8 Beautiful Motorhome Destinations in the UK

Going on an epic road trip is on many people’s bucket lists. We can imagine why! After all, very few things can compare to the feeling of total freedom while driving off into the sunset. Combined with breath-taking views, exploring the unknown, and visiting new places with friends or family, it’s easy to see why many people enjoy hopping in their vehicles and embarking on an adventure of their lifetime.

Traveling in a motorhome or a campervan is a great way to hit the road in style and comfort. It’s also a much safer solution than traveling by plane or train, especially now, when it’s important to practice social distancing. Despite all lockdown-related rules (which we advise you to follow to ensure the safety of yourself and others), you don’t have to put your travel plans on hold.

Below, you’ll find 8 amazing places to visit in the UK. If you live in the area, you don’t have to wait for the borders to reopen, but you should still check local regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. If, on the other hand, you live outside of the United Kingdom and want to know where to go in a campervan or a motorhome, this article will give you much-needed inspiration.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Let’s start our list with one of the most famous destinations in the United Kingdom. Even though it’s dubbed as Scotland’s Route 66, North Coast 500 has very little in common with its US counterpart. This scenic 516-mile route starts and ends at Inverness Castle, and leads through Scottish Highlands and their incomparable scenery.

On your way you’ll see heather-covered peaks and fields, crumbling castles, remote whisky distilleries, weather-beaten fishing towns, and cosy roadside eateries. If you’re an avid photographer, you simply can’t miss NC500. It’s the most instagrammed route in the UK, so don’t forget to take your camera.

While it takes only about 14 hours to travel the whole distance, most people can’t resist stopping by nearby towns and exploring. To get the most of your trip, we advise you to spend from 7 to 10 days driving around and enjoying the view.

 

 

Forest of Dean, The Cotswolds

Pick the right time of the year, and you’ll see the incomparable natural beauty of the Forest of Dean, which, as the name suggests, is famous for its forested hillsides. It’s considered to be the Schwarzwald of the United Kingdom, and its unspoiled scenery famously inspired countless artists, inventors, and playwrights.

The Forest of Dean is bordered by the River Severn on the south-east and by the River Wye on the south-west. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit charming towns and look for lost wizards and magical creatures in one of the filming locations of the Harry Potter franchise.

Cornish Riviera, Cornwall

If you prefer the beach to the sea, you need to visit the Cornish Riviera at least once in your lifetime. Located in the south of Cornwall, it stretches from Gribbin Head to Black Head and encloses St Austell Bay along with coastal villages and sandy beaches. The landscapes you’ll see are truly unique, mainly due to white clay mountains that remind the visitors about the quarrying and mining heritage of this part of the UK.

One of the best places to drive to is St Agnes in Cornwall. Famous for its four stunning beaches, it’s accomodating to almost every vehicle you can imagine. You’ll be able to find many parking places for your motorhome, camper, or recreational vehicle. Clear waters, sandy coves, hiking trails, and fantastic places to eat out make it a great destination for a family holiday outing or a relaxing seaside adventure.

The Atlantic Highway, England

The name may be a bit misleading because the Atlantic Highway runs by objectively lesser-known spots in Devon and Cornwall. However, if you want to go off the beaten track and still enjoy breathtaking ocean views, it may be a perfect choice for you.

The route passes picturesque areas like Bude, Boscastle, and a dramatic clifftop ruin of Tintagel. You’ll also be able to taste amazing seafood along the way. If you were to drive the Atlantic Highway without stopping, it would take you just under two hours. However, that’s beyond the point, right? We recommend spending at least five days visiting all the interesting places you find along the way.

The Cambrian Way, Wales

This route runs from the south to the north of Wales right through the heart of the country, offering you amazing views of forests, lakes, rivers,

and mountain ranges. You’ll start in the capital city, Cardiff, and finish your trip in the seaside town of Llandudno. The route passes some of the most iconic spots in Wales,

including the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Elan Valley, and Snowdonia. To get the ultimate Welsh experience, we advise splitting the trip into five days and driving between 60 to 90 kilometers a day, stopping by to explore, hike, and take pictures.

The Lake District, England

The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit in your campervan or motorhome. It’s famously known in the United Kingdom for its unspoiled scenery and 16 beautiful bodies of water and tarns. Everyone will find something that suits their taste. You can find solitude by the water, visit the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick, or go hiking the spectacular mountain passes.

While some roads in the Lake District are not accessible to large vehicles, this area is generally motorhome-friendly. With so many beautiful landscapes and towns to explore, we bet you’d love to stay here as long as you can. Luckily, there are many motorhome parks in and around the lakes, allowing you to take in the immensely beautiful scenery of one of the UK’s most beloved destinations.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

While it takes around 4 hours to drive the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, the trip can be eventful and full of surprises. It’s one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for stunning sea and cliff views, all of which you can admire from numerous lookout points.

The route runs along the coast from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry, letting you explore some of Northern Ireland’s must-see spots, such as a high-tech Titanic museum in Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. On your way, you can also stumble upon some of the “Game of Thrones” locations, including Ballintoy Harbour and Cushendun Caves.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

If you want to visit a place that’s remote, breathtaking, and unspoiled, there’s no better choice than the Isle of Skye in Scotland. You’ll have to take a drive north of the country and reach the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. The mountainous landscape looks like it’s been taken out straight from a fairytale, with Fairy Pools and the Fairy Glen being one of the most frequented spots.

As you’re passing mysterious lochs, heather-covered moors, dramatic cliffs, and rugged mountain peaks, you’ll be able to see castles, visit museums, and catch a break in charming inns.

The Isle of Skye is a fantastic place to spend some quality time getting close to nature and soaking up the land’s rich history.

If you want to check more stunning places to visit check our article on the 45 best motorhome campsites in Scotland.

 

Before you go

Just reading about all these amazing places can give you a travel bug. If you can’t wait to plan your road trip but are unsure about the costs of the whole ordeal, the first thing you can do is rent a campervan or a motorhome instead of buying it. If you don’t own such a vehicle yet and it would be your first trip, renting is a great way to test it out and see if motorhome life is for you.

If, on the other hand, you already have a motorhome or a campervan, double-check its insurance policy to see what kinds of situations it covers. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere is every driver’s worst nightmare, so you need to be sure that you’ll be covered regardless of what happens. Additionally, don’t forget to carry out regular vehicle checks to keep it in the best condition.

Another important thing you should do before hitting the road is to “de-winterize” your vehicle, especially if it’s your first road trip of the season. Perform standard vehicle safety checks for tires, brakes, and windscreen wipers – this includes both rented and owned vehicles. Adding to that, check out the water system and flush it out to make it fully functional after months of road trip hiatus.

So, are you ready to go on an adventure? With its rich history, uncomparable nature, and unique landscapes, the UK is abundant in places you should see at least once in your lifetime. Undoubtedly, you’ve got plenty of amazing destinations to choose from, and there are many equally note-worthy places that didn’t make our list. Stay safe and happy trails!

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Read more about travelling ideas in our articles: Guide on Wild Camping for Motorhomes in the UK and Overnight Motorhome Parking in the UK and Europe