Five ideal road trips for campervan wanderers

Back to blog list  August 06, 2018

What better way to take in the sights and sounds of the UK's diverse landscape than in a campervan or motorhome? These nifty recreation vehicles present the great pleasure of transporting your home wherever you please! Say no to bunking down in stuffy, cramped, and frankly overpriced hotel rooms. Instead, rumble up to the coastline or mountains. Whip up a hearty meal over a crackling campfire, and doze under a canopy of twinkling stars. Wake up to the beautiful sights of natural beauty, and plan your day as you like. Not only are the best views and secluded wild camping spot almost always free, but you're also in complete control of the pace of your journey. Did you just discover a camping haven blessed with striking views? Stay as long as you please! Have you stumble on a lovely seaside meadow? Set up camp and unwind.

Looking towards Borth, Aberdyfi, Tywyn and the Dyfi Estuary. Image and caption by Goleudy on Flickr

One of the best things about travelling in a recreational vehicle is the instant connection with fellow recreational van owners. Whether they are setting up camp in the adjacent pitch, or passing by on a narrow country road, you're sure to make friends, or at the very least, hear a cheery toot from passing campervans and motorhomes. Embrace the freedom to travel as far and wide as you please with Camperbug. Connect with thousands of private campervan and motorhome owners across the UK, and set out on a memorable adventure! Discuss travel dates, iron out concerns, and hit the road as soon as you confirm a reservation.

Once you've secured your campervan or motorhome hire, take a look at these easy, cost-effective road trips for inspiration.

Hastings to Worthing – England

Spend some time discovering Hastings - a coastal town brimming in rich history. Image by bonnieandrosebar on Instagram

From the town of Hastings, get on the A259 or the coast road. Crank down your windows, drink in the magnificent scenery and take in the crisp air! Stop at a chic shopping centre by the yacht harbour in Brighton Marina. See the famed Birling Gap, or try your hand at rockpooling. Alternatively, you can sit down and drink in the views of the proud Seven Sisters or observe contemporary art exhibitions at the De La Warr Pavilion. The conic building from 1935 is set on the picturesque seafront at Bexhill on Sea, is a revolutionary centre of arts, and contains a great eatery!

Take a stroll on Worthing Pier. Image by andrewjhulson on Instagram

Take in beautiful landscapes and let the salty sea air ruffle your hair as you drive along the coast! Stretch your legs and get out into the fresh air with a visit to the wide-open spaces of Cissbury Ring in the South Downs. You'll be spoilt for choice, especially if you enjoy exploring the English countryside. The hill rests on the middle of a network of scenic walking and cycling paths that twist and turn in all directions. Savour the beauty of the chalk downland sprinkled with flora like orchids, and a wealth of wildlife including New Forest ponies, migrant birds, and bugs.

Grab a bite at the village of Alfriston

Stroll through the beautiful streets of Alfriston. Image by grassrootsgroundswell on Flickr

Indulge your taste buds at the country village of Alfriston that rests within the rolling landscapes of the South Downs. Slip-on your walking shoes, and soak up arresting views, or dive right into the local food scene! First licensed in 1397, the George Inn is the ideal definition of an "old English inn", and boasts of a roaring fire, delicious food, plus an excellent selection of beer and wine. The beautiful inn is the ideal place to pop in after a drive through the South Downs and Cuckmere Valley.

The George Inn is a cosy, 14th-century half-timber pub. Image by Andrew Bowden on Flickr.

The Smugglers Inn is another historic pub that was once home to ill-famed smuggler Stanton Collins. Set in the heart of the pretty village of Alfriston, the cosy pub dates back to 1358 and once served as a den for smugglers in the area. Take a seat by the large inglenook fireplace and enjoy a hearty meal or sip on a refreshing pint. Chat with locals, walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers, or greet furry companions in this dog-friendly pub.

