In reply to Kean:
> What's the deal with just parking up in a car park/lay-by and sleeping there for the night? Is that generally "the done thing" or do councils clamp down on it??
Doable in Scotland and maybe the more remote parts of Wales, otherwise no. Southern England and Wales is quite densely populated and you're quite likely to me moved on. Hie companies may also not approve. Use a proper campsite.
> I've seen in Italy there are kind of free-access public "Eco centres" where van users can dump toilet waste & take on fresh water...anything similar in the UK?
My experience of campervan rental is limited, but I don't think such facilities are available here. Some villages still have public toilets that might have a tap for drinking water, but thats fairly rare.
> Any idea of a ball-park figure for how much we're likely to pay at official camp sites?
£25+ ish depending on vehicle size, location, time of year.
Lack of space. A van rated for x people will be cramped if it actually contains x people, so maybe get the next size up. Large vans can be very difficult to park/manoeuvre though, depending on your experience.
In bad weather is can be a little hellish, and storing wet footwear, jacket, etc. can be difficult. Experience with long-duration submarine trips would help prepare you.
The built-in showers can be very small, and I found it best to use campsite facilities. Remember you'll probably have to clean the vehicle before returning it, and while all your stuff is still in it.
Its good though. Have fun!
Post edited at 10:09