Reasons to make Scotland your next summer road trip destination

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People often associate Scotland with cold weather, rain and grey skies. 

However, when the heavens clear and the sun shines – Scotland is a magical place. The summer months bring with them long days, thriving wildlife and nights filled with celebrations and festivities – which are just a few of the reasons Scotland should be on your summer holiday to-do list. 

If, like many other Brits, you’re considering a vacation in the UK this year to avoid ongoing flight disruption and airport chaos, why not hop in your caravan or motorhome and head up north? 

The team at VisitScotland have come up with a list of attractions and activities that can be enjoyed in Scotland this summer. 

Whether you want to explore historic cities with your partner or discover hidden gems on a family road trip, Scotland has plenty to offer for every kind of traveller. 

So what are some key attractions that can’t be missed if you’re planning a summer getaway to Scotland? 

A much anticipated annual event, Scotland’s full summer festival programme is returning this year for the first time since 2019. There’ll be seven festivals running between July and August, including jazz, art and theatre, literature, film and comedy festivals. 

If your trip happens to fall between August 5th and 29th, don’t miss the iconic Fringe Festival, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. 

Once you’ve had your fill of city life and festival excitement, hop in your leisure vehicle and explore some of Scotland’s 10,000 miles of coastline. 

Home to a selection of the best beaches in the UK, Scotland boasts crystal clear waters and sandy seaside ideal for getting your daily dose of vitamin D or even trying your hand at a spot of wild swimming, kayaking or white water rafting. 

Summer is also a great time to explore the best of the Scottish wilderness. The country is home to two national parks – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms – that boast countless hiking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities and breathtaking views. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and a jacket just in case it gets chilly when the sun starts to set. 

With plenty of spots to pitch up dotted across the country, Scotland is the perfect UK summer holiday location to explore in a caravan or motorhome. 

Britain’s favourite summer views

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Enjoying breathtaking views of the UK’s scenery is one of the huge benefits of owning a caravan or motorhome.

Many people will be heading off in their leisure vehicle this summer and heading for picture-perfect destinations, but which locations are favourites among Brits?

This is the question Park Leisure aimed to answer when it went out and canvassed opinion.

Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall

Taking the top spot, with 46 per cent of respondents choosing the stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise sea, was Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall.

Once a hidden gem located at the east end of the world-famous Porthcurno Beach, Pedn Vounder has now found fame and even featured as a location on the Poldark series.

Glencoe, Scotland

It’s not just coastal views that made the cut with the iconic Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands chosen by 15 per of the nation as their favourite view.

Situated in a dramatic valley, Glencoe offers wide-ranging scenery from steep peaks to a mirror-like lake and a selection of trails to explore it all on foot.

Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall

Think of the traditional seaside holiday and you’ll probably get an accurate picture of Summerleaze in Cornwall, with its beach huts and sea pool.

It’s suitable for surfing and has a number of amenities including a beach cafe, as well as being within walking distance of the centre of Bude.

Amble Harbour, Northumberland

Located on a promontory at the mouth of the River Coquet on the Northumberland coast, Amble is geographically pretty unique.

Its harbour is a seafood lover’s dream, with fish restaurants and shacks to enjoy the catch of the day at every turn.

Llanddwyn Island, North Wales

Caravanners and motorhomers visiting North Wales will find it hard not to be enchanted by Llanddwyn Island, as it’s said to be the place where the local patron saint of love makes romantic dreams come true.

The island dedicated to St Dwynwen is found just off the coast of Anglesey and is part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A spokesperson for Park Leisure, said: “The UK has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty and we want to be advocates for people getting out in nature during the summer months to enjoy it.

“Our parks are located close to many of these stunning landscapes so that visitors can make the most of the scenery then come back and enjoy a cosy holiday home.”

Ropers Leisure reveals its top holiday parks

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With 30 years of experience in selling caravans, the family behind Ropers Leisure know a thing or two about holiday parks in the UK.

