The best destinations for campervan travels in the UK

But when it comes to campervan travels in the UK, where should you look at heading to? And what might you expect to see when you get there?

This article gives you travel inspiration across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with tips for the best attractions and natural sights to explore.

Why are campervan holidays in the UK a popular choice over going abroad?

If you ask 100 campervanners the reason why they like to use their vehicle in the UK rather than going abroad, you’ll likely get 100 unique answers. However, here are some of the most common reasons why you might consider hitting the road for a staycation.

1. Pet Friendly

If you’ve got a four-legged friend, then holidaying in the UK can be much easier. You won’t need to worry about getting a pet passport and can spare your pet the stress of a long journey in an unfamiliar environment.

When you bring your pet campervanning they can stay with you at all times within an environment they may already be familiar with.

2.Eco-Friendly

When you travel in the UK, your carbon footprint is reduced when compared to flying abroad.

The National Caravan Council suggest that emissions for a 1000+ mile journey for a family of four in a small saloon car towing a caravan produces only 38% (0.36 tonnes) of the C02 output of a flight of similar distance, for which emissions are nearly a ton (0.96 tonnes)

Find out more about how Bailey is committed to sustainable manufacturing.

3.Affordability

When you take your campervan away, you do not need flight or hotel expenses that can quickly add up – especially if you’re touring. With a campervan, you always have somewhere to sleep right there with you, and with many different types of pitch available at a range of price points, you can find places to stay that will fit both your needs and your budget all across the UK.

What are the top spots in the UK for travelling in a campervan?

When booking your campervan holiday, choosing where to stay is one of the most enjoyable parts. You get to research towns, cities, attractions and natural beauty spots you’ve perhaps never heard of. 

To give you some inspiration, here are some of the highest-rated, scenic or unusual destinations you can find across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Campervan Road Trips in England

Northern England

Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Northumberland Coastal area gives you 40 miles of stunning coastline along this designated National Landscape.

Along the way, you’ll experience long, sandy beaches, jagged cliff faces and historic sites like the castle at Bamburgh. There’s enough for the entire family to enjoy, with cycle paths, watersports, and wildlife trips to the Farne Islands.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Famous for its medieval sights and 16th-century castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is steeped in history. Its population of just 160 is used to getting over 600,000 visitors per year, so be sure to time your visit well to avoid the crowds.

On the island, you can explore the historical and religious sites alongside playing a round of golf. Just double-check the crossing times because the island is only accessible via a short boat ride.

Forest of Bowland AONB

Covering 80 sq. km, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers you the chance to see rolling hills, woodlands, moors and beautiful little villages. If you like nature, Bowland is perfect for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting tours. You can also give stargazing a go as this area has ‘Dark Sky’ status, meaning the amount of light pollution is limited.

Eastern England

Cambridge and the Fens
If you’re looking for a destination that offers history and nature, then this is the place to head for. This area includes the city of Cambridge and its surrounding Fenland, which are Eastern England’s most expansive wetlands. In this area, you can try punting on the River Cam and see nature reserves. It’s perfect for families as there’s something for everyone.

Rye and Dungeness
Found in East Sussex and Kent, Rye and Dungeness gives you a great mix of old-world medieval villages and coastlines. Rye is a village filled with old pubs, cobblestone streets and independent shops. Not far away, Dungeness is a rugged coastline offering castles, nature reserves and a taste of the ocean.

Thetford Forest
Discover the UK’s largest pine forest in a lowland area. Thetford covers over 18,000 hectares in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. It offers wildlife walks, cycling trails, and family activities like the treetop adventures of Go Ape. With something for the entire family to get involved in, be sure to take a break to have a picnic at one of the many designated spots.

Southern England

Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast offers over 95 miles of countryside and some of the most dramatic coastline in the British Isles. Head here to explore the Durdle Door rock formations, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks. If you’re a family that’s into geology and fossil hunting, then this is the destination for you.

South Downs National Park
Another area of natural beauty with ‘Dark Sky’ status, South Downs National Park is perfect for stargazing and wildlife spotting. You’ll get to explore chalk cliffs, hillscapes and many rural villages. Activities that are not to be missed include cycling and even horse riding, of which there are many trails that wind through the park.

Beaulieu
Right in the heart of the New Forest is the village of Beaulieu. While it’s the location of a very picturesque village, the star attraction is the Motor Museum. Situated within the grounds of Beaulieu’s 13th-century Abbey, the museum offers the complete history of automobiles from the humble beginnings with the likes of the Benz Motor Carriage to modern-day supercars such as the Bugatti Veyron. It even has a monorail.

