Ready to hit the road? Camping and vanlife are booming in Britain. It’s estimated that together with tourists, we spent almost 20 million nights in campervans and motorhomes in 2019 alone.
Whether you’re answering the call to the mountains or hoping to explore beautiful beaches and secluded bays, taking your home on wheels is certainly one of the best ways to do it.
No matter what your reason might be for planning an incredible road trip, it’s always worth knowing about some of the best spots to roam and explore with your motorhome.
Why are motorhome holidays on the rise?
With your home on wheels, you can see and plan your dream holiday.
According to the 2023 UK Camping and Caravanning Market Report by Mintel, 29% of adults say that they’re more likely to consider camping or caravanning now than they were before the pandemic. The number of camping trips in 2022 topped 16 million, making a strong post-pandemic return.
With the pandemic forcing us to change our holiday habits, it’s hardly surprising that campervans and holiday homes now make a popular option for holidaymaking. COVID-19 not only inspired a new generation of campers but also shed light on the unaffordable price hikes for other accommodations.
Holidaymakers now look for more independence and control over their itinerary, especially where they choose to eat, sleep and relax. Campervans and motorhomes enable an entirely autonomous trip from the moment you leave home.
How should you plan a motorhome holiday?
Before you set off, it’s best to have a route or, at the very least, an idea of where you’d like to stay. The most important thing is to know where you’ll be stopping overnight since not all parking spots will be safe or legal for you to stay at.
As for the paperwork, make sure that you’ve obtained comprehensive motorhome insurance to give you peace of mind throughout the trip, no matter how many miles you cover. Keep your driving licence with you at all times too.
And then there’s the admin, too. You’ll need to carry out basic maintenance checks on your vehicle, including checking the coolant, engine oil, and windscreen wash. Tyre condition should be at the top of your list – and you might need to put some more air in before you set off too.
Best touring locations in the UK: Our top 3
- Dorset
The beautiful roads around Dorset offer an idyllic haven for motorhomes. This ancient coastline offers an array of natural wonders, including Durdle Door. This county is filled with pastoral and coastal delights but still offers plenty for adults and children to do, along with a selection of independent cafés, artisan coffee roasters, and top restaurants.
- Cornwall
Cornwall is famed for being the UK’s home for surfers. If you don’t have your own boards already, make sure you at least hire some out to make your road trip around the county simply unforgettable. The north coast is filled with dainty country lanes, open green campsites and an array of activities. You’ll have everything you need in this dreamy landscape.
- Lake District
The Lake District National Park is one of the most undisturbed areas of natural beauty in the UK. There are plenty of campsites in the area but if you intend to wild camp in one of the many magnificent valleys or on a mountain pass, make sure that you leave no trace. Respect the environment and you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled mountain views and an open playground for paddleboarding, open-water swimming and hiking.
Overview
Once you’ve planned your route and itinerary, all that’s left to do is check your vehicle and hit the roads. Just make sure that you know what you’re allowed to tow according to the law, especially if it’s your first time taking a trip with your campervan or motorhome.
Carrying your paperwork with you could prove incredibly useful. Safety and organisation might feel like an ordinary routine, but you should still try to cover the basics while you’re exploring a new destination.
