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Whatever the season, it’s always fun to look forward to a holiday just around the corner, so what do you have planned for your next jaunt?
With your insurance for your campervan sorted and with UK travel destinations more popular than ever, you’re probably dreaming of where you can take your campervan this year or next? The luxury of having a campervan is that you’ve got complete flexibility – you can pack up and take off whenever you like!
Visiting one of the extensive range of National Trust properties is an excellent choice, no matter what the weather. But you need to book quickly as with excellent facilities and an endless list of activities to do for all ages, their campervan sites can fill up fast.
Why not exchange hectic city life for a little rural peace, explore historic locations and varied cultural heritage or spot unique and diverse wildlife.
Founded in 1895, the National Trust cares for some of the UK’s richest and most unspoilt scenery so it’s a fantastic idea to base your campervan expedition around some of their stunning locations. So, what are you waiting for?
Get your campervan insurance arranged and get ready for a wonderful adventure courtesy of the National Trust. As its motto states, it’s ‘For everyone, for ever’!
Special National Trust destinations for campervans
Whether you’re looking for a short and sweet weekend away, or a more extended break, we’ve got plenty of inspiration to unlock the wanderer within.
Best for… coastal calm
Teneriffe Farm Campsite, Helston, Cornwall
Season: 1 April - 31 October
Nestled in the far South West of England on Cornwall’s dramatic Lizard peninsula this cute campsite offers something for everyone.
With the stunning North Predannack Downs Nature Reserve and the Lizard National Nature Reserve surrounding this site, this is an ideal location to chill in nature.
Clamber along a rugged stretch of the South West Coast Path or head off to one of the award-winning beaches for some surfing fun.
With secluded coves, quaint fishing villages and local attractions galore, you’re bound to find the perfect hideaway to call your own.
Best for… stepping back in time
Highertown Farm Campsite, Looe, Cornwall
Season: 27 March - 1 November
Step back in time to a simpler age with a visit to this very relaxed and low-key site. The site is within easy reach of the charming coastal villages and towns of Polperro, Fowey and Looe.
But the real gem is visiting the National Trust’s nearby Lanhydrock. The magnificent house and gardens date back to the 17th century but now provide one of the most complete 19th century country houses in England.
Discover the two different sides of Victorian life: from the ‘below stairs’ kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters, to the luxurious family areas, elegant dining room and spacious bedrooms of those living ‘upstairs’.
The gardens are well worth exploring, too, with ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths.
Complementing its stunning coastal location and as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Highertown is one of the National Trust’s most eco-friendly campsites with solar water panels and composting toilets.
While you’re packing for your trip, remember that Cornwall is infamous for its network of narrow country lanes that criss-cross the county. So, you’ll want to get good campervan insurance in place before you set off.
Best for… romance
Cloud Farm Campsite, Lynton, Devon
Season: 1 July – 1 November
Set amongst the spectacular scenery of the Exmoor coast in Devon this serene location is perfect for a wild romantic getaway.
Setting up camp in the legendary Lorna Doone Valley your nearest neighbours could include buzzards and red deer.
Head out onto the wild coastal path from the moor to take in the dramatic seascapes and take advantage of those windswept yet sultry photo opportunities.
Best for… exploring the Welsh wilds
Gupton Farm, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Season: 3 April - 31 October
One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, Wales is right up there with the top spots on the planet to witness the natural world in all its glory.
Pembrokeshire in South Wales has an enviable variety of unique habitats and species. Gupton Farm is an ideal spot from which to plan a wildlife spotting trip to the stunning Skomer Island or even some outdoor activities such as coasteering.
From this simple and rustic location, explore the landscape and reconnect with nature away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Explore Freshwater West, one of Wales’s best surfing beaches, or head over to the nearby National Trust property of Stackpole.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the infamous otters. You might even catch a glimpse of a greater horseshoe bat in the trees and old buildings dotted around the estate.
From the very latest in campervan conversions to retro classics, campervans are often larger than your average vehicle, meaning they’re more at risk of being in an accident.
Make sure you’ve got the right campervan insurance cover in place before you head out into the wilds.
Best for… gold lovers and star gazers
Dolaucothi Caravan and Motorhome Park, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Season: 1 April - 31 October
Ensconced in the peaceful woodland of the Dolaucothi Estate in South Wales this site is right next to the River Cothi – a world-renowned spot for sewin (sea trout) fishing. So, don’t forget to bring your fishing tackle!
Make the most of your visit and get back to the wild with the wonderful wildflowers and birds, including the rare and majestic red kite.
As the sun sets and with the nearby Brecon Beacons designated International Dark Sky status it’s also one of the best spots to indulge in some remarkable star gazing.
A short walk brings you to the nearby Dolaucothi gold mines – another fascinating must-see attraction. Take yourself on a guided tour to see the complex of pits left by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. Perhaps round off your day and try your own luck panning for gold.
If you don’t have much luck with striking gold you’ll need to make sure that you’re well covered in case of accidents or other unfortunate events. Campervan insurance can take the weight off your shoulders.