Western England

Arnside and Silverdale
Another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Arnside and Silverdale. On the Cumbria-Lancashire border, these 75 square kilometres are home to limestone hills, salt marshes and some of the oldest woodlands in the country. If you’re into walking, cycling and exploring rural villages, then this is one to add to your travel itinerary.

Cheddar Gorge
Not far from the Bailey factory in Bristol is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. Affectionately known as the ‘UK’s Grand Canyon’, the gorge spans over three miles and is the largest limestone gorge in England. Visit the gorge for spectacular walks and more adventurous activities like caving, rock climbing and abseiling.

Lynton and Lynmouth
One of the most beautiful and iconic places on the North Devon coast is Lynton and Lynmouth. They’re two distinct villages. One at the top of the cliff and one at the bottom, both connected by a historic funicular cliff railway. Know as ‘Little Switzerland’, explore Lynmouth for its independent shops and harbour and Lynton for its locally run cinema and weekly market.

Campervan Routes Scotland

The Highlands

Glencoe
One of the most stunning natural sights in the entire Scottish Highlands is Glencoe. A scenic drive of dramatic valleys, mountains and moorland. Be sure to take the drive to Glen Etive, a roughly 12-mile dead-end road through moorland and meadows that follows a rough, rapid river to its end in a stunning lake. Famously, this is the site of the James Bond film Skyfall.

Eilean Donan Castle
Perhaps Scotland’s most famous castle is Eilean Donan. You can find it on a small tidal island where the lochs meet in an area surrounded by ancient, windswept scenery. At the castle, you’ll experience an incredible narrated walking tour that you can take at your own pace. On it, you’ll learn about the history of the castle, the surrounding area and Scotland as a whole.

The Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools
A very mythological site can be found at the foot of the Cullin Mountains on the Isle of Skye. The Fairy Pools are a series of waterfalls and rock pools with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, getting the perfect shot, and having an inspiring walk up to them. Named after the local legend that says the pools are home to the Blue Men of the Minch, which are a group of creatures that legend has it lure sailors to an untimely end.

The Lowlands

Glengoyne Distillery
If you want to experience a taste of Scottish whisky on your tour, then Glengoyne is a must-visit. It’s been in continuous operation since its founding in 1883 and is famous for creating highland single malt whisky that is matured in the lowlands, giving a blend of both sides of Scotland. If you do the tour, be sure to request to take your samples home so you can enjoy them once you no longer need to drive for the day.

Galloway Forest Park
Scotland’s largest park has over 770 sq. km for you to explore. It offers more than its fair share of ancient woodlands, scenic lochs and rugged hills for you to trek around. This is another area known for its ‘Dark Sky’ status, offering stargazing opportunities, and because it’s that much further north, at times of heightened solar activity like we experienced throughout 2024, it gives you a great chance to see the Northern Lights.

The Kelpies
If you’ve never heard of them, you’re missing one of the great works of art in this country. The Kelpies are 30-metre-tall horse head sculptures situated in Falkirk, serving as a tribute to Scotland’s heritage in industry and the equine trade. You can find them in Helix Park, which also hosts canals, walkways and picnic spots to while away an afternoon.

Campervanning Through Wales

Hay on Wye

Right on the Welsh-English border is this booklover’s haven. Known as the ‘Town of Books’, this is renowned every year for its literary festival, which attracts everyone from Stephen Fry to Marian Keyes. Wander around the many bookshops and independent shops, stop by for some art or simply absorb the atmosphere in some of the beautiful and cosy coffee shops and pubs.

Offa’s Dyke Path
If you’re a fan of both longer hikes and short, scenic walks alongside more than a fair bit of history, then Offa’s Dyke Path could be your sort of destination. This 177-mile National Trail follows ancient woodland along the border. It’s ideal for families looking to explore, try some outdoor activities and get a taste of history.

Porthgain
One of the most scenic villages on the coast of Pembrokeshire is Porthgain. Visit it to explore the stunning little harbour, red brick ruins and its seafront. On your exploration, you’ll get to try local and fresh seafood, as well as many art galleries and pubs dotted around. Nearby, you’ll find loads of coastal walks, so it’s an ideal location to spend a few days getting away from it all.

Campervan-Friendly Places in Northern Ireland

Dark Hedges
Fans of the TV series Game of Thrones won’t want to miss this on their tour of Northern Ireland. Planted in the 18th Century by the local landowners, the Stuart family, the dark hedges are a series of old, gnarled beech trees that knit together to form a canopy over the road. They look spooky atmospheric and are well worth a visit, especially on a foggy morning.

