10 Best Motorhome & Campervan Routes in the UK and Ireland

With winding coastlines, lush forests, awesome mountains and much more besides, there’s so much to see and explore across the British Isles.

As foreign travel remains off the cards for many of us, surges in bookings for staycations have been seen.

If B&Bs and hotels aren’t your thing, however, hitting the open road in a motorhome or campervan is the perfect way to satisfy your wanderlust and take in the hidden treasures that home has to offer.

Here, we pick out 10 routes perfect for motorhome enthusiasts.

The North Coast 500

One of the UK’s most beautiful road routes, the NC500 travels just over 500 miles (hence the name) around the northern fringes of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. Perfect for a slow-moving week’s break, take in the drama looking out to the North Sea from the A9, before sweeping across the top of Scotland, where a stop-off at Durness will offer moments of total peace and quiet to gather your thoughts.

Returning down the west coast, Ullapool is another popular resting spot and can be used as a base from which to visit the Isle of Skye, before returning to Inverness, where sampling some of Scotland’s best fish and chips is a worthy reward for your efforts.

The Atlantic Highway

We could have called this route the A39, but this section stretching from North Devon to Cornwall just… sounds better, doesn’t it?

Named in part after the Atlantic Coast Express train that followed a similar path, this 244-mile stretch is ideal for long weekends or precursors to extended stays in the south-west. Taking in Exmoor National Park, rugged cliffs and seafood-stuffed stops in Bude and Barnstaple, travel southwards on this route to enjoy ever-increasing glimpses of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Causeway Coastal Route

The 195-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry is a versatile stretch that offers extensive opportunities for excursions, making it suitable for breaks of differing lengths.

Taking in the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway, this route is also growing in popularity thanks to the television smash Game of Thrones, with several of the show’s filming locations dotted along the route, and Northern Ireland playing host to several others beyond.

The Lake District

With over 80 sites set up to welcome motorhomes and an abundance of activities across over 900 square miles, the Lakes have long been a popular destination for visitors of all kinds.

You don’t even have to get out from behind the wheel to enjoy the beauty of this stunning region. The Keswick Loop and Kirkstone Pass are both fabulous journeys if you enjoy the pleasure of driving as much as anything else.

The Copper Coast

A trip to the Republic of is technically foreign travel, of course, so be sure to check government guidance beforehand.

This 100-mile stretch close to Waterford might not be the best known stretch of the Emerald Isle, but it certainly packs a punch for those looking to enjoy a short break. Golden beaches, alien-looking rock formations and coastal forestry all add up to make this hidden gem in south-east Ireland a secret you’ll want to keep for yourself time and time again!

Argyll Coastal Route

A 129-mile wind taking in lochs, islands and mountains, start at Loch Lomond and end at Fort William, just a short drive on from Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.

Plan your route to include a visit to Oban. This postcard-perfect town is the gateway to the Hebrides and is also home to some of the finest, and freshest, seafood found anywhere in the entire country.

Mendip Hills

Perfect for weekends away, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty takes in some of Somerset’s greatest delights, just make sure to leave room for all the cider and fudge you’ll collect on the way.

Without a doubt, the star attraction is Cheddar Gorge. The road itself is a dramatic experience, as the road suddenly plunges through scars in the terrain, while the village of Cheddar itself is a great spot to recuperate and use as a base for walks in the stunning surroundings.

Pembrokeshire

Roughly follow the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from Amroth to Poppit Sands and you’ll enjoy some of Wales’ most epic coastline.

Walking, you’d need a fortnight to take on the whole distance, but this can be done in a long weekend or a languid week in your motorhome. Tenby is a perfect place for a stop-off, where fishing excursions and dramatic coastal views will keep you busy before getting back on the road.

Norfolk

If you’re not a fan of steep hills, why not head to the flat and pleasant lands of East Anglia instead.

There’s no shortage of sights to see, and fans of the Royal Family have several options. The Sandringham Estate offers visitors the chance to marvel at the private home of Elizabeth II, while Holkham and its stunning beach is another favourite of our monarch.

Snowdonia

North Wales has several delights to take in and could even be combined with a longer route down the west coast for a week or fortnight’s exploring.

Cross the Menai Bridge for a day on the Isle of Anglesey before returning to the mainland and heading to Snowdonia National Park, where walks both soothing and challenging offer ramblers of all abilities a chance to sample some truly stunning mountain scenery.

Enjoy your UK road trip with Comfort Insurance

Whether you’re planning your first trip in a motorhome or you’ve committed to a life on the road, there’s nothing quite like the freedom you enjoy while seeing all that these isles have to offer.

That freedom comes much more naturally when you know you’re properly protected against things going wrong with your vehicle.

It pays to come to the experts. Whether you need motorhome insurance or campervan insurance, Comfort Insurance has been providing specialist cover for over 30 years.

Call 0208 984 0666, email info@comfort-insurance.co.uk or contact us via our online form to learn more.