travelling the uk in a campervan

The 21 Best Motorhome Routes in the UK for an Amazing Adventure!

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Motorhome & Campervan Holidays in the UK

What better way to travel in the United Kingdom than in a motorhome or campervan? Forget the big cities and make for the great British countryside, unlike anywhere else in the world. 

Head to all the amazing places to visit in the UK, in the comfort and safety of your home on wheels, following our favourite motorhome routes. 

Whether you own your own motorhome or are looking at first time campervan rental for a fantastic UK staycation , Great Britain and Northern Ireland are full of incredible places to visit and touring the UK by motorhome is a great way to see them all.

Motorhome Tours UK Map

From the hidden coves and glorious weather of Cornwall to the drama and mountains of Scotland, the UK has all the elements needed for a great motorhome holiday – we can’t guarantee great weather, but we know you’ll have a lot of fun!

Use our popular motorhome route planner for the UK to help plan your road trip itinerary. Whether you’re looking for motorhome holiday ideas, motorhome tour routes in the UK or just how to holiday in a motorhome, you’ll find what you need here, in our choice of the best motorhome and campervan routes in UK.

Let us take the hassle out of organising your trip with our UK motorhome itineraries

UK Motorhome Holiday Destinations

Cornwall, england.

This glorious part of the UK has some of the best beaches and campsites the country has to offer. Along with quaint seaside towns, beautiful landscapes and some  great Cornish attractions , this is one of our favourite amazing places in Britain and has all the makings of a great motorhome trip in the UK.

The drive down the M5 or A303 can be unpleasant, especially at the weekends when everyone seems to go on holiday. Try and head down mid-week and break up the journey if you can before you get to the A30, the main arterial road through the county. 

Visit the Eden Project  on the way, a fantastic stop and not to be missed when you’re passing so close by. Cornwall has lots of narrow lanes and many towns and villages are unsuitable for large motorhome traffic, be mindful of this when travelling and route planning.  

Highlights & Where to Stay

The Camel Estuary

With trendy Rock on one side of the estuary and pretty Padstow on the other, this is a fantastic destination. Try your hand at surfing in Rock or just have fun in the waves on a body board. Eat amazing fish in Padstow and enjoy strolling the harbour and town.

Stay at the popular  Padstow Touring Park  for great facilities and fantastic views. It’s within walking distance, or a short bike ride, of Padstow and an excellent base for exploring the area. This is one of the most popular places to go in the UK, so holiday there out of season if you can. If not, book your pitch early!

The quintessential Cornish holiday town, St Ives is blessed with a couple of fantastic beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. With shops, bars and restaurants open into the evening and several world-renowned galleries, St Ives has a cosmopolitan feel.

It can get busy here in the high season, visit before UK schools break up if you possibly can.

Stay at the simple and family-run  Ayr Holiday Park  which has a coastal path down to Porthmoer beach (where I’ve spent many happy hours as a child and adult with a body board!) and from there into St Ives itself.

Porthcurno & Around

Visit the end of the peninsula on your Cornwall road trip for amazing coves and beaches. Porthcurno is one of my all-time favourite beaches, overlooked by the spectacular and must-see Minack Theatre.  

Explore Sennen Cove and the tin mines at Botallack, for a taste of Cornish history and head east for charming Mousehole (pronounced Mouzle), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems  (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!).

Pretty Penzance and the splendid St. Michael’s Mount, accessible on foot when the tide is out, are all within a few miles if each other and well worth a visit.

Stay at  Trevedra Farm Campsite  for a back-to-nature feel, great beach access and a warm welcome for motorhome travellers from the farm owners.

RELATED POST: Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Snowdonia & Anglesey, Wales

Head for spectacular Snowdonia in north Wales for drama, huge skies and outdoor adventures.

Cross the iconic Menai suspension bridge in your campervan, to reach the Isle of Anglesey. Home to some of the best beaches in Wales, fantastic coastal hiking and cycling paths and a good dose of remoteness, this is one of the best travel routes in the UK to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The A5 is easily accessible from the M6 and brings you right into the buzzy climbing town of Betws-y-Coed, on the edge of one of the  UK’s best national parks  and the gateway to Snowdonia. From there, it’s a hop and a skip to Anglesey. 

Snowdonia National Park

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowden, the highest mountain in England and Wales, some 1,085m above sea level. If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike, take the train up and hike down!

Stay at  Bryn Gloch Caravan and Camping Park , surrounded by nature and right at the foot of Snowden itself.

Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island

Newborough Beach is our favourite beach on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels.

Take a walk through the forest and dunes and out to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating pilots cottages and lighthouse. Newborough is a great starting point to head off around the coast in a campervan!

Stay on the grassy meadow of  Awelfryn Caravan Park , a mile away from the beach after a good walk through Newborough Forest.

Betws-y-Coed

Set in a beautiful valley, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town, full of shops selling outdoor gear and companies offering outdoor adventures. Pubs are full of climbers talking about the day’s exploits and adventures.

The town is a great base for  outdoor sports and activities  such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining and mountain biking. You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls to visit on your much-needed rest days.

Stay at the  Riverside Touring Park  for excellent customer service, five-star facilities and easy access to Betws-y-Coed itself.

The Lake District, England

This rugged and scenic national park in Cumbria has something for everyone. Head for the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick or find remoteness by one of the sixteen beautiful bodies of water and tarns in this stunning part of the UK.

The Lake District lies to the west of the M6 and is easily accessible to motorhomes but be prepared for some narrow and twisting country lanes which may be congested in summer once you come off the main A roads.

There are some spectacular mountain passes but they are not all suitable for large vehicles and you should check this prior to your trip, or go in a camper van!  Otherwise head for the the  stunning Peak District , which is motorhome-friendly and perhaps a road a little less travelled.

The second largest lake, Ullswater is nestled amongst some of the best fells the Lake District has to offer and is home to the stunning Aira Force waterfall, an easy Lake District walk .

With water sports, hiking and  Lake District wild swimming  amongst the lush green landscape (the setting of Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’ poem) on your doorstep, this is a perfect spot for motorhomers and campervanners to enjoy nature and outdoor activity and some of the  best Lake District hikes .

Stay at the family owned and run  Gillside Farm  at the foot of Helvellyn and close to the pretty village of Glenridding for excellent access to the surrounding fells and Ullswater itself.

Keswick is a busy market town with a mining history which lies between the imposing Skiddaw mountains and the natural beauty of Derwentwater.

Take a cruise on the lake and head up to the prehistoric Castelrigg stone circle, literally surrounded by fells and sky in every direction.

There’s also lots of great hiking in the area, including many easy trails like Catbells, which also has the added benefit of incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Wild camping in the Lake District for motorhomes is possible in the more off-the-beaten-track parts, but around the lakes and towns, it is likely you will be moved on pretty quickly, especially in summer.

Stay at  Derwentwater Camping and Caravanning Club Site , one of the best sites for motorhomes in the Lake District. You don’t have to be a member to stay, although the cost is discounted if you are. This friendly and popular site is a few minutes walk from Keswick and Derwentwater.

Honister Slate Mine

At the southern end of Derwentwater is the valley of Borrowdale, leading to the Honister Pass and the home of the Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in Europe.

The mine has a visitor centre which provides underground guided mine tours and a range of adventure activities including a Via Ferrata (by ropes) course which is not for the faint-hearted!

The Honister pass is not suitable for large motorhomes and has a width restriction of 6’6″, although it is possible to get the bus there from Keswick.

Stay at  Chapel House Farm Campsite  in the Borrowdale Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and rushing streams to lull you to sleep at night.

RELATED POST: Motorhomers Choice – Top 10 Motorhome Campsites UK

The North Coast 500, Scotland

This iconic Scottish motorhome route had to make the list! The NC500 is a 516 mile spectacular route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle and passing through  some of the most beautiful places in Scotland . 

Tackle the whole route, for which you’ll need at least several weeks, or do a bit of it. Whichever, you’ll find incredible landscapes, legendary Scottish hospitality and the thrill of the open road.

This is surely one of the best motorhome routes in the UK and one of the best  driving roads in Scotland .

Both the start and finish point of your motorhome holiday in Scotland, this cultured and ancient cathedral city is full of history and interest. Go monster hunting on Loch Ness, take a trip to the haunting battlefield at Culloden and visit Inverness Castle.

Fans of the book and tv show ‘Outlander’ can also visit bucket-list destinations  in this region.

Stay at  Bunchrew Caravan Park  on the edge of Beauly Firth, in twenty acres of mature woodland and advertised as being free from midges, pretty unusual for motorhome holidays in Scotland!

One of the last great wildernesses of Europe, a large chunk of the NC500 passes through this raw and beautiful county. With the sea always on your right, the coast of this part of the route is unspoilt and diverse, from huge sandy beaches to the rugged and aptly named Cape Wrath cliffs.

There is a lot of Scottish wild camping for motorhomes in this part of the UK. Use  Park4Night  to find a great spot with a fabulous view and follow our wild camping tips for the best experience.

Stay at the stunning Clachtoll Beach Campsite right on the edge of the beach, which boasts crystal clear water and amazing snorkelling; we think it’s one of the best campervan sites in Scotland.

Home to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the most northerly village and northerly point respectively, Caithness is right at the top of the UK!  It is so far north that in favourable conditions, it’s possible to see the northern lights from here.

The coastline here features soaring sea stacks and towering headlands, home to puffins and other sea birds.

Stay at  Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site . You don’t have to be a member to stay, although the cost is discounted if you are. This is a site for those who enjoy solitude, sublime views and long beach walks.

RELATED POST: How to Take a North Coast 500 Motorhome Trip

The New Forest, England

This historic forest in Hampshire, planted in 1079 by William the Conquerer, retains a strong sense of history and tradition.

Home to New Forest wild ponies, roaming pigs, Highland cattle and deer, this haven for wildlife offers peace and tranquillity to all who visit.

The forest is particularly special in autumn when the crowds have gone and the colours are spectacular.

The forest is also a hub for outdoor activity, including water sports, cycling and hiking, you can find the top  New Forest outdoor activities here .

Easily accessible via the M3 and M27, the main roads through the forest are all suitable for large motorhomes and there are lots of designated car parks and places to stop for lunch or a walk.

You cannot wild camp in the New Forest, there are active rangers who move on all vehicles at dusk. 

For a longer road trip, add  Dorset and the incredible Jurassic Coast  to your itinerary.

Brockenhurst

A charming village to the south of the forest and an excellent base for cycling and walking. With a few good pubs in the village and a seriously good  takeaway fish and chip shop , this is a great place from which to explore.

You can hire bikes in the village or bring your own; download this helpful map for routes.

Stay at  Hollands Wood Campsite  run by Camping in the Forest, who offer some of the best motorhome sites across the forest. Within walking distance of the village, this mainly wooded site is on the edge of the open forest.

New Forest Water Park

At the western edge of the forest, the New Forest Water Park offers wakeboarding and a giant inflatable aqua park, the best fun you can have in a wet suit! Try your hand at wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle before running the gauntlet on the aqua park course…its a lot, lot harder than it looks!

Stay at the  Red Shoot Camping Park   a few miles away and on the edge of the open forest. Situated behind the highly rated Red Shoot Inn, this is a friendly and family-run site.

Not technically in the New Forest, but right on the south-western edge, Lymington is a charming and bustling market town.  With a busy harbour and easy access to the Solent, this is a haven for sailors.

From your base in Lymington, take a trip to  Hurst Castle , built by Henry VIII and situated in a shingle spit stretching towards the Isle of Wight. On hot days, take a dip in the seawater swimming baths on the edge of Lymington town.

Stay at the tranquil retreat of  Harry’s Field  and enjoy their camping philosophy, complete with roaming deer, ponies and donkeys. A stay in a campervan here is good for the soul!

RELATED POST: Top 16 New Forest Outdoor Activities

UK Motorhome Trip Essentials

The Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

The gorgeous and unspoilt Causeway Coastal Route is a part of the UK that may require a ferry crossing if you don’t live there. But, it is a motorhome coastal road trip in the UK that’s worth making the effort for.

From the breathtaking natural beauty of the  Giant’s Causeway  to the huge Benone Beach, the coastline is studded with Game of Thrones locations and pretty seaside towns.

End your trip in  Londonderry , a city that has overcome a difficult past to become a popular tourist destination in its own right, and if you have time, pop over the border into the Republic of Ireland and drive the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way down the west coast of Ireland.

We suggest getting the boat to the  busy and fun city of Dublin  before heading north, it’s not in the UK but if you’re crossing the water you might as well make the most of it! From Dublin, Belfast makes a natural stop on the road north – if you only do one thing in Belfast , visit the Titanic Quarter.

If you’re short on time though, depart from  Stranraer to Larne , for the quickest route north once you arrive in Northern Ireland, unless you live there of course!

The Giants Causeway & Around

Forged by volcanic nature some 50 to 60 million years ago, these 40,000 columns of basalt spilling into the wild North Atlantic have to be seen to be believed.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of  Northern Ireland’s best historic landmarks  and an awe-inspiring place that really gets you thinking about man’s insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Climb the Shepherd’s Steps and hike along the clifftop trail for an aerial view of the dramatic causeway coast or take the road less travelled on an active five-mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path.  

Don’t forget to visit the cute harbour at Ballintoy (also a Game of Thrones location) but be mindful that there is very limited parking and you may struggle to turn in a larger rig. Just along the coast, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge  will test your head for heights!

Stay At Craig House Campsite , situated in an area of Irish outstanding natural beauty with magnificent sea views.

Portstewart & Portrush

Literally next to each other, both are pretty seaside, bucket and spade towns. With souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, Portrush is livelier and has a nightclub and amusements.

Portstewart has a lovely, laid-back feel and has some interesting boutique shops along the prom.

Both have great beaches and excellent golf courses. Take your pick depending on what you enjoy! If you like motorbikes, head here in May for the infamous  North West 200 .

Stay at  Juniper Hill Holiday Park  for access to both towns along the Port Path or catch the bus that stops right outside.

Benone Beach

A favourite of surfers, this huge beach stretches from Castlerock in the east to Magilligan Point in the west. From here you can visit the Mussenden Temple on the headland and the demesne at Downhill.

The mighty Binevenagh mountain sits to the south and is excellent for hiking, with stunning views of the coast and Donegal from the summit.

Stay at the  Golden Sands  and don’t forget to pop into the Sea Shed Cafe for amazing Spanish hot chocolate and homemade cake right on the beach!

RELATED POST: Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?

Norfolk, England

One of the most beautiful areas of east England, Norfolk enjoys an incredible and unspoilt heritage coastline, traditional seaside towns like Cromer , and the famous Norfolk Broads, where you will find huge skies and tranquillity, even in the height of summer.

A national park and a haven for wildlife and birds, the Broads are a nature lovers paradise and can be explored on foot or by boat.

The roads to Norfolk don’t go anywhere else, one of the reasons the county has remained a peaceful holiday destination. Take the A11 or A47 to Norwich, right in the heart of Norfolk.

The historic city of Norwich is a hidden gem and a must-visit if you’re in Norfolk. Considered the UK’s best preserved medieval city, you’ll find a Norman cathedral with the second highest spire in England, a vibrant bar and restaurant scene and the Norwich Lanes, a tangle of pedestrian streets full of interesting shops and independent boutiques.

For a fabulous day out just ten miles away,  visit BeWILDerwood , a magical adventure park that’s perfect for children, and the big kid in all of us!

Stay at the simple and relaxed  Whitlingham Broad Campsite just outside the city, an easy fifteen minute bike ride away. If you want to enjoy the broad, then you can hire kayaks and canoes a few minutes away from the campsite.

This quaint coastal village lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Norfolk coast . The nature reserve is a fantastic spacious landscape with salt marshes, sand and shingle spit, sand dunes and horizons stretching far out to sea.

Practice your crabbing skills on the harbour or take a trip out to Blakeney Point to see the Common and Grey seals that breed here in winter.

Stay at the natural paradise of  Highland Creek Camp Site  which is surrounded by salt marshes, woodlands, mud creeks and beaches. 

Sandringham

The royal estate at Sandringham is set in beautiful woodlands perfect for walking. Visit the house, gardens and transport museum before heading to see the St Mary Magdalene church where the King attends services when he is staying at Sandringham.

There are often events here too, such as farmers markets and craft fairs, check the Sandringham Estate website for details and dates.

Stay at the Sandringham Camping and Caravanning Club Site,  set amongst woodland and with the royal estate on the doorstep.

RELATED POST: Things to Do in Norfolk: 37 of the Very Best Attractions

Helpful Motorhoming Resources

Motorhomers Choice – Top 10 Motorhome Campsites UK

Motorhome Wild Camping – Your Complete Guide

How to Take Your First Motorhome Trip (& have an amazing time!)

The Best Motorhome Holidays in Europe

Dorset, england.

The beautiful county of Dorset boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline, pretty villages and towns and some great bucket and spade resorts.

The cliffs of the 95-mile-long  Jurassic Coast  contain millions of fossils and interesting rock formations and there is even a forest of fossilised trees.

With Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth providing good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, there’s a lot to recommend Dorset, making it one of the best campervan trips you can take.

Dorset is very accessible by taking the M3 and M27 from London before picking up the A31 into the county.

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door

Lulworth Cove is an almost perfect circle and is considered one of the best examples in Europe of marine erosion.

Whatever the reason for Lulworth Cove, it really is a beautiful spot and perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddling. Stop at the  Boat Shed Cafe  for a relaxed lunch before hitting the pebble beach.

There are many fantastic  coastal walks in Dorset , with the walk from  Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door being one of the best, and taking around 45 minutes.

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch in the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion. On hot days, the kids swim out here and climb up, before jumping off with glee. Durdle Door is backed by a truly beautiful beach with imposing limestone cliffs that the Jurassic coast is famous for, and for us, is one of the best scenic places in England.

Stay at  Durdle Door Holiday Park  for incredible sea views and easy access to both Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove beaches.

Chesil Beach & Around

The iconic  Chesil Beach  is an eighteen-mile-long shingle barrier beach made up of 180 billion pebbles and stretching from West Bay to Portland.

This wild and natural place seems made of sea and sky and being here clears your head and fills your soul.

Head for Abbotsbury Gardens for one of the best views of Chesil Beach from above, stretching miles in either direction and then pop in to see the mute swan colony at the swannery.

If you’ve got energy left after all that, head south to the iconic Portland Bill lighthouse at the tip of Portland, for more dramatic seascapes.

Stay at East Fleet Touring Park  for its stunning location overlooking Chesil Beach and the sea beyond.

Swanage & Around

A quintessential English seaside resort, Swanage was a hit with the Victorians when sea bathing became fashionable.

With a safe sandy beach, steam train, nearby Corfe Castle, great wreck diving and Durlston Country Park there’s a great deal to keep you entertained.

Throw in a bag of newspaper-wrapped fish and chips and you’ve got the perfect motorhome holiday destination!

Stay at the friendly and welcoming  Ulwell Cottage Holiday Park  for easy access to Swanage and its pretty surroundings.

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Famous for its glorious beaches, cliffs, islands and wildlife, the stunning coast of Pembrokeshire offers infinite opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

From the Victorian seaside town of Tenby to the puffins of Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire has something to suit everyone planning a Welsh road trip , nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

Take the M4 west until you pick up the A40 which will take you into the heart of this beautiful and eclectic county. Why not take in the  prime walking country of the Cotswolds  or the awe-inspiring Brecon Beacons on the way?

Coasteering

Pembrokeshire is perfect for a Welsh motorhome trip and boasts that it invented coasteering, so how could we leave it off our list? The sport of cliff scrambling, jumping from land to sea and swimming between rocks will stretch you physically and mentally and give you hours of fun!

You can find a pace to suit you, there are courses and guided expeditions for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way!

Stay at  Pencarnan Farm Camping and Caravan Park , just up the road from St Davids, a coasteering hub, and with access to the gorgeous sandy Porthsele beach, safe for swimming and kayaking.

Skomer Island

The wild island of  Skomer  is a haven for migrant birds such as puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

You may also see seals here, which come to moult in April, along with owls, peregrine falcons and buzzards. In the spring, wildflowers carpet the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

Tickets are on a first come, first served basis and numbers are limited so make sure you get to Lockley Lodge visitor centre early!

Stay at the family-run  West Hook Farm Camping , with simple facilities and superb sea views, and just up the road from Lockley Lodge.

Tenby is one of the most iconic seaside towns in Wales, steeped in ancient history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall.

With several great sandy beaches, a pretty and colourful harbour and narrow cobbled streets with a fantastic selection of gift shops, independent boutiques, cafes and pubs, this charming and lively town is perfect for a day out. 

If you base yourself here, you’re within striking distance of two of the  best castles in Wales , Pembroke and Carew, both well worth a visit.

Stay at  Meadow Farm , with fantastic panoramic views and easy access to Tenby, the coastal path and local beaches.

RELATED POST: Motorhoming & Campervanning in Wales – Complete Guide

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second largest island, a 50-mile-long stretch of heather-covered moors, rugged mountains, clear sparkling lochs and dramatic sea cliffs.

