Six hidden villages to explore on your next campervan holiday

Back to blog list  July 23, 2018

As a campervan or motorhome wanderer, you soon discover the most picturesque locations often lie well off the beaten path, and the same can be said of the many beautiful villages sprinkled across the United Kingdom. Take the time to fall head over heels with attractive villages, meet cheery residents, savour home-grown fare by the crackling fire at a cosy pub, or slip on your hiking boots and enjoy rejuvenating strolls amid perfect backdrops.

The most compact and prettiest villages remain largely unvisited, preserving a timeless atmosphere that delights the senses. Pack away your atlas, road maps and GPS devices and enjoy a light-hearted drive along the slower English back roads. Sit back and enjoy the ride? You might not have a choice! Ask the local tourist information centres for directions to the most scenic routes. Setting out on a much-needed calming rural retreat has never been easier! Camperbug will put keen travel enthusiasts in direct contact with private campervan and motorhome owners across the UK, and beyond. Talk out niggling worries with the van owner, make a reservation without obligation, and rumble from striking coastal villages to rural hamlets without a care in the world!

1. Clovelly, Devon

Clovelly, Devon. Image by Philip N Young on VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-ND

The village of Clovelly was once a bustling fishing port with records tracing back to early mentions the Domesday Book. The ancient village was initially retained by the Queen of England and has remained in private ownership since the Elizabethan Era. Over its 800 year-old-history, Clovelly would pass hands amongst just three families; the current owners are the Hamlyn family have owned the village since 1738. Private ownership has helped preserve the original atmosphere in the picturesque village. Stroll along winding cobbled paths, brimming with bright-white houses, each colourfully decorated with vivid flower baskets, and quirky window decorations. Glimpse the harbour and enjoy stunning settings along the Hobby Drive. Amble through woodlands and meadows to take in jaw-dropping clifftop scenery at the Mouthmill Cove. Hop in a boat and take a trip along the coast. The town is home to just 300 residents, a large family of gentle donkeys, and 83 pastel-hued cottages that steep 400 feet to the glittering seawaters of the North Devon Coast. There is a strict no car policy owing to the regions steep cobbled streets. The town provides an enjoyable day out and contains two museums, craft workshops, gift shops, a small church, and a few cosy pubs. Savour a traditional fishing village at the picture-perfect village of Clovelly.

Clovelly Cove. Image by Barney Moss on Flickr

Stay here:

Stoke Barton Farm Camp Site, Stoke Hartland, Bideford, Devon. EX39 6DU

Stoke Barton Farm and Campsite.

Stoke Barton Farm Camp Site rests on a stunning location providing campers with well-maintained facilities, views of the sea, and hedgerows that offer campers shelter in high winds. Take a scenic or challenging walk around the campsite for spectacular coastal views, or ask owners Colin and Helena for a brief history on the campsite. An on-site shop stocks fresh bread, local bacon, sausages, eggs, marshmallows, logs, and charcoal. There's loads of space to set up camp, and the seaside is walking distance from the campsite. Take a leisurely fifteen minutes' walk to the Hartland Quay Hotel for delicious food and excellent beer.

Views on Stoke Barton Campsite. Image on the Stoke Barton Farm and Campsite Facebook Page.

2. Lacock Village, Wiltshire

If the traditional village of Lacock looks familiar, you've probably seen it in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Downton Abbey, The Other Boleyn Girl, or Pride and Prejudice. Savour the delightful blend of past and present during your memorable Lacock village tour. It's easy to forget that a community of over a thousand residents primarily work and live here - one of the oldest villages in England. Lacock village is a dream to discover on foot, bustling with tea rooms, plus half-timbered and stone dwellings. Take in the distinctive architectural delights, and learn how William Fox Talbot became the pioneer of photography at The Fox Talbot Museum. Visit the 900-year-old Larock Abbey, and a 14th-century Tithe barn or take a quick half-hour drive into the city of Bath for some well-deserved shopping. Lacock looks almost exactly like it did 200 years ago and there's much to discover!

