Whether rugged coastline, rolling hills, peaks and lakes or sprawling farmland, a campervan allows you to unlock and explore some of the most remote places in the UK and experience the best the county has to offer.
As we head into camping season (where mid-season, typically, starts from the Early May Bank Holiday), you may be tempted to get out and explore the sites and scenes of the UK. Whether you’re new to campervanning or you’re something of an expert when it comes to the open road and its adventures, there’s always new places in the UK to explore and memorable ones to revisit.
Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we’re avid campervanners (and campers!), and we have rounded up some of the places and routes we’ve visited over the years, as well as ones we’ve got on our list to visit.
The Seven Best Places to Visit in Your Campervan
1. The Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
We begin our recommendations with one of the most far-reaching, remote places in the UK. The Isle of Harris is one of the islands that makes up the Outer Hebrides and is reachable by the Ulg-Tarbert ferry.
The Isle of Harris is known for its sandy beaches, which are reminiscent of the Caribbean on a good day, and for the rugged mountains that offer sweeping views over the stunning islands. Rich in history and tradition, and known for its strong, self-sufficient communities, exploring the Isle of Harris at any point of the year promises sunsets, uninterrupted views of unending landscape and a sense of serenity like no other.
Where Should I Stay?
Horgabost Campsite may be a basic campsite (which means it offers no electric hook-up), but it’s situated right on the beach with level pitches. Facilities include drinking water, showers, toilets, and a washing up area on-site. The campsite even has convenient access to a stunning beach that spans the curve of the bay.
The Hebrides consists mostly of single-track roads, so if you plan on traveling with a larger campervan, you tow a caravan, or you are a nervous driver, this may not be the right spot for you. However, for those with a sense of adventure and a desire for a slower-paced, scenic escape to remote UK, this is the place for you.
What Is There to Do?
First and foremost, we recommend that you simply explore the rugged landscape that’s just outside the door of your camper.
But for those wanting something more to do, there’s plenty on offer. Renowned for its food and drink, the Isle of Harris has a very popular gin distillery, a wide array of shops that provide local produce and fine dining. There are also opportunities for rare bird watching, sea cruises, water sports and other adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Who Should Go?
While small children may enjoy the Isle of Harris, if you live outside of Scotland, the drive may be too long for rewards of its open, rugged landscape. However, for older families, couples and those with a sense of adventure and a willingness to travel, the Isle of Harris is an ideal place to explore in the UK.
What Campervan Will I Need?
The Isle of Harris is mainly single-track roads, especially if you want to explore freely. So, the smaller the campervan, the more easily you’ll be able to get around. Just be cautious that garages are few and far between, so it pays to have a working mechanical knowledge.
2. The Wye Valley, On the England/ Wales border
Nestled on the border of England and Wales, the Wye Valley offers unparalleled views over sloping valleys and deep woodland.
Running from the edge of the Severn River, where the River Wye joins it, the Wye Valley snakes its ways along the border, covering historic villages and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) ending near Hereford. If you’re planning on visiting the Wye Valley, there’s plenty of beautiful landscape to explore.
Where Should I Stay?
If you can, stay at Beeches Farm Campsite, which is situated near Tintern. The site offers electric hook-up, showers and toilet facilities, a free on-site fridge and freezer, and charging lockers for phones and tablets.
With convenient access to Offa’s Dyke and the Devil’s Pulpit, which can be reached via a footpath running along the edge of the site, you can unlock spectacular walks (without needing to park up). Beeches Farm is a rustic postcard; most pitches even include a fire pit, where you can cosy up warm at night to take in some of the best views of the Wye Valley.
What Is There to Do?
Explore Tintern and its historic Abbey, either from the ground or from the famed Devil’s Pulpit or take a drive to Chepstow for the castle. Public footpaths stretch for miles, including views that are as rich as the historic architecture found across its landscape. With an array of quant villages and hamlets that feature traditional Welsh buildings, there’s plenty of exploring and sightseeing to do.
Who Should Go?
The Wye Valley is perfect for the whole family; this means, where it’s rich with nature trails and more, there’s plenty to do for younger people. But for those who desire a peaceful, quiet escape from tourist hotspots, campsites are known to get busy in the summer.
What Campervan Will I Need?
The Wye Valley, if you’re not venturing too far off known routes, can handle all makes of campervan. However, a campervan with good handling will be more convenient when it comes to navigating the narrow roads that lead into the valley, especially in hilly areas.