Now, they want to share their knowledge with you and have revealed their favourite locations to discover this summer.

St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall

Cornwall has long been a popular destination within the caravanning community, boasting stunning coastal scenery and a warm climate.

These are the reasons Ropers has included it on the list and St Ives Bay offers three miles of sandy beach for visitors to explore.

South Bay Holiday Park, Devon

Devon also boasts stunning coastline and hospitable weather, but Ropers urge caravanners not to miss out on its selection of National Trust properties.

Family-friendly South Bay Holiday Park is located above the harbour town of Brixham and boasts an adventure playground and swimming pool on site.

Haven Lakeland Leisure Park, Lake District

The Lake District is a hiker’s dream and its stunning scenery has long enchanted caravanners and motorhomers.

Pitch up at the Haven Lakeland Leisure Park to take advantage of its watersports centre, offering kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding to guests.

Wild Duck Holiday Park, Norfolk

Ropers believes Norfolk is a county that has something for everyone, from picturesque villages and historic churches to wide open beaches and stunning coastline.

Its holiday park pick is near Great Yarmouth and has bike hire for exploring the woodland trails on the doorstep.

Sandhills Holiday Park, Dorset

Dorset’s attractions are far from boring, with Monkey World, the Tank Museum and the Purbeck Hills just a selection of its eclectic offerings.

At Sandhills, you can enjoy panoramic views over the English Channel or head off into the New Forest with ease.

James Roper of Ropers Leisure said: “A caravanning holiday is a great way to explore the outdoors with all the comforts of home. We’ve found the best locations and parks available ahead of summer.

“This type of holiday is a great option for families or groups of friends who want to explore the outdoors together. It is also a more budget-friendly option than staying in a hotel.”

NC500 reminds caravanners and motorhomers to be responsible

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The North Coast 500 (NC500) has become one of the most popular destinations for caravan and motorhome trips in recent years.

With it has come some concern from locals in the North Highlands and other visitors that not everyone is acting responsibly along the route.

NC500 has therefore issued renewed advice for anyone thinking of tackling the 516-mile circuit from and to Inverness Castle in a leisure vehicle this summer.

The guidance includes:

  • While wild camping is allowed in Scotland, it only refers to those who arrive by foot or bike and is not permitted in a caravan or motorhome.
  • Park responsibly and in areas that allow overnight parking if you’re not staying in a formal campsite.
  • Drivers must be comfortable navigating single-track roads in a large vehicle.
  • Be aware that Scottish access rights and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code don’t apply to motor vehicles.
  • Chemical toilet waste should only be emptied in places specifically designated for this purpose.
  • Ensure the emptying methods for all on-board waste facilities are demonstrated when hiring a caravan or motorhome.

Craig Mills, operations director for NC500, said: “Experiencing the North Coast 500 by motorhome or campervan has become a popular way for visitors to enjoy all that the North Highlands has to offer.

“However, it is important that these users are well prepared for their visit and follow the appropriate advice and guidance.”

There’s a more in-depth guide to completing the route by motorhome or caravan on the NC500 website, complete with names of places to park overnight and locations to dispose of waste.

Once all of the logistics are in place, you’ll be able to enjoy the highlights of this world-class route, including the Castle of Mey, Smoo Cave and Corrieshalloch Gorge.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/john Higgitt

Interactive maps for your next UK road trip

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Many Brits are setting their holiday destination sights closer to home due to increasing air travel chaos and uncertainty at UK airports due to staff shortages. Whether you want to explore the country in a caravan or motorhome or pack up your tent and hit the road – there’s no shortage of fantastic family-friendly road trip destinations in the UK. 

From the iconic coastline in the south-west of England to the breathtaking Welsh countryside, all the way to the remarkable Scottish Highlands – there are plenty of tranquil staycation spots and summer touring destinations that are ideal for a UK road trip. 