Lacock Village. Image by Karen Roe on Flickr

Stay here:

Stowford Manor Farm, Wingfield, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. BA14 9LH

Set up camp on Stowford Manor Farm. Image by barefootjourneys on Instagram

Set in the striking Frome Valley, Stowford Manor Farm is a historic farm and mill house with the campgrounds set in lush meadows along a tranquil mill stream. The timeworn buildings act as a stunning backdrop to the camping fields, and the burbling river serves as a fun swimming area. Let the tots marvel at lumbering Jersey milking cows or ask the owners about the many workshops offered on at the site. Be sure to taste the "proper" cream teas at the farmhouse that come with cream, two scones, and lashings of strawberry jam.

3. Beesands, Devon, England

Get of the beaten track at Beesands. Image by laui_w on Instagram

The tiny fishing village is the perfect beach staycation for campervan and motorhome adventurers! Envision a long shingle beach bordered by a beautiful Start Bay on one end and a lake of Widdecombe Ley and lush fields on the other. Purchase the catch of the day from fishing boats on the village green, and take it home for a delicious home-cooked meal under the stars. Pack in a lunch of heavenly local crab sandwiches, and head out to enjoy a picnic by the gleaming coastline. Beesands beach holds two esteemed titles- the Blue Flag beach certification and a recommendation from the Marine Conservation Society in the Good Beach Guide. Find a lovely spot to wild camp, fall in love the beautiful coastal scenery and enjoy a taste of old school Devon life. If you enjoy fishing, surfing, body-boarding, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing, you've come to the right place! There is a free car park in proximity to the beach where you purchase beach essentials or grab a bite. Beesands shingle beach holds a remote, unspoiled feel while maintaining a thriving village community. Go nature spotting at Widdicombe Ley, or let the kids burn some energy at the playground. Breath in the fresh sea air, and savour the freshest seafood at Beesands, Devon.

Unwind. Image by Martin Thomas on Flickr

Stay here:

Sugar Park Campsite, Beesands, Kingsbridge, Devon. TQ7 2EJ

If you're looking for a back-to-basics campsite with the freedom to fall asleep under the stars and wake up to spectacular sea views, look no further than Sugar Park Campsite. The campgrounds are a smooth five minutes' walk from Beesands beach and provide campers with stunning vistas of the South Devon coastline, and Stuart Bay. Bring your kids and their furry, four-footed companions along to explore historic fishing villages like Beesands. Rolling Stones fans may enjoy a pint at the Cricket Inn where Keith Richards and Mick Jagger gave their first public performance, or wander from dusk till dawn across fantastic local beaches.

Secure a cosy little corner. Image by vwharley51 on Instagram]

4. Cushendun, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Let Cushendun charm you with rolling landscapes. Image by Jane Dickson on Flickr

The unspoiled, coastal village of Cushendun lies in the scenic Glens of Antrim and has served as a landing point for over 9,000 years. The name Cushendun stems from the Irish word "Cois Abhann Duinne" meaning "alongside the River Dun". On the request of Ronald McNeill, Baron of Cushendun, designer Clough Williams-Ellis first visited Ireland in 1912 to redesign the heart of the village. Williams-Ellis shaped a warm, Cornish aura in the village for the pleasure of Maud, the Baron's wife who hailed from the town of Penzance. Following Maud's passing in 1925, Williams-Ellis designed a row of whitewash cottages named 'Maud's Cottages' in her memory. Fall in love with Cushendun's scenic coastal landscapes in the centre of Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Antrim Coast. Stroll through the narrow streets to marvel at exceptional architectural heritage, or explore the ruins of Carra Castle. Lounge along the sweeping beach or bring apples and carrots for Miriam, the welcome goat!

Take in the sights on a stroll. Image by cmdebonoo on Instagram

Stay here:

Causeway Coast Holiday Park

64 Castlenagree Road, Bushmills, Co.Antrim. BT57 8XN

Causeway Coast Holiday Park lies two miles from the Giant's Causeway, and an easy half-hour drive from the picturesque village of Cushendun The flat, spacious pitches are easy to access. There are individual bays to park and set up camp. The owners continue to earn rave reviews for their hospitality, and the site's remote location ensures a tranquil environment to take in the spectacular stones, or kick back and unwind. Dunluce Castle, the Bushmills Distillery, and Royal Portrush Golf Club are well-placed for wanders from the campgrounds. Spend the day discovering the local area, and return to base for a twilight, sea-view barbecue.

