Top 11 Tour of Great Britain
With so many fascinating places around the world, often we overlook the incredible historic sights, rolling green countryside and pretty villages right here in the UK. Before we get too carried away with travels further afield, let’s give an insight into some great places to tour right here in Great Britain. So let’s get started with our Top 11 Tour of Great Britain.
1. The Lake District
This area, is of course famous for the beauty of the lakes, mountains and pretty little villages.
There’s so much to offer in Englands’ largest National Park – from boat trips on the lake to The World of Beatrix Potter at Bowness on Windermere. Walking the impressive landscapes and famed paths such as Skiddaw or Scaffel Pike, will certainly keep those more active vanlifer’s occupied.
The bustling towns of Kewsick, Kendal and Ambleside provide ample browsing opportunities, when those hiking boots need a good earned rest. Overall, it’s an outdoor enthusiasts dream which will leave you wanting to go back for more.
Roads are generally narrow and can be very busy in peak season, so the use of public transport is a good idea.
Campsites get booked up quickly so it may be wise to ring ahead.
Our pick of the campgrounds:
Keswick
Camping and Caravanning Club on the shores of Derwentwater. It’s just a few minutes walk to the town so there’s no need to worry about transport.
Coniston Water
Caravan and Motorhome Club – This site on the banks of Lake Coniston is a natural leafy setting with a bus stop close by.
2. The Cotswolds
Surrounded by beautiful buildings noticeably built from character Cotswold stone. Marvel at quaint villages, surrounded by green countryside and charming market towns.
The Cotswolds is just adorable and it’s also an area of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’. It won’t be long before you see why!
We love the gorgeous chocolate box towns of Chipping Norton, Chipping Camden and Bourton-on-the-Water. Then there’s the popular town of Moreton in Marsh not forgetting Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. Last but not least the gorgeous town of Broadway is a mix of charming historic buildings and independent shops.
There are just so many pretty towns to see here. Finally, it’s a short distance from the university city of Oxford. Here you can explore the historic spires famously home to so many scholars past and present.
Our pick of the campgrounds:
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has several sites. Starting with Moreton In Marsh, this has good transport links, whilst Bladon Chains in Woodstock is situated on the Blenheim Palace Estate. This being home to the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace to Sir Winston Churchill. Why not visit his resting place in the pretty village church?
Both Broadway and Bourton-on the-Water caravan sites are very central to everything. As well as having good public transport close by.
The Camping and Caravanning Club has a site just outside Oxford.
3. Derbyshire – Top 11 Tour of Great Britain
Home of the Peak District National Park, the first National Park in Britain. There’s plenty of good walking to be done here, along with a mix of historic industrial towns and elegant country estates. Including the fascinating Chatsworth House surrounded by fields of rolling countryside and a great farm shop.
Buxton is an elegant Spa town whilst Bakewell has a pretty river with an array of bustling shops and cafe’s.
Our favourite is Castleton, overlooked by the ‘shivering mountain’ of Mam Tor, there’s great walks, pubs and even caves to visit.
Our pick of the campgrounds:
The Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Castleton is great. It’s really convenient for walking to the village and local pubs. Several walks can be started from the village and the site is on a bus route too. The Caravan and Motorhome Club, have a selection of sites throughout the Peak District.
4. Cheshire – Top 11 Tour of Great Britain
From walking the Rows at the Roman City of Chester to a shopping spree at the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet village. There’s canal walks, pretty villages, good restaurants and country pubs.
If you want a change, why not wonder back to the past to the heart of the Industrial Revolution, at Quarry Bank Mill. Then explore the world of English Aristocracy, at one of the many country estates such as Tatton Park, Lyme Park or Dunham Massey.
If technology is more your thing, there’s the massive satellite at Jodderill Bank or Concorde at the Manchester Airport Visitor Centre.
For any active folk, taking in the gentle woodland walks and more energetic biking tracks through Delamere Forest is a good option.
Pick of the Campgrounds:
The Camping and Caravanning Club Site at Delamere Forest is perfect for the forest trails next door. There’s a railway station adjacent, so hop on the train to Chester, for a great day out!
