Author: Michael Baxendale
With over 15 National Parks, 40,000 lakes and 20,000km of coastline, there is plenty to explore in Great Britain. Scanning across England, Wales and Scotland there are beautiful beaches, mesmeric mountains and wonderful waters to visit and enjoy. Whether it be the Lake District, Scottish Highlands or Snowdonia, there are places out there, with several things to do, for every caravan or motorhome owner. Here are 6 of the best.
The Lake District
Located in the heart of Cumbria, North West England, the Lake District has spectacular scenery with amazing mountains, lakes and forests. There is lots to do, from hiking and swimming, to boat trips and cafe stops. For a relaxing afternoon, you could visit William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage at Grasmere. Speaking of Grasmere, you could try the delicious taste of ginger bread at, you guessed it, the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Alternatively, you could take a dunk in one of the 16 lakes. Or you could drink and dine at some of the wonderful bars and restaurants in Ambleside or Keswick. For the hikers, there are Alfred Wainwright’s 214 mountains (known as fells) to ascend, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. Other activities include cycling, mountain biking, bird watching, paddle boarding, the list goes on. The Lake District is a must-visit, with great accessibility, for caravan or motorhome owners.
Caravan and Motorhome Sites in the Lake District:
- Coniston Park Coppice Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
- Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site
- Borrowdale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is situated in South Wales, 25 miles north of Cardiff, and is home to a World Heritage site and an International Dark Sky Reserve. Hosting film-worthy waterfalls and SAS training-worthy hills, this National Park is simply stunning. You could hike up Pen Y Fan or you could explore Chartists Cave or the historic Crickhowell Castle. You could take a 4-hour walk exploring 4 different stunning waterfalls. Alternatively, you could go for a warm tea and wander around the towns of Brecon or Hay-on-Wye. Whether you want to unwind or head uphill, there is plenty to do and enjoy in this stunning area of beauty in South Wales.
Caravan and Motorhome Sites in the Brecon Beacons:
- Brecon Beacons Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
- Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park
- Grawen Caravan and Camping Park
Devon and Cornwall
Covering two counties that share 400 beaches, 2000km of coastline and 17 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the south west is simply beautiful. From Salcombe to St. Michael’s Mount, Fowey to Lizard Point, Sennen Cove to St. Ives, St. Agnes to Padstow, Tintagel to Woolacombe – the list goes on. The south-west of England offers sand, sea, hills, fishing, surfing and swimming – we are even forgetting about the traditional cornish pasty and cream tea. You could visit historic old towns such as Mevagissey or Croyde. There are also the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The south-west peninsula provides the perfect coastal get-away for you and your caravan or motorhome.
Caravan and Motorhome Sites in Devon and Cornwall:
- Damage Barton Caravan Club Site (Cornwall)
- Ilfracombe Caravan Club Site (Devon)
- Looe Caravan Club Site (Cornwall)
Fort William
Located in the Scottish highlands, with Glen Coe to its south and Glennfinnan to its west, Fort William has a lot to offer for outdoorists and naturists. Named after King, you guessed it, William, this peaceful land is the centre for hiking due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and munroes alike. Speaking of Ben Nevis, for the more leisurely, there is the Ben Nevis Distillery to discover. Alternatively, you could glue your eyes on the abundance of wildlife, such as the minke whale or golden eagle. If that isn’t enough there are boat trips, museums, snow sports, mountain biking and golf to get stuck into. And, if none of that is enough, then you could even watch a game of shinty – one of the older sports in the record book. There is plenty to explore and enjoy in this beautiful area of the Scottish Highlands.
Caravan and Motorhome Sites at Fort William:
- Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Highland Holidays
- Linnhe Lochside Holidays
- Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park
Snowdonia
Situated in North Wales, Snowdonia is home to over 1400 miles of footpaths, 9 mountain ranges and the largest lake in Wales. For the walkers and mountain-goers, you could hike Mount Snowdon (3560ft). Or you could try Crib Goch, which, at just over 3000ft, makes for a fulfilling scramble, although it can be dangerous. Other activities include rock climbing, ziplining and cycling. For the more leisurely among us, if you want to reach the Snowdon summit, but don’t fancy the hike, then the Snowdon Mountain Railway may be an option for you. Alternatively, there are the stunning villages of Llanberis and Beddgelert to explore. Or, you could visit Snowdonia’s captivating National Slate Museum. Whatever you are looking for, there are many ways that you can spend your time in the UK’s third largest National Park.
Caravan and Motorhome Sites in Snowdonia:
The Peak District
Being Britain’s first National Park, the Peak District has been open to visitors for 70 years. This tranquil and idyllic setting offers activities from hiking to cycling, horse riding to climbing. Occupying 268miles of the famous Pennine Way, the Peak District is renowned for its incredible scenic walks. You could ascend the Peak District’s highest summit, Kinder Scout – a climb of just over 600m. Alternatively, offering inspiration for the Pride and Prejudice novel of acclaimed writer Jane Austen, you could follow the footsteps of this famous and popular novelist in exploring these lands. There are also over 20million people who live within an hour’s drive of the area, making it a convenient journey for many (this could be you). So, why not make the Peak District your next adventure?
Caravan and Motorhome Sites in the Peak District:
Well, there we go, 6 different places to visit in Great Britain for you and your motorhome or caravan. If you love cream tea cuisine, maybe tickle your tastebuds down in Devon or Cornwall. Maybe you would rather gaze at wonderful wildlife, maybe set your eyes on Fort William for your next trip. Alternatively, you may love lakes, so why not take a plunge in visiting the Lake District? Whatever your passions, whatever your interests, there is a national park, place of beauty, spectacular mountain and stunning lake out there for you and your caravan or motorhome.