Top 7 Captivating Campervan Destinations in the United Kingdom
# Take a Scenic Journey: Incredible UK Campervan Destinations
Hop on board and embark on a breathtaking adventure across the UK's picturesque landscapes. Renting a campervan is gaining traction as an extraordinary way to explore this diverse country, allowing you to design your own route and revel in the freedom of the open road.
Prices for campervan hire in the UK can fluctuate significantly, depending on factors like vehicle size, season, and location. On average, a campervan can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand per week.
Travelling by campervan grants you unparalleled flexibility. You're not bound by schedules and can tailor your UK road trip according to your travel preferences. Plus, it's effortless to adjust your plans during your journey, making spontaneous stops, or extending your stay in captivating locations.
Below, you'll find a selection of our favorite places in the UK to discover in your campervan. We've also included a few extra ideas at the end! If you have more recommendations, don't hesitate to share them in the comments section at the end of the post...
Best Places to Go in a Campervan in the UK
Lake District, England
The Lake District in northwest England offers a fantastic blend of stunning scenery and rich history. With numerous activities on offer, you'll find picturesque villages to explore, hiking trails of varying difficulty, and water sports on the famed lakes that make this National Park so renowned.
This region of England is beautiful at any time of year, boasting golden hues in autumn, snow-capped peaks in winter, wildflowers in spring, and (usually) sunny weather during summer. In cooler months, the National Park is quieter but can be chilly. So, rent a campervan with heating to stay warm and cozy while enjoying the long, dark nights in a remote location, perfect for stargazing.
South West England
If a UK beach holiday is more your style, head to the south of England and check out the fantastic beaches in Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. There are some exceptional beaches in Newquay, along the south Devon coast, and on Dorset's Jurassic coast!
Try the 240-mile Atlantic Highway (A39) from Bath, through the Somerset countryside, and along the north Devon and Cornwall coasts down to Falmouth. Here, you can stop and appreciate some of south Cornwall’s beaches or continue westward to the southernmost point of England at Lizard Point. Move even further west, and you can reach Land's End, the most westerly point in mainland England.
Or, explore the Jurassic Coast in Dorset: 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, given that the cliffs around here were formed during the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Hunt for fossils on the beaches around Lyme Regis, or see them at museums and heritage centers along the coast. There are also numerous beautiful beaches to enjoy, as well as epic coast walks, watersports, and delicious seafood!
Dartmoor, England
Dartmoor National Park is one of our favorite locations in the UK for a campervan trip.
This is one of the last wildernesses in England: a vast moorland, heaths, and dense pine forests. Adventure enthusiasts will find a playground amidst Dartmoor's dramatic granite tors: climbing, abseiling, caving, kayaking, and horseriding are all popular activities here. You'll also find hiking and biking routes suitable for all levels, with stunning vistas.
Just remember: while wild camping is legal within the National Park, this doesn't apply to campervans and motorhomes. You'll need to book a spot at a campsite like the one at River Dart Country Park.
Snowdonia, Wales
Home to the highest mountains in Wales - as well as glacial landforms, gorges, waterfalls, and valleys - Snowdonia is perfect for those seeking a more adventurous campervan holiday in the UK.
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, famed for its zip line and mountain cart track. Across Snowdonia, you can enjoy walks for all ages and abilities, stunning road trip views, and historic villages.
READ MORE: Check out our South to North Wales Road Trip for the ultimate way to discover the country.
### Wales South Coast
Another excellent destination for a budget-friendly UK campervan beach holiday is the south coast of Wales. The area around Swansea is ideal due to its city setting, as well as small towns like Mumbles, perfect for relaxation.
Explore the Gower Peninsula, with its beautiful beaches, watersports, and coastal hiking trails. Further east, the picturesque seaside town of Tenby and the stunning Manorbier Beach are great stops 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 region is home to some of Wales' best beaches, including Broad Haven, Whitesands Bay, and Marloes Sands.
The North Coast 500, Scotland
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 takes you through the scenic north coast of Scotland.
You'll pass numerous historic sites, castles, and villages - as well as plenty of hikes, walks, and other outdoor activities to keep active travelers engaged! Wild camping is legal everywhere in Scotland, so you can travel at your own pace, setting up camp wherever suits you best.
The Kintyre 66, Scotland
The Kintyre 66, or K66, is a new road trip around the Kintyre peninsula on the west coast of Scotland. This beautiful, lesser-known peninsula is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Besides that land bridge, the peninsula 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 entire route in a day. But if you have your campervan, you can stretch it over a couple of days to fully explore the area.
Don't miss the ferry ride to the Isle of Gigha, where you can visit the stunning Twin Beaches and kayak in turquoise waters.
More Great Places in the UK to Visit in Your Campervan
Here are some more fantastic ideas for a campervan adventure in the British Isles…
- The Isle of Wight - connect to this island off the south coast of England via car ferry!
- The Cotswolds - iconic villages and peaceful countryside in southwest England. Check out our Cotswolds driving route for more details.
- The Peak District - magnificent 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, charming 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.
Embark on an exciting tour of the Isle of Wight, connected via car ferry from the south coast of England. Explore the iconic villages and peaceful countryside in the Cotswolds, located in southwest England, following our suggested driving route for a comprehensive experience.
The Peak District in northern England offers breathtaking landscapes that cater to hiking and other outdoor adventures. For those interested in Game of Thrones filming locations, the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland boasts an incredible coastal trail with picturesque seaside towns, charming villages, and the famous Bushmills Whisky Distillery.
Lastly, discover the less-crowded beauty of Brecon Beacons, a National Park in the south of Wales, or venture to the Outer Hebrides, remote islands off the coast of Scotland, renowned for their pristine beaches, whisky distilleries, and warm, welcoming communities. These destinations add a captivating blend of adventure, history, and picturesque surroundings to complete your extraordinary UK campervan journey.
