8 Best Motorhome & Campervan Routes in the UK

Great Britain is full of stunning sites that make it the perfect destination for any motorhome or campervan owner. Whether it’s along a busy motorway or a quiet country lane, there are plenty of sites to see on routes across the country. In this blog, we’ll give you some of the most scenic motorhome routes in the UK alongside some of the best routes for sightseeing.

If you haven’t got your own mobile home but want to get yourself out on the open road, take a look at our motorhome finance options here at Auto Finance. 

The most popular motorhome destinations in the UK

When caravanning we know it’s not always about the destination, it’s also about the journey. Whilst there are some stunning routes in the UK it’s also important to think about where you want to head location-wise as opposed to driving blind. To give you some ideas on where to head for your journey, here are some of the most popular UK motorhome destinations:

• The Lake District
• Scotland
• Snowdonia
• Cornwall
• Norfolk
• Devon
• The Peak District
• Wales
• The Argyell Coast 
• Yorkshire

With these locations in mind to give you some stop-off and destination ideas, let’s dive into our pick for the best campervan routes in the UK.

The NC500, Scotland

If you’re looking for a lengthy journey to experience a range of natural sights from coastal views to mesmerising mountains, then the NC500 is the route for you. This is one of the best Scotland motorhome routes if you’re looking for scenic surprises for over 500 miles!

Start off your journey with a dazzling trip to the Black Isle for dolphin spotting and seal watching. Continue enjoying the scenic beach views and follow the route along Applecross for some more remote Scottish exploring. There is a wide range of beautiful Scottish motorhome campsites to suit a range of needs along this route so you’ll never be short of places to stay. 

Dunrobin Castle lies along this route too, an ancient castle dating back to the 1300s that immerses you in lavish, royal architecture. For lovers of history and the finer things, this is a must-visit location on your journey. 

Scottish weather can be unpredictable, becoming wet and windy at short notice. To help you stay prepared, check out our blog for the best tips on travelling in all weather.  

Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia National Park is regarded as one of the best places to travel in the UK and is a haven for those seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. Situated in the North of Wales, this mountainous region offers miles of open landscapes to explore full of stunning natural sites.

Absorb the breathtaking natural landscape as you drive along in your motorhome and stop off in quaint villages like Betws-y-Coed and immerse yourself in Welsh culture. 

Lovers of hiking and long walks can drive to Mount Snowdon and those brave enough can test their hiking skills and try climbing to the peak for a truly spectacular view of the surrounding hills. 

If you’re into more modern adventures, Snowdonia has a range of historical sites including Caernarfon Castle, a huge fortress that makes an exciting day out for all the family. 

Snowdonia has so many places to explore and natural wonders to behold, making it a popular place for motorhome and campervan clubs. You’ll find a wide range of campsites to stop off at. Eryri National Park has a wide selection of campervan sites to choose from with facilities on site to keep you going and spectacular views all around. 

A destination known for its vast hills, the roads in Snowdonia are mountainous so it’s important to stay safe and ensure your mobile home can handle this more rocky terrain.

The Giants Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland 

Enjoy a trip away from England and experience the spectacular views of the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Island. This stretch of breathtaking coastline is one of the most stunning motorhome routes in the UK and lets you take in serene beaches and towering cliff views as you travel. Explore a range of historical and cultural sites until you reach the peak of your trip Giant’s Causeway. This perplexing structure is one of the most famous natural sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Snap some pictures and travel up the road to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and brave the views from above overlooking the sea and causeway below. 

If all that danger and daring have you looking for a more relaxing spot, you can head to Ballycastle for an evening indulging in local seafood and enjoying the sunset over the harbour. 

With so much to see and do, this makes a great family holiday for a few days away, with plenty of sites and activities to enjoy along the route. If you want some activities to help keep the little ones happy as you’re driving, check out our tips for campervan travel with kids. 

The Cotswolds, England

A picture-perfect English country retreat, The Cotswolds is home to charming villages synonymous with the image of the English countryside. Driving through the hills and green fields of South West England, you’ll witness a range of historical architecture and stunning landscapes so there’s plenty of choice in activities for your trip. 

For a scenic summertime adventure, stop off in Bourton-on-the-Water. This town is known for the River Windrush that spans through it. In Summer, this area transforms into a bustling destination for travellers to enjoy the glistening waters and historic markets and walks across the river’s 5 bridges. 

Once you’re ready to move on from this peaceful retreat you can head to Cirencester, the heart of the Cotswolds. Here you can choose from one of the many campervan sites in the region to enjoy an evening with fellow campers. 

If you want a more relaxing trip with a range of options for places to stop off and explore, eat and unwind then this is one of the best campervan routes in the UK.

The Peak District, England

The most iconic national park in the UK, The Peak District is the perfect place for campervans and motorhomes to explore a range of rustic routes, and widespread greenery. 

Cruise along the narrow but breathtaking Snake Pass and the view of rocky cliffs and rolling hills and stop off at Ladybower Reservoir to check out the dazzling water and alluring structures. 

For lovers of all things romantic and period dramas head to Bakewell where you can explore Chatsworth House, the iconic building used in Pride and Prejudice. Explore the fantastic gardens and grandeur of this stately home and stay for one of the many arts and creative sessions held on the grounds. 

With so much wide open space, the Peak District is one of the best motorhome routes in the UK for stopovers and campsites. Choose from lakeside sites or prime sites for easy access to the peaks for hiking like Hayfield Camping. Whatever route you choose, there are always places to stay and plenty of sites to explore whether it’s a short trip or a long adventure.

The Lake District Loop, England

An impressive 80-mile loop that circles through all sorts of scenic landscapes, The Lake District Loop is the ideal route for sitting back and enjoying serene sights. 

Start with the most showstopping lake in the Lake District with a trip to Lake Windermere. This is England’s largest naturally forming lake and is the perfect place to enjoy some fishing and a day out on the boats. With the quaint town of Windermere just a short walk away you can enjoy a range of local cafes and small businesses and indulge in some quintessentially British tea and cakes. 

Just a short distance from Windermere is Ambleside, a prime spot for hiking and walking with views of breathtaking waterfalls and woodland wonderlands, perfect to get the kids exploring and learning about nature. 

For lovers of history and mystery, head to Castlerigg Stone Circle for the North’s answer to Stone Henge. This ancient landmark is an English heritage site and well worth a visit for anyone passing through, with Castlerigg Hall campervan park just close by. 

If you’re looking for some culinary delights, head along to Grasmere where you’ll get to indulge in their world-famous gingerbread. 

The Jurassic Coast, England

Step back in time to the era of the dinosaurs with the astounding sights along The Jurassic Coast. With long stretches of beaches and geological formations, it’s easy to feel this part of the world has been untouched for centuries. A short distance away are a number of coastal towns scattered throughout Devon and Dorset. 

Fancy an expedition of your own? Head to Lyme Regis and embark on a spot of fossil hunting to see if you can claim the latest dino discovery. Once you’re all worn out, head down the road to Sidmouth and unwind with some classic chippy tea by the seaside. 

If you’re looking to save money on motorhome travel, utilise some of the free or cheap overnight rest spots within view of the sea before carrying on your journey. 

Move along the coast on your journey until you reach the breathtaking natural sights of Durdle Door, a naturally formed arch made from limestone.

Wherever you choose to explore along this coastal stretch this is one of the greatest campervan routes in the UK if you’re a lover of geography or an archaeology fan.