To take the hassle out of navigation, the team at Just Kampers has created a series of interactive UK road trip maps spanning the whole of England. Pinpointed on each of the interactive maps are campsites to make it easier to find a place to park your leisure vehicle or pitch your tent along the way. 

Starting from the bottom of the country, the south-west coastline is ideal for visiting some of England’s best beaches and getting off the beaten track. Must-see historic sites include Saint Michael’s Mount in Marazion and the Minack Theatre perched on the Cornish cliffside. 

There are plenty of road trip highlights in the south-east. These include a stop-off at Beachy Head Lighthouse in Eastbourne and a visit to historic Hastings before finalising the route with a dip in the refreshing waters of Margate. 

Heading away from the coast, some of the UK’s best road trip destinations can be found in the Midlands. Take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Malvern Hills in the West Midlands, or explore historic cities like Lincoln and Boston in the East Midlands. 

If you want to head to the hills, check out the road trip route through Yorkshire and the Humber. Further up the country, you can explore road trip trails that wind their way through the Lake District in the north-west of England. Or, if you fancy hiking and camping in the Pennines, check out the route that meanders through the north-east. 

Whether you fancy a relaxing road trip by the British seaside or a more adventurous romp through the best of the British countryside, there’s a route that’s guaranteed to pique your interest. 

Here’s what Josh Reynolds from Just Kampers had to say when he spoke to CaravanTimes about getting out and exploring all that the UK has to offer. 

“We’ve put together this list of interactive road trips to get people all over the UK out and about this summer, exploring new places and making new memories. Whether you’re just visiting or call the nation home, we’ve found over 300 unique points of interest across the country and made it easier than ever to enjoy them.

“The UK is filled with amazing things to see and do, so we hope these interactive road trips encourage people to get out and enjoy them.”

You can check out all of the interactive UK road trip maps on the Just Kampers website. 

 

 

 

 

Interactive road trips courtesy of Just Kampers and Just Kampers Insurance

2 new sections of the England Coast Path open

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Two new stretches of the England Coast Path – Tilbury to Southend-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea to Wallasea Island – are opening to the public today (July 13th).

They represent even more opportunities to get out and enjoy hiking on a caravan or motorhome holiday in the UK.

Highlights along the route include the Tilbury Cruise Terminal, where SS Empire Windrush docked; and Tilbury Fort, which was the location of Queen Elizabeth I’s rousing speech to the troops as the Spanish Armada approached.

There’s also a fascinating beach of glass that was created when the Thames eroded the banks of an old bottle dump site; the Wallasea Island RSPB reserve to spend some time birdwatching; and the coastal resort of Southend-on-Sea to discover.

Marian Spain, CEO of Natural England, said: “The England Coast Path will be the longest coastal walking route in the world once complete, accessible to all via public transport and walkable in all weathers and by people of all abilities.

“I’m thrilled that today Natural England is opening this latest section, which takes us another step closer to being able to walk all the way around England.

“This stretch passes through areas rich in seaside heritage: industrial heartlands, coastal communities and nature reserves where precious wildlife, from flocks of wild geese to rare insects, thrive.”

When it’s finished, the England Coast Path will be a 2,700-mile continuous trail of well-maintained footpaths.

Some of it will include new public rights of access, offering walkers the chance to explore beaches, cliffs and sections of foreshore that were previously restricted.

Prior to the new stretches of route being opened today, the last part of England Coast Path to have been launched was the Grain to Woolwich section in January this year.

Caravanners and motorhomers keen to hike any section of the long-distance route are reminded to follow the Countryside Code on responsible enjoyment of the country’s natural environment.

 

Image credit: Natural England, Darren Braine

Dream destinations: Montenegro

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Despite its relatively small size, Montenegro is a country that’s jam-packed with stunning natural beauty, adrenaline-fuelled activities, fascinating history and delicious local fare. If you’re wondering where to explore on your next caravanning holiday, it could be just what you’re looking for. 

