What We Packed for a Long Weekend RVing in England

25.09.2024 - 14:45 / matadornetwork.com

Our first RV road trip in the UK put us straight in the deep end. My fiance James and I rented an RV and drove three hours south from our cottage near Glasgow, Scotland, to The Lake District in northern England with our Bengal, Angus. We’re both well-seasoned outdoors people, but this was the first time making a trip in a six-berth RV with our one-year-old kitten to a remote site with no hook-up or cell reception. That meant we had to pack smart. We learned a lot over the long weekend. I simultaneously overpacked and underpacked. We ran out of essentials like garbage bags by the final day. We should have packed the cooler and quick-drying towels. But we also had some wins. Below are some of our packing essentials that will join us on our future RV adventures.

Driving down Honister Pass, a mountain pass in the Lake District, we were met by this stunning vista. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

We rented our RV from a EU-based site called Goboony. This Airbnb-style company for RVs allows private owners to hire out their vehicles when they’re not in use. The process was seamless, from the booking system and payment to pickup and drop-off.

Overlooking the campsite from Fleetwith Pike. Photo: James Gavin

Our route took us from the Central Belt of Scotland, near Glasgow, over the border into England, and on south to The Lake District. The Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north of the country — and for good reason. It’s simply stunning. Known for its calm waters and mountainous terrain, the region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, sailing, and kayaking on its many lakes.

Calm morning at the edge of Buttermere Lake, next to the campsite. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

We stayed on Lake Buttermere, a remote off-the-grid spot and home to the annual charity paragliding festival, The Buttermere Bash. James, being half man and half bird, we plan many vacations to places where he can enjoy paragliding and speed flying and peaceful locations where I can get away from screens and enjoy nature.

This was a saving grace. One of the best investments we’ve made. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

This was a purchase made with just this kind of trip in mind. The RV had off-grid capability, with leisure batteries and a solar panel. However, these only powered the van’s interior lights, awning lights, water pump, etc. The power outlets required an electric hook-up, not something we had access to in a field in the middle of nowhere.

Step in the BLUETTI EB3A with 200w solar panel. This can be charged fully at home and then topped up using the solar panels while away. We were able to charge a MacBook Pro, one iPhone using the built in wireless charging pad with another iPhone