Unmissable Road Trip North Wessex Downs National Landscape
Read Time: About 12 minutes
North Wessex Downs. Alex JD
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape is a captivating area and a worthy consideration for a campervan escape. This stunning landscape was designated a protected landscape in 1972 and has inspired poets and writers for millennia. This campervan road trip guide makes planning a road trip to North Wessex Downs National Landscape easy. This guide includes our top campsites in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape area, so have a read and make a plan to explore this beautiful part of the country.
With a wide range of National Landscapes in the UK, you may want to explore more than one location on your campervan road trip. We’ve compiled a list of easy-to-follow guides that include everything you’ll need to know about your National Landscape of choice - quick routes from the nearest cities, some of the best UK campsites in the area, and the top spots to hire a campervan in the UK. Explore the rolling countryside of North Wessex Downs National Landscape with convenient campervan hire Berkshire services that put you at the doorstep of this picturesque region. Use our national landscape campervan road trip guides to create a memorable road trip with your friends or family. So jump in your campervan hire and get started.
Farncomb Farm is a Camping and Caravanning Club Certificated Site set a mile from Lambourn, which holds an array of shops and amenities.
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape extends over Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire counties in southern England.
- How Big is The North Wessex Downs?
- North Wessex Downs National Landscape Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Hikes North Wessex Downs
- What is The Highest Peak in North Wessex Downs?
- Where to Camp at North Wessex Downs National Landscape
- How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape in a Campervan
- How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape from London
- How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape From Southampton
- How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape from Bradford
- How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape From Stoke-on-Trent
- How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape from Cardiff
- Your Campervan Guide to Visiting The North Wessex Downs National Landscape
- Back Home We Go!
How Big is The North Wessex Downs?
It covers 670 square miles, and makes one of 46 spectacular National Landscapes dotted around the UK. The landscape is an outdoor lovers' playground, comprising rolling chalk hills, including a large section of North Downs Hills, simmering rivers and streams, like the River Thames and Kennet, and gorgeous English villages with honey-coloured cottages and ancient monuments.
Enjoy tranquil farm settings with peaceful views of lush hills sprinkled with grazing sheep, cattle and alpacas at Lorne Hill Farm.
North Wessex Downs National Landscape Road Trip Itinerary
Many visitors base themselves at nearby campsites in Berkshire to easily access these fantastic walking and cycling routes across the downs. Start your first day by stretching your legs on one of many beautiful walking routes crisscrossing the area. Depending on your fitness levels or tastes, follow sections of the 87-mile Ridgeway National Trail, which boasts impressive views and excellent cycling for adventurers who prefer pedalling and admiring the scenery. Cyclists can also hop on the National Cycle Network 4, which runs through the Savernake Forest and Avebury, winding through a unique landscape peppered with sarsen stones. The Neolithic stone circle in Avebury is ideal for history buffs, who can explore the attraction and surrounding monuments of the World Heritage Site.
Best Hikes North Wessex Downs
Wiltshire. Angel Ganev
Walkers who enjoy exploring longer stretches can follow the route from Overton Hill to Barbury Castle, a large hilltop fort with fantastic views from an elevated position. Located approximately 900 feet above sea level, visitors can admire beautiful vistas on a walk extending just over 9 miles. Walk through the stunning West Woods, just outside Marlborough, for nature strolls. Once part of the ancient Savernake Forest, the lush location is home to a beautiful display of bluebells and beech woodlands that house an attractive collection of native flora and fauna, making it a lovely space for nature lovers. If you are driving to the woods, park at the main car park inside the eastern section of the site. The long-distance Wansdyke Trail, winding through unspoilt chalkland, also passed through these beautiful woods. Follow the mysterious earthwork that the native Britons possibly constructed against Saxon invaders.
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape boasts a fine horse racing heritage, so why not take a stroll along the trails? Families can hire horses and clip-clop along the Three Downs Link, a walking, cycling, and horse-riding route from Basingstoke, New Alresford, Marlborough, Winchester, Newbury, and Hungerford. Riding off-road is a great way to enjoy a unique look at this extraordinary landscape. For those looking to extend their adventure, there are several welcoming campsites in Swindon that serve as perfect base camps for exploring the downs on horseback.
Postern Hill Caravan Camping Site is a perfect space for getting away from it all, boasting an idyllic setting in the peaceful and leafy ancient Savernake Forest, with a delightful network of tracks and paths crisscrossing the enfolding area.
