police station on Duke Street and use apps like Park4Night to locate authorized areas around Chelmsford Cathedral.
