Yescapa

Campervan and Motorhome hire — Carlisle

Find a wide selection of campervans and motorhomes for hire in Carlisle and the surrounding area. Discover unique vehicles offered by private owners — from compact campervans for 2, perfect for couples, to spacious 6-berth motorhomes, ideal for families. Flexible booking, competitive prices and insurance included.

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Motorhomes available for hire — Carlisle

From sleek A-class models to versatile coachbuilts and low-profiles, there’s a motorhome for every adventure—whether you need a compact getaway for two or a spacious multi-berth for the whole family.

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Campervans available for hire — Carlisle

The campervan is the ultimate all-rounder. Effortlessly practical and built for freedom, it’s just as at home navigating tight city streets as it is exploring the heart of the countryside.

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Why choose Carlisle for your road trip

Carlisle — a city worth exploring

Carlisle's medieval castle has stood guard over the Anglo-Scottish border for more than 900 years, making it one of the most besieged fortresses in British history. The city sits where three rivers meet — the Eden, Caldew, and Petteril — and that confluence shapes both its character and its layout. Carlisle Cathedral, founded in 1122, houses one of the finest painted ceilings in Europe, while the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery charts the region's story from Roman times to the present day. A short walk along the city walls brings you to the Citadel, a pair of imposing towers designed by Thomas Telford. Beyond the centre, the landscape opens up quickly: the Lake District National Park begins just 30 km to the south, and the Scottish border town of Gretna Green lies only 16 km to the north. Hadrian's Wall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs east from Carlisle through rolling Cumbrian countryside, offering superb touring routes for larger vehicles on well-maintained A-roads. Whether you fancy coastal drives along the Solway Firth or mountain passes around Keswick, Carlisle is a natural starting point. With Yescapa, you can hire a campervan or motorhome directly from a local owner, which means personal tips on the best routes, flexible pick-up arrangements, and competitive pricing through our peer-to-peer platform.

Best time to visit

Carlisle comes alive in summer when the Carlisle Pageant and Cumberland Show take place in July, drawing crowds to celebrate the county's farming heritage and history. Late spring through to early autumn suits campervan touring perfectly, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring Hadrian's Wall and the northern Lake District. If you prefer quieter roads and easier campsite availability, May and September are excellent choices. Booking your motorhome through Yescapa during the shoulder months often means better rates from local owners, and you still enjoy mild, comfortable conditions for driving and overnight stays around Carlisle.

Top getaways from Carlisle

Carlisle is the perfect base for exploring the region by motorhome or campervan. Here are our 6 must-see getaways

Carlisle to Keswick

50km south 1–3 days

Head 50 km south through the Caldbeck Fells to reach Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. Stop at Mirehouse for its lakeside gardens and continue to Castlerigg Stone Circle. Campervan parking is available at several pay-and-display sites in town, and the A591 is well suited to larger vehicles.

Carlisle to Gretna Green and the Solway Coast

80km northwest 1–4 days

Drive 80 km on a loop north to Gretna Green, then west along the Solway Firth. Visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and RSPB Campfield Marsh reserve. The B5307 coast road is quiet and flat, perfect for a relaxed motorhome tour with wide laybys for rest stops along the way.

Carlisle to Northumberland via Hadrian's Wall

130km east 3–6 days

Follow the 130 km route east along the B6318 Military Road, tracing Hadrian's Wall through Birdoswald Roman Fort and Housesteads. Finish at Hexham Abbey. Campervan-friendly campsites dot the route, and the road offers sweeping views with regular passing places for comfortable driving.

Carlisle to Dumfries and Galloway

160km northwest 3–6 days

Cross into Scotland and cover 160 km north-west to explore Dumfries, birthplace of Robert Burns, and the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. Visit Caerlaverock Castle on the marshes. Roads are well maintained and campervan services are available at several stops along the A75.

