The 3 best coastal drives in your campervan

There’s nothing quite like getting a bit of ‘sea air’ in your lungs. And with a campervan sitting on your drive (or in your garage), there’s nothing stopping you from parking up at some of the sweetest coastal hotspots. But which parts of the British seaside are the most worthy of your time?

That’s the question we will answer in this article, in which we highlight three of the best coastal drives to take in your campervan.

By the end of your trip, you’ll (hopefully) be feeling refreshed and ready for whatever life has to throw at you.

Did you know that spending time on the coast is genuinely good for your health? According to researchers based in Devon and Cornwall, being by the sea has a calming influence on people, providing a reason to get out and about.

If that isn’t enough incentive to make you want to get straight in your campervan and head to the coast, we don’t know what it is. So, in which direction should you point your camper?

 

Cornwall

If in doubt, head to Cornwall. That’s a fairly good modus operandi to live by if you’re a campervan owner.

The county on England’s rugged south western coast offers everything a fan of the seaside could ever want: an array of beautiful sandy beaches, moorland and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Depending on where you are in the country, Cornwall can be a bit of a trek to get to – but once you’re there, easy A-roads connect the area, so getting around is fairly easy in a campervan.

The most scenic route into Cornwall is along the north coast of Devon.

Driving on the A39 Atlantic Highway, you can make stop-offs at the likes of Exmoor, Tintagel Castle, Padstow, and Newquay, to name but a few.

You can spend days navigating your way to St Ives and why not? When you do decide to head to St Ives, take the A30 where you can head along the quiet B3306 to St Just, which has views that will take your breath away.

Once you’re done marvelling, circle back onto the A30 to the south coast where a stop-off at Penzance is a must before heading back up along the south coast.

Camp site tip:

Wheal Rodney Holiday Park is just a 15-minute walk from the beautiful St. Michael's Mount and the child-friendly beaches of Marazion.

Open all year round, this site has campervan pitches with electric hook-ups.

Being a holiday park, it also has a few bonuses like an indoor swimming pool – if the sea water is too cold for a dip – and an on-site shop to replenish your tea bags!

 

North Yorkshire

If you prefer the coast up north, North Yorkshire has plenty of coastline to offer you, with the added bonus of being able to take in the moors and dales which both offer stunning scenery and an abundance of walking routes to explore.

Beginning your trip in York, head out along the A64 then join the A169 at Malton which will take you north into the North York Moors National Park through Pickering.

Forged by nature and shaped over generations, the North York Moors is a special place rich in heritage and wildlife. It’s up to you how deep into the Moors you want to go…

Next stop Scarborough. Take the A170 and go east, and it won’t be long before you can see the sea.

Park up and explore the original seaside resort, which has been popular with visitors for the best part of 400 years.

For more seaside delights, head north along the A171 to Whitby where some of the world’s best fish and chips await you.

If the Yorkshire Dales National Park is also on your must-see list, take the A171 then A172 east for a couple of hours.

Camp site tip:

Set within the stunning North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Serenity Camping is located one mile from the beautiful sandy beach at Runswick Bay, one mile from the picture postcard fishing village of Staithes and seven miles from Whitby itself.

So, bang in the middle of the ‘action’. The site has five acres of large and spacious grass pitches, all with lovely views of the moors.

All touring pitches have 10-amp electric hook-up as well as facilities including a luxury self-contained wet-room, and free Wi-Fi.

 

Wales

Our final stop is the beautiful south west coast of Wales.

Start your Pembroke adventure in St Davids, one of the UK’s smallest cities, and spend some time wandering around the ruined Bishop’s Palace.

Plan to make a pit stop at Melin Tregwynt and pick up a scarf or two at the woollen mill, which gives classic designs a contemporary twist. A great idea for Christmas presents!

Next it’s on to Cardigan Bay, with its endless picnic spots, but our favourite is Mwnt beach.

This National Trust hotspot is the perfect place to stretch your legs after a hard day’s drive, but beware the long steep walk down to the sands.

Dogs are welcome between October and April too so this is a great stop-off if you’re travelling with your four-loegged friend in tow.

Camp site tip:

The Brynowen Holiday Park has a great location with views over Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian mountains.

With 12 hard-standing pitches, it also offers a kids’ club, mini 10-pin bowling, a swimming pool and live entertainment.

The perfect place to explore Aberystwyth and the surrounding area.

 

Protect yourself with campervan insurance

Once you’ve decided on which route you’re going to take, don’t forget to arrange that all-important piece of the puzzle: campervan insurance.

Getting the right kind of coverage means you can get on with all your travel adventures knowing you're protected in the case of the unexpected.

We can provide a range of quotes on specialist campervan insurance that could provide the following possible benefits:

• Cover for up to 365 days a year which can include foreign use
• Cover for your Campervan whilst you are converting it
• Enhanced cover for personal effects
• Panel of leading Campervan insurers
• Unlimited EU cover
• Up to £3,500 of cover for your camping personal effects
• Up to six months cover to complete a self-build conversion
• Value up to £150,000

Get a quote from Motorhome Protect today so you can hit the road.