Everyone says that traveling is a great way to reconnect with your inner self – and what could be better than a road trip? I know what you’re thinking: ‘Won’t that cost us an arm and a leg?’ The answer is straightforward: It doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in a campervan in the UK for your travel bucket list
Many of our British readers spend a significant amount of time scrolling through their favorite Van Life Instagram accounts, looking at pictures of van lifers in hot and sunny climates around the world; wanderlust can do that. However, an off-grid adventure to Morocco or racing off-road trucks to Sardinia are not always viable options.
Work and family obligations require you to stay closer to home at times, but that’s where we come in. Traveling in a camper, whether alone or with someone you care about, is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel.
Here are the 8 Best Places To Visit In A Campervan In The UK For Your Travel Bucket List :
1. North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire
The heart of Yorkshire, affectionately known as ‘God’s County’ by its residents, Yorkshire folk, traditionally farming people whose closest relatives are hobbits, spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, and it’s easy to see why from the photo above.
During van life in the UK, you can spend the day hiking through the heather and strolling beneath leafy boughs while listening to the birds. It’s a peaceful and, above all, relaxing place to unwind.
2. Inverness, Scotland
Inverness is a city on the northeast coast of Scotland, where the Moray Firth meets the lovely River Ness. Have you ever wondered how the Scottish Highlanders lived among the beautiful, lush-green mountainous terrain? You must visit Inverness to learn about its rich cultural heritage.
The 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the 18th-century Old High Church, the Inverness Museum, and the Art Gallery will transport you back to the city’s history. The battlefield of Culloden tells a very different story of the 1746 battle between the Jacobites and the British Government.
The best part is that Scotland’s land reforms have made camping legal, which is why it is ranked second on our list of van life travel destinations.
3. North Coast 500, Scotland
Route 66 isn’t the only roadside attraction on people’s bucket lists these days. The North Coast 500 has put Scotland on the map for all the right reasons. 516 miles of free camping bliss, taking in some of Scotland’s most incredible sights.
Pass through ‘Black Isle,’ which isn’t black or an isle but looks incredible; 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).
Because wild camping is completely legal in Scotland, you can enjoy this 5-7 day route for a reasonable price. Take in some of the fantastic beaches along the way, and maybe even pull out your StandOut Sport paddleboard gear and go for a paddle in the ocean. The possibilities are limitless, and we guarantee that this is one road trip you’ll want to take again and again.
4. Lake District National Park
If you enjoy lakes, this could be the vacation spot for you. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful glacial ribbon lakes and jagged mountainous terrain.
The Lake District is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in the area, and Wastwater, the deepest lake. Market towns like Kendal, which are home to many stories and myths, are filled with traditional art galleries where you can learn all about their culture.
There are also plenty of places to park your van for the day, as well as proper sites where you can spend a few days.
5. Keswick, The Lake District
When it comes to spending time on the water, there is no better place than the Lake District to inflate your Bluefin Paddleboards. Keswick has some of the most beautiful walks and mountain hikes in the country.
Spend some time cruising up and down Derwentwater, or drive to nearby Helvellyn and put your skills to the test on one of the most famous climbs in the Lakes.
If you’re in a camper, you can either base yourself in one location and go on day trips, or you can drive around the many different lakes and find a different park-up spot every night. It’s one of the best places to visit in a campervan in the UK, as well as a cultural and natural wonder.
6. Lake Idwal, Snowdonia National Park
The stunning North Wales coast should be your next stop – the route will take you from Holyhead to Chester. This route provides a scenic view of the coastline for the majority of the journey and allows you to visit beautiful small towns and villages along the way.
It also passes through Snowdonia National Park, where hikers can climb Mount Snowdon, and families can enjoy the beautiful coastline. The breathtaking, rugged terrain will undoubtedly remain in your memory.
7. The Cornish Riviera, Cornwall
Okay, so this is a nickname given to Cornwall by those who live or visit there, but when the UK experiences a heat wave and the Celtic Sea begins to feel more like the Mediterranean, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve teleported straight to mainland Europe! Its coastal sandy beaches and cliffside parking spots make it an ideal destination for any of your loved ones.
So, what can you do in Cornwall? Aside from surfing, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding, you can visit St. Ives, Falmouth, and Newquay, and even dress up as a pirate in Penzance.
8. Newquay
Newquay, on the north coast of Cornwall in southwest England, is another popular destination for van travelers.
Visit Fistral Beach, the zoo, and Lusty Glaze Beach for an unforgettable experience – remember to park close to the beach so you can easily access the surf and sun.
Conclusion
If you’re a weekend day camper or a traveler from Europe or America looking to explore the United Kingdom for the first time, then the above-mentioned list of 8 Best Places To Visit In A Campervan In The UK For Your Travel Bucket List will add some of the best van life travel spots to your itinerary.
Which of these places will you go first on your campervan to explore your van life in the UK? Let us know in the comments section.
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