These UK touring routes take you from the Scottish Highlands to the Cotswolds and the Lake District. Each one keeps towing and motorhome driving in mind.
A touring route is different from a single stay. Instead of one site, you move between a few bases, seeing more of a region as you go. However, with a caravan or motorhome, the roads matter as much as the views.
So each route below covers the highlights, the bases and the roads to watch out for. Then the region cards point you to campsites reviewed first-hand, so you can build your own trip.
New to towing? Read the Caravan Towing Guide first. Before you set off, run through the caravan checklists too.
Scotland’s famous loop starts and ends in Inverness. The guide on Caravan Adventuring plans it as a relaxed 14-day loop, with big skies and constant sea views.
Along the way, the highlights include Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle, John O’Groats and Dunnet Head. Further on, there’s Durness and Smoo Cave, Kylesku Bridge, Achmelvich, Ullapool, Inverewe Garden and Shieldaig.
However, be ready for narrow, winding roads, especially near Tongue. Above all, avoid the Bealach na Bà pass with a caravan or motorhome, and take the coastal route instead.
This relaxed loop links the Cotswolds’ famous honey-stone villages. It runs from Broadway and Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. Then it heads on to the Slaughters, Cirencester, Bibury, and finally Castle Combe and Lacock.
The route uses Club campsites as bases. These are Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cirencester Park and Longleat. For example, the Moreton-in-Marsh review covers a site close to the town centre, with shops and places to eat nearby.
Expect winding, narrow lanes. In Bourton, arrive early to avoid the crowds on the narrow bridges.
England’s best-known lakes are a classic touring trip. The guide covers Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Wastwater and Buttermere, plus Tarn Hows.
However, plan your roads carefully. Some smaller passes and valley roads are narrow, steep or awkward. In particular, the road into Wasdale needs care when towing. Also, book ahead for bank holidays and school holidays.
For a base right on the water, see the Keswick Club Site review. Then browse more lakeside campsites.
No full route yet? Then start with a base. Each of these regions has a campsite reviewed first-hand.
Big views, walking and cycling. Hartington Hills sits high above the countryside, ideal for a quiet break near Hartington village.
Flaxton Meadows is about twenty minutes from York. In addition, Scarborough and Whitby make easy day trips.
Ludlow Touring Park sits beside the River Teme, about 1.5 miles from town. Better still, the Super Pitches are very well kept.
Lakes, history and good food. For example, Eye Kettleby Lakes is near Melton Mowbray, and Bosworth Battlefield is close by.
Wide skies and peaceful waterways. Fields End Water is an adults-only site with fishing lakes around the park.
Golden beaches and coastal paths. Trevornick Holiday Park is a strong base for a family break, with a pool and evening entertainment.
Fossil beaches and cliff walks. Newlands Holiday Park sits close to Charmouth, so the coast is right on the doorstep.
Sandy bays with mountains close by. Shell Island has direct beach access, but it only takes motorhomes and tents.
Peaceful farmland and big skies. Ashleigh Farm is one of the top picks on Best Caravan Sites UK.
A good touring route is about more than the map. Use these tips to plan one that’s easy to drive and fun to stay on.
Prefer the seaside? See every reviewed site on the coast in Coastal Campsites.
Heading abroad instead? Then see the best routes from Eurotunnel and Caravanning in France.
The guide on Caravan Adventuring plans it as a 14-day loop from Inverness. That gives time to enjoy each stop, rather than rushing from one to the next.
Yes, with care. The roads can be narrow and winding. However, avoid the Bealach na Bà pass with a caravan or motorhome, and take the coastal route instead.
The Cotswolds loop is a good choice. The distances between bases are short, and the Club campsites make easy stops. Even so, take care on the narrow village lanes.
In school holidays and on bank holidays, yes. Popular regions fill up quickly. Outside those times, you’ll usually have more flexibility.
Late spring and early autumn are ideal. The roads and sites are quieter, and the weather is often settled. Summer is lovely too, but book well ahead.
Keep it manageable, especially on unfamiliar roads. Many tourers prefer a few hours of driving, then time to set up and relax. As a result, the trip feels like a holiday, not a drive.
Yes. In fact, motorhomes can often reach places that are harder with a caravan. See Motorhome and Campervan Touring for more.
Want to see every reviewed site on a map? Use the interactive campsite map.
Save campsites, plan upcoming stays and meet other tourers in the Community. Joining is free and takes under a minute.