An estimated 3,700 racehorses are within the North Wessex Downs, and the landscape provides around 10 percent of Britain's racehorse trainers. Tour the racing stables and equine swimming pool at Lambourn Trainers stables, open each spring.
What is The Highest Peak in North Wessex Downs?
The highest peak in the North Wessex Downs is Walbury Hill, towering over the landscape at 297 meters (974 feet) above sea level. Tucked in the village of Combe Gibbet in West Berkshire, it is crowned with an intriguing Iron Age Fort, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the enclosing chalk landscape. Pair a visit to the highest chalk hill in England with a stop at the White Horse of Uffington, a prehistoric hill figure, for a blend of scenery and history.
Suddene Park Farm Campsite is a cracking campsite perfect for those who want to experience life on a picturesque, rural farm whilst enjoying the unspoilt beauty of the enclosing Wiltshire scenery.
Our readers can easily complete a road trip to North Wessex Downs National Landscape over a bank holiday or extended over a half-term holiday. There are plenty of great places to visit in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, and travelling in a home on wheels makes it easy to enjoy different scenery each day. We'll explore routes and camping options below.
Where to Camp at North Wessex Downs National Landscape
Now that you have an outline of the attractions you'll visit on your campervan road trip of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, it's time to find a campsite to rest your head for the night. We've picked three beautiful campsites that combine convenience and comfort for a stress-free camping escape. Bayardo Farm in Marlborough is a trusted and cosy space for Caravan and Motorhome Club members. The Bruce Arms in Pewsey is a peaceful, rural site, while the Golden Swan welcomes campers with a friendly atmosphere and a handy onsite pub. Let's explore the campsites in detail below.
Bayardo Farm in Oare
Bayardo Farm, Oare
Bayardo Farm, a members-only Caravan and Motorhome Club Site rests on a beautiful arable farm. It is located on the fringes of West Woods, also known as Bluebell Woods, a short drive from the bustling market town of Marlborough. The fifth-generation farm has welcomed guests for over 40 years and is a favourite haunt for many guests who return each year to explore the tranquil settings. There are plenty of beautiful walking routes nearby and an abundance of wildlife. Explore the Pewsey Vale or the shimmering Kennet and Avon Canal nearby, or head to popular attractions in Avebury and Silbury Hill, 6 miles away. The pitches have ample space for larger motorhomes and caravans. The pitches' prices are fixed, there is ample room for awnings, and dog walks are right at your doorstep.
The Bruce Arms in Pewsey
The Bruce Arms, Pewsey
Tucked in the heart of quiet rural Wiltshire, The Bruce Arms is a relaxing camping space located between the sleepy villages of Milton Lilbourne and Easton Royal. Campers can enjoy the convenience of camping mere steps from a fantastic pub serving hot food and drinks, homemade Sunday roasts and more. Stefan and Dawn are cheery, welcoming hosts who are happy to have campers on their cosy site. Pitches cater to tents, small campervans, motorhomes and other campers.
The Golden Swan in Pewsey
The Golden Swan, Pewsey
The Golden Swan is a rural campsite with a beautiful thatched pub in Pewsey Vale and a great location for enjoying walks along the nearby canal. Pitches for small campervans and motorhomes are on grass and hardstanding with electric meters for campers who need them. Though basic, facilities are plenty for a comfortable stay, including toilets, showers, a washing up area, drinking water taps, and chemical disposal. The nearest shop is only 5 miles away, and beautiful walks through the countryside are nearby.
How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape in a Campervan
In this section of our North Wessex Downs road trip, we will explore routes from the buzzing cities around the North Wessex area. We include scenic and direct routes so our readers have plenty of options. We’ll explore routes from London, Southampton, Bradford, Stoke-on-Trent and Cardiff. Visit our North Wessex Downs National Landscape campervans page more campervans fore hire in national landscape.
How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape from London
London campervan hire and use our guide to get you into the North Wessex Downs in no time. How much time can you set aside for the journey? If you are hastily heading out on a weekend or bank holiday, then time is of the essence. Follow the M4, exiting at J15, before following the A346 directly into the heart of the North Wessex Downs. If you have more time to explore a few stops along the way, start in London and follow quiet country lanes via the A4 and B3041 to Marlborough. Rumble lazily past rolling hills and quiet villages into the National Landscape. For campervan hire options near London, peep our campervans in Newham.