3. The Chiltern Hills, England
Covering 324sq miles just outside of the M25 and spanning four counties, the Chiltern Hills are known for their traditional rolling green hills, hiking trails, and cycling routes, as well as quintessential farming and communities built on agriculture.
For those wanting what could only be described as the “picture perfect” English landscape, the Chiltern Hills offer this in abundance. From market towns, to cycleways, bluebell woods, mills and local producers, there is something for everyone.
Where Should I Stay?
Orchard View Farm is a rare breed’s farm situated near Princes Risborough. Whilst there’s no electric hook-up, there is an on-site café and shop, including a butcher, offering fresh farm produce and hot meals.
There are seven grass touring pitches, which have a grid surface above the grass for easy manoeuvring. You can also partake in the bushcraft course offered on-site; and, if you’re a fan of detective drama series ‘Midsomer Murders’, location spotting is aplenty in the surrounding areas.
What Is There to Do?
Explore the infamous Hell Fire Caves in West Wycombe or head to Bletchley Park to learn about the history of modern-day computing. Visit the old town of Aylesbury to explore the pokey side streets.
There’s walking and cycling on offer as well, and in springtime, an abundance of bluebell woods to see. You can scale hilly landscapes, or wander in their shadows, never too far from a traditional farming village.
Who Should Go?
The Chiltern Hills is suitable for the whole family, from the very young to those who are interested in history, fresh produce, and the outdoors. It’s a great destination to visit in the UK because the walks are memorable and accessible.
What Campervan Will I Need?
You can pretty much take any campervan here and it’s an ideal spot to test your driving too!
4. Norfolk Coast, Norfolk, England
Home of the famed Norfolk Broads, the lesser known but still as stunning area of the Norfolk Coast offers quieter holidays and a chance to explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Home of the Sandringham Estate and numerous RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) areas of protection, the wetlands and beaches offer a variety of landscapes to explore.
Compared to other areas in the UK, the Norfolk Coast is flatter terrain, and is a great area for those wanting to get to grips with campervan driving while still enjoying the beauty of the UK.
Where Should I Stay?
Bircham Windmill and Campsite offers a unique experience, with a restored windmill on-site that you can visit for a discounted price if you’re a guest. As well as getting to stay in the shadow of a five-storey windmill, you can also visit the on-site bakery at any time and take part in a make-and-bake experience.
Bircham campsite is conveniently situated centrally to either side of the Norfolk coast and is a short drive to most of the coastal areas.
What Is There to Do?
Explore the royal Sandringham estate for something a little different, or head to one of the RSPB reserves for some wetland bird spotting. If you’re lucky, you may also get to see the local seals that frequent the beaches. There are also two very rare chalk rivers to sightsee, which is ideal if you enjoy exploring unusual areas far from the beaten path or like places of geo and biodiversity.
Who Should Go?
The Norfolk coastline is ideal for those with different accessibility needs or those who use a wheelchair. The coastline is flatter terrain and so there’s plenty to do that doesn’t require extraneous walking.
What Campervan Will I Need?
Like the Chiltern Hills, the Norfolk coast is another perfect one to test your campervan driving out and explore a flatter area, where the landscape is full of excitement and promises.
5. Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland, England
Kielder Water and Forest Park is known as the best ‘dark skies’ spot in the UK, with minimal light pollution and the opportunity to see stars year-round (permitting the conditions are right). Kielder itself is the most remote village in England, so for those looking for that off-grid experience, you’ll be escaping the trappings of tourist destinations.
Kielder Forest and Water park has a human-made lake, a wide range of art and architecture situated amongst the lakes and forests, and there’s plenty more to explore under its deep night skies.
For many though, the main attraction appears after dark. Visit the observatory to see the night sky, or simply watch from the comfort of your campervan. Kielder is a designated ‘Dark Sky’ spot, and at nearly 580sq miles, the Gold Tier area known as Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, is the largest area of Dark Sky in Europe, the first of its kind in England and one of the biggest in the world.
Where Should I Stay?
Kielder Campsite is the closest to the national park. Whilst it has no mobile signal, there’s hardstanding pitches and electric hook-ups aplenty.
You’ll need to be a good navigator to access this site, as satnavs (as per the site owners) don’t often work near the site. There are signposts, and the site offers clear directions on how to get there, although they do advise leaving more time for your journey.
With a network of walking routes and trails that span across the site, which link to the national park, you’ll never be too far from an adventure.