Carlisle to the Yorkshire Dales

210km southeast 5–8 days

Travel 210 km south-east through the Eden Valley to reach the Yorkshire Dales. Explore Appleby-in-Westmorland, the Settle–Carlisle Railway viaducts, and Aysgarth Falls. Motorhome pitches are plentiful around Hawes, and the A685 provides a scenic, well-surfaced route throughout.

Carlisle to Edinburgh

260km north 5–8 days

Head 260 km north along the M6 and A7 to Scotland's capital. Stop at Jedburgh Abbey and the Scottish Borders Textile Trail en route. Edinburgh offers dedicated campervan parking near the city centre, and the journey passes through gentle, rolling countryside ideal for a week-long trip.

Rent a campervan on Yescapa: how does it work?

Discover step by step how we work. We accompany you at every stage of the rental process, both owners and travellers.

Discover

Find the perfect vehicle

Find for a leisure vehicle near you or a destination idea according to your planned route, then specify the pick-up and return dates. The perfect vehicle for your road trip holiday is waiting for you!

Connecting people

Confirm your booking

Make one or more booking requests for leisure vehicles that have caught your eye and wait for the owners' responses. Once your request has been accepted, all you have to do is confirm your booking.

Pick-up

Go on an adventure

On the pick-up date, collect the vehicle and listen to the valuable advice of the owner for handling it; you are ready hit the road with family, as a couple or with friends.

Return

All good things must come to an end...

Once again, with the owner complete the vehicle condition check and sign the Rental Agreement as well as exchange your travel stories. All you have to do is imagine your next road trip!

Campsites and parkings for recreational vehicles in Carlisle

Recommended campsites

Carlisle and the surrounding Cumbrian countryside offer a good range of campsites suited to both campervans and motorhomes. Many sites provide electric hook-ups, hardstanding pitches, and modern shower blocks, while a few also include laundry facilities and on-site shops. Whether you prefer a rural retreat near Hadrian's Wall or a base closer to the city centre, you will find well-maintained options within easy reach of Carlisle.

  • Dandy Dinmont Caravan and Campsite Carlisle (5km south)Electric hook-ups, hardstanding pitches, toilets, showers, waste disposal point
  • Orton Grange Caravan Park Carlisle (6km west)Electric hook-ups, hardstanding pitches, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi
  • Green Acres Caravan Park Carlisle (8km northeast)Electric hook-ups, toilets, showers, children's play area, dog walk
  • Hadrian's Wall Campsite Brampton (16km east)Electric hook-ups, grass pitches, toilets, showers, campfire area
  • Hylton Caravan Park Carlisle (4km south)Electric hook-ups, hardstanding and grass pitches, showers, waste disposal

Where to park your motorhome

Carlisle is generally welcoming to larger vehicles, though the historic centre has height and width restrictions on some streets. Overnight parking in a motorhome or campervan is not permitted in standard council car parks, so plan ahead and use dedicated facilities. Several sites on the outskirts offer suitable spaces with easy bus or walking access to the centre.

  • Sands Centre Car Park, 1km west — Large surface car park beside the River Eden with spaces for higher vehicles. A short walk from the castle and cathedral.
  • Paddy's Market Car Park, 1km south — Open-air car park south of the city centre with generous bay sizes. Convenient for the Citadel and shopping areas.
  • The Sheepmount Car Park, 1km west — Spacious car park near the athletics stadium, suitable for campervans. Walking distance to the city centre via the river path.

Frequently asked questions

What our users say about our campervans and motorhomes in Carlisle

Nikola
5 / 5

Amazing renter!

Nikola
5 / 5

Amazing renters!

Tim
5 / 5

Laura was very easy to communicate with and very helpful. Vehicle was very easy to drive. Presented in a very good condition and everything worked as expected. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a hassle free experience.

Charles
4 / 5

great van a few interior problems but apart from that all good

wayne thomas
4 / 5

check in took 1.40 hr! legible dirty outside with tape repairs to window and mirror paid for gas but when we got there found canister was empty and we had to replace ourselves

Ashleigh
5 / 5

Everything was amazing

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