Britain offers a rich diversity of attractive destinations. As we hopscotch around the country, here is our selection of places to consider for a short break in your motorhome.
- Dorset
Dorset is one of England’s lesser-known counties and many people simply travel through it on their way to Devon and Cornwall.
That’s a pity because it has some beautiful coastal stretches and some exceptionally pretty inland towns and villages – such as Cerne Abbas.
- Isle of Wight
Just a little further along the coast is the Isle of Wight – across a narrow stretch of the Solent that nevertheless gives you the impression of having travelled overseas.
The island has an especially mild climate, is easily accessed by regular ferry services, and has a selection of well-equipped campsites for your motorhome.
- Portsmouth
The historic Royal Naval Dockyards and many other nautical attractions make this a must area to visit for those interested in a combination of ships and the military.
There are plenty of famous ships to see. In the unlikely event that you grow bored with all that the City of Portsmouth has to offer, you’ll be right on the doorstep for that ferry ride to the Isle of Wight.
- Canterbury
The cathedral city of Canterbury has a rich and important history that helped to shape England as we know it today – it is also one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Located in Kent – in the south-eastern Garden of England – Canterbury’s historic status has been recognised since the 1st of October 2020 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also just a 20-30 drive to the coast.
- Plymouth
In the opposite direction, on the coast of southwest England, you’ll find the City of Plymouth.
Plymouth Hoe on the waterfront seems little changed from that moment in history – the 20th of July 1588 – when Francis Drake insisted on completing his game of bowls before setting sail to defeat the threat of the Spanish Armada.
- Gower Peninsula
It’s almost an island – but not quite. The Gower Peninsula, near Swansea in South Wales, is a haven of peace and tranquility at any time of the year.
It offers stunning coastal paths while inland life continues at the serene pace of a traditional rural community – and many a campsite ready to welcome you and your motorhome.
- St Albans
Historic St Albans once went by its ancient Roman name of Verulamium.
It is an attractive smaller city and one which is surrounded by stately homes and other places of interest. No pick of the best motorhome short breaks would be complete without mentioning London – and there are regular fast train services direct from St. Albans into the capital.
- Warwickshire and the northern Cotswolds
One big attraction with destinations in Warwickshire and the northern Cotswolds is the simple geographical fact that they sit in the very centre of England. So, it’s easy to reach from just about anywhere – with the possible exception of Scotland!
The countryside is pleasant, with rolling green hills and there are some fantastic tourist centres such as Stratford upon Avon, Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Coventry.
- Peak District
The rugged and wild Peak District of Derbyshire has some of the most impressive scenery in central England.
It also has some really interesting towns that are well worth exploring, such as Matlock Baths and Bakewell (home of the famous tart of the same name).
You can take in some of the industrial heritage exhibitions that are close by in southern Yorkshire.
- Conway (Conwy) and North Wales
The Snowdonia National Park is right on the doorstep of the charming town of Conway (Conwy in its original Welsh).
There are so many sights in this area including places such as the Blaenau-Ffestiniog railway and Anglesey, that you’ll struggle to get them done in any short break.
- Blackpool
It’s probably the most iconic of all the British seaside resorts – the (sometimes faded) glory of Blackpool continues to claim a soft spot in the hearts of its many visitors.
It’s a hive of activity and attractions at any time of the year, so stroll down to the Pleasure Beach and see what’s on.
- Lake District
No tourist roadmap of the British Isles would be complete without mention of the Lake District.
The scenery around the lakes is rightly world-famous. Many of the small villages and towns are also well worth visiting, including places such as Kendal – home of the superb and much-loved mint cake.
- Bamburgh castle – and surrounding area
A fantastic and often overlooked part of the northeast of England, the coastline around the magnificent Bamburgh Castle is stunning – and the surrounding countryside is mercifully free of crowds for much of the year.
Don’t forget to visit Lindisfarne and Newcastle upon Tyne too while you’re in this part of the world.
- Scottish Borders
All too often bypassed by people coming up from the south in their rush to reach Edinburgh and on into the Highlands, the countryside throughout the Scottish Borders is stunningly beautiful and some of the towns such as Jedburgh and Kelso are quaint and unspoiled.
- Scottish Highlands
Now it’s true that if you’re based anywhere in England, you might struggle to do a short break into the Scottish Highlands due to the distances involved. Even so, if you are in Scotland or have a few more days to spare when setting out from England, the Highlands are a must for a visit.
You can go right up the middle towards Loch Ness or for a slightly different view of the Western Highlands, try the area around Inveraray which is incredibly beautiful.
