There’s nothing like the thrill of travelling the UK in a motorhome. With everything you need on board, you can immerse yourself in stunning British landscapes and enjoy the freedom of going wherever the road takes you.
But a successful trip doesn’t just happen; it takes planning, preparation and a little know-how.
Whether you’re setting off for the first time or a seasoned motorhome traveller, the tips below will help you make the most of your journey while keeping it smooth and stress-free.
Understand the requirements
Driving a large vehicle comes with greater responsibilities, so ensure you’re up to speed. Check that you have the right driving licence to drive your motorhome, which depends on your age and the vehicle’s weight, and that your MOT and road tax are current.
You’ll also need comprehensive motorhome insurance that gives you peace of mind, in case of accidents, theft or breakdowns. The right cover ensures you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about unexpected setbacks. Keep all your paperwork handy, so you’re ready for anything.
Plan your route
A good trip starts with a great plan. Take time to map out your route, considering the size of your vehicle and the roads you’ll be travelling on. The UK’s country lanes are beautiful, but they can also be tight, so check maps or apps designed for motorhome and campervan travellers.
Popular tools like Park4Night or online forums can guide you to the best spots for overnight stays, from scenic campsites to convenient stopovers with any specific facilities you require. Knowing where you’re headed helps you make the most of every stop and keeps you clear of unnecessary detours or surprises.
Prepare your vehicle
Your motorhome is both your transport and your home on wheels, so it’s crucial to give it some care before you hit the road. Look at the tyres, brakes and lights, and ensure fluids such as oil and coolant are topped up. If your vehicle has been sitting unused for a while, test systems like the heating, water pumps and appliances.
Being prepared here gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid breakdowns that could put a damper on your plans.
Pack the essentials
Packing for a motorhome trip is all about balance. You’ll want the comforts of home but need to keep things practical and light.
Think essentials first: bedding, cookware and clothing for unpredictable British weather, as well as safety items such as a first-aid kit and a torch. If you’re planning to explore remote spots, bring extra water and some food staples.
To avoid clutter, organise everything so it’s easy to find and stays secure while you’re on the move.
With a little preparation and care, your motorhome journey can be as safe and enjoyable as it is memorable. So, pack up, plan ahead and enjoy the open road – Britain’s beauty is yours to explore.
10 Best motorhome trips in the UK
- North Coast 500 (Scotland)
- Route: Inverness → Wester Ross → Sutherland → Caithness → Inverness
- Highlights:
- Breathtaking coastal views and dramatic cliffs
- Charming villages like Ullapool and Dornoch
- Castle ruins such as Dunrobin Castle
- Stunning beaches like Achmelvich Bay
- Duration: 5-7 days (minimum)
- Tips: Be prepared for narrow, single-track roads. Book campsites early in peak season.
- Lake District (England)
- Route: Explore around Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside
- Highlights:
- Scenic drives with mountain and lake views
- Outdoor activities: hiking, boating, and cycling
- Cultural stops: Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top and Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Tips: Stick to designated motorhome parking areas, as the roads can be narrow.
- Wild Atlantic Coast (Wales)
- Route: Cardiff → Pembrokeshire Coast → Snowdonia → Anglesey
- Highlights:
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Barafundle Bay
- Castles like Caernarfon and Harlech
- Snowdonia’s rugged peaks and steam railways
- Coastal wildlife, including dolphins at Cardigan Bay
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Tips: Some coastal roads may be tight; plan ahead for larger vehicles.
- Cornwall and Devon (England’s Southwest)
- Route: Exeter → Dartmoor → Newquay → Land’s End → St Ives
- Highlights:
- Rugged cliffs and sandy beaches at Newquay and Porthcurno
- Historic sites like Tintagel Castle and St Michael’s Mount
- Cream teas and Cornish pasties
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Tips: Check campsite availability as this is a popular tourist area.
- Peak District (England)
- Route: Bakewell → Castleton → Buxton → Kinder Scout
- Highlights:
- Picturesque villages and traditional pubs
- Hiking trails through rolling hills and dramatic peaks
- Chatsworth House and Derwent Reservoirs
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Tips: Ideal for a short getaway with plenty of accessible parking.
- Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides (Scotland)
- Route: Fort William → Mallaig → Skye → Mull
- Highlights:
- The Quiraing, Fairy Pools, and Talisker Distillery
- Wildlife spotting (eagles, seals, and otters)
- Dramatic landscapes and island hopping
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Tips: Ferries are motorhome-friendly but book in advance.
- Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
- Route: Belfast → Giant’s Causeway → Portrush → Londonderry
- Highlights:
- Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Dunluce Castle
- Scenic beaches and Game of Thrones filming locations
- Duration: 4-7 days
- Tips: Consider staying at local campsites to explore at a relaxed pace.
- The Cotswolds (England)
- Route: Oxford → Burford → Bourton-on-the-Water → Chipping Campden
- Highlights:
- Quintessential English villages with honey-colored stone houses
- Historic landmarks like Blenheim Palace
- Rolling countryside and traditional tea rooms
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Tips: Great for a leisurely trip with less challenging roads.
- Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland (England)
- Route: Newcastle → Hexham → Haltwhistle → Carlisle
- Highlights:
- Roman forts like Vindolanda and Housesteads
- Northumberland National Park
- Alnwick Castle (Harry Potter filming location)
- Duration: 4-6 days
- Tips: Plan stops for historical insights and natural beauty.
- Yorkshire Dales and Moors (England)
- Route: Harrogate → Grassington → Whitby → Robin Hood’s Bay
- Highlights:
- Traditional Yorkshire villages and dry stone walls
- Whitby Abbey and the Dracula connection
- Stunning coastal views and moorland landscapes
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Tips: Avoid narrow farm tracks; use main routes to campsites.
Let me know if you’d like help planning a specific route or suggestions for campsites!
Planning your next trip?
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