Driven in part by the ever-rising cost of living and the uncertainty of foreign travel, the popularity of staycations this spring and summer shows no signs of slowing. With the UK & Ireland home to an array of iconic road-trip routes, a number of national parks and areas of outstanding beauty, Max Schmidt, CEO of CamperDays – Europe’s leading camper tour operator – believes a road trip could provide the perfect solution to an even more cost-effective staycation.
Max says: “Amidst the backdrop of global travel uncertainty and the ever-rising cost of living, 60 percent of Brits are saying they’ll drive to a destination to save money, suggesting that the appetite for budget-friendly staycations is here to stay.
“Since 2013, CamperDays customers have enjoyed over 1,000,000 nights on campervan and motorhome holidays. The popularity is, in part, due to its flexibility – many of our customers can collect a vehicle close to home, saving the need to spend extra on rail and airline travel as they’re able to journey on their very own ‘home on wheels’.
“In the UK road trippers are spoiled for choice by the array of stunning landscapes to explore from Cornwall’s South coast to Scotland’s iconic North coast, posing accessible yet equally enthralling experiences to travels further afield.
“Though travel costs like accommodation and eating out can be more expensive in the UK compared to other destinations in Europe, especially during the school holidays, the benefit of a campervan or motorhome trip is that it allows budget-conscious travellers to combine travel and accommodation into one cost. Plus, travelling with a fully equipped kitchen ensures road trippers can also prepare budget friendly meals rather than relying on eating out.”
In celebration of International Camper Day, Max shares his four favourite National Parks in the UK, as well as a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland – the ideal destinations for spring road trips.
● Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Wales’ largest national park is most famous for its mountainous terrain (it is home to Snowdon – Wales’ highest mountain) but the land is extremely varied, and its total 823 square-mile expanse consists of woodlands, waterfalls, natural pools, peatlands, and rugged coastline.
One of the UK’s most famous road trips – Eryri Snowdonia 360 – is a 360-mile loop around the northwest of Wales encompassing Anglesey, Llŷn Peninsula, and the coast of north Wales in addition to Eryri. A well-established itinerary that enables road trippers to soak up the best the region has to offer.
There are plenty of official campsites in Eryri, many of which permit campervans and motorhomes. Be warned though, staying overnight at a car park isn’t allowed so it’s worth booking your pitches ahead of travel.
● Peak District National Park
The Peak District has long been a popular and accessible tourist destination for Brits, especially as there are entrances to the park from major towns and cities in northern England and the midlands. There are four visitor centres in Bakewell, Castleton, Derwent, and Edale, all of which offer tourists the chance to learn more about the park.
There are more than fifty functional campsites in the Peak District that permit campervans and motorhomes, while the North Lees Campsite at Stanage has limited motorhome access. Despite its ominous name, Snake Pass is one of the Peak District’s most scenic driving routes, offering panoramic views of Manchester and its surrounds.
The area also offers chances to indulge in activities like cycling, rock climbing, horse riding, water sports, caving, fell running, fishing, and even air sports.
● Cairngorms National Park
The largest National Park in Scotland is also the largest National Park in the UK at a whopping 1,748 square miles.
Cairngorms is noted for its cycling and biking routes for all ages and abilities, its historical castles, and its dark skies. The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area of Cairngorms is an internationally recognised Dark Sky Park, meaning spectacular views of the stars due to little light pollution. Astronomy and stargazing events are held year-round.
The country’s largest park is undoubtedly light years ahead when it comes to camping since, in addition to the most basic options, campers can choose from campervan pitches, glamping yurts, and even restored Romani vardos.
● South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park may be the UK’s youngest, but the 628 square mile area in the south of England is easily the most accessible National Park from London, making it a strong contender for a family road trip from the city.
Much of the park consists of chalk downland, which explains the highly recognisable photographs of the striking white Seven Sisters cliffs and the Lillington White Horse, a chalk hill figure cut in 1924.
For Londoners, the South Downs can be kept short and sweet needing just one day to conquer, but for those travelling from further afield or simply wanting to spend a little more time in the chalk hills, the South Downs Way Camping and Caravan Park has pitches suitable for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes.
● Mourne Mountains
Although there are no National Parks in Northern Ireland, one area in the running to become Northern Ireland’s first is the Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Down.
The Mournes are a hiker’s and rambler’s dream with thirty mountains between 500 and 850 metres above sea level, and the many forests – such as Northern Ireland’s first state forest park, Tollymore Forest Park – are well suited to forest bathers.
With the numerous peaks and hilltops providing the backdrop to a Mourne Mountains road trip, the Castlewellan Caravan Park is an ideal base. Situated next to the stunning Scottish baronial Castlewellan Castle, it has space for campervans and motorhomes, and boasts an on-site multi-activity centre, making it a perfect refuge for families on the road.
For more information or to book your own campervan for a dream spring road trip, visit www.camperdays.co.uk.