Best for… a riverside picnic
Waterclose Meadows Campsite, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
Season: 13 March - 31 October
Close to the famous Houghton Mill and overlooking the Ouse Valley and its river, this is an idyllic spot for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to indulge in a spot of classic English picnicking.
Search for shy creatures like voles, while dragonflies and butterflies flit through the air above the long grass.
The nearby 18th century mill is well worth a visit particularly when it’s running as you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of this historic building in action.
Set over five floors, there’s lots of hands-on fun for all the family. Experience grinding your own flour, hear the building creak under the strain of the waterwheel, and remember to try the heavenly scones.
There are also plenty of nearby pubs, historic houses, walks and scenery to enjoy. The National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve and Wimpole Hall Estate are all worth an extension to your trip.
Best for… ramblers and walkers
Upper Booth Farm Campsite, Edale, Derbyshire
Season: 17 March - 31 October
The perfect base from which to explore the Peak District, Upper Booth Farm Campsite is found on a working hill farm on the National Trust’s High Peak Estate.
In the heart of the National Park and with the Pennine Way itself passing through the farmyard, there are few more perfect locations for walkers to begin a day out on foot.
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll across fields to the local pubs or a more challenging route onto the Kinder Plateau or Jacob’s Ladder, there’s something for all tastes.
Find out more about the farm’s sustainable land management from the Helliwell family who work this area, or sit back and soak up scenic views of the Derwent Valley.
Close by is the beautiful country estate of Lyme Park, with its mansion house surrounded by gardens, moorland, a medieval deer park and the Crow Wood playscape. For obvious reasons, cake fans should not miss a trip to the nearby town of Bakewell.
Best for… getting away from it all
Wasdale Campsite, Seascale, Cumbria
Season: 1 January - 31 December
With its remote valley, towering mountains, cascading screes and an awe-inspiring lake it’s easy to see why Wasdale Head has been voted Britain’s favourite view.
Lying beneath England’s legendary mountain, Scafell Pike, this remote campsite is found at the head of the stunning Wastwater Lake, which is nearly three miles long and almost half a mile wide.
If you feel seized by the spirit of adventure then have a go at canoeing, rock climbing or gorge scrambling. You can even learn how to improve your night navigation skills! While the area is a hub for walkers, keen cyclists can also find many great challenges in the area.
With the location being quite remote, you don’t want to get stuck with a broken-down campervan. Add break-down cover to your campervan insurance arranged through Motorhome Protect.
Best for… lakeside living
Low Wray Campsite, Ambleside, Cumbria
Season: 27 March - 1 November
Campervans are always welcome at the National Trust’s campsite at Low Wray on the western shore of Lake Windermere.
Here you can enjoy a wealth of different views from waterfront, lake, meadow to woodland. Canoes, rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards are all available for hire.
As a pleasant alternative, take the 20-minute journey on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway and enjoy the out-of-this-world views at the southern tip of Lake Windermere.
Or why not hop on board a Windermere steamer and enjoy a cruise to Bowness or Ambleside to really make the most of this lovely lakeside location?
Best for… exploring ‘God’s own county’
Buckden Camping at Heber Farm, Skipton, North Yorkshire
Season: 19 April - 31 October
Stay at this working farm in the village of Buckden. It’s located at the heart of the picture-perfect Upper Wharfedale in the beautiful county of Yorkshire.
With waterfalls, limestone wonders and secluded ghylls all close at hand it’s easy to see why proud Yorkshire people proclaim it as ‘God’s own county’.
With the Dales Way footpath running just behind the farmhouse, use this as a springboard from which to explore this world that is truly unspoilt by the passage of time.
Best for… cinematic views
Castle Ward Caravan Park, County Down, Northern Ireland
Season: 21 January 2020 - 28 February 2021
The grounds of this sprawling fairytale estate overlook the spectacular Strangford Lough, where it’s even possible to spot grey seals while strolling along one of the many trails that weave across this area.
With photogenic viewpoints through ancient woodland, landscaped gardens and sweeping parkland it’s no wonder this has become a popular site for filming.
HBO’s Game of Thrones was partly filmed on the estate so why not visit Castle Ward’s historic farmyard, used as the location of the Stark’s tragic home Winterfell?
Don’t leave home without campervan insurance
To plan a relaxing and successful trip, there are a few essentials to remember before you roll out onto the open highway.
Many National Trust locations are in stunning but out-of-the-way places. So, if you’re planning on heading to any of these, or hiking or biking a long way from your campsite, it’s best to have a well-stocked first aid kit in case of any injuries.
Whatever the adventures you’ve got planned the specialist team at Motorhome Protect will make sure your motorhome is covered. Cover from our panel of leading insurers can come with a range of benefits including:
- Cover for up to 365 days a year
- Cover for your campervan whilst you’re converting it
- Unlimited EU cover
- Up to £3,500 of cover for your camping personal effects
- Value up to £150,000
Get a campervan insurance quote from Motorhome Protect today.
Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.