Five unforgettable UK road trips in your motorhome for summer 2026

Summer is peak motorhome season, with longer days, warmer weather, and endless opportunities to explore at your own pace. With scenic coastlines, sweeping national parks, and charming countryside villages waiting to be discovered, there’s no better time to hit the road.

If you’re planning your 2026 summer adventures, these five unforgettable motorhome routes should be at the top of your list.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Often called Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is a 516-mile circular route starting and ending in Inverness. With stunning highland beaches, mountain passes and historic castles, this is for adventurous and experienced travellers.

Why it’s great for motorhomes:

• Wide scenic roads
• Well-equipped campsites nearby
• Stunning coastal scenery
• Remote overnight stops

Recommended: The award-winning Ben Nevis Holiday Park has breathtaking views of the mountains and provides a perfect pre-trip stay before heading to Inverness or a recovery stop at the end. The park is just outside Fort William, which is often used as a gateway to the Highlands and allows you to explore nearby Glencoe, the River Lochy and Ben Nevis.

The Jurassic Coast Explorer, Dorset & Devon

Perfect for first-time motorhome owners, the Jurassic Coast Explorer is a scenic journey along one of England’s most spectacular shorelines - stretching across 95 miles of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and fossil-rich beaches, the Jurassic Coast is home to England’s only natural World Heritage Site.

Why it’s great for motorhomes:

• Well-established campsites
• Stunning coastal scenery
• Family-friendly beaches
• Good A-road access

Recommended: Sandwiched between the countryside and coast, the West Bay Holiday Park provides an excellent and practical base for exploring the Jurassic Coast, with popular destinations including the West Bay cliffs, Lyme Regis, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Weymouth all within easy reach.

Cornwall Coastal Explorer

Cornwall has over 400 miles of coastline shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and this route is the perfect way to experience one of Britain’s most rugged and beautiful coastlines. With spectacular cliffs, turquoise waters, golden beaches, and historic harbours, Cornwall offers a blend of natural beauty, maritime heritage, and wildlife encounters.

Why it’s great for motorhomes:

• Spectacular coastal roads
• Excellent campsites and motorhome facilities
• Compact but diverse landscape
• Strong touring community

Recommended: The St Ives Bay Beach Resort is a fantastic option thanks to its stunning beachfront location and immediate access to one of the county’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. It provides the perfect base for exploring iconic west Cornwall destinations such as St Ives, Land’s End, and Penzance, while also offering scenic coastal walks and beach days right on your doorstep.

"Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a summer motorhome trip - from choosing scenic routes to booking campsites in popular destinations. The longer, warmer days mean you can spend more time outdoors enjoying the fantastic scenery that the UK has to offer."

Chris Walker, Head of Marketing at Swift

The Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors

The Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors offer one of England’s most striking contrasts of landscape - where rugged sea cliffs and traditional seaside towns meet vast expanses of heather-covered moorland. Whether you’re drawn by heritage, nature, or simply the freedom of wide open spaces, the Yorkshire Coast & Moors delivers a rich and varied touring experience.

Why it’s great for motorhomes:

• Good coastal parking
• Vast open moorland landscapes with scenic driving routes
• Motorhome-friendly campsites
• Less crowded touring compared to southern hotspots

Recommended: Nestled in a picturesque countryside location, the Galtres Retreat & Lodge Park is a fantastic and well-positioned base for exploring both the Yorkshire Coast and the North York Moors. It sits right on the edge of the moors while still being within easy driving distance of popular coastal destinations such as Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough.

The Cotswolds Touring Loop

The Cotswolds is one of England’s most picturesque regions, making it an ideal destination for a road trip in your motorhome. Known for its rolling countryside, honey-coloured stone villages, and peaceful rural charm, the area offers a relaxed and scenic touring experience.

Why it’s great for motorhomes:

• Good coastal parking
• Easy driving
• Beautiful scenic, relaxed driving routes
• Wide choice of motorhome-friendly campsites
• Compact region ideal for slow-paced touring

Recommended: Set in a peaceful rural setting, the Island Meadow Caravan Park is a superb choice for touring the Cotswolds and surrounding countryside. It offers a quiet, scenic base while still being within easy reach of key Cotswolds highlights such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, and Broadway. Its central position also makes it ideal for exploring historic market towns, rolling countryside, and charming villages without long daily drives.

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Planning tips for summer 2026

Summer is peak season for popular destinations like Cornwall, the Cotswolds, and the Jurassic Coast, so many campsites and parks fill up months in advance. Booking your pitches early helps avoid last-minute stress and gives you flexibility in planning your route.

Some towns and villages have specific rules for motorhomes, including limited parking spaces, time restrictions, or overnight bans. Research your stops in advance to avoid fines or having to move at short notice. Local council websites or apps for motorhome owners can provide up-to-date guidance.

Rural areas and national parks often have long stretches without fuel stations, so before heading into more remote parts of the Cotswolds or North York Moors, plan your fuel stops carefully. Carrying a small reserve fuel can provide extra peace of mind for longer drives.

Weekends in the summer can be busy, particularly at coastal hotspots like Cornwall and Devon, so traveling midweek helps you avoid traffic, crowded campsites, and busy tourist spots. It also makes it easier to enjoy scenic drives and walking routes at a more relaxed pace.

Warm weather and long days bring unique challenges, check your air conditioning or ventilation, ensure water systems are functioning, and verify tyre pressure and engine condition. Stock up on sun protection, insect repellents, and cooling solutions to keep your journey comfortable and safe.

Summary

Embark on a summer motorhome adventure and explore some of the UK’s most iconic and diverse landscapes, from the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the serene villages of the Cotswolds.

Careful planning, booking campsites in advance, checking local regulations, and preparing your motorhome for the summer heat will ensure a memorable experience on the open road.