This incredible landscape is the main draw, but there is plenty to do when the mist descends, including castles, museums and craft studios, as well as the odd pub or two!

Come here for real solitude and remoteness,  some of the best hiking in the UK , and to breathe the bracing air and remind yourself of why van life is good!

The driving route to Skye is spectacular . There are two main routes from Stirling, we would suggest the most southerly, taking the A84 north and skirting the Trossachs to your west before heading through Glencoe and Fort William, both worthy of a visit.

Take the road bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh or do it the traditional way on a ferry from Mallaig. The Isle of Skye makes for a good 7 day motorhome itinerary in Scotland.

Dunvegan Castle

In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, Skye’s most famous historic building, Dunvegan Castle is the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod and has been so for over 800 years.

The castle itself is fascinating and the formal gardens make a fantastic contrast to the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a busy tourist attraction though, and best visited outside of the peak months of July and August.

Stay at  Kinloch Campsite , with a superb waterfront location and access to the local village of Dunvegan itself.

The Sleat Peninsula

Commonly referred to as ‘the garden of Skye’, the Sleat peninsula is home to lush gardens, dense forests and mountains surrounded by beautiful beaches and sparkling seas.

This eclectic corner of Skye not only has nature on its doorstep, it also has some of the best restaurants on the island and of course, a  whisky distillery !

Stay at  Camping Skye , well situated for the whole island and opened in 2018 with modern facilities in a peaceful woodland setting.

The Trotternish Peninsula

Trotternish is the most northerly peninsula and enjoys Skye’s most striking and dramatic landscapes. As you drive north your attention will be captured by The Storr.

This 719m summit rises above the east-facing cliffs that run down the centre of the peninsula. Sitting at the foot of these cliffs is a 50m high tooth of rock, the Old Man of Storr.

The Old Man is part of a distinctive rocky outcrop that lies below the cliffs and a fascinating sight.

Head for The Quiraing for some fantastic hiking and to see the best of these ancient landscapes in this remote and stunning part of the island.

Wild camping on Skye in a motorhome is possible if you are discreet, the Trotternish peninsula is remote and a good place to find a quiet spot.

Stay at  Torvaig Caravan and Camp Site   for amazing views of the Cuillin mountain range from your camper van, and easy access to Portree. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming & Campervanning in Scotland

UK Motorhome Holiday Ideas

If you’re looking for more UK motorhome holiday inspiration, then check out these ideas of places to explore in your home on wheels:

North East 250, Scotland

The North East 250 is the perfect seven day motorhome tour of Scotland for lovers of mountains, coastlines and whisky.

Wend your way through the dramatic countryside and towns of Speyside, Royal Deeside, Cairngorms, the east coast and the Moray Firth coast, stopping to enjoy fantastic hiking, distillery tours and spectacular views.

Argyll Coastal Route

One of the most stunning motorhome holidays in Scotland , the Argyll Coastal Route will take you from stunning loch sides to sea shores and mountain tops.

The ultimate West Coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers and those who want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

Starting in Glasgow and finishing in Inverness allows you to make the most of this linear route as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault and enjoy the gentle lowlands giving way to the dramatic and wild highlands.

Northumbria, England

This gorgeous and unspoilt area of northeast England is perfect for a motorhome holiday.

With huge empty beaches and pretty villages strung along the coast, Northumberland is a great place for a motorhome trip if you’re looking to get away from it all.

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

The least populated of Northern Ireland’s six counties (and I have no idea why!), Fermanagh is dominated by lakes and waterways.

Lough Erne spreads over 80km long between the Upper Lough to the south of Enniskillen, and the Lower Lough to the north and is connected by the River Erne, which begins its journey in Ireland.

The jewel in Northern Ireland’s crown, Fermanagh is a great region for exploring with your campervan, enjoying water sports, hiking and nature. You’re also on the doorstep of Ireland, a wonderful country in which to take a motorhome or campervan holiday.

The Yorkshire Dales

In ‘God’s own country’ of Yorkshire, the roads snake between patchwork fields, glacial valleys, flat-topped hills and rocky outcrops. Every so often you’ll come across a picture-perfect village with a quaint pub and windswept hiking trails nearby.

There’s lots of history here too, in land that was once host to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of York and Lancaster.

Skirting the county of Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a mecca for tour buses which cause major headaches both on the roads and in car parks at the most popular spots.

Avoid the summer months if you possibly can, or head into the North York Moors for the coast and wider roads!

The Peak District

Sitting pretty between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield is the wonderful Peak District.

Straddling the Pennines lie pretty stone villages, grand stately homes and rocky outcrops in every direction, but no peaks, despite the name.

To the north, the Dark Peak area is dominated by exposed moorland and gritstone ‘edges’, while to the south, the White Peak is made up of rolling limestone dales.

The diverse and soaring landscapes of the Peak District mean some seriously good drives, making for a great motorhome road trip.

The Cotswolds

The perfectly English Cotswolds are set in the lush rolling countryside of southwest England.

Sprinkled with honeyed stone villages set around duck ponds and greens, the winding country lanes are lined with stone walls and hedgerows.

The region is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers close encounters with wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities at the  Slimbridge Wetland Centre .

If you prefer a bit more activity, paddle boarding, kayaking and archery are all available at the  Cotswold Water Park , and there are lots of great cycling and hiking routes in the area. 

If you’re in a large motorhome, check your planned route as some roads here are narrow and you may struggle to negotiate them safely.

Suffolk is one of the six counties of East Anglia and is blessed with picturesque villages, fabulous churches and lavish Tudor houses.

To the west are the picture-postcard villages of Lavenham and Long Melford. Further north, historic Bury St Edmunds has a great market town atmosphere, while the appealing coastal resorts of Aldeburgh and Southwold overflow with charm and a laid-back holiday pace.

Devon’s beach-fringed landscape is studded with lively cities, historic homes and the wild moors of Exmoor National Park. Perfect for exploring by motorhome or campervan, you’ll find lots to do along the Atlantic Highway , especially if you’re travelling as a family.

From the historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth to the varied coastlines and abundance of AONBs, the popular English Riviera is packed with attractions.

The south-east England county of Kent really is the garden of England, even though it’s on the doorstep of London. Much of its border is coastal, and within this, you’ll find a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, fertile farmland and country estates.

Some of the best beaches near London are in the county, as well as orchards bursting with fruit, including the world-renowned Kent hops.

At its heart is ancient Canterbury, and its historic cathedral. You’ll also find beautiful coastal stretches, home to seaside towns and villages, from traditional Broadstairs to hipster Whitstable and everything in between.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is getting a bit of a reputation as a cool place to visit, and we can see why.

For decades this island anchored off Portsmouth was a magnet for family holidays, and it still has a lot of bucket and spade appeal.

But now the Isle of Wight Festival draws party lovers for live music, freshly caught seafood and cool camping.

Cowes Week also offers live music, parties and champagne for a week every year when the famous Cowes sailing regatta takes place.

Head here on one of the ferries from Southampton or Lymington for a week in your motorhome – and if you prefer not to party, you’ll still enjoy the gorgeous climate, outdoor activities and the island’s stunning shoreline.

Are you looking for more motorhome touring guides? Check out these top posts…

Europe by Motorhome: The Best & Only Touring Guide You Need!

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Campervanning in Norway: Tips, Routes & Destinations for 2024

Campervanning in Portugal: Complete Guide for 2024

Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete 2024 Guide

Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide for 2024

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About The Author

Izzy Nicholls

3 thoughts on “the 21 best motorhome routes in the uk for an amazing adventure”.

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

Thanks for your comment Anthony. Fingers crossed for motorhome travel in 2021!

Some great ideas, great locations! Thank you, Our plan is Europe next year, most of next year. However one wonders with COVID-19 is this going to be a goer? I think it will, I did say to my dear wife, if not, ‘we’ll travel around the UK.’ Your article shows it’s well worth doing and there is so much to see it would take a while. We will start in the Lakes District! https://www.anthonyphilips.com/blog/vanlife

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8 Tips for Travelling the UK in a Campervan

The UK is a nation of caravan lovers. On our small island, we have an estimated 600,000 campervans trundling along our roads. With good infrastructure, amazing nature spots, and a small area to cover, travelling the UK in a campervan is the ideal way to experience the country.

As with all forms of travel, there are many choices to be made. Do you stick to the coast , or do you head inland? Where do you camp at night and what do you do when you’re bored? Is it safe? What happens when your van breaks down? To answer these questions, here are some top tips for travelling the UK in a campervan.

1 . Plan Your Camp Spots

Every country has a different attitude to van camping. In North America, you can park pretty much anywhere for the night, and no one will bother you. In certain European cities, you may need to stay in campsites for security reasons. Fortunately, travelling the UK in a campervan is very safe but you still need to make some considerations when choosing a camp spot.

Start looking for your camping location a couple of hours before sunset as it’s more difficult to search in the dark. If you want to stay in a campsite, simply search on Google for a few areas near your desired location. If you want to boondock (park in the wild) you can use an app like iOverlander to find great camping locations.

2 . Fill up on Fuel

You won’t get far travelling the UK in a campervan without any fuel in the tank! Fortunately, the UK is relatively small (94,058 mi², equivalent to the US state of Wyoming) which means you will never have to drive far to find a petrol station. However, it’s a good idea to fill up in bigger towns where the prices are often lower. If you have a full tank before heading into a remote nature spot, it’s simply one less thing to worry about.

3 . Enjoy Your Hobbies

When you start travelling the UK in a campervan, you will likely find yourself with a lot more time on your hands. In the evenings, you might not be as distracted by social media or television which could give you time to focus on old passions or new hobbies. You can read, draw, write, paint, sew, or play board games instead of being stuck on your phone. You can practise photography, filmmaking, or wildlife watching. Whatever hobby you’ve been putting off, now is the time to make it a priority.

4 . Carry a Repair Kit

Breakdowns happen. No one wants them to but it’s an inevitable part of travelling the UK in a campervan. With your vehicle getting a service and MOT annually, this shouldn’t happen too often but it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have a spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench to change your wheel if you get a flat. Check your fluids regularly and carry spare engine oil and coolant. A basic tool kit allows you to handle any simple repair jobs. As a last resort, purchase breakdown coverage (see RAC or AA ) to get professional assistance if you’re really in a bind.

5 . Get Lost in Nature

One of the best things about travelling the UK in a campervan is the feeling of absolute freedom. With your hands behind the wheel, you can follow the road wherever you want to go. Getting lost in nature is a truly liberating experience for overlanders. Drive along empty coastal roads and search for remote beaches . Head down rutted country tracks to discover a woodland oasis. Let your trip guide you and don’t be afraid of going adrift.

6 . Utilise Free Facilities

Van lifers are thrifty and know how to get the best deals. It sort of comes with the territory of being a traveller, always on the lookout for bargains. Using free facilities is a great way to stretch your budget when travelling the UK in a campervan.

For example, if you’re stopping off at a McDonalds for a coffee, why not make use of the toilets, spend a bit of time on the WIFI, and stash away a few extra milk and sugars? If you visit a campsite, use all the facilities by showering, washing clothes, cleaning dishes, and getting the most out of your money!

7 . Focus on Key Places

Before you start your trip, identify a few key places you want to visit. There’s nothing wrong with taking your travels day by day, but you are in danger of missing out on experiences. Come up with some unmissable adventures and use them as anchor points for your trip. Whether they be cities, National Parks , historical sites, or outdoor activities, make a note of them to create a loose framework of your time travelling the UK in a campervan.

8 . Stay Secure

Security is a big worry for many first-time van campers. A vehicle seems much less secure than a building, especially when you are inside, and it is filled with valuables. There are modifications you can add to your van to make it more secure along with habits that will keep you out of trouble.

Before travelling the UK in a campervan, make sure you have a good set of locks. You may need to get deadbolts installed for extra security. An alarm system is another great investment to deter anyone from breaking in. Never put valuables on display when you are not in the van. Many overlanders also use curtains or sun visors to cover up their van when they are away.

Travelling the UK in a campervan is a wonderful way to see the country. Whether you’re opting for a luxury post-retirement trip, a monthly holiday, or a budget road trip, there are many ways to enjoy the network of 247,800 miles of roads that link together this amazing island. By using these tips, you can now begin travelling the UK in a campervan – all you need to do is hit the road and get driving!

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Best Places To Visit In A Campervan UK – The Ultimate Guide

Owning a camper van gives you the freedom to head out onto the open road at a moments notice, travelling to wherever your heart desires whenever the feeling takes you. Many of our British readers spend a lot of time scrolling through their favourite Van Life Instagram accounts while looking at pictures of vanlifers in hot and sunny climates overseas; wanderlust can do that to a person. But the truth is that an off grid adventure to Morocco or racing off road trucks to Sardinia isn’t always a viable option. Work and family commitments mean that sometimes you have to stay a little closer to home, but that’s where we’re here to help. We’ve made a list of the best places to visit in a campervan UK, and it’s going to change your holiday plans forever.

Bored of the 9-5 and want to give Full Time Van Life a try? Stuck on buying the best van for your Weekend Warrior needs? Head over to our Vanlifers and Weekend Warriors Facebook Group and join our ever-growing community of vanlifers from all over the world! Pass on your favourite vanlife tips , share van life stories from your top road trips , and compare tasty campervan recipes that you cook on the trail!

If you’re an avid day camper that likes to get out on weekends or maybe a traveller from Europe or America that wants to explore the United Kingdom for the very first time, then this list will add some of the best van life travel spots to your journey plans. From stunning castles to epic coastal roads, we’ve found 10 of the best places to visit in a campervan UK on your next road trip. Now all you need to do is fill up with fuel and get out onto the road!

Need something for the other side of the pond? Check out our guide on the Alabama Hills .

The 10 Best Places To Visit In A Campervan UK

1. North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire

I’m going to start off with a place that is pretty close to my heart. I was born and raised in the heart of Yorkshire, commonly known to the people who live here as ‘God’s County’. Traditionally a farming people whose closest relatives are hobbits, Yorkshire folk spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, and looking at the photo above it’s not hard to see why.

I’ve spent many weekends here when I was living in a van full time in the UK, finding hiliving in a vandden park up spots and spending the day hiking through the heather and strolling underneath leafy boughs while listening to the birds. It’s a tranquil and above all else relaxing place to take a break away. Check out Park4Night and other apps to check out some of the choice spots that people have stayed in.

2. North Coast 500, Scotland

Route 66 isn’t the only road top that is appearing on peoples bucket lists these days. The North Coast 500 is putting Scotland on the van life map for all of the right reasons. 516 miles of free-camping bliss, taking in some of the most incredible sights that Scotland has to offer. Pass through ‘Black Isle’ (which isn’t black or an isle but looks amazing); take a romantic trip to Easter Ross, and spend time exploring ‘Sutherland’, Europe’s last great wilderness (and not to be confused with the boat-building town of Sunderland, which while nice is undoubtedly not as scenic).

The fact that wild camping is 100% legal in Scotland means that you can enjoy this 5-7 day route relatively cheaply. Take in some of the fantastic beaches along the route, and maybe crank out your StandOut Sport paddle board gear and take a trip out into the ocean too. The possibilities are endless, and we guarantee that this is one road trip that you’ll come back to time and time again.

3. Keswick, The Lake District

Speaking of spending time out on the water, what better place to inflate up your Bluefin Paddleboards than in the Lake District. Keswick is home to some of the most scenic walks and mountain hikes in Britain, and it’s also the home of Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter. Spend time cruising up and down Derwentwater, or maybe take a drive to nearby Helvellyn and test your skills against one of the most famous climbs in the Lakes.

I love spending time in the Lake District because there is so much to see and do there. If you’re in a camper, then you can either choose to make one place your base and go out on day trips or take a drive around the many different lakes and find a different park up spot every night. Boon-docking is a little bit harder up in Keswick, but I’m sure that with a little bit of careful digging you’ll be able to find somewhere suitable for a good nights kip. It’s one of the best places to visit in a campervan UK and a place of culture, food, and wonder (and don’t forget the rabbit in the blue jacket)!

4. The Cornish Riviera, Cornwall

Ok, so this is an affectionate title given to Cornwall by the people that live or love going there, but when the UK gets a heat wave and the Celtic Sea starts to feel more like the Mediterranean, then you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve teleported straight to mainland Europe! Cornwall is a British surfing paradise and a hot spot for water-sports lovers all year round. It’s coastal sandy beaches and cliffside parking spots make it the perfect place to take your family or a loved one out for a special trip that you will remember for a lifetime (providing it doesn’t rain of course).

So what is there to do in Cornwall? Apart from trying your hand at surfing, paddle boarding and body boarding, you can take a trip to St. Ives, Falmouth, and Newquay, and even try your hand as a pirate in Penzance (just don’t go to far end end up coming home with a hook; it’ll be pretty hard to use your steering wheel if you do!).

5. Forest Of Dean, The Cotswolds

The UK’s very own Schwarzwald can be found in the heart of the Cotswolds, home to Britains oldest pub dating back to 947AD and a former headquarters of Charles I. The Forest Of Dean is a stunning place teeming with wildlife and also a couple of wandering wizards if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Take a trip into the mysterious Puzzle Wood, a place that’s supposed to be for kids but is way more enjoyable for nerdy adults, and spend hours getting lost in the beauty of nature.

If you’re inspired by art and love to be creative, then you could spend a day exploring the Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trail, and if adventurous expeditions are more your bag, then the Clearwell Caves are ready and waiting for you to strap on a GoPro and start your search for hidden wonders. This is definitely a good spot if you have younger campers that you want to keep occupied and it’s also in close proximity to lots of other quaint towns and villages that you can go and get a cream scone and a cup of tea when you’re feeling peckish.

6. Cardiff, Wales

There’s something about visiting castles that I just can’t get enough off, and if your planning a trip to the best places to visit in a campervan UK, then the chances are that you’ll see a heck of a lot of them while driving around. Some of the oldest and best can be found in Wales, and Cardiff Castle has to be my favourite out of all of them. There’s just something about this place that makes me think of battles in bygone-eras and massive feasts in the dining hall. I’m basically just thinking about Game Of Thrones as I write this; it’s got that vibe, right?

Cardif is also one of the most bustling cities in Wales, though I guess that you would expect as much from a country’s capital city! Take a trip to Cardiff Bay and watch the boats come in or zip up your wetsuit and take a dip into the sea. There’s plenty to do and see and some amazing attractions that you can sign up to experience. Just don’t get yourself locked up in a Castle Dungeon like poor old Ned Stark; we wouldn’t be able to forgive ourselves.

7. Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland

Speaking of Game Of Thrones, if you’re a super fan but don’t fancy trekking out to Dubrovnik to see Kings Landing, then head over to Northern Ireland and check out many of the places that featured in this iconic series. Tollymore Forest was used in the very first episode of Game Of Thrones. Remember that foreboding part where the Dire Wolf and the Stag are found dead on the road and the Stark children each receive one of the Dire Wolf pups as a pet? That was filmed here! It features on part of the official Game Of Thrones tour where you can go and see other filming locations around Northern Ireland, and you even get to wear a cape too!

Apart from it’s connections to Game Of Thrones, Tollymore Forest and indeed Northern Ireland itself are jam-packed full of secluded park-ups, riverside walks and stunning locations to sit down and eat your packed lunch while watching the world go by. From the Giant’s Causeway to the dramatic Dunluce Castle, you’re sure to find something exciting to do while staying in this beautiful part of the world. Boredom doesn’t exist in Northern Ireland, which is why it has made out list of the best places to visit in a campervan UK!

8. The Lizard National Reserve, Devon

Anywhere with a name like The Lizard Peninsula deserves a spot on our list of the best places to visit in a campervan UK! It’s the largest nature reserve in the South-West and probably the best location in the entire country for spotting wildlife in a natural environment. If you’re a bit of a nature-nerd like I am, then you’ll be amazed by the sheer numbers of rare plants and invertebrates that you can find here. It’s a biology goldmine and a great place for budding nature enthusiasts to hone their searching skills out in the wild.

The Lizard Peninsula takes in breathtaking views of the ocean from cliffside walks through rare coastal fauna, and there might even be a chance of spotting a few cheeky lizards along the way. With mini coves and miles and miles of woodland to explore, you’re sure to see something completely new every time you take a trip down here. Lizard has lots of parking spots for you to stay overnight in your campervan, so consider taking a trip to a much tamer, smaller, and friendlier version of Jurrasic Park on your next road trip.

9. Brecon Beacons, Wales

We’re heading back to wales for our ninth spot on our best places to visit in a campervan UK. The Brecon Beacons has provided a home from home to holidaymakers for decades, delighting people with its many waterfalls, forest walks, and country jaunts (I don’t get to use the word ‘jaunt’ that often, but it’s quintessentially Brittish, so I thought I would stick it in). Home to the famous ‘Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons is a cavers dream destination and has plenty of inviting plunge pools that you can take a dip in after a long hike through the wilderness.

I think the thing that I love the most about the Brecon Beacons is the sheer vastness of the landscape and the fact that you’re truly away from the hustle and bustle of the city or any modern-day distractions. Its a great way of getting back to basics and a good excuse to relax back with a good book while forgetting that those files and invoices on your desk even exist. Take it from me, this is one place that is worth visiting (mostly because Brandon can’t get hold of me or Rose to talk about articles as there’s limited phone signal!)

