If you’re a fan of hitting the open road and exploring the great outdoors, then the UK has some of the best campervan routes that you need to add to your bucket list.
With outstanding natural beauty, rolling hills, and some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on, the UK is a road trip paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
From the rugged north coast of Scotland to the beautiful beaches of Dorset in the South West, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery to be explored. Whether you’re planning a motorhome holiday, a weekend campervan break or a longer van life adventure, this list has something for everyone!
7 UK Road Trip Itineraries
In this blog, we’ve spoken to Platinum Wave customers, campervan enthusiasts and done plenty of our own research to create a list of the 7 best campervan routes in the UK.
Whether you’re a seasoned campervan enthusiast or a newbie looking to explore the beauty of the British countryside, these routes are sure to delight and inspire you.
With so many beautiful routes in the UK to choose from, it’s no wonder that campervan lovers keep coming back for more.
So pack your bags, hit the open road and get ready to explore the outstanding natural beauty that the UK has to offer.
The 7 Best UK Campervan Routes
- The North Coast 500
- Snowdonia National Park
- The Lake District
- The Giants Causeway Coastal Route
- Cornwall
- Costwolds
- The Peak District
Here’s all of our top picks in much more detail, including trip ideas, must-see spots, campsite tips and more…
Campervan The North Coast 500
If you’re planning a campervan holiday and are looking for one of the best campervan routes in the UK, then the North Coast 500 is a must-see.
Dubbed Scotland’s answer to Route 66, this route boasts some of the most incredible landscapes and picturesque villages that the UK has to offer.
The route starts at Inverness Castle and stretches for 516 miles, making it an ideal 3-5 day road trip. You’ll be treated to a plethora of beautiful stops along the way, including Applecross, Durness, John O’Groats, and Dunrobin Castle.
One of the highlights of the North Coast 500 is the beautiful Achmelvich Bay, which is a popular spot for beachgoers, hikers and water sports hobbyists. This beautiful beach is nestled within a sheltered bay and boasts crystal clear waters and stunning views.
Aside from the glorious beaches, you can also walk the numerous hiking routes along the way, climb the majestic Highlands, and explore ancient castles, historic landmarks and winding Lochs. If you’re looking for adventure, then you can try your hand at canyoning or surfing.
There are plenty of unique camping spots, with campervan sites available in most towns and villages. So, you can park up and spend the night under the stars in some of Scotland’s most stunning locations.
The North Coast 500 gets its name as it covers the entirety of Scotland’s dramatic coastline. It’s no wonder that this route is one of the best campervan routes in the UK, offering travellers a chance to escape urban life and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands – if you’re really lucky you might even catch the Northern Lights.
Top UK Campervan Destinations The North Coast 500
- Inverness Castle
- Applecross
- Durness
- John O’Groats
- Dunrobin Castle
- Achmelvich Bay
Campervan Snowdonia National Park
If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your next campervan holiday, then Snowdonia National Park should be on your list.
This beautiful national park is a favourite among hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, and offers some of the most incredible landscapes that the UK has to offer.
One of the best campervan routes in the UK to explore Snowdonia National Park is the A4086, also known as the Llanberis Pass.
The route runs from the village of Capel Curig to Snowdon, passing through Caernarfon and the Glyderau. The Llanberis Pass is an incredible mountain road that winds its way through the beautiful Welsh landscape, offering travellers a chance to take in the incredible views and natural beauty of Snowdonia.
Along the way, there are plenty of unique camping spots, with campervan sites available in most towns and villages. You can also stop off at shops selling outdoor gear, perfect for any last-minute hiking essentials.
One of the highlights of Snowdonia National Park is Mount Snowdon, one of Britain’s most famous mountains. You can hike to the summit or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for incredible views from the top.
The park also offers plenty of other hiking routes, including the Mawddach Trail, which runs along a former railway line and offers stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary.
As you travel through Snowdonia National Park, you can also discover the coastal fringe by travelling south to Harlech, with its beach and ancient castle, and then on to the seaside town of Barmouth. There are plenty of watersports to enjoy in Aberdyfi, where the tour concludes.
Top UK Campervan Destinations Snowdonia National Park
- Capel Curig
- Caernarfon
- Glyderau
- Mount Snowdon
- Mawddach Trail
- Harlech
- Barmouth
Campervan The Lake District
The Lake District is a perfect destination for a campervan holiday in the UK. It’s full of hidden gems, incredible views, historic cities, and secret corners just waiting to be explored.
The area is also home to some of the most stunning mountains and lakes in Britain, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the best campervan routes in the UK to explore the Lake District is the A591, which runs from Keswick to Kendal. This route offers incredible views of rolling green hills, crystal clear lakes, and historic little villages. It’s a must-see route for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Lake District in a campervan.
There are plenty of spots to pitch up your custom camper, with campervan sites available in most towns and villages. You’ll find all the facilities you need.
Keswick is a great place to base yourself if you’re planning to explore the Lake District. It’s home to some of the most scenic walks and mountain hikes in Britain and is also the birthplace of Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit.
You can spend time cruising up and down Derwentwater or take a drive to nearby Helvellyn and test your skills against one of the most famous climbs in the Lakes.
