Inspiration for Your English Summer Road Trip

A road trip in the English summer conjures up thoughts of wandering through beautiful gardens, visiting quaint British seaside towns, shopping in urban cities and marvelling at UNESCO Heritage Sites. Maybe you'll stopover at one of the many English pubs, unwind at the beach with a picnic or marvel at intricate cathedrals. Wherever you roam, add a few of these epic regional spots to your summer motorhome itinerary in England.

A Central Escape

It's common for motorhome explorers in Britain to collect their vehicle in London and set off from this iconic city. We recommend exploring as much of it as possible before picking up your rental and heading for the English countryside as the London traffic can be challenging to weave through. As you travel, you'll discover beautiful parks, buzzing markets, captivating architecture and quirky suburbs. Check out the British Museum, which is free of charge, and explore some of the East London street art - Shoreditch has some impressive graffiti. Take a relaxing stroll through Kensington Gardens or one of the many green public spaces around this area which are perfect for summer walks and picnics.

When you're ready to set off on the next leg of your journey, get your motor running towards Oxford. It's about an hour's drive away from the big smoke (perfect for a day trip) and home to the oldest and most famed university in the world – the University of Oxford. Wander the divine corridors of the colleges, listen to one of the hauntingly beautiful chapel choirs, or explore the stunning Bodleian Library (perfect for those seeking a quiet nook to read). You'll also stumble upon charming cafes, interesting shops and art galleries. The intellectual energy in this city is unique, and you'll feel it as soon as you begin exploring this majestic destination.

Stunning South Coast

The small but forward-thinking city of Brighton is one of the most vibrant in all of England and one for the summer road trip list. Think vintage boutiques, quirky cafes and eateries with plenty of street art to discover in your motorhome. Brighton's coast offers all the charms of an English seaside resort with ice cream vendors, carousels, casinos, and dozens of fish n chip takeaways. Further along the beach, you'll find the quaint town of Eastbourne. This relaxing destination offers fantastic restaurants, Victorian-style architecture, art galleries, a military museum and a 19th-century pier perfect for evening strolls before wandering back to your home on wheels — a must-visit for those wanting a genuinely British seaside experience.

Historic West Coast

Cornwall is a must-visit spot at the south-western tip of England, and the Cornish coastal road is often mentioned as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Don't leave without exploring the fishing village of Cadgwith, the colourful town of St. Ives, trying a Cornish pasty, or watching a play at the open-air Minack Theatre. Did we mention clotted cream ice cream? Because your summer road trip isn't complete without a scoop of this delicious treat.

The Glastonbury Festival is arguably among the very best music festivals in the world, and it’s held in Pilton, Somerset between June and July. This iconic experience is perfectly paired with a motorhome rental. You need to book extremely early to secure a spot and make sure you book the correct space in regards to how large your motorhome rental is. Demand for campervan tickets is usually very high, so we would recommend booking one as soon as they are released. Just remember to pack your Wellington boots!

Don't leave the south without cruising the Jurassic Coast, a natural UNESCO Heritage site. You'll love pulling over to find pebbled beaches, hidden coves, adorable fishing villages, and the famed Durdle Door – a natural limestone arch by the sea. This drive is bound to be one of the highlights of your summer road trip through England.

The Far East

Get a taste of the East if you love the water! Discover a spectacular network of lakes and rivers in the Norfolk Broads - a significant drawcard for visiting this part of England. The summer months call for canal boat rides past lovely old churches and native flora and fauna. Park up your motorhome for the day and explore by a different mode of transport on your summer road trip.

The North

With the sun shining and cities like York waiting, a trip to the North is well worth it. York provides the perfect base to explore the northern area. The town itself is home to one of the prettiest cathedrals in England and the rugged countryside around the city gives motorhome explorers the best of both worlds. Head to the North York Moors National Park where you'll feel like you've stepped onto the set of Wuthering Heights. If you love the outdoors, you might want to consider camping in the neighbouring Peak District for a few days where there are a variety of camping sites for motorhomes. The stunning Winnats Pass weaves through the Peak District National Park near the village of Castleton. It's a must for those wanting picturesque Instagram backdrops.

Last but not least, The Lake District National Par is famous for being home to a number of iconic poets and authors, like Beatrix Potter. Wandering around the rolling green hills and dazzling blue lakes, it's easy to see why this place still provides so much inspiration. The landscape is studded with cottages, blooms and rolling fields perfect for exploring - especially for children. The untouched beauty of The Lake District National Park will leave you speechless.

So, are you tempted? With so much to cover in England, take the hassle out of planning with one of our itineraries through the UK. The seaside is calling, and the fish n chips are waiting. It's time to book your motorhome rental and start planning your perfect UK summer road tri.