Well we thought we’d better hire a Motorhome to see if we actually like the experience considering we had sold our flat and are planning to be an vacation for a year! So having searched the web I came across HIRE A HYMER. instantly keen because there Hymers of course I booked for over a week to go to a Motorhome rally to purchase a van – and we did, a Hymer of course and to get the experience of living in a Hymer . Well, Peter kindly advised that we may benefit from a larger van with a fixed bed but we declined his advise and chose Ralph a 555 because in our real lives we drive smart cars and did not feel that confident. Well within the hour had had mastered the driving and was impressed with my special awareness ability! Initially the van sounded quite loud but considering these vans (sorry no disrespect Ralph ) are nostalgically old but we soon got use to the sweet purring sound whilst travelling along country lanes. We avoided motorways and opted for more pleasant vistas. We did hook up on site for a couple of nights but spent most of our time wild camping- new Forrest was amazing. Back to Ralph, the size of the van was plenty big enough for us and the fuel consumption was great as was the LPG use (hardly used any) We found the dining area and incredible comfy over cab bed gave us enough space to enjoy comfort. Waking up to real wood interior and superb craftsmanship is incredible for your soul and sleep hygiene,! We hardly used the heating and were always felt toastie. The vans are wonderfully nostalgic and so reliable you expect from Mercedes. So to conclude, this was the lifestyle we have chosen and did actually buy a Hymer although not as regal as Ralph but a close second. I would recommend hiring from Peter and John and take a week out or more from our usual annual comforts and try this experience you’ll never forget. I was sad to hand the van back but we can now plan our future destinations an adventure before dementia with our trusty Hymer and pitch up under the stars. Is the kettle on Rob and were did I put my keys. X

Our first trip in a motorhome, but it won’t be our last. Incredibly easy to book and organise Bart for the festival this year. Thorough handover, and even when I forgot the basics (how to make the tap in the bathroom turn on) Peter was available and happy to help and didn’t laugh at my stupidity.Remarkably easy to drive, equipped with everything we needed for five nights away, including comfy beds. An elderly but well loved vehicle, Bart was perfect.Thanks guys.

The kids had been looking forward to our adventure in Herb for months and the day had finally arrived. We picked up Herb on a sunny Saturday from Pete and John and following a fantastic 40 minute briefing on everything from setting the cruise control to emptying the toilet cassette (which I should have perhaps paid more attention too) we were off! Herb was immaculate having been cleaned inside and out, equipped with bbq, tv, dvd player folding outdoor table and chairs and even fresh supplies of tea, coffee and washing up liquid. We plugged in the directions on our sat nav and embarked on a weeklong tour of the south west popping in to Portsmouth then Falmouth and up to Taunton before heading home. Driving a 7.5m long, left hand drive, automatic campervan was a synch. Herb happily cruised along motorways at 60 mph and he had plenty of grunt to keep going even on long motorway hills. The rear view camera and panoramic windscreen made edging past articulated lorries and reversing back up narrow cornish lanes a doddle. Herb’s accommodation was great. Two full size double beds and a fold out single bed looked after the sleeping needs and there was also plenty of space for all the family to seat around a table at meal times leaving another table at the rear of Herb for those times when the adults wanted to escape from the kids. Throw in the shower, wardrobe, refrigerator, sink and hob, and it was literally home from home. At the end of our tour the whole family gave Herb and our holiday a big thumbs up…we’ve got the bug and you will too if you give Herb a go!

We took Ned to Glasto this year and had a fab time. Hire a hymer are an excellent company that provide a superb service. Ned drove like a dream and was immaculate inside. Would highly recommend and will definitely be hiring again.

