For many motorhome owners, Easter is when the year properly gets going. The weather is usually on the turn, campsites are reopening fully, and there’s just enough daylight to make travelling feel relaxed rather than rushed.
It’s often the first proper outing after winter too – a chance to dust everything off, check the van is behaving itself, and ease back into life on the road.
If you are planning a short break, these destinations tend to work well at this time of year, without needing to commit to long distances or complicated routes.
The Lake District: familiar, but still worth the trip
The Lake District is never exactly undiscovered, but Easter can be a surprisingly good time to visit. You are just ahead of the late spring surge, which makes a noticeable difference on the roads and footpaths.
Ullswater in particular tends to feel a little less pressured than Windermere, and it suits motorhome touring well. Keswick is also a reliable base if you want a mix of scenery and somewhere to stop for supplies.
Campsites are widely available through:
https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk and https://www.caravanclub.co.uk
If the trip ends up sparking ideas for a change of motorhome this year, it’s worth having a look at current models on our website here.
Cornwall: a different experience before the crowds arrive
Cornwall in summer can be hard work in a motorhome. Cornwall in spring is a different story.
The roads are still narrow, of course, but you are not dealing with the same volume of traffic, and places like Padstow or St Ives feel more manageable.
Driving sections of the A39 – the Atlantic Highway – is often enough of a highlight in itself, especially when the weather holds.
A few things that are worth keeping in mind:
- Easter bookings can still fill up quickly
- Some village roads are best approached with caution
- Parking rules are taken seriously in popular spots.
The Cotswolds: an easy, slower-paced option
If you are not looking to cover hundreds of miles, the Cotswolds makes life straightforward. You can move between stops quite quickly, and there is no real pressure to “see everything”.
Places like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are well known, but part of the appeal is simply drifting between villages and stopping when it suits you.
If you are still getting used to your vehicle, or prefer something easier to handle, this kind of route suits a more compact motorhome.
Northumberland: quieter roads and open space
Northumberland tends to get overlooked, which is exactly why it works so well.
You can drive for long stretches without much traffic, and the coastline in particular feels open and unspoilt. Bamburgh is usually a highlight, but there are plenty of smaller stops along the way that are just as worthwhile.
If Holy Island is on your list, it is essential to check crossing times in advance: https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/
The Peak District: practical and easy to reach
Sometimes the best trip is simply the one that is easiest to organise. The Peak District works well for that reason alone.
It is accessible from a large part of the UK, and once you are there, distances between places such as Bakewell, Castleton and Monsal Dale are short.
That makes it a sensible choice if you are working around a long weekend rather than a full week away.
If you have not used your motorhome for a while, it may also be worth refreshing your understanding of general upkeep and costs: Budgeting for motorhome ownership.
Before you set off: a few things worth checking
Easter trips are usually straightforward, but there are a few common oversights that are easy to avoid.
Book ahead, even for short stays
Availability can tighten quickly over bank holiday periods, particularly in popular areas.
Give the motorhome a quick once-over
After a period of little use, it is sensible to check the basics:
- tyres and pressures
- battery charge and electrics
- water system
- gas supply
It does not take long, but it can save you a problem later.
Pack for variation
You might get warm sunshine in the afternoon and a cold evening a few hours later. It is part of travelling in the UK at this time of year.
Check what your site actually offers
Facilities vary more than people expect. Not every site will have full hook-ups or on-site amenities.
Why Easter works so well for motorhome travel
There is something about an early-season trip that feels different. You are not trying to do too much, and expectations are usually lower – which often makes the experience better.
A couple of nights away, a simple route, and a few good stops can be enough.
If you come back thinking about longer trips later in the year – or even a different vehicle – you can explore options here:
https://www.derbymotorhomes.com.
Further reading: Motorhome travel with children.
Please note: campsite availability, local restrictions and travel guidance may change. It is advisable to check directly with providers before travelling.