5. Ditchling, East Sussex, England

Cheery Ditchling. Image by grassrootsgroundswell on Flickr

Anticipate fabulous views from the stunning village of Ditchling that sits at the highest point in East Sussex County. Home to artists like the troubled Eric Gill, the inspiring countryside is sprinkled with plush Tudor abodes, well-maintained Georgian residencies and crumbling medieval churches. Despite its outwardly sleepy atmosphere, the townhouses several new cafes, bustling shops and cosy pubs set against the magnificent settings of Ditchling Beacon. Enjoy your visit to the lovely village enclosed by the superb Sussex countryside. Leave your campervan hire or motorhome hire at the campsite below, to walk and cycle to your heart's desire. Spend a lazy morning visiting vineyards, refuel on a hearty pub lunch, and take a fifteen minutes' drive to sea to watch the sunset. Observe local wildlife thriving in meadows and wetlands or enjoy fishing in a wildlife reserve. Connect directly to East Sussex campervan owners, discuss travel plans, and hire a campervan or motorhome with no obligation. Discover the UK and beyond with Camperbug.

Drink in panoramic views from Ditchling Beacon

Stay here:

Stoneywish Nature Reserve and Campsite, Spatham Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex. BN6 8XH

Image on the Stoneywish, Nature Reserve and camping Page.

Stoneywish Nature Reserve and Campsite is a back to basics site opening up a world of delights for genuine nature lovers. There are no showers; however, there are adequate toilets and a cold water tap for drinking water. The camping field is a large meadow bounded by hedgerows, with a footpath leading to a village bustling with pubs and cafes. Retreat from modern living and head out into the great outdoors, right at your doorstep. You can light fires, as long as the grass remains unburnt, and dogs on a lead are welcome. Take the kids bird-watching or help them spot bugs. Watch as woodpecker, jays, and owls fluttering between trees, or purchase a special discounted ticket and explore the Stoneywish Nature Reserve next door.

6. Fort Augustus, Boleskine and Abertarff, Scotland

Scenic sunsets. Image by fotozabek on Instagram

Located between Fort William and Inverness, the settlement of Fort Augustus rests along the Caledonian Canal and offers visitors breath-taking views over Loch Ness. Try your luck spotting the elusive Loch Ness monster with a cruise on the Loch, or drop in at the Urquhart Castle and take in the sights and sounds of the crumbling fortress. If you're looking for an Instagram worthy snap, Eilean Donan Castle is your best bet – it's the most photographed castle in Scotland! The timeworn fort looms over the gleaming sea lochs of Dunich, Alsh, and Long. Often introduced to as the gateway to Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is beautiful and hardly ever congested – even in summer! Bring your bike and walking boots to take advantage of the scenic walking and cycling routes around the village.

Image by earleennearleenn on Instagram

Stay here:

Loch Ness Bay Camping, Borlum Farm, Drumnadrochit. IV63 6XN

Pick a pitch! Image by eye_oh_nee on Instagram

Loch Ness Bay Camping at Borlum Farm is family run camping park set amid the lush Scottish countryside. The campsite is a leisurely 15-minute stroll from Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle, while shops, bars, and restaurants are a half mile's distance in the village of Drumnadrochit. Take the kids out for an exciting day of fishing, swimming, and hikes along the Great Glen Way, observe wildlife in a nature reserve or explore the fascinating city of Inverness.

Image by tracysmith69 on Instagram

Banff in Canada, Positano in Italy, and Santorini in Greece have nothing on the stunning villages scattered across the UK. Find one backed by shady forests, another overlooking the sparkling coast, or stroll the past chocolate-box cottages and enjoy delicious pub lunches! For more travel inspiration, check out our blogs, or let us know where you would like us to write about next!