Best Road Trips for Classic Campervan Owners in the UK

In this handy guide, we’ll share some of the best UK road trips for classic campervans, whether you’re looking for a weekend away, a VW show, or an extended adventure.

From the impressive mountains of the Scottish Highlands down to the charming Cornish coast, the UK is packed with great destinations for classic campervan owners. Along the way, we’ll highlight some of the best driving routes, events, campsites, and scenic stops to help you make the most of your trip. 

Quick Jump to:

Where should I take my classic camper on a UK road trip?
Which UK road trips are the best for classic campervans?
The North Coast 500
The Atlantic Highway
Eryri Snowdonia 360
The Lakes 100
Classic Camper Shows & Events in the UK
What are the best campsites in the UK?
Classic Camper Insurance
Quality Camper Parts & Accessories
Summary: Where should I take my classic camper next?

There’s something truly special about exploring the UK in a classic campervan. While modern vehicles are faster and have more technology, a classic VW camper encourages you to slow down, take the scenic route, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination - which is what a road trip is all about.

With its varied landscapes and thriving campervan community, the UK is a road trip paradise, where welcoming campsites, hidden gems, VW shows, and festivals are never far away.

Whether you own a VW Split Screen, Bay Window, or T25, these road trips are the perfect excuse to hit the road and enjoy your classic.

The UK is home to some fantastic road trips, but not every route is suitable for a classic camper. Narrow country lanes, steep climbs, and limited parking can be a challenge for vintage vehicles.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of road trips that are perfect for classic campers, combining spectacular scenery with reasonable roads. After all, classic campers were built to be driven and enjoyed, not left sitting in the sun. 

A few of the JK Team have done the North Coast 500, including Mark Reynolds who founded Just Kampers back in 1989 and cruised the route in his 1967 VW Beetle Cabriolet. After hearing about his experience, it quickly became clear that it’s a great adventure for all classic vehicles. 

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile route around the north coast of Scotland, which showcases some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes, from sandy beaches and charming towns, through to rugged mountains and historic castles.

The NC500 route traditionally begins and ends in Inverness, but the direction of travel comes down to personal preference. Some drivers head west from Inverness and complete the loop clockwise, while others set off on the east coast and travel anticlockwise, saving the impressive west coast until last. 

The North Coast 500 is often termed “Scotland’s Route 66” and is regarded as one of the UK’s best road trips, which is why it’s at the top of this list.

With more than 500 miles of road to cover, this iconic route is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. While it can be completed in around five to seven days, many travellers choose to spend up to two weeks exploring everything it has to offer.

That’s why it’s so appealing for classic campervan owners; you can slow down, linger in your favourite spots, and discover hidden gems along the way. With incredible scenery around every corner, loads of great campsites and hotels to choose from, and endless photo opportunities, the NC500 is a truly memorable adventure for classic camper enthusiasts. 

There are lots of fantastic hotels and campsites dotted along the NC500 route. It’s best to plan your trip and book your accommodation in advance, as they’ll get booked up fast.

Here are some of the campsites and hotels along the way:

Campsites and hotels on the West Coast:

• Clachtoll Beach Campsite – Sutherland, IV27 4JD
• Sands Caravan and Camping Park - Gairloch, IV21 2DL
• Kylesku Hotel - Lairg, IV27 4HW

Campsites and hotels on the East Coast:

• Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park - Dornoch, IV25 3LX
• Wick River Campsite -  Wick KW1 5SP
• Dornoch Castle Hotel – Dornoch, IV25 3SD

Campsites and hotels on the Noth Coast: 

• John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site - John O'Groats, KW1 4YR
• Little Croft Highlands Campsite & Airigh - Thurso KW14 8XN
• Bettyhill Hotel - Thurso, KW14 7SP

With such a vast route to discover, the North Coast 500 offers something for everyone. You can explore impressive caves, enjoy the thrill of a zipline, hop on a boat tour along the coast, visit historic castles, sample spirits at local distilleries, hike in the rolling hills, or watch the sun set from a stunning sandy beach.