The Lake District is one of the best places to visit in a campervan in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. So, pack up your campervan and head to the Lake District for an unforgettable holiday in one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK.
Top UK Campervan Destinations The Lake District
- Keswick
- Buttermere
- Ambleside
- Ullswater
Campervan Northern Ireland – Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route
If you’re looking for a road trip that will take your breath away, then the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is a must-see.
This incredible route hugs the Atlantic coast and is steeped in mythology and legend.
It takes you to several of Northern Ireland’s most-loved tourist attractions and landmarks, including the famous Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Glens of Antrim.
The main route of the Causeway Coastal Route is 120 miles, with an additional 256 miles of additional scenic roads that connect to the main route.
This is a great place to take your camper van for a weekend away with family or friends.
The route takes you through the ‘nine Green Glens of Antrim’ from Belfast to the second largest city in the North-West corner, Londonderry. For most of the Giants Causeway Coastal route, you’ll be following the seawall, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and incredible landscapes that Northern Ireland is famous for.
The Causeway Coastal Route is an incredible drive that’s one of the original and best great British coastal driving route. You can surf, swim, or walk on some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and even visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, which has been making whiskey for over 400 years.
The Causeway Coastal Route is a perfect destination for a campervan trip, with incredible views, national parks, and hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
Head to Northern Ireland for an unforgettable holiday on one of the most beautiful coastal driving routes in the UK.
Top UK Campervan Destinations Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route
- Belfast
- Londonderry
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Glens of Antrim
- Old Bushmills Distillery
Campervan Cornwall
If you are looking for a perfect road trip destination in the UK, then Cornwall is definitely one of the top choices.
With a camper van or motorhome, you can explore this stunning corner of the UK at your own pace, enjoying its beautiful landscapes and hidden gems.
The South West of England is known for its beautiful coastline, and Cornwall has some of the best beaches in the country.
The best way to see Cornwall is via The Atlantic Highway (A39), one of England’s most beautiful driving routes, which covers South-West England and connects Bath to Falmouth.
Along this road, you can see incredible natural scenery, rolling hills, and seaside towns. Cornwall is known for its Atlantic views that will take your breath away.
One of the most popular stops on the Atlantic Highway is St. Ives, with its lovely harbour and cobbled streets.
Another great destination is Falmouth, a historic port town that has much to offer visitors. Make sure to also visit the coastal towns of Bude, Padstow, and Newquay, which are known for their beautiful beaches and fantastic water sports.
And don’t miss out on visiting Tintagel Castle, an ancient fortress surrounded by stunning views that is steeped in legend.
If you are a fan of wild camping, there are plenty of spots to park your camper van or motorhome and enjoy the scenery. But, for those looking for a bit more comfort, there are many fantastic motorhome campsites throughout Cornwall with all the facilities you’ll need for an enjoyable trip.
Cornwall has been a favourite tourist destination for many years, and it’s easy to see why. With stunning coastal views, charming towns and villages, and an incredible array of outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that Cornwall is considered one of the best campervan routes UK.
Top UK Campervan Destinations Cornwall
- St. Ives
- Falmouth
- Bude
- Padstow
- Newquay
- Tintagel Castle
Campervan Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas of England, with its rolling countryside, quaint villages and narrow streets that are perfect for exploring in a campervan.
It’s a great place for a road trip, and there are plenty of motorhome tour routes that you can take to explore this stunning part of the country.
One of the best things to do in the Cotswolds is to take a drive from village to village. There are so many beautiful villages to explore, and some of the best ones to visit include Cirencester, Broadway, and Bibury.
You’ll find a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes in these villages, as well as plenty of attractions to visit, such as Broadway Tower, Cotswold Wildlife Park, and Blenheim Palace.
If you want to explore the great outdoors, there are plenty of national parks to explore. If you have a campervan in the Cotswolds, you can enjoy the freedom of being able to explore wherever you want, whenever you want.
There are plenty of motorhome campsites in the Cotswolds, so you can find the perfect place to park up for the night.
So if you’re looking for a great idea for a campervan trip in the UK, the Cotswolds is definitely a brilliant destination for you.
Top UK Campervan Destinations Cotswolds
- Cirencester
- Broadway
- Bibury
- Broadway Tower
- Cotswold Wildlife Park
- Blenheim Palace
- Stow-on-the-Wold
- Bourton-on-the-Water
Campervan Peak District
The Peak District is an idyllic location for those looking for a road trip with incredible landscapes, charming villages, and historic attractions.
A motorhome holiday in the Peak District is a great idea for anyone looking to explore the rolling English countryside and discover the UK’s national parks.
One of the best holiday ideas is to begin your trip in the historic city of Derby, where you can take a visit to the Derby Silk Mill, the first factory in the world and now a museum, before heading towards Glossop.
From there, the route takes you through the small towns of Chapel-en-le-Frith and Edale, famous for their hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Castleton is another must-see destination, with its Blue John Caverns, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the underground network of caves, and the stunning view of Peveril Castle from the nearby Winnats Pass.
Matlock and Bakewell are also worth visiting, with their charming villages, cozy pubs, and scenic walks, before ending your trip at Chatsworth House, one of England’s finest stately homes and a popular visitor centre.
