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.
The Best Campervan Routes in the UK
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
Cornwall
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
Wales
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.
Devon
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.
Scotland
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.