Here are some of the highlights along the NC500 route:

• Smoo Caves - A fantastic natural attraction, known for its impressive waterfall and fun guided dinghy tours that take you into the cave’s inner chamber.
• Achmelvich Beach – With soft white sand and clear turquoise water, this is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. It’s a great place to relax and watch the sun set.
• Whaligoe Steps – Around 350 hand-carved steps zigzag down a dramatic cliff face to a historic natural harbour below. It’s a great place to explore, but if you’d rather not tackle the steps, boat tours are a great alternative, letting you admire the impressive stairway from the sea.
• Dunnet Head – The most northerly point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head is home to a historic lighthouse, dramatic sea cliffs, and sweeping sea views. It’s also a sanctuary for seabirds and other wildlife, making it a must-see for both nature lovers and photographers. 
• Farr Beach – A wide, quiet beach that’s popular with surfers. One of the NC500’s hidden gems, it’s a great place to stretch your legs and take in the panoramic views.
• Kylesku Bridge – One of the standout landmarks along the North Coast 500, this striking bridge sweeps beautifully over the water against a mountainous backdrop. It’s one of the most iconic locations on the NC500 route, and it’s definitely worth stopping at one of the free car parks either side of it to take in the scenery and snap a photo.
• Dunrobin Castle – This is one of Scotland’s largest historic homes. It resembles a French chateau, and is set within beautifully landscaped gardens, overlooking the sea. If you’re lucky, you might even see one of the regular falconry displays, too! 
• Ardvreck Castle Ruins – Sitting on its own small peninsula that stretches into the loch, the ruins of this centuries-old castle make for a great stop along the NC500 route. 
• Falls of Measach – Cross an impressive suspension bridge over a 200-foot gorge for breathtaking views of the waterfalls. 
• Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà) - This is a historic, single track mountain road with hairpin bends, steep ascent, and incredible views.

Top tip:

Applecross Pass is one of the most renowned roads in the UK, and forms part of the NC500 route. The views are breathtaking, but it’s not a route to take lightly. The steep gradients, tight hairpin turns, and narrow single-track roads can be challenging, and in wintry conditions, the road is often impassible.

For those road tripping in a classic camper, the steep ascent could put extra strain on the older engine and increase the risk of overheating. Luckily there is an alternative route that bypasses the Applecross Pass, which will be much kinder on your classic. If you’re unsure whether your camper would make the climb, it might be best to take the alternative route. 

Heading down to the south of England now with Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway, this route may be far shorter than the NC500 but still gives you stunning views and great places to stay along the way.

The Atlantic Highway is a scenic 70-mile stretch of the A39 that runs from Barnstaple in north Devon to Newquay in Cornwall. While you can drive this stretch of road in just a couple of hours, many drivers choose to cover it over the course of a few days, with lots of scenic detours, charming villages, and idyllic stops to visit.

The Atlantic Highway is a great option if you’re looking for an easy-going adventure in your classic camper, especially if you’re into surfing. With a modest number of miles to cover, and no challenging terrain, it’s all about soaking up the scenery, exploring the coastal communities, and enjoying the journey at your own pace. 

This road trip is lined with quaint villages and famous landmarks, as well as passing near some of the UK’s more popular surfing beaches. Here are some of the best places to add to your itinerary:

• Tintagel: This gem is a popular spot with visitors, who usually come to see the historic ruins of Tintagel Castle. There are plenty of walking routes in the area too, showcasing the rugged cliffs and impressive Cornish coastline.
• Padstow: This pretty fishing village is bustling with restaurants and charming shops. It’s a great place to relax, people watch, and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
• Port Isaac: This is one of Cornwall’s most famous fishing villages, known for its winding lanes and TV appearances. You can wander through the village or take a coastal walk to enjoy the views.
• Clovelly: One of north Devon’s most unique destinations, this pretty village is renowned for its steep cobbled streets and charming cottages. Visitors must park up outside the village and explore it on foot, but it’s a place you don’t want to miss.
• Newquay: This is a popular staycation destination, with the perfect mix of Cornish charm and a variety of attractions. From surfing and water sports to lovely beaches and a zoo, there’s plenty to see and do.

