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08 January, 2019 - Updated Last updated on
11 March, 2022

Posted by Spaceships Crew

Campervan adventures in the UK are fantastic due to the incredibly lush and beautiful countryside, the great mix of vibrant cities and chocolate box villages, the endless list of summer festivals and events, plus the island’simgrich and fascinating history which can be seen across all historical ruins, castles and architecture.

And to top it all off, Great Britain is home to a large number of Michelin Star restaurants, ranking third place only after France and Italy. But you don’t have to fork out for a pricey meal to enjoy good grub in Britain; because this is the land of the classic “ye olde English pub”, everyone can eat and drink well.

So if you love the great outdoors, enjoy cosmopolitan culture with great booze and great nosh, hop in one of our Spaceship Campers and let’s get touring. Here are 27 amazing things to do in the UK on a motorhome or campervan holiday.

1. See the World Wonder of Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the best known ancient wonders of the world and these strange stone monument are said to date back more than 5,000 years in history. Visit this incredible site to discover the ancient landscape of the Neolithic era and stay at the nearby Stonehenge Touring Park, giving yourself an extra day to explore the nearby city of bath as well as Avebury Stone Circle.

stonehenge..

2. Go to Glastonbury Festival

This is your chance to check out one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, Glastonbury Music Festival! This prestigious event started back in 1970 and over the years, rock legends such as the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Who, The Smiths, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder, The Cure, Dolly Parton, Metallica, Oasis, David Bowie and Amy Winehouse have all headlined there. Campervan spots available in the East and West fields and there are also double pitches available for larger vehicles. Festival tickets are released one year in advance and sell it quickly so make sure you plan ahead.

3. Relax in the Lake District

Take your camper to the stunning Lake District area and spend a few days hiking the beautiful fells and boating out on the waters. Go shopping and stop off at tearooms at Bowness, take the waterfall walks near Ambleside, or head to Grasmere to taste the famous (and original) gingerbread. There’s so much to do here but the beauty is, you can also do nothing at all if you so wish – just kick back, grab a drink at Wateredge Inn on the edge of Lake Windermere, and watch the world go by…

Lake District

4. Tour the Isle of Skye

For remote natural beauty, take your camper to the Isle of Skye and drive the A87, A863 and A850. Feel like the only one on the road as you explore the untouched mountain landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Far from busy towns and free from light pollution, the remote and secluded Isle of Skye is also an awesome place for stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights.

5. Go Surfing in North Devon

Go surfing and enjoy the golden beaches in the North Devon area if you’re craving the waves. North Devon receives unbroken waves across thousands of miles of ocean and top beaches such as Woolacombe or Saunton Sands offer something for all levels, whether you’re a pro or a beginner.

surfing

6. Visit Liverpool, Home of The Beatles

Music fans will fall in love with the energy of Liverpool, a city which gave birth and raised the infamous Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Take the Magical Mystery Bus Tour, visit the Beatles Museum, or have a drink at The Cavern Club where the Beatles regularly played.

7. Experience the English Riviera in Torbay

Forget the French Riviera. Here in the UK, we have our own English Riviera and in the peak of summer, it really does feel like a European beach holiday abroad. The beaches of Torbay are award-winning and there are enough sailing clubs to make you feel like you’re in Cannes. Be sure to try Hanbury's Famous Fish & Chips and don’t miss the cool seafront cafes and bars at Torquay Harbour.

Torbay

8. Find the Oldest Pubs in the Cotswolds

Not only is the Cotswold region unbelievably beautiful and ideal for keen nature walkers, but it’s also one of the best areas for experiencing the old fashioned English pub. In fact, many of them claim to be the oldest around and with their olde worlde interiors and cosy pub menus, you’ll fall in love with their authenticity. Head to the Red Lion Inn in Chipping Campden or The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold and you’ll know exactly what we mean. 

9. Pig Out at Loch Lomond Food Fest

Foodies will love this amazing food fest at Loch Lomond. It’s one of Scotland’s best and biggest festivals, attracting more than 30,000 every year. Come and taste the best Scottish produce including smoked mussels, local meats such as venison, haggis, oatcakes, locally brewed ciders, whiskies and tasty ribeye sandwiches.

loch lomond

10. Drive the Notorious Snake Pass

One of the most notoriously terrifying roads in the Peak District, the Snake Pass winds through the Derbyshire hills with beautiful views plus a scary ascent with an elevation gain of 302 and lasting 14 kilometres, crossing the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower Reservoir. Stop off at The Snake Pass Inn to refuel and be sure to drive carefully in bad weather.

11. Camp on the Beach in Cornwall

One of the best places to camp in Britain is the beautiful southern region of Cornwall and many campsites also feature pitching spots for motorhomes and campers too. One of the best places to stay is Treveague Farm in St Austell because you can enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean, plus the picturesque fishing village of Gorran Haven is nearby. A great place for couples or families alike, with amazing coastal spots to set up your tent.

cornwall

12. Do the 100mph Zip Line over Penrhyn Quarry

Are you a bit of a daredevil? If so, you simply cannot miss this incredible zip lining experience over Penrhyn Quarry in the Snowdonia region in Wales. For a hit of adrenaline with seriously mind-blowing views, this 100mph zip line is a must. It’s the world’s fastest zip line and you’ll be suspended more than 150 metres in above Penrhyn.

13. Visit Shakespeare’s House

Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most beautiful historic towns in England and it’s also home to the houses and birthplace of Shakespeare. Visit the house where he was born, his main residence, Hall’s Croft (the home of his daughter) and Anne Hathaway’s cottage (the childhood home of his wife). This incredible town is the cradle to modern literature and it’s definitely worth a visit for book lovers.