10. The Isle Of Wight

If you’re looking for sunnier climates and don’t mind hopping aboard a ferry, then the Isle Of Wight would be a great choice for your next motorhome road trip. Shanklin Beach and Ventnor Beach are some of the most beautiful bits of coastline that I’ve ever visited while holidaying in and around the UK, and with the added pull of possibly finding a piece of a fossilised dinosaur over in Compton Bay, you’ve got a full recipe for adventure that will keep you and your inner child happy for days on end.

The Isle Of Wight has lots of stunning coastal footpaths, so if you’re a fan of walking, then this would be the place to go. Travelling in a van is all about getting out there and exploring the outdoors, and what better place to breath in that fresh sea air while walking barefoot across the sand than the Isle Of Wight. And if you’re hard up on cash and looking for something to do for free, then you can always go and visit the donkey sanctuary. Who doesn’t like donkeys!

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11 All-Time Best Campervan Routes in the UK

There are some great campervan routes in the UK. Hiring a camper is a wonderful way to see as much of the countryside and coastline of our fair kingdom as possible.

Forget the hotels and the big cities, see the UK from the comfort of your own wheels, and home, through the windows of your van. 

If you’re looking for campervan trips, the UK has some great routes to follow. 

Companies such as Campanda , can arrange for you to collect your campervan from hundreds of rental outlets across the UK. You can simply choose the one nearest you, and book your trip in. 

But before you start looking at all the campervans available for your nomadic holiday experience, where are you going to go ?

11 Best Campervan Routes UK Style 

Here are 11 great campervan routes in the UK, to give you a taste of what you could experience on a UK campervan holiday.

1. Campervan in Devon & Cornwall

– Cornwall has some of the most popular campervan routes in the UK

Depending where you begin your journey, pick up the main trunk road (A38) or motorway (M5), and head for the beautiful south-west of England. You can stay on the A38 from Exeter through to Plymouth, but to make the most of this stunning area of natural beauty, head for the coast roads.

Take in Teignmouth, Torquay, Paignton, the quaint fishing port of Brixham, and historic Dartmouth on the River Dart. I used to spend all my childhood holidays on the River Dart and can definitely recommend it for an adventure.

If you want a full itinerary for an awesome road trip in Devon, click this post .

– Padstow makes for a wonderful stop of a UK motorhome holiday 

If you want to visit Cornwall via north Devon, pick up the A39 at Bath. The road will take you through Wells, Glastonbury, and Bridgewater in Somerset, before taking you into north Devon along the Exmoor National Park and ending at Falmouth, Cornwall.

And if water sports are your thing hit Bude, Padstow and Newquay, for some serious surfing on the north Atlantic coast. I also have a stop by stop guide to an awesome Cornwall road trip too !

2. Campervan in t he Highlands of Scotland

If your interests lay in photography, wild rugged wilderness, magnificent wildlife, ancient castles, impressive lakes (lochs), breathtaking scenery, friendly towns and quaint old villages, the Highlands and Islands are beckoning.

For those with a love of Scottish history, pick the Highland route from Aberdeen to Inverness. A route that provides four castles, a large number of museums, and which wends its way through the Cairngorms National Park with its phenomenal views and abundant wildlife.

– Imagine scenes like this from your campervan in the UK! 

If the coast and marine life is your thing, consider the North Coast 500, a road trip that begins and ends at Inverness. You need a week plus for this one, and make sure your fuel tank is full. You’ll be moving away from civilisation as we know it. The 500-mile route wends its way up the east coast of Scotland to its highest mainland point, and back down the west coast.

Take in its castles, practise a little trout fishing with the experts, and enjoy a wee dram at the Glen Ord Distillery.

After you’ve parked-up for the day of course.

The Highlands are one of the best spots in the UK for an adventurous weekend . Enjoy!

• READ MORE : How to Do a Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh to Dumfries and Galloway / How to Save Money Exploring the UK

3. Campervan in Lake District & North York Moors

If you want to cut your campervan teeth on a short break, the Lake District and North York Moors are the ideal areas to do it. Although you’ll be enjoying some of the most amazing traditional English countryside in these National Parks, you’re never far from civilisation.

Travel up the M6, and take the A591 through Kendal if you want to tour the lakes around Windermere. Head south at Windermere for lakes around Bowness, Grizedale, Hawkshead, and Coniston Water, or north to get to Ambleside, Derwentwater, Keswick and Bassenthwaite.

If you prefer moors to the fells and valleys, get a little fresh air and exercise with a walk on the remarkable North York Moors. The colours of the heathers are phenomenal during the autumn, the birdlife a twitcher’s paradise, and the landscape amazing. But, you can only spend so long on the moors right?

This part of Yorkshire also has some fabulous traditional coastal towns to enjoy the sites, gourmet restaurants and traditional English pubs. Coastal towns like Whitby and Scarborough, market towns like Helmsley and Malton, and the city of York with its beautiful cathedral of York Minster.

If you want a walk around Yorkshire then this post on 50 of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire, will give you some inspiration. 

If you prefer to plan your route and stopovers rather than winging it, contact pitchup.com . They can pre-book you and your campervan into hundreds of campsites and campervan sites up and down the UK. All you have to do is tell them your destination preference, where you would like to stop, and for how long, and they will do the rest.

4. Campervan in t he Cotswolds 

– The Cotswolds provide one of the most popular campervan routes in the UK

I recently did a road trip in the Cotswolds in a Citroen C3 Aircross SUV. In my head I thought that the roads would be really thin, but we actually did ok. I can remember a few instances of it being a bit of a tight fit, but many of the roads are A roads and you’ll be fine. 

The Cotswolds are stunning – and a great place to enjoy a road trip from village to village. If you have a campervan in the Cotswolds you can explore the best of the great outdoors, and get some good food while you’re there too. 

My top recommendations would be Cirencester and Broadway – both beautiful villages with a buzz and a good few shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Some of the big tourist attractions in The Cotswolds include Broadway Tower, the Cotswold Wildlife Park (had a wonderful time there) and Blenheim Palace.

The absolute number one though, is to visit Bibury. A really cute town with a row of thatched houses that the Instagrammers, just lurrrrrrve. Get there early to get a pic! 

If you want a three day Cotswolds road trip mapped out for you, check out my itinerary. Both hotels I mention have huge car parks, so if you did want to trade in the beauty of the campervan for the luxury of a hotel, you could do. Otherwise, just enjoy for some route tips!

Check out my post on the best campervan gadgets for your adventure – so many easy ways to make your road trip a little easier!

5. Campervan in the Mendip Hills 

My boyfriend and I once rented a campervan and took it to the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Unfortunately it was one of the rainiest weekends England had seen that August and so it kinda limited our options. We still had a great time, but, y’know, when your campervan is full of wet jeans, it’s not the best. 

– If you’re looking for campervan routes, the UK has loads to choose from

The highlight of our Mendips Hill road trip was Cheddar Gorge. It’s a quaint little village set in the gorge of Cheddar. If pottering round the village isn’t enough, you can actually go in the caves and learn more about the geology and history. If it’s not absolutely chucking it down, like it was for us, then you can also take some nice walks along the gorge and enjoy the beautiful views over the Mendips. 

Blagdon Lake was a highlight, as was the fact we were near Bristol. When the rain got too much for our countryside plans, we decided to pop into the city and see what fun we could have there. 

The campsites were easy to find in the Mendips and we just booked on the day. If you want the best deals, and the cheapest pitches, I’d definitely recommend booking in advance.

If you’re hiring a campervan I’d definitely recommend taking a look at my best campervan accessories list to find out some cool gadgets you could buy to make your campervan weekend even better.

6. Campervan in Belfast to Londonderry 

Now, I haven’t actually done this one but it’s high on my list. And I wanted to include friends in Northern Ireland on this campervan routes in the UK list, of course. 

The road trip from Belfast to Londonderry is described by many as one of the world’s greatest roads. I know, amazing hey? And so close to us. Travel this Northern Irish route and you’ll meander through the ‘nine Green Glens of Antrim’ from the capital, Belfast, to the second largest city, in the North-West corner, Londonderry.

For most of the route you’ll be hugging the seawall – make sure to look out for wildlife along the way. 

– This road trip is one of the best UK campervan trips, enjoy

The most exciting tourist attractions along the route include The Giant’s Causeway – a World Heritage Site and recognised as one of the many wonders of the modern world. It’s a geographical wonder and well worth a stop to admire the intricate formations, formed over thousands of years. You can get amazing views from here too. 

Carry on with your campervan road trip and you’ll come to the Gobbins Cliff Path, another highlight of the road trip. This is the best way to see the rich wealth of wildlife that lives on the peninsula, and to get out on the Islandmagee Peninsula. 

– Derry girls mural, Derry city walls, Londonderry

Once you reach Derry-Londonderry you’ll come to a city with so much culture, it was awarded the City of Culture in 2013. Walk the City Walls, and get a selfie by the gable wall before you explore the food, drink and shops of the city. 

7. Campervan in Norfolk 

The east of the UK is very popular with the older folk among us, mainly thanks to the beautiful area we call Norfolk. The main city here is Norwich, with its 11th century cathedral, but there’s also the Norfolk Broads which Brits love a wander along.

If you fancy a break from your campervan trip then taking a boat on the scenic waterways is a great idea.

Enjoy that wildlife! 

Other campervan-friendly stop offs in Norfolk include the coastal roads towards the traditional seaside resort of Cromer, and the windswept Norfolk beaches of the likes of Brancaster even further north. The red and white Happisburgh Lighthouse is a favourite among the Instagrammers, and there are over 100 round tower churches in Norfolk, some dating back to the 11th century. Nice for a pic! 

Check out my road trip itinerary for the North Norfolk coast , and this North Norfolk coast walking itinerary too.

Norfolk would be a great place to hire a VW Campervan thanks to the flat topography, click that link to read my tips!

8. Campervan the North Coast 500 in Scotland 

Ooo, second entry on the list from Scotland. The North Coast 500 is fast becoming one of the most iconic road trips in the UK, and I want to do it. Stretching across 805km of back roads, this circular route runs from Inverness and the Black Isle, past the seaboard crags of Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.

Take your campervan on the North Coast 500 and you’ll get to see gothic ruins, rugged fairways, historic castles, shingle-sand beaches, tiny fishing hamlets and peaty whisky distilleries. Enjoy the villages, and the peaks of Loch Maree before reaching the Bealach na Bà, which loops up and over the Applecross Peninsula. 

Look out for the Highland cows along the way, and avoid doing this route in peak season. Unfortunately everybody knows about it!

9. Campervan the Black Mountain Pass, Wales

We needed a bit of Wales in this UK campervan trips post, right?

The Black Mountain Pass in Wales is the shortest of these campervan routes in the UK, but there’s plenty to do either side to make it a memorable journey. 

A campervan trip on the Black Mountain Pass will reveal spectacular Brecon Beacons views, and amazing vistas of the Tywi Valley. You need to be confident with your campervan before embarking on this trip, as the hairpin bends can be a bit crazy. 

You’ll pass Llandovery in the north, and cross the dragon’s humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass – be prepared for the incredible views here. Next up is the low village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. Look out for sheep as you travel. 

You can probably do the trip in a day, but what’s the rush? Plan to stay 48 hours in the Brecon Beacons area, to make more from the road trip. 

If you want to stay in Wales even longer, then carry on and drive through Snowdonia National Park and out across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. This was you can enjoy the famous Betws-y-Coed and head west past Swallow Falls into the heart of Snowdonia. Follow the A4086 either to Snowdon, or past. I’d strongly recommend climbing the mountain though – it’s one of the best New Year’s Eves I’ve ever had climbing that beast! 

At the right time of year you can pick up the Snowdon Mountain Railway to get to the top if you’re not up to the climb. 

Program the scenic route to the Isle of Anglesey in your phone by going via historic Caernarfon first. The town has a stylish waterfront and a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site castle too. 

10. Motorhome in the Peak District

How about driving a motorhome in the Peak District for your next adventure? All the details in that link!

So, how about a little campervan touring for you next trip?

Check out the best motorhome routes in France for a bit of inspiration , and these great gifts for campervan lovers too.

11. The Outer Hebrides in Scotland

Check out my blog post about our road trip through the Western Isles , aka the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. You could see these incredible Outer Hebrides beaches , and enjoy a spot of wild camping in the Western Isles too.

Explore more of England 

NEW SITE: I recently launched a brand new website dedicated entirely to days out in England.

It’s called… DAY OUT IN ENGLAND . Ha!

It’s packed full of local knowledge, awesome things to do, and more.

Few of my favourite posts for you: how about the best adventurous days out in England , or the most popular English beaches ? I’ve also put together a guide on saving money on days out , and even an English food quiz too. Go and check it out – you’re guaranteed to learn more about England!

Related Posts:

• RV Tips for Beginners: How to Get Started
• 13 Clever Campervan Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip
• Questions About VW Campervan Hire? 16 Essentials You…
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• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
• 18 Best Campervan Accessories to Make Your Life Easier

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

can’t wait to export i’m flying form la california to see england ive ten days in england the first five will be london! thinking of getting a can to tour where can i go?

Can’t wait to get started!

Any info for road trips in Kent ? Dorset ?

Some great UK route suggestions here, thank you!

Hi Vicki. We are travelling to the UK in June/July this year and like the idea of a motorhome but have been told it’s difficult to travel though smaller towns and impossible to park in larger towns. Would you agree?

If they’re really tiny villages, like in Wales and Cornwall, then yes, you may have difficulty. I’d say in 95% of places you’ll be fine though. Just don’t get one that’s too big, and have a good practice in the larger places first. Also, get a good insurance.

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• Crunchy Talks

On The Road: Travel Around The UK In A Campervan

• Jun 25, 2020

Are you looking for a socially distanced vacation, this summer? Touring the beautiful sights of the Uk with an RV (recreational vehicle) – whether a campervan or a motorhome – is a fabulous holiday idea, after a long period lock-down. The sensation of liberty when hitting the road, stopping for memorable visits and breath-taking sights, and setting camp at your preferred location is unique . It is the perfect way to cut down unnecessary contacts with other travellers and much cheaper and more flexible than booking hotel accommodation.

Rental options in the UK

With UK c amping grounds opening on July 4 th , you can start planning your holiday tour right away. If you’re a first-timer as a caravan or motorhome vacationer, the best idea is most likely to rent one. There are plenty of options to choose from and you can check out Indie Campers , Just Go , McRent and Camper Rent UK amongst many other rental companies, to compare the offer and rates. If you’d like to try out something a bit more funky and original, take a look at Quirky Campers . Experience your adventure in the fairy-tale-like Vera or the Nordic elegance of Mo to grant your tour a real special flavour!

If you’d like to get a taste of caravan/motorhome living before setting off, get your hands on Renting an RV by Jeff Wildrick or How to live in a van and travel by Mike Hudson. There are also monthly magazines that feature the latest news and keep you up to date on the RV world happenings. The Great British Adventure Map that proposes routes, views, beaches and wild places might also come in handy when planning your trip, although navigating through the routes is certainly best done with nav apps .

Before you start planning

If you are wondering whether your licence is good to tow or drive RV, you need to think about the size of a caravan/motorhome in terms of its weight ratio. If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you’ll be more restricted by your licence when towing above certain weights. Here you can check the licence requirements for different types and sizes of vehicles.

Even if your licence is good to go, driving and parking a motorhome or a caravan is very different from a car, so it might be useful to take a course before hitting the road. There are training courses to boost your manoeuvring confidence and to learn the basics of driving a caravan or a motorhome, organized by the Caravan Club , among other clubs.

The UK Camping and Caravan Club provides handy advice for both arriving at a camping ground as well as setting off to the next destination. Here are other useful tips for first time RV renters.

Where to head

  As for the itinerary to choose for your adventure, you can search from a database of thousands of campsites around the UK and plan your route according to the miles and days you are able to spare on four wheels. While on the road, Park4night is a useful, international app that helps you locate the nearest camping grounds, check availability and book your stay. Although to avoid surprises, it is always recommendable to book your pitches in advance.

Seaside family wonders

If you are looking for camping sites by the seaside, Slapton Sands is a family site with sea views and sandy beaches within walking distance. Located on the beautiful South Devon Heritage Coast , the Slapton Sands campsite offers a quiet, rural setting. Lined by trees and flanked by rolling countryside, this campsite is the place to sit back and enjoy the views.

The freshwater lagoon Slapton Ley is separated from the sea by Slapton Sands Beach and is set within a National Nature Reserve. There are many walks and trails around the reserve offers the possibility to observe birds and wildlife. To the north of Slapton Sands, the Blue Flag Award-winning Blackpool Sands awaits. Backed by evergreens and scented pines, this stretch of golden sands has a real Mediterranean feel.

Off-site there are plenty of coastal walks to enjoy including to Beesands and Hallsands . Slapton Sands Beach is a few minutes’ walk from the campsite, ideal for families and water sport enthusiasts can enjoy surfing, windsurfing and canoeing.

Another popular seaside location is Scarborough . The beach is a short cliff-top walk from the campsite, while the town of Scarborough, which has two sandy bays divided by the castle headland, is just 1.5 miles away from the site . Scarborough is a spacious site with well-placed facility blocks.

The town’s attractions include the dramatic ruins of a 12th-century castle, the Sea Life & Marine Sanctuary , a miniature railway, Peasholm Park and the Alpamare Water Park . Nearby at Wykeham Lakes is the newly opened Aqua Park. Local walking options include the Cleveland Way National Trail, the North Yorkshire Moors National Park or you can view seabirds such as puffins and gannets at the RSPB nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs. Local cycling options include the ‘Cinder Track’ which runs from Scarborough to Whitby.

Camping in the forest

If you’d prefer a forest setting for at least some of your stops, Hollands Wood Campsite is set amongst 22 hectares of beautiful oak woodland – the ideal backdrop for relaxation or an action-packed break. You can visit Hurst Castle , a fortress built by Henry VIII and take your family to Paultons theme park , home of Peppa Pig . At nearby Brockenhurst, there are several restaurants and bars.

Some touring ideas

For a true change of scenery, there are beautiful camping sites on the Scottish Highlands and the coastline of Wales . There are also hundreds of ready-planned tours that you can follow fully or adapt to your needs. If you crave for some culture, this 330 mile tour guides you through the Neolithic village of Stonehenge , the Roman baths of Bath and Shakespeare’s Birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Should you have full 3 weeks of holiday, it is worth trying this ambitious 21-day-tour proposed by JustGo UK . It leaves from London, passes through Wales and reaches all the way to Inverness, visiting 17 different locations altogether . Naturally, you can do only parts of the tour as well or build the perfect combination for your family of the many suggested sites . Most travellers get excited about the prospect of a road trip, and for good reason. There are some things you just don’t get to see unless you hop in a campervan and drive out there.

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• previous post: Romantic Toulouse, the ideal post-lockdown couples retreat
• next post: East Devon Coast: A Jurassic Family Journey To Remember
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How to rent a campervan in the UK

Travelling around the UK in a camper seems like an ideal escape, even in winter. But how easy actually is it?

Campervan holidays may have soared in popularity thanks to the staycation boom of the past few years, but their appeal spans generations. And it’s easy to see why. Not only does a campervan give you that boundless feeling of being able to pitch up pretty much anywhere and explore the most picturesque parts of the UK, but you don’t have to spend the night in a tent . Cool, eh? 

If you’ve never gone on a campervan holiday, they can understandably a bit daunting. Which vehicle is the right one for you? Who’s best to rent one from? And where are you allowed to park it up?

Fear not. We’re here to help walk you through the entire process. Below we’ve laid out three ways to get going with campervanning around the UK. And when you’re done, be sure to check out our list of the best campervan parks in the country . All that’s left is for you to plan that dream road trip !

RECOMMENDED: 🏕️ The best UK campsites  🏞 Where to go wild camping in the UK 🚐 The coolest places to park your campervan in the UK 🏊 The best wild swimming spots in the UK 🦦 Where to spot rare wildlife in the UK

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Three ways to rent a campervan

Sleep inside one of quirky campers’ works of art.

Sceptical about going off-grid? The campervans listed on Quirky Campers will guarantee your break feels special. All the vehicles are unique and handcrafted, featuring incredible, cleverly designed and really-nice-to-look-at interiors. You’ll basically be sleeping inside a work of art.

Book a budget motorhome trip with Goboony

If you just want to get away – and don’t care about the aesthetics of where you stay – Goboony has a range of budget options. They’ve actually got the largest fleet of campervans in the UK, and you can even go for a test drive if you’re feeling nervous about committing to the open road. 

Pick a super-stylish temporary home on Indie Campers

The lot over at Indie Campers match campers with vans all over Europe. You can pick up your wheels from west London and hit the road in a sleek van or RV-style motorhome, with an itinerary and extras like wi-fi, a shower and bikes and barbecues in the boot. Effortless camping? Yes please.

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7 of the Best Places to go in a Campervan in the UK

• Last Updated 24 May 2024

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.