Montenegro shares its borders with Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Although temperatures can reach sweltering highs during the summer months, Montenegro experiences high levels of rainfall throughout the year, yielding lush greenery regardless of the season. 

Whether you want to embark on a mountain getaway to do some hiking or a beach break to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has something for everyone. 

There are many affordable caravan sites dotted throughout the country, making it an ideal touring destination. One of the best things about Montenegro is its compact size, which means you won’t have to worry about overly long drives.

You’ll be glad to know that Montenegro offers some of the most stunning mountain and coastal roads to drive on, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities and mesmerising sunsets along the way. 

Montenegro is full of must-see tourist hot-spots that are definitely worth paying a visit to. But there are also numerous occasions to get off the beaten track and explore the country’s wilder side. 

No trip to Montenegro is complete without a trip to the Bay of Kotor. The best time to visit is outside of the summer season if you want to avoid an overload of tourists from cruises and temperatures that reach above 35 degrees Celsius. 

When you’re there, park up and explore the medieval old town, Kotor Cathedral and the Maritime Museum. Weather permitting, you can walk up to the hilltop fortress for unforgettable views over the bay before heading to the beach for a sunset dip. Be sure to visit the neighbouring town of Perast, which is much quieter than Kotor and a great spot to eat some fresh seafood for dinner. 

If you’ve had your fair share of beach time, the north of Montenegro is home to stunning forests and lakes that can’t be missed. 

Durmitor National Park in the north west offers dramatic scenery and tranquil nature like no other. Although wild camping is illegal in the park and everywhere else in Montenegro, there are countless campsites that you can pitch up at during your visit. 

Another must-see destination is Lake Skadar, which is the largest lake in the Balkans and lies on the border between Montenegro and Albania. Admire the views of the lake and surrounding mountains and marvel at the swirling patterns that the vegetation creates on the surface of the water. You can do a boat trip on the lake and see what wildlife you can spot along the way. 

You might be surprised to know that Montenegro is also home to Europe’s only rainforest, Biogradska Gora. If you’re interested in learning about its biodiversity, this is a great spot to explore in your leisure vehicle, with various opportunities to hike and take a dip along the way.

Whichever spots you decide to stop at, be sure to taste the local Montenegrin cuisine such as lamb in milk (found in the north of the country), Cevapi (grilled sausages), and Musaka (similar to the casserole found in Greece). Pair a delicious meal with a glass of local beer or wine before heading back to your leisure vehicle for the night. 

 

Image credit: Faruk Kaymak / Unsplash

The best 2-berth motorhomes for couples

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What could be more romantic than hitting the open road in a motorhome with your other half?! It’s a great way to explore and spend some quality time together.

Since your leisure vehicle is going to be both your accommodation and your transport, it’s important to think carefully about the features that will work best for you.

With this in mind, Shane Malpass, director at We Buy Any Motorcaravan, has rounded up the two-berth motorhomes he thinks are best for couples seeking adventure.

He said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a motorhome and especially with a partner, family member or friend. And there’s an old saying: two is company, three is a crowd.

“There are a few motorhomes for couples on the market available right now, from brand new to still great second-hand models. Here is my list of the best small motorhomes for couples that have a little something for everyone.”

Auto Sleeper Nuevo EK

A traditional style two-berth, the Auto Sleeper Nuevo EK is low profile and the benches in the lounge area can be converted into a double bed.

EK stands for end kitchen, which is where you’ll find an oven, four-burner hob, grill and fridge, with a microwave located at the rear above a workspace.

What really makes the Auto Sleeper Nuevo stand out, according to Mr Malpass, is the washroom at the back complete with a shower.

  • Price when purchased new: around £60,000
  • Second-hand price: under £30,000
  • Mass in Running Order: 2874kg
  • Maximum Authorised Mass: 3500kg
  • Shipping length: 5.5 metres

Autotrail Tracker EKS

Not dissimilar in terms of layout to the Auto Sleeper Nuevo EK, the Autotrail Tracker EKS has the same type of sleeping arrangements, as well as kitchen and washroom layout.