Shakespeares House

14. Eat Fish and Chips in Whitby

You can’t take a campervan tour of Britain without stopping off for fish and chips. It’s the national dish and it’ll be spot on wherever you go but if you really want the best of the best, Whitby’s fish and chip shops are award-worthy.

15. See The Glens Of Antrim

For a picturesque coastal drive in Northern Ireland, hit the Antrim Coast Road and take the 25 mile journey passing through the foot of each of the nine glens. This drive is more popularly known as “The Glens” and will take you through some of the prettiest villages in the region too. Stop off at Ballygalley to stroll along the beach, play a round of golf or to visit the castle.

Glens Of Antrim

16. Book a Table at L’Enclume

Named Britain's best restaurant for the fourth year in a row in this year, Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume is a must if you’re a serious foodie. This Michelin Star restaurant is located in the wonderful Morecambe, where you will find a choice of fantastic campsites including Morecambe Lodge Caravan Park and Venture Caravan Park. Be sure to book months in advance though to avoid disappoint because Michelin Star restaurants have long waiting lists in the UK. 

17. Bottoms Up at the Great British Beer Festival!

Pub culture rules in England so it’s important to appreciate good beer and locally brewed specialities. The Great British Beer Festival in London brings people together for four days of amazing food and drink and plenty of entertainment to boot! There are over 900 real ales, ciders, perries and international beers on offer so you can taste away to your belly’s content.

Great British Beer Festival

18. Drive from Land's End to St Ives

There are fewer places more beautiful than Cornwall here in the UK – we really can’t fault it as a motorhome holiday destination. This scenic drive taking you from the headland of Land’s End in the far south up to the pretty beach town of St Ives will offer the most spectacular coastal views and will also give you a chance to check out the different beaches in the region.

19. Climb the Three Peaks

If you’re looking for a physical and mental challenge, why not test your endurance by climbing Britain’s famous Three Peaks? That’s Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon‎, taking you all the way from Scotland to England to Wales. If you’re doing all three, make sure you do lots of planning ahead. But you’ll be in luck for campervan sites as all three areas surrounding the mountains offer great places to park up for the night.

three peaks

20. Stargaze at Galloway Forest Park

Galloway Forest Park is the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland, an area where light pollution is at a minimum so star viewing is at its best. More than 7,000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye from the park so park up your camper, wrap up warm, and set up the Spaceship’s outdoor sleeping mode.

21. Visit a Spa Town

If there’s one thing British ladies love, it’s a luxury spa – especially when champagne and beauty treatments are involved. With so many spa towns to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to relaxation. Spa towns such as Bath, Harrogate, Cheltenham and Royal Tunbridge Wells also offer a lot of historic value so you can enjoy the wonderful architecture and do a spot of sightseeing before you hit the sauna.

harrogate spa

22. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Capital

The act of afternoon tea dates all the way back to Anna the Duchess of Bedford in the 1800s and to this day, it remains to be an important part of British tradition. A royal affair in every way, afternoon tea is a well-dressed occasion so make sure you pack some smart shoes in your Spaceship camper. Some of the best London afternoon spots are Brown's Hotel, The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason.

23. Try Yorkshire Puddings in Yorkshire

Not only is Yorkshire home to a fantastic coastline, plenty of beautiful countryside plus cool historic towns (such as York and Harrogate), but it’s the best place in England for tasting Yorkshire puds. No-one makes a pud like a Northerner so book a Sunday roast meal at one of our favourite eateries, which includes The Ship Inn in Aldborough, The Black Bull near Pickering, and The Crooked Billet in Saxton.

yorkshire puds

24. Visit Chatsworth House in Derbyshire

Chatsworth House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and it’s easy to see why. This grand and beautiful stately home is set on spacious grounds where visitors can stroll, relax or enjoy a picnic. Kids can get lost in the fun outdoor maze, art lovers can enjoy the sculptures and North Sketch Gallery art collections, whilst nature fans can walk through the ancient woodland. Chatsworth House is open daily from 10:30am to 5pm and family tickets are available.

25. Go Cheese and Cider Tasting in Somerset

Do like the farmers do and join the locals in their favourite treats – indulge in some cheese and cider tasting in the county of Somerset, a region that is also home to countless cider festivals in the summer. Great farms offering tasting include Wilkins Cider Farm, Orchard Pig, Hecks Farm Shop and Sheppy's Cider Farm.

somerset cider

26. Experience the Black Mountain Pass

The Black Mountain Pass in Wales is one of the shortest road trips in Britain, so if you’re after something that can be completed in a day yet still delivers epic scenery, make tracks for this mind-blowing mountain road in Brecon Beacons National Park. If you’re a petrol head, you’ll be pleased to know that Top Gear ex-host Jeremy Clarkson has travelled this route many a time – just watch out for the stray sheep and sudden hairpin turns. Take the route from north to south and you can extend your journey to the A470 if you can’t get enough of the park.

27. Go Shopping in London

A shopping trip to London isn’t like any other shopping trip in Europe. The different areas / neighbourhoods of our capital city offer something different to every type of visitor. For authentic antiques and flea markets, head to Portobello Road; for cool vintage fashion, be sure to check out Spitalfields and Camden Lock; for designer labels and famous department stores, head to Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street; or for fashion boutiques and quirky indies, check out Carnaby Street. If you love old fashioned English tailoring, don’t miss Savile Row or for something that’s just quintessentially British, make your way to the world-famous Harrods. 

london

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