These are some of the best places to go in a campervan in the UK – perfect if you fancy a scenic road trip this year!

Hiring a campervan or motorhome is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel around the UK. Offering fantastic flexibility and the chance to plot a road trip route according to your exact tastes and travel preferences, this is a fantastic and unique way to explore the country.

On average, hiring a campervan can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds to over a thousand per week. It all depends on the size of the vehicle, as well as the time of year and the location you’re hiring. But you can use a booking service such as Goboony to find amazing deals on a range of campervans. It works a little like Airbnb; people who own campervans list their vehicles for people to hire for a holiday. Perfect!

Travelling by campervan gives you complete freedom. You aren’t tied to a schedule and can tailor your UK road trip to suit exactly the kind of holiday you want! Plus, it’s much easier to change your plans midtrip, so if you find a great spot and want to stay longer, or you decide to add on a visit to somewhere new, you can!

Below, I’ve listed some of my favourite places in the UK to explore in a campervan. There’s also a quick list at the end with a few more ideas! If you think I’ve missed anywhere, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the post…

Lake District, England

South west england, dartmoor, england, snowdonia, wales, wales south coast, the north coast 500, scotland, the kintyre 66, scotland, more great places in the uk to visit in your campervan.

This post has been written in collaboration with Goboony, but all words and opinions are my own.

Best Places to go in a Campervan in the UK

The Lake District, in northwest England, is the ideal holiday spot if you’re looking for fantastic scenery and plenty of history. You’ll find no shortage of activities in this region: historic villages to explore, hikes of varying difficulty and length, and all kinds of watersports on the gorgeous lakes that make the National Park so famous.

This region of England is beautiful at any time of year, with golden colours in autumn, snowy mountains in winter, wildflowers in spring and (usually) sunny weather during summer.

In autumn and winter, the National Park is much quieter, but it can be cold. So rent a campervan with heating in order to stay nice and cosy whilst enjoying the long, dark nights in a remote spot without light pollution – perfect for stargazing!

If a UK beach holiday sounds more like your ideal campervan trip, head to the south of England and check out the incredible beaches in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. There are some particularly amazing beaches in Newquay , along the south Devon coast, and on Dorset’s Jurassic coast!

Try the 240-mile Atlantic Highway (the A39) from Bath, through the Somerset countryside, and along the north Devon and Cornwall coasts down to Falmouth. Here, you can stop and enjoy some of south Cornwall’s beaches – or head further west to the southernmost part of England at Lizard Point. Further west still, you can reach the famous Land’s End, the most westerly point in mainland England.

Or, there’s the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Devon: a 95-mile stretch of coastline running from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck. The name comes from the coast’s geological significance, because the cliffs around here were formed during the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

You can hunt for fossils on the beaches around Lyme Regis, or see them at museums and heritage centres all along the coast. There are also plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy, as well as epic coast walks, watersports, and lots of great seafood!

Dartmoor National Park is one of my favourite locations in the UK for a road trip, and it’s perfect for a campervan holiday.

This is one of the last true wildernesses of England: a vast area of high moors, purple heaths, and dense pine forests. Adventure lovers will find a true playground amidst Dartmoor’s cinematic landscapes and dramatic granite tours: climbing, abseiling, caving, kayaking and horseriding are all popular activities here. You’ll also find hiking and biking routes to suit all levels – all of them with incredible views!

Just note: although wild camping is legal within the National Park, that doesn’t apply to campervans and motorhomes. You’ll need to book into a campsite like the one at River Dart Country Park.

Home to the highest mountains in Wales – as well as glacial landforms, gorges, waterfalls, and valleys – Snowdonia is the perfect location for anyone looking for a more adventurous UK campervan holiday.

The varied landscapes in North Wales provide the ideal setting for a variety of extreme sports. Don’t miss the adventure park at Penrhyn Quarry, home to the world’s fastest zip line and the UK’s only mountain cart track. All around Snowdonia you can enjoy walks to suit all ages and abilities, stunning road trip views, and beautiful villages brimming with history.

READ MORE: Check out my South to North Wales Road Trip for the ultimate way to discover the country.

Another great spot to take your campervan for a beach holiday in the UK that won’t break the bank is the south coast of Wales. The area around Swansea is ideal because it has both a city setting as well as plenty of small towns, like Mumbles, which are the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Explore the Gower Peninsula for gorgeous beaches, watersports, and coastal hiking trails. Further east, the cute seaside town of Tenby and the stunning Manorbier Beach are brilliant places to visit on a UK campervan trip.

If you have more time, work your way up to the incredible coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: 186 miles of coastal trails and wildlife. This area is home to some of Wales’ best beaches, including Broad Haven, Whitesands Bay and Marloes Sands.

The North Coast 500 – also known as the NC500 – is a 500-mile loop that starts and ends in Inverness . Along the way, this epic UK road trip and campervan route takes you all around the scenic north coast of Scotland .

You’ll pass by tons of historic sites, castles, and villages – as well as plenty of hikes, walks and other outdoor activities to keep adventurous travellers busy! Wild camping is legal everywhere in Scotland, so there’s no need to stick to an itinerary or book a campsite. You can simply move at your pace and see where each day takes you.

The Kintyre 66, or K66, is  a new road trip around the Kintyre peninsula  on the west coast of Scotland. This beautiful, underrated peninsula is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Other than that one link, it’s completely surrounded by water, so it feels almost like an island!

With a campervan road trip around Kintyre, you can enjoy pristine beaches, remote bays, charming villages and wildlife sanctuaries. The K66 is only 66 miles, so you could easily drive the whole thing in a day. But if you have your campervan you can spread it over a couple of days to really explore the area in-depth.

Don’t miss the ferry ride to the Isle of Gigha, where you can visit the stunning Twin Beaches and kayak in turquoise waters.

Top tip: If you’re travelling in the UK by campervan, don’t forget to make sure your insurance covers this. You may even need separate insurance – so compare motorhome insurance from different brokers to get the best deal.

Here are some more great ideas for a campervan trip in the British Isles…

• The Isle of Wight – off the south coast of England and easily reached by car ferry!
• The Cotswolds – iconic villages and peaceful countryside in southwest England. Check out my Cotswolds driving route for more info.
• The Peak District – epic landscapes perfect for hiking and adventure in northern England.
• Causeway Coast – an incredible coastal trail in Northern Ireland dotted with Game of Thrones filming locations, cute seaside towns, and the famous Bushmills Whisky Distillery.
• Brecon Beacons – a National Park in the south of Wales that’s less well-known than Snowdonia but equally beautiful.
• Outer Hebrides – remote islands off the coast of Scotland known for their white sandy beaches, whisky distilleries, and charming villages.

Leave a comment with your recommendations for the best places in the UK to go in a campervan!

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The Best Campervan Routes in the UK

March 23, 2022

Vera Andrews

Get ready to hit the open road with these fantastic road trips. Here are the best campervan routes in the UK.

See also our guide to campervan rental in the UK and our list of top campervan accessories.

We’ve all seen the photos on instagram. Dreamy looking people in dreamy looking campervans, with sunsets and sunrise sighing in and out of unfolded blankets, picnic baskets and a sense of the open road. 

But in reality?

Well, your breakfast setup may not always look so glamorous but that’s not really the point. The real point is to explore, to adventure and to see a destination anew. 

A campervan or motorhome holiday is a road trip with a twist: you skip the hotels for freedom on wheels. You throw open the door to wild landscapes and coastal paths, soft sand and the sound of the sea. And at night, you can wander outside for a touch of stargazing.

So, with that in mind, where do you go? Where are the best campervan routes in the UK?

Let us help you to answer that question with this handy guide. 

Plus, we’ll share some travel tips for making the most of your campervan trip. Let’s go.

Finding a Campervan

If it’s your first time trying to arrange a motorhome holiday, it makes sense to hire a campervan instead of going all out and buying one. 

But where do you start? How about with Yescapa:  campervan hire from locals.   

Yescapa is the Airbnb of the motorhome world.  Since privately owned campervans sit unused for an astonishing amount of time, it makes sense to share around the love. Yescapa connects campervans, motorhomes and caravans with sensible yet adventurous travellers. Like you. 

Everyone wins (and speaking of sensible, if you’re wondering what happens with regards to insurance, then Yescapa takes care of that for both parties. Including breakdown cover 24/7.)

While it sounds quite niche, Yescapa already has over 12 500 vehicles on its books, spread across Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK.

And there is no such thing as a standard campervan. Oh no. You’ll find cutesy vintage ones where you’ll need a campsite to wash to fully fledged homes on wheels, with showers and cooking facilities on board.

And, hey! Already have a campervan? You can  hire out your campervan  with Yescapa too!

For more options, check out our comprehensive guide to campervan hire in the UK .

Want to make your experience even more special? Here are all the campervanning accessories you’ll need for your next trip.

3 Reasons Why Campervan Sharing Makes Sense

• It’s more sustainable to share.  See also our article on how to be a responsible tourist here.
• It’s cheaper than standard rentals
• You can test out different vehicles to work out which campervan style suits you best (Meeting friends at campsites? Staying in glorious isolation with all the facilities you need on board?)
• You can make the most of stunning views without the crowds. As everyone else heads back to their hotel, you can watch the waves crash into the shore or stare up at the stars in the sky. 

The Best Places to Go in a Campervan in the UK

Who wouldn’t want to explore an area that bursts with names like Tintagel Castle, Land’s End and the Lost Gardens of Heligan? 

Cornwall’s rugged coast, sandy beaches and fishing villages make it one of the best places to go in a campervan in the UK. Investment and innovation have also led to world class eateries and designer cafes, so whether you long for the wilderness or prefer a few more luxurious comforts, you can find both amid the salty air in Cornwall.

A road trip here can take in some of the prettiest places in Cornwall, as well as leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. 

The Cotswolds

Postcard-pretty with thatched cottages and narrow streets, the Cotswolds may not seem like the obvious choice for a campervan holiday in the UK. But that’s because you’re just thinking of those postcard pretty shots of the villages. 

In between the thatched cottages lie miles upon miles of open countryside: rolling hills and sweeping meadows. You can hike every day of the week and still not have scratched the surface of hiking routes available. 

The Cotswolds are also one of the closest areas of natural beauty to London, making international connections easier and quick nature escapes for Londonites doable.

• Quirky and alternative things to do in the Cotswolds
• How to plan a weekend itinerary for the Cotswolds

Almost the whole country of Wales is ripe for a good road trip. Think crashing, stunning rocky coastlines, deep mountains, valleys, gorges, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, this part is true, rather a lot of sheep. 

Wales, while stunning, doesn’t have a huge raft of luxury hotels in every village. But it does have a lot of great landscapes, tasty food, rich history and friendly people. 

You can spend two weeks on a  mammoth Wales road trip itinerary like this or else break it up into more manageable sections. Focus on the Brecon Beacons or Pembrokeshire in the south, and Snowdonia (Eryri) or the Llyn Peninsula in the north. 

Whichever route you choose, you’ll find something beautiful.

Burdened with the reputation of being Cornwall’s little sister, Devon has plenty to keep the campervan road tripper happy. Yes, you’ll also find jam, scones and clotted cream here as well as in Cornwall. Plus, sandy beaches and cutesy art galleries.  

But head onto the wilds of Dartmoor, for example, for mist-ridden moors whose mood can change in an instant. A landscape defined by wild horses and mysterious stone tors.

Agatha Christie used to spend time in Devon and it’s easy to see where she honed her sense of glamour, intrigue and drama. 

Like Wales, Scotland is made for driving, roaming, seeking and exploring. You won’t be able to see everything in the country in one trip, of course. But you can make a sizeable dent with this one week in Scotland itinerary.

When you’re in a campervan, skip the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and head to the Highlands instead. Voyage through the Cairngorms, glide past Loch Ness (and who knows who else?) and above all else, have a great time seeing Scotland in a different way. 

How to Add a Little Luxe to Your Campervan Trip

• Give yourself permission to have the occasional night in a hotel 
• Stock up on high quality local foods from a farmer’s market or cooperative
• Cheer up your campervan with some fresh flowers, bunting and a few touches from home
• Bring thick woollen socks and a cosy blanket to make the most of #vanlife
• Pack luxurious thick hot chocolate and some lovely mugs to make the most of the cosy nights

Why not bookmark this article on the best campervans in the UK on pinterest for travel planning later?

More Travel Tips for the UK

• 21 facts about the UK which will surprise you
• The best places to visit in England for your bucket list
• Travel ideas to fall for in London

Important! Always check the local camping regulations and wild camping laws before you commit to anything.

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Itinerary Guides

Fancy a road trip.

The UK is full of exciting, interesting and historical places to visit so it can be hard to know where to start!

The Just go team have spent a lot of time researching and sourcing various places of interest, campsites and activities within various areas to help guide you (especially if you're a first time traveller) through the UK. Just click on the pins below for more details on each area.

We have also put together a couple of 3 week driving route itineraries stopping off at the most popular places to visit in the UK. There is one designed with families in mind and the other is aimed at couples travelling. So whether you want an extensive tour of the UK or just need a little advice, this will take away some of the work for you so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday!

21 day Itinerary for Adults

21 day Itinerary for Families

7 day itinerary for Scotlands NC500

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Expert tips for exploring the UK by campervan this winter

Don’t save all the fun for summer: follow in the footsteps of savvy UK travellers and hit the road in a campervan this winter to embrace the elements, cosy up around the campfire and beat the crowds at some of the country’s most beautiful destinations.

“There’s something very special about setting out from a warm van in the depths of winter to explore beautiful, empty places,” says Martin Dorey. “When I’m suited and booted and ready to face a bike ride through the forest or a walk along snowy ridges, I’m truly in love with winter camping.” Having written seven books on campervan travel, Martin has spent the past few years travelling the backroads of the UK and France in his camper for his Take The Slow Road series. “Knowing that my little cocoon on wheels will be waiting when I’m cold and wet, muddy or snow blind is the reassurance I need to set off,” he says. “It’s even better when I’m warm and dry again and the kettle is whistling.”

One of the obvious attractions of off-season camper exploration — besides the hygge-heavy comforts of cosying up in a well-heated van — is that you can hit the tourist hotspots, minus the hoards. Out-of-season destinations such as Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Lake District are free from bumper-to-bumper traffic and campsites don’t need to be booked months in advance. And what’s more, all those postcard-perfect beaches, lakes and rolling hills are practically deserted.

“In winter, the Lake District is relatively quiet, and walkers have the hills to themselves,” says Martin. “There are great campsites at Coniston and in Keswick that are open all year. For evening entertainment, I recommend the climbing wall in Kendall .”

Meanwhile in Cornwall, the winter swells attract a few hardcore surfers but none of the crowds the county has seen in recent summers. “St Ives has a fantastic campsite — Ayr Holiday Park — that’s open all year and plays Pirate FM in its heated shower room,” says Martin. “You can check the waves at Porthmeor with nothing more than a peek out of the van window in the morning, too. Add to that good restaurants, art galleries and pubs and you could do a lot worse!”

Winter bookings are up

Travellers are getting wise to winter’s opportunities. With international travel remaining uncertain, hitting the open road without leaving the country is increasingly appealing, and the numbers speak for themselves. “Bookings for own-fleet rentals from the Edinburgh centre are up 570% for the period November to February this year compared to last,” says Francisco Pereira from Indie Campers . “London bookings are up 107%.

“Winter is actually a great time to take a road trip across the UK and Europe; less crowded, it offers a chance to see nature at its finest, from the changing of leaves to the Northern Lights,” continues Francisco. “Even better, rental is often cheaper with greater availability, too.” Comparing the costs, seven nights’ van rental from Indie Campers’ Edinburgh centre in January starts at £416, while August is £1,078.  

Campsite booking outfit Pitchup has also seen a sharp uptick in winter bookings — 273% more spots were booked for 2021/22 than the same period in 2020/21; 41% more than 2019/20. Its most popular spot overall for campervan bookings in 2021 was Coalbeck Caravan Park in a secluded corner of Keswick with a neighbouring spa hotel (handy for a sauna and steam), and spectacular views of Cumbria’s lakes. Other top-booked winter spots include Worcestershire , Shrewsbury and West Cornwall .

Active pursuits rule

Walking, hiking, biking, wild swimming and skiing: active pursuits and campervan travel go hand in hand.

“I did my first snowboarding trip in the van in early 2019, moments before Europe went into meltdown. It’s a great way to hit the slopes without the massive expense,” says Martin Dorey. “ Cairngorm Mountain Ski Area recently opened up to overnighting motorhomes, so you can be right there when the snow falls.

“Then there’s the 7Stanes : world-class mountain biking centres in the Scottish Borders. Some of them, like my favourite at Kirroughtree, allow overnight van stays after a hard day riding challenging trails. They have a cafe and showers, too – perfect to hose down and fuel up on calories.”

Cool Camping , ever adept at spotting a trend, launched its campervan hire section in winter 2020, increasing its inventory in 2021 and 2022 to match rising demand. “People continue to look to the countryside for their holidays and make the most of the flexibility that travelling by campervan provides,” says James Warner Smith, editor of the imprint. “And a campervan supplies a dry base for your outdoor activities. It transports your kitchen to the base of a mountain, for example, so you can enjoy a bowl of soup straight after your hike, and it means you always have a change of clothes to hand whatever the weather throws at you.”

The top off-season spots

While Scotland’s N500 may have been this summer’s go-to route, Francisco from Indie Campers says the country has broad scope for campervan travel. “ This itinerary taking in Edinburgh, The Trossachs national park, Fort William, Inverness and the Cairngorms, for example, is a fantastic winter trip — including options to take to the piste in the Cairngorms and join in with Edinburgh’s New Year Hogmanay celebrations.”  

For something wild but rewarding, Cool Camping recommends crossing Snowdonia , starting in the pretty walled north coast town of Conwy (make sure to visit the castle ), perhaps taking in Llandudno and the Great Orme, before following the rough route of the A470 to Dolgellau and across to Barmouth on the west coast. “Detour via the A4086 to take in views of Snowdon and visit the pretty town of Beddgelert (and its campsite, which is open all year round),” says James. “Or stay on the main route to see the gorge of Ffos Anoddun in full winter flow and tour the former slate mines around Blaenau Ffestiniog.”

Over in the UK’s most easterly point, the North Norfolk Coast is made for winter wandering. “It’s arguably at its best at this time of year, with ribbons of migrating geese and an abundance of salt marsh wildlife,” says James. He recommends taking sheltered walks along coastal paths around Holkham Bay woods and Holme-next-the-Sea and, if you time it right, you’ll be on hand for the festive events held at the region’s numerous country estates. And the best stretch of coast road? “The Norfolk Coast AONB between Hunstanton and Mundesley (the A149). Must-stop campsites here in winter include Deepdale Backpackers and Norfolk Brickyard .”

As in summer, coastal locations remain popular. “Beach car parks are empty, and you can get a surfside premium view and enjoy the drama of a stormy sea,” says Daniel Start who founded Wild Things Publishing back in 2011, producing guidebooks “to get people outdoors, having amazing adventures”. Author of various books on wild swimming, walking and back country exploration across the UK and France, Daniel notes the southwest as a perennial winter favourite with campers. “But upland areas such as the Brecon Beacons are also popular for overnights, with easy access from the M4 and some great high-level parking areas with autumn woodlands and icy waterfalls to visit.”

Yescapa, a peer-to-peer motorhome and campervan hire company suggests hitting the Yorkshire Coast for wonderful wildlife and dark skies. “Stretching over 90 miles from Staithes in the north to Spurn Point in the south, Yorkshire’s Coast is ideal for off-season campervan travel,” Joseph Thomson, Yescapa’s UK Country Manager. “The North York Moors National Park (NYMNP) was awarded International Dark Skies Reserve Status in 2020, and in its darkest areas you can spy up to 2,000 stars at a time. And the new coastal road trip route , ‘Route YC’, has six adventure-filled routes focused on suggestions for hiking, biking, sailing and more, with towns and beaches to stop off in.

Yescapa rents six-berth John's Coachbuilt motorhome (Pro) from Sheffield: £1,237 for seven days including breakdown cover, two insured drivers and mileage (62 miles per day).

What to rent and what to buy

Unsurprisingly, compact, modern campervans are the best bid for winter travels. These types of vehicles are Cool Camping’s most popular hire vehicle in winter. “There’s an increased interest in our more modern campervans and motorhomes at this time of year, as people spend more time inside their vehicles and focus on reliable heating and mod cons over the style of a classic 1960s VW,” says James. “They provide warmth and comfort while also being suited to first-time campervan drivers on the UK’s narrow roads.”

But renting, it seems for many, doesn’t go far enough; the trend for campervan conversion knows no bounds. “We know of many readers who have acquired campervans in the past 18 months, and many are planning to use them over winter,” says Wild Things’ Daniel Start. “They can be cold, but all the more excuse to stay in bed, and they’re very cosy when it’s dark outside. Several friends have invested in heaters.”

And you don’t have to be an owner to pimp your ride. Campfire Magazine recommends carrying a couple of small AquaQuest tents in the van, noting that they take up little room in the van and allow options to set up for the night away from fixed campsites.” Wild camping , largely easy in Scotland is less accessible elsewhere in the UK, so check local rules and regs. Campfire Magazine recommends using apps such as Park4thenight to find good spots.