There are plenty of campsites along the Atlantic Highway - just be sure to book your place well in advance to secure a space!

Here are a few campsite suggestions to get you started:

• Hartland Caravan & Camping Park – Bideford, EX39 6DG
• Mount Pleasant Camping – Bude, EX23 9HL
• Trebyla Farm Camping and Caravanning Site – Boscastle, PL35 0HL

The A39 itself is the best road of the trip, with scenic coastal views and easy access to some of Cornwall and Devon’s most popular destinations.

The Eryri Snowdonia 360 (also known as the Snowdonia 360) is a stunning 360-mile route through northwest Wales. With medieval castles, scenic coastlines, museums, railways, and dramatic valleys, this road trip has something for everyone.

The route should be enjoyed slowly, so you can take in the surroundings and discover the places that are easily missed. To experience the Snowdonia 360 properly, it’s best to allow four to ten days for the trip. This does depend on the activities you want to do and places you want to see, so try planning your itinerary in advance to get a more accurate idea of the time you need. 

The Snowdonia 360 road trip is ideal for classic campers as it combines scenic coastal roads and gentle valley routes with a great range of attractions and scenic stopping points – there’s something for everyone! There are also plenty of great hotels and campsites along the way, making it very practical, too.

The 360 route has plenty of great hotels and campsites to choose from. Don’t forget to book in advance though, otherwise you may find there are no spaces left.

Here are a few great hotels and campsites along the Snowdonia 360:

Hotels:

• The Trearddur Bay Hotel – Holyhead, LL65 2UN
• Woodlands Hall Hotel  - Pwllheli Gwynedd, LL53 6JB
• The Anglesey Arms – Anglesey, LL59 5EA

Campsites:

• Hendre Mynach Touring Caravan & Camping Park - Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1YR
• Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite – Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PL
• Waenfechan Glamping & Camping - Conwy, LL28 5BF

However you like to spend your time, the Snowdonia 360 offers something for everyone. From castles and beaches to hiking trails and villages, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary. Here are some popular spots:

• Betws-y-Coed – Known as the gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this is a popular village with something for everyone. Check out some pretty waterfalls, try out some zip lining and abseiling, or stroll around the railway museum.
• Snowdon Mountain Railway – This famous railway carries passengers to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. Soak in the scenic views from the top of the peak without tiring yourself out on a challenging hike.  
• Portmeirion Village – A unique Italian-style village known for its bright-coloured architecture, coastal views, and relaxing woodland walks.
• Llanfair Slate Caverns - This historic attraction gives you the opportunity to walk through nine man-made slate mining caverns dating back more than 100 years.
• Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre – This is a great place for our adventure lovers, with loads of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, mountain biking, and climbing.
• Sygun Copper Mine – Explore the winding tunnels and vibrant chambers of this historic copper mine.
• Conwy Castle – A remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress built in the 1200s. You can climb its towers and take in the sweeping views of the town below.
• Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) beach -  A four-mile stretch of golden sandy beach and powerful waves, it’s the perfect spot for surfing and relaxing.
• Aber Falls – Follow a scenic trail to one of Snowdonia’s most impressive waterfalls, with water plummeting from around 120 feet.
• South Stack Lighthouse – Built in the early 1800s and perched on the rugged coastline, this lighthouse offers great coastal views, rich history and seasonal seabird spotting.
• Porthdinllaen beach – A lovely sandy beach beside a quaint fishing village, loved for its scenic views and calm atmosphere. 

The stretch of the A5 between Pont Cyfyng and Betws-y-Coed is a great drive for a classic camper, with steady gradients, gentle corners, and charming villages along the way. This route also runs right beside the popular Swallow Falls – the perfect place to rest and take in the scenery.

The A5025 winds along the eastern and northern edges of Anglesey’s coastline. It’s a fantastic route for a classic camper, with plenty of rolling hills and sweeping sea views inviting you to soak up your surroundings with a leisurely cruise.

