6 minute read
BEST OF BRITISH
As the world gradually reopens, so do our opportunities for taking a motorhome on an international holiday. The United Kingdom is a treasure trove of historical stories, picturesque villages and spectacular landscapes that makes for a road trip to remember.
For a country that’s smaller than New Zealand, Great Britain and the United Kingdom has a lot to say for itself. Steeped in rich traditions, with warm, welcoming centuries-old pubs and bursting at the seams with World Heritage national parks and prehistoric sites, the UK is a country that’s best enjoyed at your own pace – and there’s no better way to do that than in a motorhome.
Travelling by motorhome in Britain, Scotland, Wales and Ireland may not have occurred to you before, but with a vast range of campsites, chocolate box villages and historic castles and houses, taking your home on wheels around the country gives you the independence to explore at your leisure, whether you’re travelling on your own or as part of an escorted tour.
Worldwide Motorhome Holidays operates both small group and independent motorhome holidays to several countries including the UK. A fully-owned subsidiary of The Caravan & Motorhome Club, they have a team of UK specialists on hand to help you work out the best route to suit you.
NORTH COAST 500
Often regarded as one of the world’s ultimate road trips, this fantastic coastal drive takes you on a stunning journey of over 500 miles (830km), taking in some of the north of Scotland’s most arresting scenery. Rugged Scottish mountainscapes rub alongside white sandy beaches, with your route dotted with remote fishing villages you’re unlikely to find any other way. Whether you have five days or five weeks for this famous roadie, this is an experience you’ll never forget.
THE LAKE DISTRICT AND YORKSHIRE DALES
If you’ve ever watched the Harry Potter movies, Snow White & The Huntsman, Calendar Girls, Peter Rabbit or The Full Monty, you’ll know that the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales boast some idyllic scenery that will transport you to another world. There’s over 5000 miles (8,046km) of famous dry stone walls in the area, some dating back over 600 years.
Human settlement began in the Lake District – England’s largest National Park – at least five thousand years ago, when Pike o’Stickle and other mountains became the stone of choice for axes and stone circles. These days the area is a popular holiday destination, with multiple lakes, forests and pastures that are best explored on foot.
Camp next to Derwentwater Lake in Keswick for easy access to numerous tracks and trails; visit Hill Top, an incredible time capsule of Beatrix Potter’s life – and if the mood takes you, there’s always Gretna Green to run away to elope!
Head east to the Pennines and into the Yorkshire Dales, where you’ll feel you’ve gone back in time. Find out what inspired artists like Turner and the poet William Wordsworth at Bolton Abbey and see the ruins of a 12th century Augustinian monastery before camping on the outskirts of historic York. From here, the world is your oyster as you step into the world of the Netflix series Bridgerton at Castle Howard, discover the birthplace of modern Christianity at York Minster – and make sure you leave time for afternoon tea at the infamous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms.
THE PEAK DISTRICT
Steep limestone valleys, beautiful tiny villages, haunting moorlands and some very famous foods all form part of the Peak District National Park’s history. The spa town of Buxton, England’s highest market town at 300m above sea level and located in the centre of England, is famous for its mineralrich water and spectacular architecture. With a campsite peacefully nestled in a nearby valley floor within walking distance to the town, this is the ideal spot to explore the rich, rolling countryside of this beautiful region. Explore the nearby stately home of Chatsworth House; enjoy a traditional Bakewell Tart in charming Bakewell, or simply take to the road to explore this delightful green region. ⊲
Historic Derbyshire Chatsworth House is absolutely beautiful
Scotland’s castles and ruins make for a perfect coastal day out
THE COTSWOLDS
Even the name conjures up images of picturesque villages and traditional marketplaces. Just a short drive from Stratford-uponAvon, the 16th century birthplace of Shakespeare, the Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Beauty in England and Wales. While Castle Combe is officially the prettiest village in the Cotswolds, take some time to decide for yourself; it’s a tricky call! Stock up the motorhome with goodies at the open-air street market in Moretonin-Marsh, before seeing the baroque architecture and stunning art and tapestry at Blenheim Palace, before making your way to the famous city of Oxford, home to Britain’s oldest university.
BATH
Just over 100km from Oxford lies Bath, home of the writer Jane Austen and yet more amazing history. A World Heritage City, Bath has more museums per square mile than any other city. As part of a Worldwide Motorhomes Holiday tour, entry into the city’s ancient Roman Baths, built in 75AD as a religious spa complex, is included.
DEVON & CORNWALL
If you’ve never had a clotted cream high tea, this is your moment. This deliciously creamy delight started in Devon as a way to separate the fat from milk to make butter. These days, it’s part of most traditional high teas in the area and an unmissable treat for foodies!
England’s south-west is made for motorhome holidays. The rich ecosystem of the Eden Project in Cornwall is fascinating; located in a reclaimed china clay pit, this educational charity is a living theatre of plants and people that showcases our dependence on plants. This care for the land is typical of the area, which has a history that goes back to Paleolithic times. Loved by surfers, anglers and historians across the world, Cornwall is truly a delight. Head to Port Isaac, otherwise known as Port Wenn from the popular TV series Doc Martin; enjoy fish and chips by the water at Padstow, and take in a live performance at Minack Theatre, a unique open-air theatre perched on rocky granite cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
Hathersage village, in the Peak District, is a walkers’ paradise
LONDON
No trip to the UK would be complete without a visit to London. Whether you start there, end there or squeeze it into the middle of your trip, there’s so much to see and do here that it’s worth spending a few nights here. Head to the city centre to visit Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London or shop on Oxford Street; take in an opera at Covent Garden, see a musical at the West End, or take a stroll alongside the Thames… whatever you choose to do in this 2,000 year old city, you won’t be disappointed.
The Elizabeth Line, the newest London rail line, stretches more than 100km from east to west London. With a campsite close to this line that’s just 20 minutes from central London, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your leisure. Note that this campsite is very popular so make sure you book well in advance.