What this model boasts, however, is more space, as it’s much roomier at 6.5 metres than most other two-berth motorhomes with the same configuration.

Mr Malpass’ top tip for grabbing a bargain is to source an Autotrail Tracker EKS from 2014, as it’ll come in at less than £35,000 and still be a great motorhome, just a bit older.

  • Price when purchased new: under £60,000
  • Second-hand price: under £35,000
  • Mass in Running Order: 2950kg
  • Maximum Authorised Mass: 3500 kg
  • Shipping length: 6.5 metres

Auto-Sleeper Kingham

For a more relaxing and romantic escape opt for a motorhome with a French bed, meaning you don’t need to set it up every night.

This feature alone puts the Auto-Sleeper Kingham high up the list of Mr Malpass’ favourite two-berths, and it can be found at the rear of the motorhome.

Seating consists of a long bench in the lounge area and the two cab seats swivelled round. A fitted kitchen and washroom including a shower complete its features.

  • Price when purchased new: around £68,000
  • Second-hand price: around £40,000
  • Mass in Running Order: 3102kg
  • Maximum Authorised Mass: 3500 kg
  • Shipping length: 6.4 metres

Carthago Liner for Two I53

If you’re prepared to blow the budget then the Carthago Liner for Two I53 has exceptional build quality and a host of mod cons.

That means an electric drop-down bed just above the cab, a waterfall shower and a button you can push to extend the lounge!

Integrated storage space throughout means you can keep everything tucked away, including your car in the large garage at the rear.

  • Price when purchased new: around £122,000 (minus any extras)
  • Second-hand price: about £105,000
  • Maximum Authorised Mass: 6,700kg
  • Shipping length: 7.8 metres

How to embrace Plastic Free July in your caravan or motorhome

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Many of us are trying to cut down on single use plastics in our everyday lives, but it’s easy to let these good intentions slide while away in our caravan or motorhome.

If you’ve been putting off making changes in your leisure vehicle, then Plastic Free July could be the perfect impetus to spur you into action.

Of course, there are three ways in which you can help stop plastic from ending up in landfill or our oceans: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Reduce

Think carefully about the plastic products you buy new for caravan holidays and whether there are alternatives you could purchase instead.

For example, you can get beeswax paper to wrap up the family’s sandwiches for a picnic as opposed to using clingfilm.

Think bamboo cutlery and crockery to kit out your motorhome, and a metal drinking bottle to refill throughout your stay.

Reuse

Of course, there are likely items that you already own that are made out of plastic and it makes sense to continue to use them to reduce their environmental impact.

If you always take miniature bottles of toiletries, cosmetics, sunscreen and washing up liquid away with you in the caravan or motorhome, refill the ones you’ve already got instead of buying new ones.

Recycle

All holiday parks should be providing onsite recycling facilities, so make use of them. Just as you’ve likely implemented a recycling box system at home, install one in your caravan or motorhome.

If you haven’t got room for individual boxes for each type of material, you can separate them later. Like a lot of things in our leisure vehicles, recycling storage can be done on a small scale.

Pitching up at a certificated location or smaller site without facilities means being responsible and taking your plastic waste home with you to recycle.

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/SHVETS production

What to consider if you’re undertaking a van conversion

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Motorhome conversions are more popular than ever, as holidaymakers embrace van life and the freedom offered by having your own accommodation on wheels.

With this in mind, motorhome insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk has issued a list of things to consider for anybody thinking about undertaking their own conversion.

Turning any type of van into a leisure vehicle requires its details to be updated with the DVLA for identification purposes.

There’s also a checklist of internal and external elements that must be complied with to ensure it’s roadworthy and safe for use as accommodation.

Converters must update the V5C form and provide photographic evidence that sleeping infrastructure; seats and a table; and cooking and storage facilities have all been fitted.