The Caravan and Motorhome Club Site at Cheshire Oaks – within walking distance to the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet village. Conveniently, it’s on the doorstep to a number of pubs and a canal walk to Chester along the tow path. There’s also good public transport.
Chester – fee paying overnight parking at the Little Roodee Car Park – next to the river.
5. Cornwall – Top 11 Tour of Great Britain
A beach lovers paradise and on the whole, very van friendly compared to lots of counties in the UK.
Some car parks offer designated campervan parking. Roads can be narrow and busy, so make good use of public transport.
There are plenty of little gems here:
St.Ives with glorious blue waters, quaint harbour and narrow streets. We parked up just outside and got the train to town, which takes a good scenic route along the coast.
Padstow is a delight with lots of Rick Stein products and restaurants for foodies and a beautiful coastline. We parked up just outside of town and caught the bus, to avoid the narrow roads and crowds.
Tintagel, King Arthur territory is another delight. There’s easy campervan parking in the town and great walks.
Megavissey with it’s narrow streets and lovely little harbour. The very narrow streets are best avoided, so park up outside of town and walk in!
Marazion has the St.Michels Mount, this tidal island can be reached on foot when the tide is out. Just laze on the beach if the weather permits, Cornwall certainly has some of the best!
There are lots of campgrounds throughout Cornwall.
Visit Cornwall has a detailed list, we have stayed at Godrevy Park Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Hayle. We’ve also stopped at some car parks throughout the county.
Ensure signs allow parking for motorhomes, as these are continuously changing, often to prevent overnight stops!
6. Ireland
Perfect for a trip on the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. There’s a wealth of things to do on the Emerald Isle. However, allow plenty of time to see it’s natural splendours and relax in the company of the extremely welcoming Irish Folk.
From the bustling City of Dubin life itself, to the famous Giants Causeway and the dramatic wild Atlantic coastline.
Ireland has an incredible rich heritage, such as towns of Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Kerry and Cork, there is so much to take in.
How about a traditional Irish pub or marvel at the Titanic experience in Belfast City. Then, there’s The Game of Thrones itinerary for fans of the hit show.
Ireland has plenty of lovely camp grounds, so you won’t be disappointed in your pitch for the night.
Check out the Visit Ireland website for lots of extra information.
7. Scotland
A must for the outdoor enthusiasts or the more sedate traveller! Scenery is in abundance, to keep you in awe. Incredible National Parks, such as Loch Lomand, The Cairngorms and The Trossachs.
There’s so many fascinating and beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches and clear blue waters not to mention the hiking!
Then there’s the Lowlands. Lands of Glacial Gems and interesting gardens, nature reserves, castles and amazing wildlife.
Not forgetting, Edinburgh, the great Scottish Capital. Finally, Melrose and Ayr are all great places to visit.
Campsites:
Edinburgh, Melrose and Ayr all have sites by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Whilst Visit Scotland provides a list of campsites and more information on wild camping.
8. Shropshire
With a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ironbridge, this is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It’s also home to the truly impressive first Iron Bridge which crosses majestically over the River Severn.
There’s historical towns such as Shrewsbury, originally a Saxon town with splendid Tudor architecture. The market town of Ludlow is a foodie lovers paradise, boasting ever tempting food shops and food fairs.
For traditional market town’s, how about Whitchurch? The oldest inhabited town in Shropshire.
If you fancy a lake or Mere, then Ellesmere fits the bill, with a picturesque lakeside setting for leisurely strolls. Church Stretton, known as ‘Little Switzerland’ and is famed for its bottled water.
Campsites:
Ludlow Touring Park, Ludlow, is within walking distance of the town.
The Camping and Caravanning Club have a site close to Oswestry and Shropshire, with a bus stop located outside. Footpaths lead to local villages.
Ellesmere has the Trotting Mare in Overton-On-Dee, complete with a pub on site.
Oxon Hall at Shrewsbury is ideal for walking trails.
