Hillside Leisure is a premium UK VW campervan converter based near Derby, known for exceptional build quality and innovative engineering. As a VW Registered Converter, Hillside meets Volkswagen's own exacting standards.
The range includes:
The Birchover — Hillside's popular two-berth campervan on VW Transporter, featuring a rear lounge layout with rock-and-roll bed and elevating roof.
The Cromford — a versatile layout with side kitchen and flexible sleeping arrangements on VW Transporter.
The Dalbury — a compact campervan available on VW or Nissan platforms. The Dalbury E electric variant made history as the world's first electric motorhome.
All models feature Hillside's signature attention to detail, quality materials and thoughtful design that maximises every inch of space.
Hillside Leisure was established in 2006 near Derby, Derbyshire, specialising in high-quality Volkswagen campervan conversions. The company quickly earned a reputation for meticulous build quality and innovative design.
As a VW Registered Converter, Hillside Leisure meets Volkswagen's own quality standards — a distinction that few converters achieve. This ensures warranty compatibility and demonstrates the company's commitment to excellence.
In a groundbreaking move, Hillside built the world's first electric motorhome — the Dalbury E, based on the Nissan e-NV200. This placed Hillside at the forefront of sustainable motorhome innovation.
All conversions are handcrafted at the company's Derbyshire workshop, with each vehicle receiving individual attention from skilled craftsmen.
VW Registered Converter status — meeting Volkswagen's own quality standards is a distinction that demonstrates exceptional build quality and ensures warranty compatibility.
World's first electric motorhome — the Dalbury E on Nissan e-NV200 placed Hillside at the cutting edge of sustainable motorhome innovation.
Derbyshire craftsmanship — every conversion is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail at the company's workshop near Derby.
Peak District inspired names — models named after Derbyshire locations (Birchover, Cromford, Dalbury) reflect the company's local roots and love of the outdoors.
If you want a premium VW campervan — Hillside's VW Registered status and handcrafted quality place them among the best UK VW converters.
If VW warranty compatibility matters — Registered Converter status means your base vehicle warranty is protected.
If you want to go electric — the Dalbury E offers zero-emission campervanning for the environmentally conscious.
If build quality is your priority — Hillside's attention to detail and materials quality consistently earns praise from owners.
Premium pricing — Hillside's quality and VW Registered status comes at a price premium over budget converters.
Small production volume — handcrafted production means limited availability and potential waiting times.
VW Transporter base cost — the VW T6.1 platform is more expensive than alternatives like Fiat or Renault.
Limited model range — a focused range of campervan layouts with no larger motorhome options.
Campervans only — if you need a coachbuilt motorhome, Hillside doesn't cater to this market.
Verify genuine Hillside conversion — confirm the vehicle carries Hillside Leisure conversion documentation and VW Registered Converter certification.
Check the VW base vehicle — full VW dealer service history, DSG gearbox oil changes if automatic, timing chain condition on TSI engines.
Inspect the elevating roof — check canvas, seals, hinges and operation mechanism.
Check the rock-and-roll bed — test operation, locking mechanisms and upholstery condition.
Inspect conversion quality — check all joinery, fittings and systems for the build quality Hillside is known for.
Hillside Leisure provides a conversion warranty on new builds. VW Registered Converter status means the base vehicle VW warranty remains valid.
For used Hillside campervans, verify any remaining conversion warranty and base vehicle warranty status.
OakTree Motorhomes can advise on independent warranty options for used Hillside campervans.
When buying a used Hillside Leisure, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.