It’s also important that the insurance provider is informed of all modifications, like fitting alloy wheels, a new kitchen, design tweaks or added branding.

This ensures the policy is accurate and there’s no risk of it being voided by the updates to the vehicle.

Insurers will not always change the price of premiums when modifications are made, but it’s always best to inform them of the work so the information they hold is accurate.

Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “There was an understandable boom in motorhomes across the pandemic when foreign holidays were restricted, with families exploring staycations and investing in motorhomes.

“Our latest data shows that this trend is continuing, with 29 per cent of our customers in the process or just finished converting their vehicles into motorhomes in order to enjoy a staycation closer to home.”

If you’re in the planning stages of a conversion, some of the most important areas to consider are:

  • Ventilation
  • Insulation
  • Electricity and gas installation
  • Fresh and waste water storage

 

Photo credit: iStock.com – Alisha Bube via Quotezone.co.uk

The most tranquil staycation spots in the UK

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Owning a caravan or a motorhome means you can head off on multiple staycations throughout the year and enjoy different types of holiday.

If you’re experiencing burnout and looking for a tranquil place to relax, Wellbox has put together a list of destinations that are perfect for unwinding.

It created an index taking a number of factors, including crime rates, population and peaceful outdoor activities, into consideration.

Some 53 destinations were analysed and each given an overall peace score out of 100 to reveal the top ten most relaxing destinations in the UK.

Based on the research, Devon looks like a good bet for getting away from it all, as the county boasts three destinations in the top five.

Dartmouth scored 81.1 out of 100 on the index, with visitors able to enjoy its seaside location and hike no fewer than 40 trails to get back to nature.

Kingswear came in second place with a score of 78.6 and Croyde in fifth at 71.3, so you could have a relaxing time in Devon staying in multiple locations in your touring caravan.

If you’ve already explored Devon, then Over Haddon in the Peak District could be a good alternative.

It was ranked third on the scale, with the peaceful village of just 255 residents achieving a score of 75.9.

Pitching up here means you’ll be surrounded by undulating hills and dales. There are 12 trails to choose from to hike locally, on top of six that are particularly good for birdwatching.

Further north, fourth-placed Reeth is something of a Yorkshire gem, while Scotland’s St Andrew’s in Fife came in at a respectable seventh.

While we all do different things to relax, getting away from busy areas and enjoying the countryside is a common feature of tranquil holidays.

 

 

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Alan Whitehead via Wellbox

Top YouTuber puts Route YC to the test

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Whitby native and social media adventurer Paul Hayes, who’s otherwise known as Haze Outdoors, recently put the latest long distance touring route to the test.

Route YC showcases the Yorkshire coastline and has been set up in the hope of promoting this part of England in a similar way to Scotland’s North Coast 500.

Mr Hayes, along with close friend Joey, documented his trip to the North Yorkshire coast with a YouTube video, which has received more than 38,000 views at the time of writing.

The pair camped on the route, swam in the sea, foraged for wild garlic and cooked lobster on an open fire as they discovered the best the new route has to offer.

They also cycled the Cinder Track, climbed Whitby’s iconic 199 steps and enjoyed refreshments at the Green Dragon Ale House.

Mr Hayes said: “To explore Whitby and the immediate surrounding area was like a dream come true and it helped us reconnect with the place that we grew up in.

“We found some places that we never even knew existed and all in all, just had a mint laugh.”

He added that the video format is a bit of a departure from the usual camping content he produces for his channel, but making it was really enjoyable.

The Route YC website outlines six itineraries, each based around a different town – Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea.

While Mr Hayes and his friend opted for their hometown of Whitby, visitors can take their pick or join sections of the route together to explore more of the Yorkshire coast.

There’s also a guide on the site to help those keen to explore Route YC in a caravan or motorhome. It includes advice on overnight parking and access rights.

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Tim Hill