Age: 23-70
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Hello there. You've come to the right place if you're in search of a loveable, reliable road companion with no breakdown dramas and no crazy petrol bills.
How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape From Southampton
Hop on the M3 from in your Southampton campervan hire passing Winchester, before connecting to the A34 north. Exit at Newbury, driving into the North Wessex Downsr. This swift and efficient journey covers 55 miles and takes about an hour. With the North Wessex Downs just over an hour away, it is convenient for a quick escape. If you’d like to avoid the main roads, rumble past the quiet villages and rolling hills, following the B2177 to Winchester, then join the A342, which weaves through Pewsey Vale, travelling along winding roads will take around two hours. Take a look at 120 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Southampton.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Scooby is a handsome, well-equipped home on wheels, offering a range of comforts for your next road trip. He features comfortable seating, nifty storage spaces, a twin double burner cooker, USB charging, etc.
How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape from Bradford
Hop on the M1 to the M40, skirting the fringes of historic Oxford, before connecting to the A34. In your Bradford campervan hire, Follow the curve of the A338 into the greenery of the Downs. The direct route covers 220 miles and about 4 hours. If you’re rumbling out for a longer escape, skip the blare of traffic, opting to rumble south along the quiet lanes of the North Pennines. Drive towards Derby and the A6 before passing the hamlets in Cotswolds before connecting with the A338 into the North Wessex Downs. We list 96 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Bradford, and more campervans in Northampton, campervans in Dewsbury, campervans in Halifax, campervans in Elland, campervans in Shipley, campervans in Huddersfield, campervans in Horsforth and campervans in Towcester.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Rockin' Elvis is a Volkswagen Transporter that has undergone a superb Camper King conversion. He has five seat belts, sleeps four people with a spacious rock and roll bed and boasts room for two in the pop top.
How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape From Stoke-on-Trent
Wiltshire. Angel Ganev
Hire a campervan in Stoke-on-Trent and opt for one of the following routes. If you want to make your way there as soon as possible, use the M6 and the M42, then sweep the M40 towards Oxford. Join the A34 south, driving past Newbury, before reaching the Downs. The direct route takes around 2.5 hours and covers 132 miles. For a more relaxed and scenic drive, head south from the city on B-roads and the A51, weaving past market towns like Stone and Tamworth. Merge onto the A429, following the road past Cirencester, and you’ll be in the rolling chalk hills of the Downs in approximately 5 hours. Browse our selection of 108 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Stoke-on-Trent and find more campervans in Hartington, campervans in Newcastle Under Lyme, campervans in Whitchurch, campervans in Bagnall, campervans in Brown Edge, campervans in Wetley Rocks and campervans in Mow Cop.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Picture it- Youve chosen your luxury campervan hire Youre snuggled up hot chocolate and book in hand Its just you your loved ones the stars above and the rolling hills ahead.
How to Get to The North Wessex Downs National Landscape from Cardiff
Are you craving a holiday away from the hum of Cardiff? Cardiff campervan hire and whizz along the M4, skimming landmarks like the Severn Bridge and the outskirts of Swindon before exiting near Hungerford onto the A338, where the Downs beckon. If you're based closer to the area, campervan hire Swindon offers another convenient starting point for your countryside escape. The direct route take about 2 hours. Cross the River Severn into England for a more relaxing drive and follow snaking lanes through the Vale of Berkeley that ascends into the Cotswold.
Age: 23-75
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Here is our recently converted Ford Transit Custom, beautifully fitted out for your next adventure. Inside, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge and gas cooker, making it easy to prepare meals on the go.
Your Campervan Guide to Visiting The North Wessex Downs National Landscape
This section is dedicated to answering your frequently asked questions about a campervan road trip to the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. We’ve answered most of your questions, like what the highest peak is in the North Wessex Downs and the best hikes in the North Wessex Downs, in our travel guide above, so please take a read for an in-depth look and handy pointers to planning your campervan journey to this protected landscape.
Back Home We Go!
Moulsford Downs. Alex JD
And so we end our campervan road trip guide to the breathtaking North Wessex Downs National Landscape. A campervan road trip is the best way to truly reconnect with nature and enjoy the thrills of the great outdoors. Keep a lookout for our next road trip guide which will take us to the Cotswolds National Landscape.
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