Baptism by Campervan: Our First Motorhome Escape to Cornwall
For our first adventure into the world of van life, we decided to hire a campervan rather than buy one outright. It felt like the smart way to test whether motorhome travel suited us—without draining our savings on a vehicle of our own. After hours of research, we struck gold with a local company offering motorhome hire in Hampshire, and our road trip dreams started to become reality.
We collected our motorhome from 365camperhire in Fleet, Hampshire—the beginning of an unforgettable journey to Cornwall.
Meet the Auto Trail Expedition C73
Our choice was the Auto Trail Expedition C73, a spacious motorhome ideal for families. It comfortably sleeps four (up to six), features a large garage, and has the bonus of an automatic gearbox. Inside, we found everything we needed for a self-sufficient holiday:
- Cooker and fridge
- Comfortable double beds
- A surprisingly luxurious shower
- Heating and entertainment system
One of the biggest perks of motorhome hire is independence—no need to rely on shared campsite facilities if you’d rather be self-contained.
Hitting the Road: Hampshire to Cornwall
We set off from Fleet, cruising along the M3 and A303. To our surprise, driving a 7.25m motorhome felt smooth and comfortable. Even parking for a fast-food stop wasn’t the challenge we feared—it turned out easier than expected.
Thanks to Apple CarPlay, the kids played DJ while Google Maps guided us to our destination: Tregarton Park Campsite, near St Austell in Cornwall.
Arrival at Tregarton Park
After 220 miles, we arrived fresh and ready to explore. Any fears of a frosty campsite welcome vanished instantly—we were greeted warmly and shown around the excellent facilities. Highlights included:
- Heated swimming pool
- On-site shop and restaurant
- Spotless shower blocks with private cubicles
- A handy breakfast delivery service (the croissants were heavenly!)
For anyone considering campervan hire in Cornwall, Tregarton Park makes an ideal base.
A Lesson in Motorhome Navigation: Mevagissey
The next day, we headed for the fishing village of Mevagissey. Despite a warning sign declaring “Not suitable for long vehicles,” we pressed on—big mistake. Narrow lanes, double hairpin bends, and steep climbs made for a white-knuckle drive. Lesson learned: always check your SatNav is suitable for motorhomes.
Eventually, we reached the proper motorhome parking area and were able to enjoy Mevagissey’s charm—walking the harbour wall, visiting the aquarium, and indulging in cream teas (jam first, of course).
Freedom on Four Wheels
One of the best things about motorhome hire is flexibility. When restaurants in St Austell were full, we simply grabbed food from a Mexican takeaway and enjoyed it inside the motorhome—dry, warm, and together as a family.
The following day, we drove to Bike Park Kernow for some mountain biking. After a muddy few hours, the hot shower inside the motorhome felt like pure luxury. These are the little moments that prove just how practical motorhome travel can be.
The Journey Home
After a seamless 220-mile return trip (with an impressive 30mpg fuel economy), we reflected on everything we’d experienced. From navigating Cornwall’s tiny fishing villages to enjoying hot meals and showers on the go, our first taste of van life through motorhome hire was unforgettable.
Reflections from the Road
This first adventure exceeded all expectations. Hiring a campervan gave us:
- The freedom to travel at our own pace
- Comfort and convenience at every stop
- The perfect introduction to motorhome living
We’re officially hooked. Our next step? Researching the right motorhome to buy for ourselves. But for now, we’re just grateful to have discovered how incredible campervan hire can be for families seeking adventure without compromise.
If you’re considering a trip, whether it’s motorhome hire in Hampshire or campervan hire in Cornwall, our advice is simple: take the plunge. You might just find, like us, that the motorhome lifestyle is the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