Glasgow to Oban – Scotland

Take in cracking views along Loch Fyne nd see grand Dunderave Castle. Image by mark_harris_photography on Instagram

Often described as one of the best drives in the UK, this route is relatively straightforward and easy to access. Begin from Erskine Bridge in Glasgow and curve your way towards to Loch Lomond. The loch is often considered the most beautiful in the country, and at times, runs alongside the banks of Britain largest lake. Once you leave the loch behind head west towards Argyll and follow the coast, where you'll pass the town of Inveraray and the glittering Loch of Fyne. Step out, stretch your legs, and quell hunger pangs with a hearty meal at the Loch Fyne Oysters.

Step into the Mccaig’s tower, the colosseum of Oban, to drink in beautiful views overlooking the area. Image by bradhyd on Instagram

Once you're ready to get back on the road, proceed towards the most significant settlement around – Oban! The Oban Distillery stands beside excellent restaurants, so you'll have a choice selection of ales and fresh seafood! We'll leave you to enjoy the local larder with the salutations of cheers, and Bon appetite!

Set up camp in Oban Holiday Park

Address - Barcaldine By Connel, Argyll, PA37 1SG

Enjoy your digs with a view at Oban Caravan & Camping Park. Image by lifeofdouane on Instagram

Beautifully set on the Scottish West Highlands, the Oban Holiday Park looks out over the Island of Kerrera and provides campers with a lovely rural atmosphere to sit back and enjoy life away from the bustle of modern life. Chose from 150 pitches for campervans, motorhomes, and tents, and set yourself in for magnificent holiday brimming with charm and tranquillity. Despite its calm sceneries, the site is an easy two and a half miles from the centre of Oban and its bustling restaurants, pubs, and shops. Use the campsite as a base for exploring the enclosing area, and be sure to enjoy a ferry ride to see as much of Hebrides as you can. The site is open from the 1st of April to the 4th of October and welcomes pets.

St Ives to St Just – England

Scenic settings in Zennor. Image by Andy Roberts on Flickr.

Arguably the prettiest and assuredly the most remote slice of the coast, the 17-mile drive from St Ives to St Just is bound to take your breath away. Before you start, pack in your food and drink for the ride and get a good night's rest before embarking on this drive. There are a handful of places to buy refreshments, and the sharp ascents and reductions mean you'll take longer to navigate the roads. Leave St Ives behind as you start your journey on the B3306. The first town you pass will be Zennor. Stop by the local church St Senara or follow a footpath down to secluded beaches and coves.

Are you feeling peckish? Then head right over to the Tinners' Arms for a delicious meal. As you head away from the town, you'll pass iron-age fields that remain as they once were many years ago. Passing a few hamlets, you'll reach the village of Morvah which is well-known for its Iron Age settlements. Pendeen is up next! Stop by the Geevor Tin Mine to try your hand at panning precious stone and gawp at your surroundings, which are primarily left just as the miners of 1990 left them.

Visit the mini Pendeen lighthouse. You can now stay at the former keeper’s cottage adjoining the lighthouse. Image by kayugee on Flickr.

Pendeen Lighthouse and the surrounding scenery is worth a visit. You'll pass the village of Trewellard next and is a great place to fill up on petrol. Next, you'll pass the hamlet of Carnyorth. If you visit at the correct time of the year, you'll see dolphins and sharks basking in the waters around the coast. The town of St Just will appear on the horizon and is in proximity to Cot Valley and Cape Cornwall. Drive on to the coastal village of Sennen if you're aching for more coastal scenery. The town is known as the surfer's paradise, so don't forget to bring in your surfboards!

Things to do in St Just

Land's End

Enjoy beautiful coastal paths at Land's End. Image by coccodrilaa on Instagram

Set on the most westerly point in mainland England, Land's end is the most visited outdoor attraction in Cornwall. Walk along the beautiful coastal paths, drink in striking coastal views, marvel at granite hills soaring up 200 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean, and delve into the delightful Cornish larder.

Geevor Tin Mine

Set aside some time to visit the most significant preserved mining site in the UK, and learn of its 300-year-old history. View mineral samples, archived photographs of former miners, and the mine at the museum which opened as a Museum and Heritage Centre in 1993.