Although it isn’t part of the Snowdonia 360 route, the A4086 through Llanberis Pass is often described as one of the most spectacular drives in Snowdonia National Park, and is worth a detour if you have time to spare. Winding through the mountains beneath Mt Snowdon, you’ll find breathtaking views everywhere you look. However, the road does become steeper as it climbs through the pass, so if you’re driving a classic camper, it’s important to make sure your vehicle can handle the gradients before you take it on.

The Lakes 100 road trip is a 100-mile loop that runs through the most picturesque landscapes of The Lake District. It’s usually recommended to allow 3-5 days to complete this road trip so you can properly explore all the quaint villages and must-see viewpoints.

The route starts in Bowness-on-Windermere and ends in Hawkshead, taking you on a scenic journey through the region’s impressive landscapes, rich history, and welcoming communities.

The Lakes 100 road trip is ideal for classic campers because it’s designed around slow, scenic travel through the heart of the Lake District. The route passes through mountain landscapes, peaceful lakes, and picturesque villages with plenty of cafés, pubs, and campsites along the way – lending itself to the relaxed pace of a classic camper getaway. 

There are a wide variety of both campsites and hotels along the Lakes 100 route. Here are just a few:

Campsites:

• Bowness on Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club – Bowness, LA23 3HB
• Coniston Hall Campsite – Coniston Water, LA21 8AS
• Hawkshead Hall Camping – Hawkshead, LA22 ONN
• Castlerigg Hall – Keswick, CA12 4TE

Hotels:

• Windermere Manor Hotel – Windermere, LA23 1EX
• Rothay Garth B&B – Ambleside, LA22 0EE
• The Chase Hotel – Corkickle, CA28 8AA

There’s something for everyone in the Lake District, from exhilarating activities and scenic hikes to leisurely walks, relaxing picnics, and historic landmarks. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Lake Windermere – The largest natural lake in England, nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by rolling hills, charming villages, wildlife and lakeside parks, it is a fantastic spot for everyone.
• Orrest Head Viewpoint – On a small hill overlooking the town of Windermere, this viewpoint offers panoramic views across the Lake District. At just a 3.5km round-trip, it’s one of the best short walks in the area, combining an easy hike with great scenery.  
• Tarn Hows – A popular beauty spot with an accessible 3km walk through the countryside and around the lake.
• Keswick Market – A bustling open-air market in the heart of Keswick, with stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and local produce to street food and unique gifts. It’s a long-standing tradition for the community, running for over 700 years.
• Derwentwater – This 3-mile long lake is a great place to visit, offering peaceful walks and water activities.
• Wordsworth House and Garden – This 18th-century Georgian house is the birthplace of famous poet, William Wordsworth, offering visitors a glimpse into his childhood life.
• Honister Slate Mine – Enjoy some of the many unique thrill-seeking activities based in and around England’s last working underground slate mine.  

The A591 between Windermere and Keswick is one of the most popular driving routes in the Lake District. Stretching for over 40 miles, it winds around picturesque lakes, through charming villages, and across the rolling countryside. With gentle gradients and sweeping corners, it’s ideal for classic campers looking for an easy-going road trip at a relaxed pace.

While road trips are a great way to enjoy your classic camper, they’re not the only option. Taking your classic to a show or event is another fun way to get out and about, connect with likeminded enthusiasts, and become part of the classic camper community. There are loads of great shows and events held across the UK every year, offering something for everyone.

Here are a few events you might be interested in.

Situated in the Yorkshire Dales, Vans in the Valley is a laid-back event with three nights of camping and two evenings of entertainment.

There’s plenty to see and do around the North Yorkshire area too! From Richmond Castle and Bolton Castle to the High Force Waterfall and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, consider extending your visit and exploring the area to turn the event into a getaway. 

While you’re in the area, you don’t want to miss out on the scenic roads. The B6270 between Reeth and Richmond is perfect for a classic camper, running along the base of the valley showcasing spectacular views of the dales and stone villages.