And don’t skimp on the perennial British camping kit: a good woolly hat, warm woollen socks, insulated slippers and hot water bottles (Campfire recommends vintage stone varieties if you want to avoid plastic). And consider insulated blankets or sleeping bags that zip open — easy to wraparound yourself for that dash outside to see shooting stars in a light pollution-free sky, or that crystalline winter sunrise.

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Backpacking in Europe , Backpacking in the United Kingdom , Campervan Adventures , Road Trips , Travel Tips

Hiring a campervan in the uk – 10 things you need to know.

Having your own home on wheels is a great way to explore the United Kingdom, and there are some fabulous road trips in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  I am thoroughly enjoying van life, but if you’re not ready to take the plunge of buying a campervan, or are just visiting our fair isle, renting a campervan will give you a taste of the adventure!  However, before hiring a campervan in the UK there are a few things you need to know which will help you decide what kind of campervan to rent, and how to make the most of your trip. These are my top tips for renting a motorhome or campervan in the UK.

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British People Drive on the Left

If you aren’t from the UK, you might well be used to driving on the right (I mean WRONG!) side of the road.  However, here we drive on the left and the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the vehicle.  If you’ve never driven on this side of the road before it can take some getting used to, especially on some of our narrow roads – so get some practise in the car park or quiet place before you set off on your campervan adventure!

Bearing that in mind, you may prefer to request an automatic transmission instead of a manual (stick shift), although some models may only be manual, automatic motorhomes and campervans will give you one less thing to worry about!

You May Need to Be 25 or Over

Usually the minimum age to hire a car in the UK is 21, however, many campervan hire companies in the United Kingdom have a minimum age requirement of 25 – and a maximum age of 70 or 75 in some cases – due to insurance restrictions.  Be sure to check with the hire company to see what their limits are.

You also need to have a full valid driving license.  If you hold a driving license from a country other than the UK, change with the campervan rental company if they accept your license and if you need an International Driving Permit.  Another reason why I recommend smaller campervans and motorhomes over the larger RV style is that if the vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes you will need a different category driving license to be able to drive them.  Smaller motorhomes like my van conversion are usually well under the limit.  Check the details on the UK government website here .

If you have points on your license you may need to declare that when requesting a rental, and in some cases if you have more than 6 points on your license you may not be able to rent a campervan at all.

You’ll also need to have a credit or debit card to hold the security deposit.   

Want More Campervan Tips?

• Why I Decided to Buy a Campervan
• Campervan Essentials Packing List
• 5 Essential Campervan Tips for Beginners
• 25+ Campervan Accessories for an Epic Road Trip
• The Best Campervan Gifts for Motorhome Owners
• 12 Things No-One Tells You about Van Life
• 7 Steps to Renting a Campervan for a Road Trip
• Reasons to Go Camping This Year
• Hiring a Campervan in the UK 
• Useful Campervan Apps for Epic Road Trips
• Campervan & Motorhome Wild Camping in the UK
• Cool Campervan Gadgets

Check Dates Carefully

Before booking your campervan road trip in the UK, check if the dates coincide with peak holiday season.  Bank holiday weekends, summer holidays, Easter and half-term breaks will be more expensive and demand higher.

Weekdays in shoulder or off-season will be the cheapest time for you to hire a campervan, and you’ll have more chance of booking your preferred campsite too!

Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better

As I mentioned above, in Britain we have some ridiculously narrow roads, which are often full of twists and blind corners too.  Nothing like the straight wide highways in the States, our countryside roads are often only wide enough for one car – so in a large RV squeezing past an oncoming tractor is an interesting experience!  There are frequent passing places though, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic so you can pull in quickly if you need to.

The same goes for parking spaces.  Most car parks in the UK have irritatingly small spaces – both in terms of width and length.  That’s why I’d recommend getting the smallest campervan or motorhome to fit your requirements.  As tempting as it is to go big so you can enjoy a spacious interior, you will find it easier to drive and park if you have a smaller vehicle.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Things No-One Tells You About Van Life

Read the Fine Print

This is a no-brainer for any contract, but some things you may not have considered include a mileage limit or a one-way surcharge if you plan to leave the campervan in a different location to where you picked it up.  You’ll also need to check exactly what insurance cover is included, what excess you’ll have to pay if you do need to make a claim, if any additional drivers are covered if you plan to share the driving, and if breakdown cover is included.

Check what equipment is included in the campervan hire too – you would hope that they have everything you need to enjoy your trip but some motorhome rental companies don’t include things like bedding or towels, so do your research before you hand over any money.  Does the campervan have a toilet and wash facilities on board?  Something to cook with and eat with?  It’s always best to check!

Carry Cash for Car Parking

Speaking of car parks, they don’t always make it easy to pay, but will swiftly hand out parking tickets and fines if you haven’t!  These days, most car parks will accept coins or card payments, and some allow payment through a parking app such as RingGo or JustPark. 

However, I still come across car parks which only accept coins, and don’t even give you any change!  So, try to collect pound coins and change wherever you go so you have a stash of cash ready to go when needed. 

For pay and display car parks, don’t forget to make a note of the time you need to be back.  I like to take a photo of the ticket before I put it in my windscreen so I know I’ve got the correct time! 

Another thing to check before you choose a parking space is that some car parks have barriers to stop motorhomes and campervans entering.  Be careful to avoid those!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Best Campervan Gifts for Motorhome Owners

Choose Your Gas (Petrol) Station Wisely

When it comes to filling up your campervan with petrol or diesel (make sure you know which one!!) there is a significant price difference in where you choose to fill up.  Motorway service stations are notorious for charging extremely high prices, so avoid filling up there if you can.  Similarly, service stations on busy main roads, or in the middle of nowhere also charge a premium. 

I have found that supermarket petrol stations (like Tesco, ASDA or Morrison’s) always have the best prices for petrol and diesel, so I try to time my fill-up with a trip to do my shopping.  Remember to factor in the cost of fuel when you are estimating the budget for your trip, the costs can add up if you’re driving a long way!

Be Cautious of the Sat-Nav

On the one-hand, having a GPS or Sat-Nav in your campervan is absolutely essential – especially if you are a solo traveller like me.  However, don’t rely on it to take you on the most suitable route!  My sat-nav frequently tries to send me down the narrowest of narrow tracks, taking what it sees as the most direct route, even if that means cutting cross country and ignoring width and weight warnings!

If you can, request a GPS especially for motorhomes and campervans, as you can program the height and width of your campervan into the sat-nav and tell it to only choose the best route for your vehicle. 

Before setting off to your campsite, check if they have special instructions for how to arrive safely.  Rural campsites are by their very nature in the middle of nowhere, so unruly sat-navs will often send you the wrong way!

READ MORE: Essentials You Need in Your Campervan

Wild Camping Is Not Allowed in England and Wales

You may have a dream of parking up your campervan by the beach and spending the night wherever you choose wild camping under the stars , but the police and town councils in the UK have a different idea.  Technically you are only allowed to spend the night somewhere if you have permission from the landowner in England and Wales, while Scotland has different rules.

This means that booking a campsite is your safest option, although not as adventurous as you might have hoped!  There are other ways to semi-wild camp, in places such as pub car parks and in some secluded spots, but they usually only allow for one-night stays.  So, if you are planning to hire a campervan in England or Wales, I’d suggest sticking with campsites.

READ MORE: Tips for Wild Camping in the UK

Don’t Rely on a Phone or Wi-Fi Signal

Happily, in most places I have been camping in England there has been enough phone signal to support wifi for my laptop.  However, there is no guarantee – especially if you plan to get off the beaten track and explore the wilds of the UK!  Dont assume you will have wifi access everywhere, so if you are relying on your phone for a map, download it before you set off.  Better still, bring a paper map with you!

Have everything you might need downloaded already – and take advantage of wifi when you do have it – for entry tickets, directions, places to visit, campsite locations and more.  

Other Useful Information for Hiring a Campervan in the UK

What to take on your campervan road trip.

The good news is that most of what you need will be included in your campervan hire , so you shouldn’t need to take too much – just your own clothes and personal items like toiletries and hiking gear.  However, as I mentioned earlier, check if your campervan includes things like bedding and towels – if not, you’ll have to bring your own.

You may also like to check out my articles about the essential things you will need for your campervan and some cool campervan accessories , in case you’re inspired to buy your own campervan!

Where Should You Go Your Campervan?

The world is your oyster!  Well, whichever country you choose at least.  England, Wales and Scotland all have some incredible places to discover, so no matter where you go you will have a wonderful campervan adventure.  You could head down to Cornwall for spectacular cliff top walks, surfing and beaches, or spend a week in Scotland for breathtaking scenery and legendary lochs.  The good news is, there is no bad choice!

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Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Campervan tips and tricks you need to know about

Here are our top campervan tips and tricks . These tips and tricks have all added to our good experiences of travelling the UK in our campervan and have made our trips a little easier – let’s hope that you find them useful too!

CAMPERVAN TIPS AND ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS

Pick your travel times wisely:.

If you have a choice, then try to plan your trip so that you will miss the rush hour when people are hurrying to or from work, or on the school run.

If you are using motorways, it is also good to bear in mind that if you do the majority of your distance driving on Sunday there are fewer lorries (with their restricted speed) on the road.

Keep connected:

If your mobile phone has a good data package (and coverage in remote areas) you have the option of making your mobile phone an internet hot spot (most modern smartphones have this option) and you can then pair your laptop to your mobile so you have internet access. (If you are having a problem getting a signal, then read our article about Campervan WiFi on the move .)

Also, remember that most of the well-known coffee chains have free wifi. Pop in, have a coffee, check your emails and research your next day’s adventures!

Know your vehicle:

Write down, or commit to memory the width, height and length of your vehicle. Then if you are faced with a barrier in a car park or supermarket, you won’t have any ‘will it, or won’t it’, moments.

Think ahead:

Before you relax for the evening, make sure that you fill up with fresh water and empty your waste water containers. When you wake up in the morning you’ll have plenty of everything and won’t have to rush around getting water before you can have a cup of tea.

Same goes with the toilet. Make sure that that has been emptied if it needs it, so in the morning you will (literally) be good to go. :-)

Check out this DIY Aquaroll filler tube – what a great idea!

Don’t cook like you’re at home:.

It is a bad idea to try and like you do at home at home – too many pots and pans and too much washing up! Try to rustle up things that only use one pan (two at the most).

Think scrambled egg, or beans on toast.

Better still, get yourself a microwave! We did and wished we’d done it ages ago. It speeds everything up and you also have the option of ready meals too.

Where to park:

Instead of following the signs straight to the car park, have a quick drive around first and check out the area. You can often find free parking at the side of the road.

Once you’ve sussed out how far it is from the main attraction or sights, you then make an informed decision whether to head for the car park, or go back to the on-street parking and save yourself some money.

This has saved us a small fortune!

Take some quick and easy food with you:

After a long drive, the last thing you are going to feel like doing is preparing a meal. There’s always the option of a takeaway, but if you are miles from anywhere and just pulled up on your pitch, you are not going to be wanting to go out again to track down something to fill your growling tummy.

The key is to take something really easy (and preferably instant) with you – think packed lunches or Pot Noodles. Of course, if you’ve got a microwave in your campervan, that changes things: you can bring food from home that just needs heating up, or a ‘ready meal’ to pop in the microwave.

• If you haven’t got a microwave and are considering getting one, then read our guide to the Best Campervan Microwave . It will give you all the information you need to buy the right one – so you don’t end up tripping the campsites RCD unit!

SETTING UP YOUR CAMPERVAN – WHAT TO TAKE

Pack your campervan with essentials that can ‘live’ onboard:.

You’ll pack and unpack your campervan before and after trips, but there are some things that can live permanently in your campervan. That way, you’ll never find yourself searching for the little essential things you might just forget to pack.

Here’s a list of the things that live permanently in our campervan…

Kitchen Area:

• Plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses.
• Knives, forks and spoons (including a bread knife and sharp vegetable knife) kitchen utensils.
• Tin opener, bottle opener, tin foil, cling film, bin liners.
• Pots and pans, a couple of plastic tubs with lids, a fold-down colander and a small plastic bread/chopping board.
• A whistling kettle for the times we don’t use hook up, and a conventional plug-in camping electric kettle for when we do.
• Tea towels, washing up liquid and clothes wash liquid.

Toilet/Bathroom:

• Hand wash, sun cream, baby wipes, scissors, nail file.
• Basic first aid kit: plasters, paracetamol, rehydration sachets, insect repellent, etc.

Living Area drawers/under seats:

• Phone charger.
• Dustpan and brush.
• Hot water bottle – just in case it gets chilly.
• Small electric fan (you’ll thank yourself in the height of summer).
• Small electric blow heater (ideal for chilly mornings) and an electric oil radiator for when we need overnight warmth. (Read our buyers guide to electric heaters for your campervan .)
• Local map (pick one up at the campsite or local tourist information, it is always good to have a close-up view of the area).
• Fold up picnic blanket for days at the beach.
• A rucksack.
• A small travel rotary airer.

Keep a cloth handy for wiping condensation off the windows in the morning.

Don’t forget to carry these essentials:.

• Hook up lead
• Chocks for the wheels
• Spare wheel/tyre
• Pump for tyres
• Puncture repair foam

Carry a spirit level; your vehicle needs to be level for your fridge to work properly.

Remember your lighting:.

We wouldn’t do without…

• The obligatory torch. Keep it somewhere handy!
• A nightlight. When we have hook-up, we plug a nightlight into a socket near the toilet. That way we can find our way in the middle of the night without having to turn the main lights on.
• A clock. At night, we either use a clock with an illuminated face, or our phone with a clock app. It saves squinting into the darkness to try to see what time it is.
• A small plug in table lamp for when it gets dark early and we’re chilling in the campervan and want some soft lighting to add to the ambience.
• A clip-on reading light. It’s ideal for those times in the middle of the night when you just can’t sleep. You can clip it to your book and read without disturbing anyone.
• Battery powered fairy lights. Adds a bit of sparkle to a dark corner.
• An outside solar stake light. So we can find our way back to the campervan in the dark.

MORE TIPS TRICKS AND ADVICE

Claim your pitch:.

If you are going to be returning to the same pitch after your day out (and you haven’t got a drive away awning to show the pitch is taken) then you may want to leave a windbreak pegged into the ground, or a sign like this one , to let people know that the pitch is in use.

Get a good nights sleep:

In our campervan we have big scatter cushions that double as sleeping pillows. (The cushions were picked to be the exact same thickness as our usual pillows at home.)

It saves us having to cart pillows around with us – and it doesn’t use up any storage space. When it’s time for bed, we just put the cushions in a pillowcase, lay our head down and close our eyes.

Instead of using sheets to make up the bed, we use a thin 3 tog double quilt (in a duvet cover) to sleep on, and another 10 tog one to cover us. We tried sleeping bags, but much prefer our snug and comfy solution.

Roll quilts tightly and put a bungee cord around them, it makes them easier to store.

Be prepared for the weather:.

• Take clothes that can be worn in layers if it’s chilly, and removed if it is warm. (Roll clothes rather than folding for more space and less creasing.)
• Work around the weather. Check the forecast ( BBC Weather has hourly updates) then you can pick pockets of fine weather to do all the things you need good weather for. It’ll help you avoid the downpours as well.
• Make sure to take a good waterproof jacket, we have ones that pack up really small – trousers too.
• Use microfibre towels for drying off. They don’t take up much space and they also dry really easily.

Get some shelter:

In the height of summer when arriving at your campsite, it is good to take note where the sun falls before you pitch up. It is much better to get the sun in the morning or evening, rather than at mid day. Pick a pitch with some shade, you’ll thank yourself.

Breakdown cover:

Breakdown cover definitely makes you breathe a little easier. Shop around for a good deal that includes home recovery, so that wherever you are you know you can always get back home.

These tips have all helped make life easier when we’ve been touring around the UK in our campervan. I dare say some may seem quite obvious to you, but if you are a campervan beginner and any of these tips can help you, then our experience will have been put to good use. :-)

Happy travelling – we’ll see you on the road!

While you are here:

If you haven’t done so already, then why not check out our post Campervan Storage Ideas , for more great campervan tips and ideas.

“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”

– lovelle drachman.

12 Unmissable Roadtrips in the UK with a Camper Van

United Kingdom

Art & Culture

Sightseeing

Charlie Ceates | Live the World

May 3, 2023

Go on a solo trip or get a small crew together to tour around the UK’s iconic road trips in a camper van.

Europe is well known for its stunning landscapes and history, but as an island separated from the mainland of the continent, the UK is in a league of its own. With so many different ways of life and their own respective thriving tourist industries, there are many different attractions to visit here, whether it be England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. During the ice age, glaciers gorged their way through the landscape, creating vast mountainscapes and deep lakes. The weather may be wet and rainy at the best of times, but because of this, the United Kingdom is one of the greenest places in Europe. Its location geographically means that while the climate is usually temperate, it can also easily change, whether it be arctic winds coming in from the north or warmer tropical winds coming up from the south.

One of the best ways to visit the country is by organising a road trip. The United Kingdom has some of the most iconic road trips in the world. Whether it be venturing along the world-renowned North Coast 500 in the highlands of Scotland, or fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. Driving in a car or using a camper van is a great way of travelling throughout the countries. It also may be the best way to combat the weather problem - you can park up and pull up a camping chair, enjoying the warmer weather, and just as easily take cover when grey rain clouds appear over the horizon.

Buying or Renting a Camper Van

A platform that we recommend here at Live the World is Goboony . Goboony is kind of like Airbnb, but for camper van owners and renters. Social media might’ve encouraged you to buy or build your own camper van, but this can be both a financially and time-consuming endeavour. With Goboony , you can rent and tour in someone else’s van.

With a range of privately owned vans that differ in budget and amenities, there are many choices to pick out from, whether it be a cheap basic model that sleeps two for a weekend getaway or a kitted-out seven birther for the road trip of a lifetime. So if you’re planning to go on a journey with some friends, instead of spending money on individual rooms, you can all split the cost of a rental, which, depending on the vehicle, can work out to be cheaper than a night in a hostel!

If you own a campervan yourself, you can register your vehicle with Goboony and rent it out to other would-be adventurers. So, while you’re taking a break from your own travels, you can help other kindred spirits in theirs while making a few extra pennies on the side. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

1 . NC500, Scotland

Our first route is probably the most popular route in the UK and takes us through around the highlands of Scotland, passing by beautiful beaches and high mountains. Launched in 2015 by the Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative, the North Coast 500 , or the NC500 , is a 516-mile road trip that takes you all around the north coast of Scotland. Starting and ending at Inverness Castle, there are loads of attractions on this stream of road, from historic castles to untouched stretches of wild landscapes. Sometimes, the road you’re on is the only hint of civilisation for miles.

With all that in mind, the North Coast is a road that should be enjoyed at a steady pace, and a lot of the accommodations can wrack up in price. Plus, if you’re going to be travelling across this part of Scotland, you’ll probably want to sample some of the whiskey that is distilled here. If you book a campervan with a company like Goboony , your home on wheels will only cost a fraction of the price you would have been spending on a bed and breakfast or a hotel. There are plenty of camping spots and a few establishments on the route that will let you use their car park. Due to the nature of this route, though, you’ll have to do some homework on certain roads as some are too small for camper vans. Other notable routes in Scotland also include the South West 300, the North East 250 and the Heart 200.

2 . Snowdonia National Park, Wales

While there is no strict route like the NC500, Snowdonia National Park offers some of the most scenic drives the Welsh countryside has to offer. Also known as Eryri, this national park stretches over 800 square miles and has around 1,500 miles of registered paths , each trail ranging in difficulty and some of them starting at various car parks throughout the region. The best time to drive around this part of the country is during the summer, though it can get busy. There are major and minor roads throughout Snowdonia. You can even drive around Mount Snowdon if you don’t fancy hiking, but you might also bump into some tractors as some of the nearby areas are used for agricultural purposes.

Most of the nearby accommodations are a bit of a distance away from the National Park. There are plenty of car parks though, and while staying at them overnight isn’t allowed, there are official campsites within driving distance, so you can stay here overnight and drive to one of the many car park trails in the morning. Just remember to pre-book a space in advance at a certain site to avoid disappointment.

3 . The Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Always wanted to see the Giant’s Causeway? The Causeway Coast is a road trip that can take you there. Cutting through the cities of Belfast and Derry, this 120 miles road trip will not only take you to the iconic UNESCO landmark, it also takes you through other highlights of Northern Ireland. If you start your journey in Belfast, before hitting the road, you might want to check out the Titanic Museum. If you just want to indulge in the local culture, there are many pubs along the route. So park up your van, and share a pint with the locals!

Much like Wales, wild camping in Northern Ireland is illegal. There are a few campsites along the route, though, and they are very inexpensive, at about under £25 a night. Here are some examples of the best camping spots throughout Northern Ireland. Also, while Scotland is known for its whiskey, Northern Ireland has its own trade that is worth visiting as well.