Minack Open Air Theatre

Visit the Minack Open Air Theatre for great seats and great scenes. Image by minacktheatre on Instagram

Perched high on golden cliffs over the gleaming turquoise ocean, the Minack Open Air Theatre is one of the most beautiful settings in the world and a definite must-see when you're here!

Trewidden Garden

Enjoy beautiful idyllic springtime blooms at Trewidden Garden and Tearoom. Image by photography_by_james_jones on Instagram

Trewidden Garden is famed for its beautiful collection of exotic shrubs and camellias.

Tanglewood Wild Garden

Pack in a picnic or BBQ and head over to the Tanglewood Wild Garden to observe a vast array of wildlife like badgers, rabbits, and squirrels. The park remains natural and wild, boasting of four ponds across the gardens. See birds like kingfishers, geese, and swallows swooping across the lakes, and discover something exciting around every corner.

Saltburn to Scarborough – England

Say hello to Whitby! Image by Mark Stevenson on Flickr.

Start your drive at the beautiful seaside resort of Saltburn and drive towards the coast through Cayton Bay. You'll pass the lovely seaside town of Whitby and the 7th-century Whitby Abbey. The monastery inspired author Bram Stoker as he penned the terrifying gothic horror novel Dracula. Stop at the fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, try your hand at fossil hunting, and then proceed to the home of celebrated British explorer, Captain James Cook in the village of Staithes.

Discover one of the best fishing villages on the Yorkshire Coast. Image by welcometoyorkshire on Instagram

You'll route will eventually turn into the resort town of Scarborough. Explore the 12th-century Scarborough Castle, and learn of its history, enjoy delectable fresh seafood dishes by sea, or simply find a secluded wild camping spot, throw down a blanket and sprawl in the inviting sunshine!

If your keen to enjoy the delights of a coastal retreat, there's no better way to see the sights, than in a North Yorkshire campervan hire from Camperbug!

Aberdovey to Porthmadog – Wales

Aberdovey Sunsets! Image by pieceofworld89 on Instagram

Aberdovey to Porthmadog is probably the best drive to make with a family in tow. The magnificent views will make the most rambunctious youngster gawp in awe! If the stunning views don't do it, crabbing in Aberdovey is guaranteed to give the kids a great time, while simultaneously releasing pent up energy for a quieter ride back to the lodgings.

Board the Fairbourne Railway, and take in the sights. Image by fairbourne.railway on Instagram

Take the kids along to explore the miniature railway in the village of Fairbourne. Opt between a covered and an open carriage as you are whisked along the promenade. Stop by the world-famous Portmeirion which was created in the fashioned to represent an Italian village.

Fabulous seaside views will beckon you along the way, so keep added time on your itinerary for the numerous time's you'll rush out of your camper with your camera in hand!

Set up camp in Merthyr Farm

Beautiful mornings at Merthyr Farm Campsite.

Address - Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2TP

Merthyr Farm is a small, cheery, family-run campsite set along the stunning coastal landscape overlooking Snowdonia National Park. The site presents an almost otherworldly atmosphere, perched on the rolling hills above Harlech with stunning panoramas extending from Penrhyndeudraeth to Llyn. The campsite has provided nature lovers with the ideal, relaxed setting to set up camp for over forty years. The site offers generous electric and non-electric pitches for campervans and motorhomes. The amenities block comes furnished with five individual toilet/washbasin cubicles, two family shower rooms with toilets and two shower rooms. The utility area holds two sinks for washing up, laundry facilities, and fridge freezers. When you're not soaking in the extensive views over Cardigan Bay towards Porthmadog, Port Meirion, and Snowdon, you'll find plenty to see and do from here. The campsite is set an easy walk from Llandanwg beach, an excellent location for surfers during winter and spring. Rumble into the village to enjoy delicious fish and chips. Pop into Porthmadog to stock up at the supermarkets or shop at a bigger selection of shops. Owners Bryn and Lizzie win glowing reviews for the warm welcome, friendly campsite, and consideration for the comfort and welfare of campers. Be sure to take in the heavenly sunset during your stay.

We trust you'll enjoy discovering the beautiful locations in our list above. You can add them to a lengthier itinerary or simply enjoy the scenic drives on a weekend break.