Why hire a motorhome in Essex?

Essex — a city worth exploring

Essex is built for motorhome holidays. Spacious roads, a gentle landscape and an incredible variety of things to see make it a destination where families and groups can spread out and enjoy every day. From the county town of Chelmsford you can reach the coast in under an hour, and there are well-equipped campsites with hardstanding pitches and full hook-ups waiting at every turn.

Start with a family day at Colchester Zoo, one of the best wildlife attractions in the east of England, then drive a few miles south to Mersea Island. Cross The Strood causeway and park up at Waldegraves Holiday Park, which has pitches designed for larger motorhomes, a heated swimming pool and fishing lakes. The island is famous for its oysters — pick some up from the Mersea Island Company sheds and cook them on your motorhome's hob for a real local treat.

Further afield, the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation provides a peaceful walking and cycling route from Chelmsford to the tidal estuary at Heybridge Basin. Stop at Paper Mill Lock for a riverside pub lunch, then continue to Maldon, where you can see traditional Thames sailing barges moored along the quay. Head west and you will find Hylands Estate, 574 acres of parkland with a Neo-Classical villa, woodland trails and a Go Ape treetop adventure. A motorhome from Goboony gives your group the space, kitchen and comfort to make every stop feel like home.

The best time of year to hire a motorhome in Essex

June to September offers the most reliable weather and the widest choice of campsite availability for motorhome travellers in Essex. Average summer highs reach 22 °C in August, and the county benefits from being one of the sunniest in England. Major events dot the calendar: the State Fayre festival rocks Chelmsford's Hylands Park in late June, and the Colchester Castle Summer Series brings live music to the castle park in August.

Families with school-age children will naturally gravitate toward July and August, but those with flexibility should try late May or early September. You will still enjoy warm days, but campsites like Waldegraves and Barleylands are noticeably quieter, and nightly rates drop. Even winter has its appeal — Colchester and Chelmsford host Christmas markets in December, and a crisp walk along the Dengie coast can be wonderfully peaceful.

A selection of motorhomes in the area

New 6 berth Roller Team 675 Auto 2024 including full insurance

6 Bobbing

(3)

From £247 per day

6 berth with 6 belted seats - Motorhome in Essex

6 Finchingfield

(22)

From £162 per day

4 berth Luxury RV Motorhome

4 Greater London

(9)

From £213 per day

YN24 AWO - 6 berth Weinsberg 600 DKG Romford

6 Noak Hill

(3)

From £84 per day

See all motorhomes in Essex

A selection of cheap motorhomes for hire

New 6 berth Roller Team 675 Auto 2024 including full insurance

6 Bobbing

(3)

From £247 per day

6 berth with 6 belted seats - Motorhome in Essex

6 Finchingfield

(22)

From £162 per day

4 berth Luxury RV Motorhome

4 Greater London

(9)

From £213 per day

YN24 AWO - 6 berth Weinsberg 600 DKG Romford

6 Noak Hill

(3)

From £84 per day

See all vehicles in Essex

Popular motorhome trips from Essex for group of friends

Chelmsford festival weekend

5 km 2–3 days

Base your motorhome near Chelmsford for one of the county's major music events at Hylands Park. Spend the day enjoying live acts, street food and craft drinks, then retreat to the comfort of your motorhome in the evening. Between sets, explore the parkland grounds and Neo-Classical Hylands House. Several campsites within a short drive offer motorhome pitches.

Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch sailing trip

55 km 1–2 days

Drive east to Maldon for a morning Thames barge cruise on the Blackwater Estuary, then continue to Burnham-on-Crouch, the yachting capital of the east coast. Wander the High Street, sample locally brewed ales, and watch the boats from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. Return via Battlesbridge Antique Centre for vintage finds.

Popular motorhome trips from Essex for families

Colchester Zoo and castle adventure

35 km 1–2 days

Drive to Colchester and spend the morning at Colchester Zoo meeting lions, giraffes and red pandas. In the afternoon, head into town to explore Colchester Castle Museum, built on Roman foundations and home to interactive exhibits that children love. Park your motorhome at Colchester Holiday Park, just minutes from both attractions, for an easy overnight stay.

Marsh Farm and Southend seaside

45 km 1–2 days

Take the family to Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park on the banks of the River Crouch, where kids can meet rare-breed animals, ride tractors and explore 30 acres of farmland. Then drive to Southend-on-Sea for an afternoon at Adventure Island fun park and a train ride along the world's longest pleasure pier. A full day out that the whole family will remember.

How does RV hire on Goboony work?

Find the perfect Motorhome

Choose from the largest fleet in the United Kingdom and make a reservation before having to pay.

Personal contact

Chat with the owner to arrange a viewing of the motorhome and even go for a test drive.

Book your motorhome

After the owner approves your rental request, you can make your final choice and book the motorhome.

Safe payment

Your rental fee and deposit are held by us. We send the payment to the owner 24 hours after your trip begins.

Personal support

The Goboony support team is here to help with any issues, before, during and after your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a motorhome hire cost in Essex?

A 4-berth motorhome in Essex typically costs between £100 and £160 per night, while a spacious 6-berth model ranges from £140 to £220 per night. Prices peak during school holidays in July and August. Booking through Goboony connects you with private owners who often offer lower rates than large rental companies, and you can compare vehicles side by side to find the best deal.

Where can I pick up a motorhome near Essex?

Motorhome owners on Goboony are spread across Essex and the wider region, including Chelmsford, Southend-on-Sea, Colchester and surrounding areas. You agree a pick-up location directly with the owner — many are happy to meet near a railway station or at their home address. This flexibility makes it simple to start your trip from wherever is most convenient.

How can I find cheap motorhome rental in Essex?

Travelling in the shoulder season — May, early June or September — can save you 20–30% compared with peak summer. On Goboony, peer-to-peer pricing is already competitive, and you can filter by price to find motorhomes that fit your budget. Booking several weeks in advance and being flexible with pick-up dates also helps you secure the best available rate.

What's the best vehicle size for my group?

Families of four are usually comfortable in a 4-berth motorhome with a fixed rear bed and a convertible dinette. Larger groups or families with older children may prefer a 6-berth model that offers bunk beds or a separate sleeping area. A bigger motorhome gives you more kitchen and storage space, which makes longer trips much more enjoyable.

Are there dog-friendly campervans and motorhomes for hire near Essex?

Yes, plenty of motorhome owners on Goboony welcome dogs. Filter your search by pet-friendly to see available vehicles. Essex has many dog-welcoming campsites — Barleylands allows two dogs free of charge, and Waldegraves Holiday Park is dog-friendly throughout. The county's beaches, nature reserves and country parks also offer excellent walking for you and your four-legged companion.