4 . The Cotswolds, England

In the southwest of England are the idyllic Cotswolds . A mixture of rural villages and natural beauty, the whole area had just over 90,000 permanent residents in 2021, but 38 million visits are recorded every year! There is enough here to stay out and explore for a few days or even just a weekend away, from the village of Burton-on-the-Water, also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, or the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The best time to visit this area of the country is around July and August, when the countryside’s greenery is in full bloom and the days are at their longest.

While this area is a great place for a road trip, some of the hotels and places to stay can be a bit on the pricey end. By contrast, some of the best campervan sites in the area go for as low as £10 a night, so you can park up for a couple of nights and enjoy the local sites without having to worry about accommodation costs. If you feel like chancing your luck, while you can’t wild camp in England, you can sleep on owned land IF you get permission from the landowner. Remember the A, B, C, and D rule: Ask the landowner’s permission, Be Discreet, Clean up after yourself, and Don’t stay more than one night.

5 . The Lake District, England

One of the most spectacular must-see places in the whole of England is the Lake District National Park. Guess where the name comes from. From the highest mountain of Scafell Peak (at 978 metres or 3209 feet in height) to the deepest lake of WastWater (at 80 metres or 258 feet in depth) and the villages and lakes in between, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most, if not THE most naturally beautiful place in the whole of England. If you’re a literature fan, this is the area that inspired author Beatrix Potter to breathe life into her Peter Rabbit stories.

If you’re planning to go through the Lake District and you’re unfamiliar with the area, you might want to book yourself a self-guided tour . Some of the best views are along walking trails which are easily within driving distance. Along with your camper van acting as a hub, the self-guided tour includes some tips and a suggested kit list to make the most of your trip.

6 . The Jurassic Coast, England

Stretching along the coastline of Dorset and Devon for around 96 miles is the Jurassic Coast . Starting from Old Harry Rocks in Studland Bay and finishing in Exmouth, it’s a fairly short drive compared to other routes on this list, but it is far too interesting not to mention. England’s first natural UNESCO site has geographical features which might look like something from the time of the dinosaurs, but the name comes from all the fossils that have been found here. Most of them were from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous, periods of prehistory where dinosaurs and their cousins, like Pterosaurs and marine reptiles, evolved from humble beginnings and became dominant species. I’d say Cretaceous Coast rolls off the tongue more, but since everybody has seen Jurassic Park.

As there are a few holiday parks along the Jurassic Coast, you can book a Goboony camper van and easily follow in the footsteps of famed palaeontologist Mary Anning. Or if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s still a visually stunning part of the country where you can walk along coastal paths. Whatever the case, here are a couple of places you can stay the night in your camper van.

7 . The Wales Way, Wales

The Wales Way is actually made up of three National touring routes in Wales - The Cambrian Way, The Coastal Way and The North Wales Way. Not to be confused with the walking trails that share the same name, you can either do one, or you can go all out and drive the full 420 miles journey. The Cambrian Way connects the north and south coasts, passing through Snowdonia and the Cambrian mountains, the Coastal Way takes you along the entire Cardigan Bay on the eastern coast,.and the North Wales Way takes you through the north and highlights much of Welsh history, like ancient castles and trade routes used by the Romans.

If you’re doing to be doing just one of the routes, some are easier than others. The North Wales Way is only 75 miles long, while the Cambrian Way is 185 miles long, mainly following the A470 . Due to the vast scale of all these routes and how they don’t intersect easily, a camper van would be perfect if you decide to do the full Wales Way.

8 . Game of Thrones Road trip, Northern Ireland

During the filming of the hit HBO series, many locations across the world were used as locations for creating Game of Thrones. Northern Ireland is just one of those places, and you can do your own Game of Thrones road trip while visiting. As a matter of fact, some of these locations intersect with the Causeway route, so you can do this at the same time. While there is no set route, most of them are grouped together in either Antrim in the north or Down in the southeast. There are tours of the Antrim locations, but if you want to see all the Northern Irish locations, you can see for yourself via this link .

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, there are loads of attractions that make Northern Ireland a perfect road trip, whether you want to go through the courtyard of Winterfell in costume , or have a look behind the scenes with a look at the Game of Thrones studio . Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan but still like movies and television shows, Northern Ireland has been used as a filming location for many a project, like Braveheart and Hellboy II.

9 . Atlantic Highway, England

A picturesque route is the A39 in the southwest of England, otherwise informally known as the Atlantic Highway . Again, this route is not to be confused with the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, the former Atlantic Highway in the US, or the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway (though the first and last are worth a visit in their own right). Hugging the coast where the southwest of England meets the Atlantic, this seaside road takes you through many attractions, travelling through Exmoor National Park and by surf towns. The Atlantic Highway travels across what are two of the most picturesque counties in England, Devon and Cornwall. While the route finishes at Bude, Cornwall, you can go beyond the A39 and visit Land’s End in Cornwall.

Though this is a noteworthy road trip on its own, you can easily incorporate it into a larger one. If you want to see the full length of the UK from top to bottom, you can start at the John O’Groats signpost at the top of Scotland and make your way down to Land’s End. An advantage of Goboony is that you can communicate with camper van owners, so you can organise to take different vans across the country!

10 . Argyll Coastal Route, Scotland

While the North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland, or even in the UK, the Argyll Coastal Route travels throughout the southwestern region of Scotland. Starting at Loch Lomond, the route travels throughout the lands where the lowlands meet the highlands, following the west coast until Fort William. The road trip is 129 miles long, and while the NC500 is a worthwhile road trip, this route is a lot less crowded. Also, some areas in the highlands are pretty remote, while you are never too far away from civilisation on the Argyll Coastal Route.

Just like the NC though, an advantage of taking a camper van is that you can park up for the night and sample some of the whiskey in the area. Near the start of the route is the Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank, and along the way, you will be passing through Oban, which also has its own whiskey distiller.

11 . South Wales Circuit, Wales

Returning to Wales, our last recommended road trip for this country is the South Wales Circuit . Described as Wales’ answer to the NC500 in Scotland, this road trip takes you through the attractions like the Brecon Beacons mountain range, the Welsh capital city of Cardiff, and a variety of landscapes, from forested National Parks to seaside towns that belong on a postcard. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate the South Wales Circuit into the full Wales Way trip and say that you have driven all across Wales!

That’s just our suggestion, though. Along with offering rental services for camper vans, Goboony also has a blog where they have their own opinion of things, which includes stuff worth doing while visiting Wales. Check out their piece on things you should do in the Brecon Beacons .

12 . Borders Historic Route, Scotland and England

Throughout most of this list, we’ve included road trips that are respective to their own countries, but for our final choice, we’ll do something different. Though it’s only 89 miles long, the Borders Historic Route starts you off in the English city of Carlisle and takes you along the border of Scotland and England before finishing off in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. As well as the natural and man-made marvels along the way, you will learn a lot about the history of the area, like the Gilnockie Tower, which used to serve as a hub for raiders in the contested ‘debatable lands’ (they were called that because no one knew if they belonged to Scotland or England).

These road trips will take you through the highlights of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. That’s just our pick of road trips across the UK, though! There are a lot more, and we’ve touched on a couple of them. If you want to organise a camper van trip throughout the UK and beyond, check out Goboony for all your camper van needs.

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• 8 incredible campervan holidays in the UK

If you have a strong sense of adventure and love exploring new places, a campervan holiday might be the perfect break. There’s something magical about heading out onto the open road, knowing that you can travel in any direction and drive wherever your heart takes you, while still being assured of cosy, comfortable accommodation. It’s the ultimate feeling of freedom.

Over the past two years, with international travel off the menu, many of us discovered just how beautiful and diverse the UK really is, and if you’re looking to see as much of our countryside and coastline as possible, a campervan holiday is the best way to do so.

So, whether you already own a campervan or are thinking about hiring one, here are eight incredible UK holiday destinations for your next campervan adventure. 

1. The North Coast 500 and the Scottish Highlands

If you’re looking for dramatic coastal scenery, head to the Scottish Highlands. The North Coast 500 is the most famous campervan route in the country and is regularly voted one of the best road trips in the world. It’s also the most Instagrammed route in the UK, so if you’re hoping to take lots of photos, you’re heading to the right place.

This part of Scotland is breathtakingly beautiful, and along the 500-mile route, you’ll pass crumbling castles, white-sand beaches, mysterious ruins, heather-covered moors, and mirror-like lochs. You can explore picturesque villages, visit whiskey distilleries, hike through the wild landscape, and perhaps even spot the Northern Lights.

The route begins and ends in Inverness, winding its way up North Scotland’s East Coast to the highest point of the mainland, then looping back down the West Coast. There’s so much to see and do here, so if you want to get the most out of your trip, you’ll need at least a week – but several weeks is ideal.

The route passes through towns and villages like Durness, John O’Groats, Dornoch and Ullapool, so there are plenty of places to eat, and there are many great camping grounds en route too (wild camping is permitted in Scotland, but this doesn’t apply to campervans). Be sure to fuel up, as you’ll often be right in the sticks!

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2. The New Forest and Dorset, England

If you love the idea of a campervan holiday but don’t want to feel like you’re too far away from civilisation, you might want to head to Dorset . The spectacular Jurassic Coast is the perfect destination for a laidback beach holiday, and it also boasts some of the best campsites in the country.

While there are many award-winning campsites along this stretch of UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline, Higher Moor Farm Campsite has been voted the number one campsite in the UK, and the views here over the beautiful rolling Dorset countryside and coast are unrivalled.

There’s lots to see and do in this part of the country. You can hunt for fossils and interesting rock formations on the beach, swim and kayak in Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, visit the seaside resorts of Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth, and hike along the iconic limestone cliffs.

Another perk of a Dorset campervan holiday is that after you’ve had your fill of beaches, you can visit the New Forest . Comprising parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire, the New Forest boasts magical woodland, miles of open heathland, and historic villages. It’s ideal for nature lovers and people who’re looking to enjoy a real sense of peace on their break.

To find out more about this lovely part of the country, have a read of our article; 9 unique places to visit in the New Forest .

Forest Lodge Hotel, Lyndhurst, New Forest*

New Forest | 1 nights | Book with Tripsmiths

From £100pp

3. Snowdonia and Anglesey, Wales

If you’re drawn to huge skies, rocky mountains, thundering waterfalls, gleaming lakes, and lots of outdoor adventure, you might want to head to Snowdonia and Anglesey . Snowdonia is one of the most dramatically beautiful parts of the country, and it’s only a hop and skip away from the island of Anglesey. 

If you love hiking, you’ll be in your element in Snowdonia, as countless paths criss-cross through the 823-square-mile national park. And, if you like a challenge you can climb Mount Snowdon – the tallest peak in England and Wales. Though, if you want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the trek, you can take the train up instead!

There are plenty of lovely campsites in Snowdonia, though Bryn Gloch Caravan and Camping Park – which is right at the foot of Mount Snowden itself – is especially lovely. Set in a beautiful green valley nearby, the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed is a joy to stroll through, and there are many cosy pubs and cute cafes to relax and refuel in, too.

After you’ve explored Snowdonia, you can then cross the iconic Menai suspension bridge to reach the island of Anglesey. If you want to kick back on the beach, Anglesey has some of the prettiest beaches in Wales, as well as sand dunes and grassy meadows, and in the tranquil Newborough Forest, you may be lucky enough to spot red squirrels.  

To find out more about Snowdonia, have a read of our list of 9 things to do and places to visit in the area.

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4. Lake District and North York Moors

The Lake District and the North York Moors are two of the most beautiful regions in England, and the joy of exploring by campervan is that you can discover both in one trip. Though you’ll be travelling through dramatic scenery and wild, remote landscapes, you’re never too far from charming villages. 

With its pristine lakes, barren fells, and lush green valleys, the Lake District is famous for its beauty – and for inspiring poets like Wordsworth. In a campervan, it’s easy to tour the lakes (Coniston Water, Windermere, and Ullswater are three of the best known) as well as villages like Grasmere, Kendal, Ambleside, and Keswick.

The heather-covered landscape of the North York Moors is perfect for driving – and hiking. The walk along Sutton Bank is especially impressive, but there are also historic sites to explore, like Rievaulx Abbey, and attractions like Ryedale Folk Museum. If you fancy a break from driving, you can hop on the North York Moors Railway. 

This particular campervan destination also allows you to explore the coast – so if you’re looking for some variety on your holiday, you’ll find that here! After you’ve explored the moors you can head to the seaside resorts of Whitby and Scarborough, where you can stroll on the beach, enjoy ice creams and chips, and relax in old pubs.

Literary Walking in the Lake District*

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5. The Atlantic Highway and Devon and Cornwall

At the opposite end of the country is the Atlantic Highway. One of England’s most beautiful driving routes, this road connects Somerset to Cornwall, though the loveliest stretch of the road takes you from Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall, and provides you with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and gorgeous natural scenery. 

This part of the country has some of the very best beaches and camping sites, so you definitely won’t be short of glorious places to park up for the night. There are also plenty of charming seaside towns and villages to explore, from Bideford in Devon to Camelford in Cornwall.  

If you’re interested in surfing , be sure to schedule some time in either Bude, Padstow, or Newquay, as they’re some of the best watersports spots in the country. And, if you’re fascinated by myths and legends, you’ll definitely want to stop by Tintagel Castle where you can learn all about King Arthur.

You can also venture a little further afield and drive into West Cornwall, where you can relax in pretty towns like St Just and St Ives, visit Lands End, and enjoy bracing coastal walks. In Devon, you can also take a detour to Dartmoor National Park where you can hike along these dramatic moors and spot the park’s wild ponies.

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Cornwall | 1 nights | Book with Tripsmiths

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6. The Causeway Coastal Route and Northern Ireland

If you’ve never visited the North Coast of Northern Ireland, you might want to think about exploring with a campervan. The main Causeway Coastal route is 130 miles, so you can do it over a weekend – or if you’re looking for a longer holiday, there are a further 256 miles of additional routes to explore.

The route begins in Belfast and then hugs the coastline all the way to Derry. This part of Northern Ireland is steeped in history and folklore, and boasts some of the most dazzlingly beautiful scenery in the country. There are also great campsites along the way, such as the Causeway Coast Holiday Park , which has spectacular sea views.

The most famous attraction along this route is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway , a geographical marvel that was formed 60 million years ago by an erupting volcano. There are also many other attractions on the way, including Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle.

If you enjoy hiking, you won’t want to miss the Gobbins Cliff walk, where you can climb stairs that have been carved into the rock and explore secret smuggler caves above the ocean. You may spot seals, puffins, and hares while you’re hiking, too. Be aware that the roads in this area can vary from A roads to single-track roads, so be sure to research your route.

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7. Bealach na Bà and the Isle of Skye, Scotland

One of the most popular destinations for campervan holidays is the Isle of Skye . Scotland’s second-largest island might only be 50 miles long, but it’s packed with nature, history and culture – and if you pair it with the Bealach na Bà route in Wester Ross , you’re in for a real treat.

The Bealach na Bà is a twisting single-track road through the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, and it provides you with magnificent views of the Applecross peninsula. If you want to walk across deserted, windswept beaches and hike up craggy highland passes, Bealach na Bà is the route for you.

After you’ve explored Applecross, Scotland’s second-largest island beckons. You can drive over the bridge or hop on a ferry, and there are several excellent campsites here where you can park up. While some campsites are near the main town of Portree, others feel wonderfully remote.

Skye is stunning, wild, and mystical – a land of moors, gorse-covered clifftops, pretty fishing villages, and fascinating geological features like the Old Man of Storr. There’s something for everyone here. You can spot eagles, dolphins, and whales, visit distilleries, hike along the indented coastline, and enjoy the bliss of getting away from it all.

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Scottish Highlands | 1 nights | Book with Tripsmiths

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8. Pembrokeshire and the Gower Peninsula, Wales

Another destination that’s perfect for beach lovers is the Pembrokeshire Coast and Gower Peninsula. Located on Wales’ southwestern tip, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only national park in the UK to be set along such a gorgeous coastline, and the Gower Peninsula is also known for its stunning golden beaches.

If you’d like to do plenty of hiking on your holiday, you can enjoy walking the dazzling Pembrokeshire Coast Path , which stretches for almost 190 miles. Viewed as one of the best walking trails in the world, the path winds its way past magnificent, varied scenery, from jagged cliffs to pristine beaches.

There’s also plenty of culture here. You can visit the historic Pembroke Castle, the tiny city of St David’s, and the lovely seaside town of Tenby. If you’re into wildlife, you might want to visit Skomer Island, where you can spot the famous puffins – or if you’re more into history, you can pop over to ancient Calder Island.

If relaxation is what you’re looking for, the Gower Peninsula is the place to be – and if you want to enjoy sun, sea, and sand you’re in the right place. There are many excellent campsites here, but the five-star Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park is one of the best and provides campers with breathtaking views of the sparkling blue ocean.

To find out more about Pembrokeshire, have a read of our article; Pembrokeshire Coast: Top things to see and do on holiday .

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Final thoughts…

A campervan holiday is the ideal mix of intrepid adventure and cosy comfort. It allows you to forgo the big cities and really immerse yourself in the countryside – and if you’re looking for peace and relaxation, it’s unbeatable. 

There’s something magical about opening your campervan door and being greeted by jaw-dropping views of the countryside or coast – and knowing you have the freedom to go anywhere you want is truly special (particularly after the past two years!). 

And if you don’t have a campervan of your own, it’s never been easier to rent one. Sites like Camplify put holidaymakers in touch with campervan owners who want to rent out their vehicles (just think Airbnb for campervans).

Just enter your location, and Camplify will bring up loads of options at a range of prices. Plus, when you rent with Camplify, you’ll get RAC breakdown cover and insurance at no extra cost.

So, whether you’re thinking about a laidback beach holiday in Southern England or an adventurous hiking break in the wild Scottish highlands, the UK has a perfect campervan destination for everyone.

For more inspiration on campervan holidays, you might want to check out our article; 10 of the prettiest UK camping destinations . 

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here .

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A campervan holiday on England's South coast

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written by Aimee White

updated 27.08.2021

England’s south coast makes for an epic summer road trip, with the Jurassic Coast stretching from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks; fishing villages tucked into ancient coves; and plenty of sandy beaches. As the old adage goes, it’s about the journey, not the destination, and what a journey I had on my first campervan holiday with three pals and a dog. To plan your own adventure on England's south coast, the Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the Rough Guides Staycations Devon and Cornwall are your essential guides.

The campervan

Day 1: kingsbridge, south devon, day 2: salcombe, south devon, day 3: weymouth, dorset, day 4: durdle door and poole, dorset, day 5: sandbanks, dorset, the trip lowdown.

Your writer on her campervan holiday companion: a VW Transporter

Travel ideas for England, created by local experts

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 7-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!

Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

Walking around vintage England and picturesque Scotland

Visit two traditional capitals, London and Edinburgh, and enjoy a trek through the Loch Lomond national park. This trip will let you discover peaceful Scottish islands by foot, with several days of detailed walking tours included in the trip.

Hiking in out-of-the way Northern Cornwall

Northern Cornwall is a hiker's paradise and this itinerary includes the most scenic parts. You will start your journey in London with some unique activities to get to know the city, before setting off on a 5-day walk across Cornwall. End your trip in Bath and explore the backdrop of Bridgerton.

A walking holiday on the Jurassic Coast

Walking the Jurassic Coast is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the spectacular scenery. Walks range from easy to challenging. 6 days walking are included in this itinerary, as is an extensive pre-program in London and a last night back in the capital.

Together, my friends and I covered Salcombe, Weymouth, Durdle Door, Poole and Sandbanks - read on to discover why you too should consider a road trip along England’s south coast – and how to do it on a budget.

We hired a Volkswagen Transporter from Kamperhire.co.uk and collected it from a local company in Portsmouth that we’d found listed in our Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight . The campervan accommodated four people – the seats in the back folded down into a bed (aka ‘downstairs’) and the roof popped up to create another double-bed space (‘upstairs’).

There was also cupboard space, a fridge, sink and gas hobs. If four people travelling together wasn’t enough, we also had Betsie the French Bulldog with us as well; she, of course, had her choice of sleeping arrangement each night.

But why a motorhome? We found that it was an affordable way to take in a wedge of the south coast which, let’s face it, can be pricey if you want to visit multiple places - especially notoriously costly spots like Salcombe and Sandbanks. As we set off, we accepted this challenge and prepared ourselves for the next four nights and five days ahead of us. What could possibly go wrong?

Snoozing on the road: Betsie the dog

Setting off from Portsmouth, we made the 170 mile trip down to Kingsbridge in South Devon . We had decided to start with the longest part of the route first so that our journey back felt less tedious and more enjoyable. There were a few hold-ups along the three-and-a-half-hour journey – road closures, trailers coming off the back of caravans, but it was easy enough to stop for breaks or to let Betsie out for a drink.

After squeezing down a zig-zag of narrow country roads, we eventually reached our campsite, Karrageen , a family-run campsite in Kingsbridge. Kingsbridge is the closest camping spot to Salcombe, roughly a 15min drive away, but is only a five minute walk from Hope Cove, which contains two coves (one is dog-friendly), a post office and a pub.

Ready to explore England's glorious southwestern coast? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Devon .

