Hillside Leisure has been converting panel vans into campervans and motorhomes since 2004. Based in Derby, it is the brainchild of brothers Adrian and David Cross, who remain very much at the company helm today.
Hillside Leisure is among the best campervan conversion companies in the UK, with its earliest conversions – monikered Ashover – based on the Toyota Hiace. Ranges based on the Renault Trafic, the Nissan NV 200 and the VW Transporter appeared later.
Recent models include the (larger) high-top VW Crafter/Man TGE, plus Ford Transit Custom-based campervans, all among the best vans for converting to a camper. VW’s Transporter has been a constant volume seller.
There have been quite a few high-top and pop-top VW conversions from the converter in my chosen timeframe, but I’m concentrating on by far the most popular when new, thus more will become available for those looking at buying a used campervan. These are the Hillside Leisure Birchover and Cromford.
The Hillside Leisure Birchover is usually on the short-wheelbase T6 (overall length: 4.89m/16’ 1”), so it should offer a nimble driving experience, something which is likely to be a priority when searching for the best small campervan.
Then there is the Cromford, which is always on the long-wheelbase variant (overall length: 5.29m/17’ 4.5”). The rear-hinged SCA rising roof is TÜV approved and has canvas sides. An SCA moulded high-top was an option for first purchasers.
also NCC approved. Good, eh?
Birchover adopts the classic Veedub campervan layout, accessed via the nearside sliding door. Note that some European competitors don’t UK hand their conversions, resulting in the side sliding door being on the wrong side to discharge rear passengers directly onto the pavement – important if you’re looking for a family campervan for everyday use.
Opposite the side door and along the offside wall is a run of furniture. Kitchen is centre and forward, with the wardrobe at the far rear.
The remainder of the main salon is home to a RIB ‘settee’ which converts into a longitudinal double bed in a jiffy. A swivel adds the cab passenger pew to the habitation seating complement.
Birchover S is the most affordable, but still boasts the above mentioned pop-top and the rear double seat/double bed layout.
Mod cons include 230V hook-up, leisure battery, split charging system, two-burner hob and 50-litre 12/230V compressor campervan fridge with Hillside’s upgraded access door.
Stainless-steel sink has pumped cold water, plus underfloor tanks. Finally, all lighting is via low-drain, high-output, LED luminaires.
Birchover Classic adds a grill on SWB versions and a combined grill/oven on LWB models. Also included is a freestanding Porta Potti with dedicated storage, and a diesel-fired combi heater supplying hot water and space heating via blown air.
Ooh… nearly forgot, there is also an exterior shower.
Both green road enthusiasts and off-roaders would do well to opt for the Birchover All Motion, which offers four-wheel drive via VW’s 4-Motion transmission. Adjustable ride height and suspension upgrades are further cost options.
The range-topping flagship is the Birchover Executive. It offers a very sophisticated interior ambience and two-tone exterior coachwork.
My second featured campervan is the Hillside Leisure Cromford. These arrive as standard with a pop-top, although a high-top was an option. Cromford was only available on the long-wheelbase van.
Interior layout includes a forward lounge consisting of four travel seats that convert into a brace of easy-access longitudinal single beds or an ‘all over’ double bed. Don’t forget to check out our tips on how to make a campervan bed more comfortable to help ensure you get a better night’s rest too.
Immediately behind the lounge is the kitchen, split either side of the central aisle. Nearside midships is home to the one-piece sink/hob and combined grill/oven, while the offside accommodates the compressor fridge.
A swivel-bowl cassette toilet and vanity basin are in the offside rear corner; both can be separated from the main salon by a three-quarter height privacy screen.
What to look out for on a Hillside Leisure Birchover and Cromford
Base vehicle
Full service history and long MoT, if applicable. Most have reliable engines, with the only common recorded issues limited to fuel pressure sensors and the EGR valve. Just make sure no engine management lights remain illuminated before signing on the dotted line.
Reports of total engine failure at very modest mileage (think in terms of £8000 to £12,000 repair bill) are a little concerning. However, my research indicates these are limited to the 180PS and 205PS Bi-turbo variants.
Conversion
A recent habitation service and safety check with a written report will be reassuring. For those planning to park it at home under a car port, pop-top models have an overall height of 2.1m/6’ 10.75” at standard ride height.
That said, be aware this doesn’t include accessories fitted by previous owners, such as roof bars and TV/Wi-Fi aerials. In addition, check the operation of the rising-roof and for evidence of damp or mould on the canvas… a sure sign that it has been stored wet.
What we like about the Hillside Leisure Birchover and Cromford
- Sophisticated, svelte base vehicle
- Vehicles converted in the UK by skilled employees
- Direct sales (short chain of communication)
- Cromford’s ingenuity
- Equally at home in the Scottish Highlands or on the school run
What we dislike about the Hillside Leisure Birchover and Cromford
- Personal: Retrofit high-top models have standard-height rear doors/tailgate.
- VW’s own high-tops have taller rear doors… easier for the wheelchair user in our party
Essentials
- Hillside Leisure Birchover and Cromford on Volkswagen Transporter T6/6.1
- Built 2016–2024 in Derby, UK
- Steel panel van with elevating-roof or GRP high-top
- Overall length: Birchover: 4.89m (16’ 1”) – Cromford: 5.29m (17’ 4.5”).
- Note: Birchover’s cost-options include a long-wheelbase version
Our pick
Either is suitable for use as an only vehicle. I’d lean towards the Cromford because of the option of single beds, although the Birchover features the most popular campervan layout… in the world… which says it all really!
What to pay for a used Hillside Leisure Birchover and Cromford
VW Transporter T6 and T6.1 campers have strong residuals, so buttons won’t buy one. But they devalue at a much slower pace than many competitors. 2016-2018 models from £40,000.
At the time of writing, I spotted a fully loaded, one-owner, 2019 Birchover pop-top for £39,990 at Bridgwater Campers. Equivalent new: well over £60,000. Leeds Caravan Centre had a high-top automatic 2020 Cromford at an asking price of £49,995. Equivalent brand new: £78,000.
Alternatives to consider
(All by Hillside Leisure.) Birchover alternative: Hartington on Renault Trafic. Cromford alternative: Ellastone on Renault Trafic.
Other VW Transporter models: Thulston and Buxton. Or alternatively, you could consider a Ford-based option from a converter, such as a used Auto-Sleepers Custom Air, an all-season campervan which comes with a great spec.
Another Ford Transit Custom-based option is a used Devon Firefly, which comes on both a SWB and LWB base. The campervan comes with a practical interior which is easy to live in.
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