9. Yorkshire
A indulgent mix of World Heritage Sites, including Ruined Abbeys and Castles. Countryside is made up of The Yorkshire Dales met with rugged, wild coastlines.
A van tour in Yorkshire can take you to the historic City of York. It has the magnificent York Minster, quaint, narrow cobbled streets and fabulous museums, rolling countryside and weathered moors are on the doorstep.
From James Herriott country and areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to walking trails to suit all tastes.
It’s landscapes include historic houses and elegant towns such as Harrogate, renowned for the famous and rather indulgent Betty’s Tea Rooms. Treat yourself to an afternoon tea and watch the world go by!
There’s Northallerton with its’ Georgian high street and one of the oldest pubs in town, The Fleece. Frequented by Charles Dickens, how incredible! Wenslydale is famous for the cheese of the same name, Leyburn, is a thriving market town, popular for antiques.
For a vibrant city day trip, take the bus or train to Leeds, stroll through the ornate, indoor arcades with top class names!
Camping sites:
York has Beechwood Grange on the outskirts.
If you want to walk into the old Viking city, then Rowntree Park is in the centre itself. Situated alongside the River, it really is perfectly positioned, these are Caravan and Motorhome Club Sites.
Hebdon Bridge Caravan and Motorhome Club Site has lovely walking, with buses passing the site. It’s a pretty town, close to Haworth Parsonage, where the Bronte Sisters’ once lived.
10. Mid & South Wales
From the glorious Gower Peninsula and Breacon Becons to Pembrokeshire. The big name towns of Aberaeron, Newquay, Pembroke and not forgetting the capital, Cardiff are all waiting to be explored.
We may be biased, but we just love our own North Wales region, which we’ve dedicated a whole blog post to.
Must see locations in a Campervan tour of North Wales
Our amazing Welsh country is also just as fabulous. Historic Castles, rugged coastline, wonderful wildlife and beautiful unspoilt beaches, will all keep you perfectly occupied.
Cardiff is a cool capital, with a strong sporting connection. Check out the Millennium Stadium now called the Principality Stadium, for the latest Rugby, Music and Events.
Camping Sites:
Cardiff Caravan Park in the heart of the city, within parkland with a natural feel, walking distance or a bus ride to the centre.
Freshwater East within Pembrokeshire National Park.
Shawsmead Head at Aberaeron, in pretty countryside about 4 miles from the coast. Both Caravan and Motorhome Club sites.
11. North Wales
It may be our No.11 on the list but it’s actually our No.1 destination. So we are dedicating a whole blog to our totally favourite and maybe slightly biased, Welsh homeland region.
Full of dramatic and cultural landscapes, along with an historical past. North Wales is simply beautiful, so feel welcome to visit the North of our Country, to see for yourselves!
Must see locations in a Campervan tour of North Wales
Top 11 Tour of Great Britain Extra Information – Wild Camping
You’ll notice that we have used lots of sites here to stay at.
We wish we could give you overnight parking spots, Aires or similar. Unfortunately, we don’t have camperstop systems here in the UK like Europe.
Overnight parking in motorhomes in the UK is usually frowned upon by authorities, rather than encouraged!
So many of you will want to “wild camp” which again, is not necessarily permitted or even legal in the UK, so we’re not encouraging it!
Brit Stops
The UK does have the excellent Brit Stops Scheme . This offers a choice of various locations to stop the night, across the country. Ranging from pubs to farm shops.
It’s not free as such, it usually involves spending money instead in the business itself, so a pub meal or drink or buying from a shop. Basically, you’ll be able to stay the night in exchange.
CL’s and CS
There are also CL’s and CS’s, both offering stays on private land for up to 5 vans and linked to the two major clubs. The Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning club.
Practical Motorhome Nightstops
Practical Motorhome Nightstops Scheme also offers places to stop, all payable to stay at.
Last but not least, enjoy our beautiful country all year round, it’s quiet out of season and cheaper to stay on sites during low the season but do check what’s open as many close in the Autumn or Winter until Easter.
Thanks for reading our Top 11 Tour of Great Britain.
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