What Is There to Do?
The best thing to do in Kielder is to wait for nightfall and watch the stars overhead. Owed to its remote location, you’ll have to rely on paper maps and walking routes for navigation, so it’s perfect for that quiet, laid back holiday for those who want to do nothing more than explore the local national park.
Who Should Go?
Kielder is a place of peace and quiet, which means it’s less ideal as a distraction for animated children than it is an escape for those looking to adventure off the grid. As Kielder is best at night, we recommend going if you’re comfort with late nights, so you can see the stars and landscape at its best.
What Campervan Will I Need?
Take a campervan that works off-grid (which means bringing along the right equipment)! There’s not much internet and access to navigation systems, so be prepared to travel with a map. If your campervan is quite high-tech and you’re reliant on that, you might find it less enjoyable.
6. The Gower Peninsula, Swansea, Wales
Home to some of the best beaches in the UK, the Gower Peninsula spans the area behind Swansea. It’s a designated AONB, and contains rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and inland mountains to climb.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, an explorer by heart, or a keen walker, there’s something for the keen outdoorsy person on the Gower.
Where Should I Stay?
Hosting campers and tourers for 100 years, the Nicholaston Farm Caravan and Campsite is the place to stay on the Gower. With a dreamy breach front on your doorstop, and Cefn Bryn behind you, there’s a lot of opportunity to get out and explore.
With grass or hardstanding pitches available (both with electric on offer), the coast of the Gower can be reached from this campsite. Located near a main road, it’s suitable for experienced campervanners and newcomers.
What Is There to Do?
The Gower has the famous Worm’s Head, which can be accessed during low tide in summer. Viewing it from the famous Rhossili Bay, which Doctor Who fans will instantly recognise, the Worm’s Head provides a stunning sunset that gives it its unusual name.
There are sea adventures awaiting, historic forts to explore and a coastal path that’s ideal for a gentle, sundown saunter.
Who Should Go?
Avid explorer, families, and groups wanting to explore will find something waiting for them. The Gower has something for everyone.
What Campervan Will I Need?
Some of the coastal roads can be narrower depending on your route, making it tight for larger vehicles. But, if you’re comfortable with walking and adventure, you can travel however you like.
7. Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England
Situated in the Cotswolds, Chipping Norton is the highest village by elevation in the Cotswolds and a thriving market town. Unlike other towns and villages in the Cotswolds, where tourism has overshadowed their way of life, Chipping Norton (affectionately referred to as ‘Chippy’) is a thriving local authentic Cotswold town.
For those who want a village break, rooted in history and a chance to village hop some of the most idyllic British villages, Chipping Norton is a fantastic place to situate yourself. With smaller villages and hamlets dotted around within easy driving distance, there’s plenty to see and do for families, explorers, or those wanting a laid-back trip.
Chipping Norton and the surrounding areas are famously home to celebrities, from Jeremy Clarkson to David Cameron, and the luxurious Soho Farmhouse is not too far away
Where Should I Stay?
There’s a Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite in Chippy, right next to Diddly Squat Farm Shop (Jeremy Clarkson’s famed farm), so there can be a lot of road traffic in high season.
However, if you want a quieter trip, then head to nearby Shipston-on-Stour for Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe, which allows small campervans and tents who don’t require electric hook-up.
What Is There to Do?
From exploring local farmland, to village hopping around the Cotswolds, there’s plenty to see and do. Head to Blenheim Palace for a chance to see local history or visit Heythrop Park in local Enstone and take a walk around the estate.
In May, local artists hold Oxfordshire Artweeks around the villages, and it’s a perfect way to village hop with a difference. You can also explore Oxford and its dreamy spires from Chippy with ease.
Who Should Go?
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the stay, but for those desiring an idyllic retreat to the UK countryside, Chippy is central to the Cotswolds and even within a reasonable distance to Oxford.
What Campervan Will I Need?
Chipping Norton is an area of heritage, so if you’ve got a classic VW, here’s an opportunity for you to snap a memorable photograph.
Where Will You Be Going in Your Campervan?
Campervans afford you the opportunity to explore the UK and further afield without needing to centre yourself in one spot or find a campsite every night.
Get Campervan Insurance for Your Trip
Before you head off on your campervan trip, make sure your campervan insurance has the best coverage.
The team at Just Kampers Insurance are campervan specialists and can insure you, from self-builds to heritage vehicles. Get a quote today.