The view over Kingsbridge Estuary in Salcombe © David Hughes/Shutterstock

Karrageen campsite has 70 pitches spread out over a main camping field and the top field, and you are assigned a pitch when you check in at reception. There was a real community-like feel to this campsite, so if you’re looking to befriend your fellow campers, this is a good place to stay.

It’s also a good place for a first-night stay if you haven’t stocked up on food supplies; when we arrived (much later than planned), we had just missed the stone-baked pizza night which had taken place in the gazebo outside the reception. But, in true friendly Karrageen style, a very kind family of happy campers donated one of their pizzas to us.

That night, we stayed in the campervan and played card games while we listened to the rain pelt against the campervan. Betsie curled up and went to sleep downstairs.

Picturesque Hope Cove in Devon © Andrew Roland/Shutterstock

We were up early the next morning to collect our pre-ordered pastries from reception, and afterwards, we bundled into the other car and headed down to Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa .

The drive was short but the roads were narrow and hilly. As we drove down Fore Street – the ‘high street’ – we were glared at by the pedestrians who had practically reclaimed the street. That said, it was actually quite nice to see so many people and barely any cars, despite our stop-start drive.

At the very other end of Fore Street is the glamorous Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, which offers superlative views over the picturesque estuary. While it might sound like a swanky option for a camping trip, it felt good to treat ourselves – and there are hacks to enjoy these places on a budget.

The harbour at Salcombe, South Devon © Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

After leaving the car with the valet driver, next to a Lamborghini, we ate lunch at the on-site restaurant, The Jetty. Here we tucked into starters (think whitebait with sriracha sauce, truffle mac’n’cheese) and shared a bottle of organic wine. And while you can book spa packages and treatments, it’s also possible to just use the spa facilities for £5 an hour (ring on the morning of your planned visit to reserve up to three hours) where you can enjoy a pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and sun loungers separated by long, white veils. Who needs Mykonos?

That afternoon, Betsie joined us as we mooched along Fore Street and passed by fellow dog walkers, wetsuit-clad teens and barefooted children. There are plenty of independent stores and high street names that serve the well-heeled locals of Salcombe, including the first Jack Wills store.

We sat in the outside section of the Victoria Inn pub, which was actually located in a car park – nicer than it sounds – with a pint of cider overlooking the estuary where RNLI coastguards, paddleboarders and kayakers alike weaved their way in between the moored fishing boats and dazzling yachts.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way back to the campsite and enjoyed a barbecue on our pitch. Aside from accidentally setting the car alarm off enough times to wake up the rest of the campsite, we all enjoyed a good night’s rest. That night, Betsie the dog slept on the passenger seat.

Heading to England's glorious south coast? Discover the 15 best things to do Devon and Cornwall .

Early morning fog in the harbour at East Porttlemouth, Kingsbridge © Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock

Day three started with another morning of rain. The great English weather wasn’t going to ruin our mood, though; it was the day of the Euros Final and we had a table booked at a pub in Weymouth. After packing up the van and disposing of our rubbish, we made the 160-mile drive to Weymouth, where the grey clouds loitered and Three Lions played on repeat.

We arrived at Rosewall Campsite , located in Osmington Mills in Weymouth, and offers a sea view from as soon as you enter the site. There’s also a horse stable nearby with riding opportunities, and further down is a lake which makes for a pleasant stroll around. The campsite itself spans 13 acres and we could choose our own pitch; there was plenty of room for Betsie to run around and greet the other dogs, too.

After setting up, we sat underneath the opened boot of the car and passed the afternoon in the most English way possible: rum in hand, raincoats on, watching the rain hit the grass around us.

That evening, we went to KIKABeach for dinner, a tapas bar with a beach theme and colourful cocktails. The restaurant was closing at 7pm for the Euros football final, so we headed to the pub and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions – congratulations, Italy. That night, we returned to the campsite with only a dampened spirit (and our other shoes that we’d forgotten to take in). Betsie the dog slept upstairs.

If you're planning a trip to Dorset, don't miss West Bay: the real-life Broadchurch location .

The Weymouth lifting bridge opens to allow a yacht to pass through © allouphoto/Shutterstock

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We awoke to near-silence, which was quite strange as we’d become somewhat used to the rain waking us up. The five of us walked down to the lake, passing the stables and a field where inquisitive horses trotted over to see who we were and what we were doing. After taking a slow walk around the lake, and making sure Betsie didn’t go in after any of the fish, we returned to the campsite and set off for our next stop.

It took roughly half an hour to drive to Dorset's iconic landmark and beauty spot, Durdle Door. I’d never been before, but had seen enough photos and read enough articles about it to want to visit. I was itching to see it for myself. We purposely picked a weekday to avoid the crowds, but it was still quite busy as we arrived at the upper car park, which costs £5 for an all-day ticket. We enjoyed a picnic on the field overlooking Durdle Door, amid a crowd of selfie-takers, before stomping our way down the steep hill and towards the flatter gravel path.

The gravel path provides a sweeping view down over Durdle Door, but if you carry on straight ahead you can also see the Man O’War Cove. There was hardly anyone at this cove despite the turquoise water glistening; it looked remarkably different from the dark-blue sea surrounding it. When the sun peeked out from between the clouds, it almost felt like we could be in Ibiza. Almost.

Durdle Door, the Jurassic Coast's most famous landmark © Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock

There are a series of wide steps leading down to Durdle Door, but it’s important to take great care as you make your way down – especially if it’s been raining, as the muddy sludge will ruin your shoes if you’re not careful. I felt a pang of sympathy for the girl in front of me who complained about this as she made her way down in socks and designer sliders.

The beach on Durdle Door is a pebble beach, and it’s easy to set yourself up for the day, whether you want a sunbathe, picnic or photoshoot. There were swimmers splashing around the iconic arch – although swimming around this point is advised against – but it has a very pleasant atmosphere, and dogs are welcomed.

Once we had spent a relaxing stretch of time here, we headed back up to the car park. It’s definitely a good idea to wear proper trainers or walking boots, especially for the steep sections for your grip and comfort. Before driving onto our next stop, we enjoyed an ice cream and then made the 27 mile route through Lulworth and onto Poole.

Poole Harbour at sunset © Joe Gough/Shutterstock

Poole felt like more of a return to a typical busy city, which already felt a world away from the pedestrianised ‘high streets’ of Salcombe and country roads through Lulworth. It goes to show, though, that this route will really appeal to those who want to combine a chill-out stay with more active adventures.

We parked up at Branksome Beach car park, just behind a fish and chips restaurant and mere metres from the sandy beach. The car park allows overnight stays so we made ourselves at home behind the row of beach huts, with a view of the caramel-coloured beach. We dashed into the nearest restaurant just in time to avoid the thrashing rain and noisy thunder and lightning.

Later that evening, the rain miraculously stopped, so we sat on the beach and watched a group of paddleboarders before walking along the promenade and counting the number of volleyball nets and checking out the beach gym. If you’re looking for beach fun and fitness, Poole’s the place to come. For our final night in the campervan, Betsie the dog curled up on the driver's seat.

Pretty thatched houses in Lulworth village, Dorset © SusaZoom/Shutterstock

It was the last day of our road trip; we had the best weather for it and we were in the best place to embrace the sun. We got up early and drove ten minutes down to Sandbanks, an affluent part of Poole that is renowned for its pricey holidays pads – some of the most expensive in the country – and a gorgeous, sandy beach. As we set ourselves up on the beach, surrounding us was a lifeguard’s training session, a few early morning joggers and keen paddleboarders; otherwise, we practically had the beach to ourselves.

It was the perfect spot to practice yoga; the cooling breeze, the soft sand beneath our feet, the sun beaming down on us. Afterwards, we continued this relaxing experience with a coffee and bacon-and-cheese baguette from the kiosk along the beachfront.

This was a great way to end our road trip along the south coast, and we made the final leg of the journey before dropping the campervan back in one piece. If you’re thinking of heading out on a road trip of your own, my advice is to prepare for a bumpy ride – but it’s totally worth it!

Old Harry Rocks cliffs in Dorset © januszkurek.com/Shutterstock

Find out more about where to stay and what to see in Devon and Cornwall . Ready to plan your own adventure on England's south coast? Check out the Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the Rough Guides Staycations Devon and Cornwall .

Who we hired from: Kamperhire.co.uk

What we drove: VW California 6.1 Coast; sleeps 4

What we paid: £120 per day

Extra costs: £30 per dog

Aimee is an in-house Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and is the podcast host of The Rough Guide to Everywhere. She is also a freelance travel writer and has written for various online and print publications, including a guidebook to the Isle of Wight. Follow her on Twitter at @aimeefw .

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Campervanning isn’t just for summer! 7 ideas for a campervan break in the UK this winter

Although seen by many as just for summer, campervanning can be just as cosy in winter. Plus it’s cheaper and easier to ditch the crowds. Here are seven top places for a cosy campervan trip in the UK…

1. See the northern lights in the north west of Scotland

Forget travelling to Lapland to see the northern lights. Strike out into the Scottish wilderness and you could get lucky searching winter’s cold and dark skies. The best places to witness the dancing patterns of green and blue are in the country’s north. The North West Highlands are particularly scenic and remote. With a campervan, there are few limits to where you can experience the aurora and you might not even need to leave your bed. Park somewhere high up, away from light pollution, then look north. Sightings are possible near Applecross, which can be reached by a spectacular drive along one of Britain’s highest roads, and near the fishing village of Lochinver. UNESCO has recognised the North West Highlands as a geopark, due to the special relationship the small communities here have with their mountainous landscape.

Find a campervan in Scotland

2. See a less crowded Cotswolds 

Avoid meeting a bus-load of tourists on the Cotswolds’ tiny high streets by visiting the region during the colder months. The buttery-stone villages here have their own magic in winter, as anyone who has seen the film The Holiday will know. Country walks past fields of sheep, wooded hills and churches dressed for Christmas, are refreshing in the crisp air. Then there is the prospect of warming up afterwards beside a roaring fire in a quaint pub. Town markets will be livelier than ever, with stalls selling handicrafts and Christmas hamper goodies. Bourton-on-the-Water is known for standing its Christmas tree in the river and the Corinium Museum in Cirencester has Roman mosaics for a wet weather day. The highlight, though, is Blenheim Palace, which is lit up from the end of November, with a trail through its gardens and grand, Nutcracker-themed rooms.

Find a campervan in the Cotswolds

3. Go wildlife watching in Norfolk 

Winter is the optimum time to see some of Norfolk’s greatest wildlife. The county’s coast is one of the best places in the UK to see seal pups, with Grey Seals born in December and January. They are suckled on the beach for three weeks and can be viewed from a distance while their mums fish at sea. Take a boat to Blakeney Point or walk along the dunes to viewing platforms at Horsey Gap to see the spectacle of hundreds of seals dotted across the sand. The birdlife in wintry Norfolk is impressive too, with large numbers of pink-footed geese flying noisily in January and February at nature reserves in Holme Dunes, Cley Marshes, Hickling Broad and Martham Broad. Pretty snow buntings head to Salthouse beach from Iceland in winter, where their white plumage can be picked out against the shingle.

Find a campervan in Norfolk

4. Enjoy peaceful walks in the Lake District 

The Lake District possesses a serenity in winter, making it an ideal time to breathe in its beauty. Gone are the crowds that fill the tea shops and file down the more popular fells, instead you can have the views that inspired Wordsworth and Wainwright all to yourself. Expect snow on the mountains and welcoming fires in lakeland pubs. Fell-walking is trickier but the lakes quietly shimmer in the cold light. Try a circular walking route around one, such as Buttermere, which should be ringed by snow-dusted peaks. If snow has fallen, the mountain forest of Whinlatter becomes a winter wonderland, plus there is a cafe to warm up in. Christmas fairs are common in December, while skiing is possible in January from the button-tow lift on Raise, next to Helvellyn.

Find a campervan in the Lake District

5. . Have fun in the snow in the Cairngorms National Park

Snow is even more of a likelihood in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. To softly pad between snow-laced branches, head to Lily Loch, which has stood in for Narnia on television, while Loch an Eilein, which has a 13th-century island castle, and Uath Lochans, are scenic picks for walking too. Fill a hip-flask to take the edge off the cold after touring one of the park’s whisky distilleries. Along with regular skiing at Cairngorm, Glenshee and the Lecht, ski touring is possible, as is cross-country skiing at Glenmore, which has its own cross country piste-cutting machine. Non-skiers can get their thrills by sledging or by strapping on snowshoes. The Cairngorms has its own reindeer herd too, with visits to paddocks decked in tinsel and walks with the herd available.

Find a campervan near the Cairngorms National Park

6. Browse the Christmas markets in Winchester

Those in the mood for festive cheer should set their sights on Winchester. The prominent cathedral – which is the longest medieval cathedral in Europe – is the city’s heart and the focal point for Christmas celebrations that include carol services. Winchester’s Christmas market is one of Europe’s best and is inspired by German festive markets. Decorated wooden chalets that house more than 100 stalls are set around an ice rink in the Cathedral’s Inner Close. The smell of cloves and roasting chestnuts hangs in the air while visitors skate beneath the lit-up cathedral walls. Stalls selling food and drink goodies, handmade jewellery, ceramics, art, and knitwear are open every day between November 19th and December 22nd. The market kicks off with a show and the city’s lantern procession, scheduled for November 26, is particularly atmospheric.

Find a campervan in Winchester

7. Christmas lights beside the sea in west Cornwall

Winter adds drama to the Cornish coast, with waves at their most wind-whipped. Travelling in a campervan presents endless possibilities for bracing walks that enable you to appreciate the full might of the sea, with only local dog walkers for occasional company. The old fishing village of Mousehole offers the opportunity for Christmas fun too. The granite houses on its quayside seemingly huddle together for shelter but in December they have something bright to look out on – a cheerful array of lights. Mousehole’s festive lights adorn houses, climb the hillside and sit out in the harbour. They usually include the outline of a church and a whale and are turned on each evening, lasting until the early days of January. For fans of cold (and not-so-cold) water swimming, Penzance’s art deco lido, nearby, offers a geothermal saltwater pool alongside its cold-water pool, which should be steaming nicely in winter.

Find a campervan in Cornwall

Why Goboony?

Goboony believes that everyone deserves to feel the freedom of the road that motorhome travel provides without having to worry about the price or logistics. That’s why Goboony was created, a platform that brings together motorhome owners and travellers looking to experience van life for themselves. Their mission? To help one million people enjoy the ultimate freedom that only motorhome travel provides by 2025. Goboony’s prices are 40% lower than traditional rental companies and you can choose from over 5,000 campervans on Goboony spread across the UK and Europe so wherever you want to go, you can find a motorhome somewhere nearby helping you to reach those far-flung corners easier and for less money.

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Travelling in a Motorhome? READ THIS before you go!

Are you going travelling in a motorhome? Want to know ways to improve comfort on the journey or tips to make your adventure better? Here are 20 things to know before you go, plus my SCARIEST moment in the motorhome- and how to avoid it!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE motorhome maintenance checklist below to help you stay organised.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

Travelling in a motorhome- my story

I’ve been touring the UK and  Europe in a motorhome  for several years. As a complete beginner, the learning curve on that first motorhome trip was STEEP and at times felt totally overwhelming. Yet here I am, still touring and still learning things, especially now I’m travelling solo in my van.

I wanted to share with you some of the tips and tricks I’ve learnt for travelling comfortably in the van, and easy ways you can make things a little easier. 

If you’re a complete beginner, and want to do what to do on your first trip to a campsite, or how to pack your camper van, these posts will help:

– What to do on your first motorhome trip

– How to pack a motorhome or campervan for a road trip

So, let’s dive in to some helpful tips and a few tricks to make touring and travelling in a motorhome as comfortable as possible. 

Travelling in a Motorhome- tips for on the road

Before you set off on your adventure, and while you’re actually driving, there are a few things you can do to make life easier.

Before you set off

I have a whole post about setting up your motorhome for your first trip here, but the important things to remember are:

• Get familiar with the vehicle before you start driving. This applies to both the cab and driving seat, and the habitation area.
• set up your wing-mirrors and rear mirror (unless you have a reversing camera. If it’s your own motorhome, I recommend fitting wing mirror protectors.
• Know where the emergency hazards are, indicators and fog lights. Especially if your travelling in the UK where the weather changes frequently!
• Fill up the water tank with fresh water, unless you’re going to a campsite.
• Know your height, width and length, and weight. If you don’t know the exact weight, assume it’s the maximum weight. 
• If it’s a long trip, plan several short stops- driving a motorhome can be tiring
• Set up the seat to be comfortable. I use a cushion on my driver seat to make it more comfy

When you’re on the road

When you’re out and about having adventures, here are some things to remember:

Check your journey time carefully. Many motorhomes, especially if you have a towing vehicle, will travel much slower than the speed limit, which is how sat navs calculate how long a route will take you. So don’t overestimate how far you can travel, especially in remote areas with narrow roads. Smaller vehicles might not have this concern. 

When you’re stopping for a rest break, beware of small or tight car parks. Many are a nightmare for motorhomes. Services aren’t usually a problem but town centres and supermarkets can be. You’ll find it easier in many European countries over the UK, but you can usually find a spot if you’re aware. Many car parks have public toilets, which are useful to use while you’re travelling. 

When you’re looking for parking spaces or an overnight stay, your best bet is to use a campsite for the first night or two, especially if you’re brand new to motorhoming or in a new motorhome. This will make it easier to do things like checking the water system, emptying black waste (toilet) and people are there for your peace of mind if you get into difficulty. 

If you definitely want to stay off-grid, here are some top tips for motorhome wild camping for you. Always have a backup plan, just in case your first spot doesn’t work out. 

FAQs about travelling in a motorhome

What speed limits apply to motorhomes in the uk.

• If your vehicle is under 3.5 tonnes, you can do 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 60mph on single carriageways (obeying any other speed limits, of course!)
• If you are over 3.5tonnes, you are restricted to 60mph on dual carriageways, but can do 70mph on motorways.. You are restricted to 50mph on single carriageways.
• Lower speed limits apply to all motorhomes of any weight.

And yes, you’re allowed to use the outside lane for overtaking on a motorway or dual carriageway where safe to do so.

Where can I drive with my motorhome?

You can drive your motorhome on most UK roads (not including private land of course). Bear in mind the gross vehicle weight for small bridges, and also your vehicle height and width. I recommend getting a motorhome sat nav to help avoid unsuitable roads. 

Are you allowed to sleep in a motorhome on the road?

Yes, as long as you are properly parked and the vehicle is taxed/ insured

Can you legally travel in the back of a motorhome?

Only if there are seat belts. Some side seats are considered ok, but please consult with your insurer.

Can you walk around in a motorhome while driving?

No. You must be properly belted into a seat. Animals must also be properly restrained.

Travelling in a motorhome- tips for parking up/ living in the camper

So, once you’ve finished the travel part for the day, here’s how to make your motorhome, campervan or caravan feel like a home away from home.

Choosing the Right Bedding and Linens

It’s a well-known fact that sleep is important. And not being able to sleep well is one of the most common causes of upset and frustration during a motorhome holiday. 

To help you get a good night’s rest, it’s worth getting some decent, high-quality bedding. You can get some motorhome bedding which is specifically designed for caravan or motorhome use, because it’s usually more compact, lightweight, and easier to clean than regular bedding. 

Some people choose to use sleeping bags, as they’re easier to store and clean but I dislike sleeping bags, especially as I live in my motorhome fulltime and want it to feel like home. Having pretty bedding is one of the best ways to make the space comfortable and cosy. 

You can also add a mattress topper for extra comfort, and make sure that your pillows are of the right firmness for you.

Create a Cosy Living Space

Your motorhome or caravan should feel like a home on wheels. Even if it’s a small campervan, creating a cosy and inviting living space is a great way to make you feel comfortable on the road, wherever you are.

Comfortable seating areas with soft furnishings like cushions and throws are a good idea, and can help the space feel more your own. Adding some decorative touches, like pictures or photographs of your adventures, is always going to bring a smile to your face. 

You can also add rugs, table cloths or mats to add colour and create a comfortable environment.

Tip: When choosing rugs or mats for your vehicle, look for options that are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Consider investing in mats that are specifically designed for outdoor use, as they are often made from materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

If you have pets, make sure they are pet friendly and durable. 

Most motorhomes come in some form of beige, grey, white and brown. Add some warm, inviting colours with your cushions and throws and add soft lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re new to motorhomes, you might find these posts useful:

• Your first motorhome trip- step by step guide
• Essential motorhome tips and tricks for beginners
• Motorhome Departure Checklist and pre-trip checks
• Motorhome Buyers Guide- how to choose

Alternatively, these guides might answer all your questions (and more!)

Being aware of your water usage

One of the things I love most about living in a motorhome is how much more aware I am of my resources, especially water.

If you are staying off-grid more than using campsites, make sure you manage your resources carefully by having shorter showers and turning the tap off when washing up or cleaning your teeth.

And make sure you clean your motorhome water tank regularly- here’s how.

