Road trip holiday in the UK 2023 ideas

My top five places to visit for a van adventure in the UK.

There are so many places that you could visit for a road trip holiday in the UK from the tip of Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall to the depths of the Scottish Highlands. Here are some of my favourite locations.

1 Cumbria

Kendal Climbing Wall — Castlerigg Stone Circle

I would camp at an eco campsite, somewhere like the The Quiet Site.
Then book a nature experience with Wild Intrigue like their Breakfast with Red Squirrels on Haweswater.
Followed by a hike up one of the many fells, one of my favourite being up Pavey Ark.
If the weather was a little on the rainy side, I would take my climbing gear to the Kendal Climbing Wall.
Spending sunrise at Castlerigg Stone Circle is a must, especially at seasonal festivals like Beltane or Samhain.

2 Kilmartin Glen, Scotland

Carnasserie Castle — View to the Cobbler

This is a great place for a road trip. It is in the West of Scotland and has over 350 ancient monuments to stop at and explore. We haven’t stayed at a campsite here, however Forestry and Land Scotland were running a Stay the Night project, so we took advantage of this. Remember to leave no trace.

Visit Carnasserie Castle.
Explore Nether Largie Standing Stones.
On the way a hike which was fantastic is up the Cobbler.

3 Chiltern Hills

I’d bring the camera and a flask on a walk in the Chiltern Hills.

Photograph the red kites.
I would walk up Whiteleaf Hill in the Nature Reserve.
I would camp at Orchard View Farm, they have a great little cafe with local produce too.

4 Suffolk

Head to Constable Country and visit Flatford Mills.
The following day I’d do the The Three Churches Walk (video below).
I would also visit one of the oldest oak trees in the county at Ickworth House.
I’d take a flask and a camera to watch the birds at Lackford Lakes.
Not forgetting, if the season is right, a visit to the seals at Horsey Gap (remember to keep your dog on a lead).
For coffee and waffles in Bury St Edmunds, I would recommend Lotties at Angel Hill.

5 Moel Famau, North Wales

The Clwydian Range in Flintshire is a great place to hike and bike away from the crowds of Snowdonia. There’s a few spots on Park4Night which we have slept at with no issues.

A great little cake shop I would highly recommend is in Rhewl, called the Sugar Plum Tearoom.
A summit to walk is up Moel Famau which is the highest hill in the area.