Just returned (& recovered) from a mid-May to mid-July tour of France, Spain and UK to celebrate retirement and what a trip! Smithers was “new” to the fleet and he didn’t miss a beat the entire 6000km+ trip. He started every time and did everything we asked of him… perhaps not as fast as the fancy new motorhomes that blew past on the outside lanes but we believe that the journey as just as important as the destination… it gives you a chance to “smell the roses” and the countryside was all new, so we didn’t need or want to rush. After a hectic working life, we relished the chance for a slightly slower pace. We also got alot of waves and smiles from other “vanners” who we suspect used to own a “last century” Hymer. Our only problem was “User Error” when the one (and only) time we didn’t have a lookout posted, we broke one of Smithers rear light lens’ backing up in a French supermarket carpark, for which we’re profoundly apologetic. Being a little larger than some his brothers, Smithers is perfect for longer vacations – especially if you have a few friends joining you. We loved the fixed bed (aft) but the forward drop-down bed also proved extremely comfortable & spacious when we were joined by friends. Being on a long vacation, we wanted to do as much catering at “home” as possible as we tire of continually dining out for extended periods. The 3 burner hob was more than adequate and of course the markets in France and Spain are to die for, with fresh produce of a quality we can’t find in the supermarkets back here in NZ (the really good stuff here is all exported!). Also – the on-board fridge is a necessity so make sure you understand (a) how to light it when using the gas option and (b) how to check it is running correctly. We lost a fridge-load of food as we weren’t paying attention to instructions when we picked the van up. Until then, we had used the electric hookup. We can’t recommend Pete and his team highly enough. They were great to do business with. When getting the original quote, there was no fluffing around, just a straight-up great price for the (long) hire period, compared to other companies who used complicated pricing structures to maximise their return. They supplied us with bedding and everything we needed for life on the road (we did splash out and buy a couple of wine glasses as it just seemed wrong to drink French Rose from tumblers and a hard-top folding outdoor table would be better than than the canvas model as plates slipped into the centre – but I suspect this was just because Peter didn’t have time to find anything else before we arrived!). They even threw in an electric fan heater as the May nights were still chilly and although we had difficulty finding LPG in Spain, I note that Pete is adding the Autogas fittings to his vehicles to make life simpler – just fill up wherever you see Autogas (called GPL in France) at service stations. The Shell gas stations in the UK refused to refill bottles so this is the obvious solution. We were delighted that Pete offered to pick us up off the London train as we didn’t have our bearings – this is just another example of the level of service they provided. AND we knew they were only a phone call away of anything had gone wrong. TIP 1: if you’re going to the Continent, before you go, make sure you get hold of the ACSI Campground Guide and discount card as you make great (and significant) savings on overnight rates in several European countries included Spain & France. I noted that upon our return, the guys at Hire A Hymer had a few copies available in their office, so check with them first. (They are also available from www.vicariousbooks.co.uk) TIP 2: Take the Satnav option but make sure it’s maps are up to date. We had some interesting moments on the Continent as the unit hadn’t been updated for 2 years. Apart from that – satnav “Kate” was indespensible. Finally – if any Antipodeans considering a similar journey want any any other information, we invite you to contact us by email at: markdumble@gmail.com Everyone else – Just Do It! Mark & Sue Auckland, NZ

Highly recommended! Staff are friendly and helpful. Motorhomes are well maintained and full of character. We really enjoyed our time with Disco Stu and will use HireAHymer again in the future.

We had an excellent time at Glastonbury with Marge. I would definitely recommend HireAHymer. Marge was great, perfect for what we needed and the staff were really friendly and helpful and quick to reply to our questions.

Top Campervan. Top Company.Top Service.Top all-round.Highly Recommended.

We took Ralph with us on my inaugral trip (a) in a campervan and (b) to Glastonbury. Peter and John were excellent throughout prior to the booking and with queries etc., most helpful. The holiday went well but we weren’t able to return Ralph on time due to extenuating circumstances, again Peter was able to assist with this so there was no difficulty in the end. I shall be requesting another reservation for next year, yes, it really did go that well!

We took Selma to Glastonbury this year, and couldn’t have asked for a better van or better service from the guys. Everything from the booking process, getting answers to questions that I inundated them with and the pick up and drop off process was done fantastically. And Selma herself was fantastic. Everything we needed was included, she was easy to drive, decent on fuel and comfortable. Looking forward to finding another weekend that we can hire from these guys.