The more well-known road in the North Yorkshire Dales, Buttertubs Pass, is a short but stunning route between Hawes and Thwaite. It’s lined with limestone and endless photo opportunities, however, there are some steep sections, so it’s important to make sure your camper can handle the drive before you go.

Dubs South Campout offers a relaxing, authentic camping experience in the countryside for all kinds of VW campers. 

There are loads of attractions near the Dubs South Campout site, from beaches and walking trails to Porchester Castle, and popular attractions like the Spinnaker Tower, Mary Rose Museum, and more just a short drive away. 

The A32 goes from Alton down to Fareham and runs through the Meon Valley. It’s a scenic and easy-going route, well suited to a classic camper.

If you’re coming into Hampshire from the east, consider taking the A32 from Petworth to Petersfield. You’ll start in the delightful village of Petworth and cruise through the West Sussex scenery into the glorious Hampshire countryside.

If you’re looking for a lively festival experience packed with activities and camping for all the family, Camper Calling is the event for you. 

Warwickshire is home to the British Motor Museum, Warwick Castle, and many other attractions from pretty gardens and cultural sightseeing to walking trails and theatres. 

The B439 is a short road between Stratford-upon-Avon and Bideford-on-Avon. Although it only takes 15 minutes to drive, it’s a lovely simple route with fields as far as the eye can see.

If you’re a history fan, you’ll want to take the Fosse Way route. This ancient Roman road takes you through the open countryside, connecting you to the northern edge of the Cotswolds with a sense of history under your wheels.

These are just a few of the fantastic events taking place across the UK each year. To see the full schedule and more information, keep an eye on our dedicated shows and events calendar.

The UK is home to many reputable campsites to suit every type of camper, from scenic coastal destinations through to remote countryside escapes.

To create this list, we spent time researching some of the UK’s best-rated campsites, focusing on great reviews and standout locations or facilities. One of the campsites was personally recommended by a member of the JK Team, adding a first-hand favourite to the mix. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, a quiet rural escape, or a campsite with exceptional views, there’s something for everyone.  

Here are some well-reviewed campsites we’ve discovered:

Scotland

• Clachtoll Beach Campsite – Lochinver Sutherland, IV27 4JD
• Kinloch Campsite – Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WQ
• Sango Sands Oasis - Durness, Sutherland, IV27 4PZ
• Barrow Campsite – Nairn, IV12 5NY
• Tyndrum Holiday Park – Perthshire, FK20 8RY

England

• Park Cliffe – Cumbria, LA23 3PG
• South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park – Poole, BH16 6JB
• Coxhill Camping – Dover CT15 7ND
• Hill Cottage Farm Camping and Caravan Park – Fordingbridge, SP6 3EG
• Cardinney Caravan and Camping Park – Penzance, TR19 6HX
• New Lodge Farm - Northamptonshire, NN17 3DU
• Little Acre Holiday Park - Cumbria, LA7 7NN
• The Layby Lincs Retro Glamping – Lincolnshire, PE24 5BB 

Wales

• Trwyn yr Wylfa Camping Site - Conwy, LL34 6YF
• Twll Y Clawdd Touring and Camping Park - Gwynedd, LL55 2AZ
• Llys Derwen Caravan and Campsite - Gwynedd, Wales, LL55 4AP
• Llanungar Caravan and Camping - Pembrokeshire, SA62 6FG
• Cwmdu Campsite - Powys, NP8 1RU

Don’t forget to protect your classic camper with a tailored insurance policy, so you can hit the road with complete peace of mind. Classic campervan insurance starts from just £115 per year with our sister company, Just Kampers Insurance!

Contact their friendly team or get an online quote today and see how much you could save!

Here at Just Kampers, we’re committed to helping campervan owners keep their vehicles in great shape. Whether you own an iconic VW T2 Split, a T2 Bay, or a T25, we’ve got everything you need to keep your pride and joy running smoothly.

The UK has something for every classic camper owner. From lengthy road trips to weekend escapes and community shows, there are endless opportunities. And the blessing of owning a classic camper, is that every journey becomes part of the adventure. 

And if there’s anything your VW camper needs, feel free to get in touch - we’re always happy to help.