How to Make the Most of Northern England with a Motorhome
Although some of the beautiful scenery in the laid-back style of the north of England is a great way to tour around, a campervan comes first.
You get the best of both worlds: freedom to roam wherever the road takes you and the comfort of your own cosy space at the end of each day. Whether it is the thrashing sea or blossoming countryside, Northern England has it all for you.
Timing Your Trip Right
Go at the right time. Indeed, northern England is beautiful at any time of the year, but if you want to avoid rain, then late spring and the beginning of autumn are the best periods, the weather is still nice, and you won’t have to struggle for space with other travellers at all. Winter can also be charming with the hills clad in snow, but be prepared for short days and chilly nights on wheels. Summer is nice but be prepared for crowds. Especially places like the Lake District get quite busy around the main attractions and if you like the peace and quiet, consider going just outside of peak season.
Plan Your Route, but Stay Flexible
Having a rough idea of where you want to go is smart. You’ll want to hit up the big names: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland National Park. Each has stunning scenery and endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and just taking it all in and the fun thing about travelling in motorhomes is that you don’t need to adhere to a tight schedule. If you find a secret beach in Northumberland or a charming village pub in Yorkshire, then stay an extra night because the flexibility is what makes motorhome trips so appealing.
Where to Stay
There is no scarcity of motorhome-friendly campsites across Northern England. So, if you like scenic views and good facilities, National Trust campsites are a safe bet. However, don’t dismiss some of the smaller, more intimate sites, as many offer fewer amenities but a more peaceful atmosphere. If you enjoy a bit of freedom, wild camping may be tempting, but it is not officially allowed in England without permission from the landowner.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
No Northern England tour would be complete without a few must-see stops. In the Lake District, Windermere is a highlight, and if you’re feeling energetic, take a hike to the summit of Scafell Pike. On the other side of Yorkshire, Malham Cove and the beautiful Aysgarth Falls are worth a visit. Meanwhile, Northumberland boasts the epic Hadrian’s Wall.
Don’t forget about the cities like York and Durham as they are full of history, beautiful buildings, and plenty of places to park your house on wheels. And if you’re starting around Liverpool, you’ll find ample motorhome hire options to kick-start your adventure.
Remember the Essentials
One thing about Northern England: the weather changes in the blink of an eye. So, make sure your motorhome is kitted out with waterproofs and warm layers, even if it looks sunny when you leave. Keep your kitchen well-stocked because finding a shop in remote spots can be quite tricky. And always have a paper map on hand because GPS is great, but there are plenty of places in Northern England where the signal might be patchy at best.