The Titanic Museum, Belfast
One of Belfast’s crowning glories is the Titanic Museum, which now exists in the historic Harland and Wolf shipbuilding yard, the very same site where the Titanic and its sister ships, the Olympic and Britannic, were constructed. The museum is filled with artefacts pulled from the wreckage site and tells the history and social context of the creation, sinking and aftermath.

Ballycastle
Nestled on the Antrim coast is the largest town for miles, Ballycastle. It’s a lovely harbour town filled with little pubs and independent shops, perfect for an afternoon jaunt. Stay nearby and use it as a location to explore the rest of what the coast of Northern Ireland has to offer.

What should you look for on a UK campervan site?

Every campsite is different, but here is an easy explanation of how to find the best sites for campervans in the UK.

Stay at a Club site
Club sites are run by the UK’s two largest clubs, The Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Both own a wide collection and variety of the best campervan sites in the UK, with most featuring facilities such as electric hook-ups, shower blocks, washing up blocks, dog-friendly walks and games rooms.

Club sites are open to non-club members for an increased nightly fee, so if you’re travelling regularly, it makes sense to sign up.

See the full list of Caravan and Motorhome Club sites here

See the full list of Camping and Caravanning Club sites here

Consider a CL or CS site
Certified Locations (CL) and Certified Sites (CS) are run by The Caravan and Motorhome Club and Camping and Caravanning Club, respectively.

They are small, often rural campsites that allow a maximum of up to 5 vehicles on them at any one time. They always give you access to fresh water and a place to dispose of your grey water and chemical waste, and typically have few other facilities.

CLs and CSs are ideal if you’re looking for a off-the-beaten track place to enjoy a wild camping vibe.

What seasonal travel tips should you know?

Spring

1. Check Campsite Openings: In the Spring, many campsites begin to reopen. There can often be an early rush, so book ahead to make sure you get a spot at the sites you’re most interested in. Be even more diligent in doing this during the school holidays or long weekends.
2. Prepare for Unpredictable Weather: The British weather is nothing if not unpredictable, so wherever you go, make sure you pack layers, waterproofs and comfortable, sturdy footwear. There’s nothing like heading out to explore a coastal path in a t-shirt only for the wind to start up 20 minutes later.
3. Explore Off-Peak Attractions: Because the weather typically hasn’t warmed up yet, but the days tend to be dry, Spring is an excellent time to visit must-see attractions without the crowds.

Summer

1. Book Early: Much like when they reopen in the Spring, campsites in the summer fill fast. Ideally, book where you’d like to stay three months in advance, especially for the most popular locations such as Devon, Cornwall and the Scottish North Coast 500.
2. Stay Cool: While your campervan will typically have air conditioning, you’ll want to keep yourself cool by bringing portable fans and drinking plenty of water.
3. Make the Most of Daylight Hours: The summer days are much longer, meaning you can get more into a day. Use your summer exploration to do things like long coastal walks, cycling or sightseeing multiple towns at once to get everything on your wishlist ticked off.

Autumn

1. Enjoy Seasonal Scenery: If you want to visit areas of outstanding natural beauty, consider visiting them in the autumn over the summer. Not only will the crowds be less, but you’ll likely have a wider range of campsite options, and the foliage will turn yellow, amber, and golden for some fantastic scenery.
2. Check Facilities: Around autumn (think October / November), some campsites enter their winter shutdown. So, just double-check where you’d like to visit before you commit to an autumn getaway before you’re left disappointed.
3. Prepare for Shorter Days: Plan your days around the expectation of them getting shorter. You won’t have as much daylight to play with as only two months prior, so make the most of it.

Winter

1. Change Your Bedding: Now the summer is well and truly over, it’s time to swap out your lighter bedsheets for warmer options. You can find many great bedding options over at Prima Leisure.
2. Plan for Limited Campsite Options: While they begin closing in autumn, a great many campsites have well and truly shut by the time winter comes around. So again, double check where you’d like to visit has options for accommodation nearby.
3. Drive Safely: Keep an eye on weather conditions on the days you plan to travel, and be prepared for snow and ice.

Ready to hit the road and start your campervan adventure?

Explore the stunning destinations mentioned above and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or new to campervanning, the range of Bailey Endeavours has the perfect campervan for your journey.

Need more tips and inspiration? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Campervanning to make your trip smooth, fun, and stress-free. Start your adventure today.