Good Heating and Ventilation System

The first time you try motorhome travel in a cold environment, you’ll appreciate your heating system with a whole new fervour. It’s crucial to have a reliable source of heat during chilly nights and cold weather. Make sure that your vehicle has a good heating system, and that it’s in good working condition before heading out on your adventure. You’ll also need to make sure you have LPG or diesel to run it. 

Adequate ventilation is equally important to ensure that fresh air circulates throughout the vehicle and prevents condensation build-up .

A Well-Stocked Kitchen

There’s nothing better than parking up in a new place, preferably in the middle of nowhere, opening the fridge and knowing that you don’t need anything from the shop or local markets because you’ve got everything you need to cook yummy foods. Make sure you have good motorhome kitchen accessories too, which can stand being shaken about on a bumpy road.

Stock up on non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta and rice to make sure that you always have something good to eat. Oh, and biscuits. Everyone needs biscuits. 

Tip: If you enjoying eating outdoors, consider a portable motorhome BBQ for outdoor cooking, and stock up on non-perishable snacks and drinks for long journeys.

Maximising Storage Space

Perversely, the more ‘stuff’ you have in your camper, the more claustrophobic it can feel. Maximising storage in your campervan is crucial. Solutions like shelving, baskets, and organisers will help to keep everything neat and easy to access.

By using space-saving items like collapsible containers and compact appliances, you can minimise the amount of clutter made by miscellaneous items and everything feels much calmer and easier to find.

Tip: If you’re struggling for space, get a motorhome storage box on the back of your camper. It makes everything so much easier! Use vertical space whenever possible, such as hanging organisers or over-door storage to maximise precious space.

Technology 

Despite the size, you’re running a mobile house on wheels. And good technology can go a long way in helping that. Some of the technology I think are essentials include:

• good motorhome wifi
• ​powerbank- I use an Ecoflow river
• you could consider adding a  sound system or portable speakers  to enjoy your favourite tunes while on the road.
• a good laptop (which doubles as my motorhome TV )

Travelling in a motorhome- our scariest moment (so far!?)

Right, after all that, let me share a story about my scariest moment on the road.

We took our first motorhome into Europe, through Italy and up into the Swiss Alps. On our second day in the Alps, we stopped at a little place called Gelmer for lunch and a trip up the terrifying Gelmerban funicular (a VERY old train which goes backwards up a mountain!)

Gelmer is halfway up a mountain in the Swiss Alps. Whichever way you go, you’re immediately driving on tiny, hairpin, mountain roads. And as soon as we set off, we realised there was something seriously wrong with our brakes.

We’d been wild camping in the Alps the night before- which was MAGICAL. But we’d been going up and down STEEP mountain roads for the past 24 hours and, unbeknownst to us, the brake fluid had boiled dry and completely disappeared!

Travelling in a motorhome- our mistake

When we bought the van 3 months earlier, we’d been told it had just had a full service and MOT. We did our own checks, but we never thought to check the brake fluid.

Turns out, it hadn’t been changed for many, many years and was mostly water- which meant it had evaporated over the past 48 hours as the brakes got hot.

All this led to us hurtling down a steep mountain, with a trailer pushing us even faster… and no way of slowing down except for our hand brake.

I am forever grateful that Mr WB was driving, not me. Honestly, I’m not sure I would have known what to do. There was nowhere to pull over, nowhere to stop and turning around wasn’t an option.

All we could do was continue down the mountain , trying desperately to slow down as we approached each hairpin turn and praying we didn’t catch up to a slow vehicle in front.

I couldn’t even speak, I was that scared. I just let my husband do his thing- which he did brilliantly. He used engine braking as much as possible- and the handbrake to supplement that. Yes, it ruined the handbrake. No, we didn’t care.

Travelling in a motorhome- the good part

At the bottom of the mountain was a small village (a fairly common sight when you’re driving in Switzerland ). Just off the main road was a garage, and we pulled into the forecourt in a cloud of smoke.

The mechanics didn’t speak a word of English (why should they?!) but they did speak the universal ‘Oh’.

These guys were brilliant. They had several cars and jobs already in, but they stopped what they were doing to help us. The owner called his son, who came to help too, and they quickly replaced the brake fluid, changed the pads and checked wheels, tyres, handbrake (luckily not damaged) and fixed anything which needed fixing.

They also checked the oil and did a couple of other essential checks for us, as we no longer trusted the ‘service’ the motorhome had apparently had. Within a couple of hours, it was all done and sorted.

Travelling in a motorhome- our advice

Luckily, this story had a happy ending. We were ok. The van was ok. We bought a big crate of beer for the mechanics and headed off on the road again.

Still, it taught us not to trust salesmen!

Please please PLEASE, before you go travelling in a motorhome, get it fully checked by an independent mechanic- NOT the people you bought it from.

Especially if you’re planning to take your van overseas into some fairly harsh terrain. There’s a complete list of essential motorhome checks you should do HERE .

This story isn’t meant to frighten anyone from travelling, whether in a motorhome, a camper or a car. Heck, it didn’t put us off!

But I hope sharing our story (and mistake!) will help you avoid being in such a terrifying situation yourself. If you know anyone else who might benefit from a bit of friendly advice, feel free to share this with them on Facebook or Pinterest.

Want more tips for motorhoming?

Here are some more ideas you might find useful:

• Essential Motorhome accessories  every van should have
• Best Sat-nav for motorhomes or campervans
• Motorhome Security – tips for at home and on the road
• How to get Internet & wifi in a motorhome
• Europe- essential gear for travelling to Europe
• Best gift ideas for motorhome and campervan owners

Want FREE checklists, eBooks and additional tips to help? Visit our resource page

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Sharing is caring!

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17 comments.

Good point about changing the brake fluid. There’s a job for the Easter weekend! Thank you

You’re welcome. Safe travels!

How brilliant that the local mechanics were so good to you. Glad there was a happy ending for you guys.

Thanks Dave. We’ve found most people are only too happy to help as we travel. 🙂

Wow! That’s frightening ? we have just picked up our new motorhome so great advice. Thankyou?

You’re welcome! I hope you have amazing adventures- and PLEASE get the brakes/ brake fluid checked 🙂

Hi, No brakes on the Rest and be Thankful would be frightening but on the Swiss Alps and towing your trailer ??, your guardian angel was looking out for you. Also so good how the local garage were super helpful and friendly. Good vehicle servicing is so important and we put so much trust in whoever does it. Glad your both safe to continue on your travels ??. Hurry up and get your new motorhome and put new travel blogs/vlogs ? on, they’re great and so’s the background song, who is it ? Cheers ?.

Your campervan is pretty much at the limit of the weight for a car licence and therefore the design specs of the original donor vehicle: transit or whatever – probably over it if truth be told so you want as many things on your side as you can get.

The old standard was to drive with the engine speed at half way between the idling revs and the red line, about 4000 on a modern diesel. Nobody does this any more because engines are more powerful at lower revs these days . . . but it’s still in the police driving handbook because its the best engine speed to let you go faster or slower easiest – without having to change gear.

Upshot is when I’m driving on hairpin steep hills – up or down, I will always have the engine at full revs at the highest speed I want to be travelling at and then let the engine brake me before the bends. I’ll use the footbrake as well of course – if needed. It always an idea to try your vehicle at the red line in each gear to get an idea of what it can do and how loud it’s meant to go without doing damage!

You now know why not to ride the brake* but being at only 1000 revs as you go through a hairpin going downhill leaves you with nothing for the “what if”. If you are driving as I suggest, you still have another 1000+ revs of potential engine braking at your slowest road speed.

* Remember: brakes are devices that change rotational motion energy into heat energy. Slowing down happens to be a side effect of that.

I know your trailer only has some motorbikes on it but you’d still benefit from fitting electric brakes to it like the bigger trailer caravans have over here in Aus. They have a manual override on the dashboard to use the trailer to brake the towing vehicle as well as avoid them trying to overtake the tow vehicle but it’s another brake for peace of mind.

Good web site, thanks. We are hoping to get over to Europe soon so your hints about wild camping are very interesting.

Great read. I have just sold my house and thinking of living in my van! Tired of the same old same old….

I’m SO pleased you published this warning as it can affect all of us road users. A few years ago, I rented a car in the Philippines and was just about to climb into the mountains on the way to Baguio when I felt that something was wrong and informed my wife to hold on tight as I wanted to test the brakes. Sure enough, I gave a hard push on the brakes and little happened. Luckily, we were on a flat road just before starting the climb. I got out of the car and found brake parts scattered on the road! Yes, the brakes had literally fallen apart! There was a nearby mechanic’s business and he had a look, then took me to the place where we could get new parts. Returning to the car, he immediately set to work fixing the brakes. I certainly gave the hire-car company a piece of my mind when I returned home! As usual, they said the car had been serviced and everything checked before I took the car out!! Such lies! They couldn’t argue when I produced the broken parts. Last summer, I took our 7.6 metre (25 ft.) caravan on a tour of France and Switzerland, travelling over 4000 miles in 6 weeks. Before leaving, even though I’d had the car serviced not a long time previously, I had new brake pads fitted all-round on the tow car and a pair of new front discs. I also had the caravan serviced and 4 new tyres and a new battery fitted to it. These precautions are life-savers – as Kat found.

Oh my goodness Alan- I’m so pleased you discovered that BEFORE you went up the mountain!!!!

Thank you for the ‘fair warning’ on the brake issue. We bought our ‘new to us’ eleven year old motorhome last November and have yet to do any travels in it. As it weighs four ton brakes are obviously an essential check item. I am going to change the brake fluid before we head off out for safety sake if nothing else. Happy travels around Europe.

Excellent idea! Good luck with your first trip!

not worth checking brake fluid just get it changed and system bled though at all 4 corners. i have a tester but it only tests the reservoir not the fluid at the caliper end which is where you get the problem. brake gets hot the water boils then you have a big problem

Believe it or not you would be surprised how many people forget about changing the brake fluid, even after a few years.

You can test break fluid and you can buy cheap testers that test dip, may save someone’s life one day just for a few quid and a few minutes of time.

Regards and thanks for the read Kat.

All fully serviced and MOT done last week and now ready for the south of France Italy and Switzerland on the way the way back to Blighty

Great! Have an amazing trip!

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Motorhome and campervan 'tax' could be rolled which could cost British motorists '£20 a day'

L eading travel experts have called on local authorities in popular tourist areas to introduce motorhome and campervan taxes to manage the flow of staycationers during peak times.

Millions of drivers will be travelling around the UK this summer to make use of the warm weather and extended time off from work and school.

Many will also be driving to Scotland to see some of the UK's most stunning sites, although some experts are calling for more sanctions on those who bring larger vehicles to quieter areas.

Scotland passed the Visitor Levy Bill at the end of May which was confirmed as an Act on July 5, 2024, and is designed to allow a visitor levy to be charged on overnight stays in some types of accommodation.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]

The outline of the Bill states that a certain amount of money would be paid to the local authority every time someone stays overnight in places like hotels, B&Bs or holiday cottages.

Each authority would be able to introduce a charge and set its own level of what the charge should be, with more popular areas likely to call for extra fees.

Some local business owners in parts of the Highlands in Scotland have called for the introduction of a similar tourist tax to pay for maintenance and infrastructure.

Motorhome drivers believe they have additional access rights thanks to "Right to Roam" legislation as this is not considered to be "wild camping", The Telegraph reported.

As a result, drivers could be slapped with fines for staying in their motorhomes or campervans when parked overnight in marked laybys, car parks and other areas.

This comes as travel expert Simon Calder suggested using a tourist tax to raise money for areas frequented by motorhome and campervan owners.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, he suggested that councils and local authorities could set their own limits, as outlined in the Visitor Levy Bill.

He added: "I think you could be looking very much at campervan taxes, particularly for the Western Isles.

"They are using the facilities but not necessarily contributing because as everyone knows they have stocked up in the supermarkets in Ullapool or Inverness.

“You need them to say, OK, £20 a day or £15 a day, whatever it takes, but it’s only going to apply from June to September or maybe in July and August."

Calder continued, saying that local authorities shouldn't "mess around" with small amounts of money, calling on them to "go big", the Stornoway Gazette reported.

According to VisitScotland, residents of Great Britain took 13.5 million overnight trips in Scotland, spending £3.4billion in 2022 alone.

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With the cost of living and the cost of motoring still dominating people's lives, drivers could choose to visit somewhere closer to home to get good value for money, as well as visit an area they may not have previously travelled to.

More than one-third of trips taken in 2022 to Scotland were designated as holidays, while three in 10 said they were visiting to see friends or relatives.

Several countries issue safety warnings to their citizens in the UK after anti-immigration protests and riots

Nations with majority Muslim populations have issued the warnings after rioters targeted mosques in the wake of a knife attack that left three girls dead in Southport.

Monday 5 August 2024 16:55, UK

Several nations have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK after nearly a week of far-right riots and anti-immigration protests across the country.

Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all sent out alerts, advising their nationals either living in the UK or visiting the country to stay away from the disorder .

The first riot broke out near a mosque in Southport on Tuesday last week in the wake of a stabbing attack that left three young girls dead .

Misinformation shared online falsely claimed the suspect was a "Muslim immigrant", while others wrongly claimed he was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat. He was later named as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana - who was born in the UK to Rwandan parents.

However, riots have still taken place near other mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.

Follow latest: UK riots live updates

The three countries that have issued safety alerts each have large Muslim populations.

Just over half of Nigeria's approximately 220 million people are reported to be Muslim, while around 60% of the population of Malaysia and around 80% of the population of Indonesia are said to follow Islam.

A "travel alert" issued by Nigeria's ministry of foreign affairs, based in the African country's capital Abuja, states that there is "an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK", noting that "the violence has assumed dangerous proportions".

The alert continues: "Demonstrations by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large, and in some instances unruly."

Read more: Why are people rioting? First group of people involved in riots appear in court Asylum seekers 'slept in woods' as rioters targeted hotel

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Meanwhile the High Commission of Nigeria, based in London, said it is "closely monitoring" the riots and has urged members of the Nigerian community in the UK to be "extra vigilant, stay away from protest areas and avoid large gatherings".

It came as Malaysia's ministry of foreign affairs issued an "urgent" notice to its citizens living in the UK.

The ministry said in its notice: "Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities."

It also "strongly encouraged" people to register with it to "receive timely information and assistance".

The Indonesian embassy in London also issued a warning, advising its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.

Many countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in summer 2011.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

UK's six days of violence

More than 400 people have been arrested across the country since the riots first broke out last Tuesday.

Police officers have been seriously injured dealing with disorder in towns and cities including London, Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Bolton and Sunderland.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to do "whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice" as he addressed the nation on Sunday.

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We live full-time in a Renault van after quitting jobs – we survive on £34 a day because it’s two-thirds cheaper on road

• Freya Parsons
• Published : 13:16, 9 Aug 2024
• Updated : 13:23, 9 Aug 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

AN ADVENTUROUS duo have ditched the London life to live full time in their converted campervan and are now heading down under on the cheap.

Ilford couple Ellis Gerry and Alexandra Katie, both 27, abandoned their East London borough for a life on the road last year.

The thrifty pair set their sights 30,000 miles away, on Australia , and bought the second-hand campervan for £3,000.

Alex told PA Real life: “We wanted to save enough money so that we wouldn’t have to work along the way.” 

Ellis added: “We’re very strict with our budget, so we have £34 per day between us and that is for everything: food , petrol, admission fees.”

The respective geography teacher and learning assistant spent three years stringently saving up , and now claim they are set get all the way to Australia without earning a single penny.

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Van life made affordable with cost-saving conversion making minivans a HOME

Alex expect this will take around 27 months and the pair are already successfully nine months into the trip, approximately 9,500 miles so far.

With their strict daily budget of £34, Alex and Ellis estimated they're spending a third of the average living cost in London.

Feeling the cost of living crisis squeeze they wanted to try out a new nomadic way of life and have no regrets with their decision.

They daring duo said they 'really love the lifestyle' despite it not being particularly luxurious .

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For their travels, they have forgone a proper shower, toilet , and running water.

Thanks to their solar panel and public water sources , apart from food, fuel, and car insurance, they claim they don't have any outgoing bills.

Ellis explained how from seeing their social media and work-free lifestyle, many assume that they're extremely wealthy.

He said: “I would just love to tell them that we’re just normal people who decided to commit to something and put everything into it.

“So anyone can do it for sure, you just have to decide to commit to it.”

The childhood friends were reunited during lockdown and started dating after several socially distanced walks.

With enough practice staying inside for the pandemic , they decided purchase a joint campervan.

As soon as they spotted the Renault Trafic in February 2021, now lovingly named Goldie, they new she was the one.

Ellis described Goldie as: “quite charming, you kind of feel like you’re in your grandma’s house."

After a test trip to Scotland and Ireland , Alex and Ellis took Goldie on her latest journey October 24 last year, two days after the couple got engaged.

The team has already passed through 15 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and India , and will end up covering 28 in total.

According to their Instagram page , they are currently in Uzbekistan and their latest post shows off Goldie in all her glory.

The page has racked up more than 15.k followers on the platform who are keen to follow their online journey, where each country is well-documented.

“One of the most astounding parts of our journey has been the people we met along the way,” said Ellis.

He mentioned how meeting other travellers was great but mingling with the locals was his favourite part of the journey.

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“The world is so beautiful but it’s the people which make it.

“Human nature has just blown us away.”

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Transit camper conversion, great condition, low milage

Ford Transit T260 SWB

Here we have our much loved camper up for sale, it’s low milage, runs great, has had new breaks all round, disks, drums and pads. Had a spring and ball joint done at the front last mot. Starts on the button, it’s responsive and sounds great, had chain and tensioners done a couple years ago and done less than a thousand miles in her. I have other adventure vehicles and this one needs to go, it’s not getting the use it should.

The bodywork I think is in great condition for it’s age, she cleans up real nice with some detailing. Alloy wheels and good tyres.

Interior is still very fresh, has a new chemical toilet that still has the wrapper on as it was never needed, but nice to no it’s there. Gas hob with hood extractor fan, gas supplied via small flogas bottle. Water supply via tap fed by 25 liter water jerry can, grey water runs directly out the bottom of the van so no grey water tank, we always used suitable wash liquids etc to not contaminat the environment. Diesel heater will keep you toaste warm no matter how cold it is outside, very well insulated for heat retention and sound proofing. Lots of storage. Leisure batteries and 240v inverter installed, as well as led lighting and led tv.

Comfy orthopedic mattress, can be a single bed or king-size with a slight adjustment. Spare tyre also in good condition.

Conversion was done with practicality in mind to carry beach and traveling stuff as well as anything we’ll need for some time on the road. And I wanted it light as I didn’t want to be driving a heavy laden vehicle, so construction was done by framing with 2 x 1 and between 5.5mm and 9mm ply used to then panel it all out, the strength is in the skeletal framing under the panelling, the thicker ply would have been used on main seen parts of the walls where someone may want to fix items to the wall, the rear wall separating the back storage.. anyway it’s a light build and feels light and effortless to drive, and has a very impressive turning circle, it’s very manoeuvrable. The van was lined in double sided airfoil. Then rock wool in all the recessed areas and pillers, then gone over again with the double sided airfoil to cover the rock wool. The double sided air foil is the equivalent to 50mm of polystyrene, I’ve been in the minuses with this van sitting in my pants watching tv, again, it’s just good to know that you can 🙂

Either a single or kingsize

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Now Australia has issued a travel warning for the UK as rioting continues

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Tourists have been warned about travel to Britain after almost a week of far-right extremism .

India, Australia, Malaysia, Nigeria and Indonesia have now all issued safety warnings to citizens after riots engulfed Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Bristol, Bolton and other parts of the country.

Follow our live blog for all the latest updates from the far-right riots

People who are living in or visiting the UK have been urged to ‘stay away’ from protest areas and ‘remain vigilant’.

Last night Australia became the fourth country to tell citizens to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ when visiting the UK following the riots.

In an update to its travel advice, it said: ‘Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.’

It told citizens they should monitor the media for information and updates.

Last night there was further unrest in Ireland as rioters threw petrol bombs in Belfast, while ‘sustained violence’ broke out in Plymouth.

In Plymouth, police came under attack after 150 officers were deployed to the city centre. Several suffered minor injuries after bricks and fireworks were thrown at them.

A pub and cars were also damaged in Birmingham after hundreds gathered in the Bordesley Green area following false reports that far-right protestors planned to march through the area.

Cars and a pub were attacked by a masked group who broke away from the main demonstration.

On Monday Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also ‘strongly encouraged’ them to register with London’s High Commission to ‘receive timely information and assistance’.

A post from an official government X account said it was ‘closely monitoring’ the situation.

It continued: ‘Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.’

The announcement on Sunday afternoon was followed by a second warning this morning, this time from Nigeria.

Its foreign ministry urged people to avoid political processions and protests, rallies and marches.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s government warned that attacks of ‘dangerous proportions’ had broken out across the UK in a post to social media.

Taking to X, Nigeria’s federal ministry of foreign affairs said: ‘There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert.

‘The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.’

This comes after Indonesia’s Embassy in London urged its citizens to increase their vigilance following the riots in Sunderland on Thursday last week.

Many countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in summer 2011 .

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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