Ultimate 3-Week UK Camping Road Trip Itinerary: Our Epic Travel Adventure
Our favorite kind of trip? The unexpected ones, for sure!
And this year's adventure through the UK was no exception.
Like every winter, we sat down to plan our summer camping road trip, daydreaming about all the places we could explore. Around the same time, our good friends Charli and Nini from France—also known as the musical duo Chaini—reached out to us.
For the third year in a row, they planned to join their friends at the CamperVanLiveLounge in the UK, a collective of independent artists touring from festival to festival and hosting off-the-grid musical events. We loved the idea and jumped at the chance to join them. Touring with musicians? That was new for us, and we couldn't resist this unique adventure. Like most creative ventures, we weren't entirely sure it would happen, but we thought: Ok, fuck it! Let's go and see.
Duration: 3 weeks
Time: July
Travel Type: camping road trip
Accommodations: campsites, free camping, hotels
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road trip itinerary | favorite destinations | best places to stay | budget breakdown
Having already explored London on previous trips, we were eager to dive deeper into the UK this time—exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of England, Wales, and Scotland. With no set plans, we were ready to follow the winding roads wherever they led. From wandering the charming, cobbled streets of historical towns to getting lost in the wild beauty of national parks, from making new animal friends such as Welsh sheep and Scottish highland cows to the human souls we connected with along the way - this trip was one for the books indeed.
It wasn't about checking off destinations. It was about experiencing the freedom of the open road, discovering hidden gems, embracing pub culture, and connecting with the heart of the UK. Most of all, this trip introduced us to a new kind of tribe—the incredible CamperVanLiveLounge family. We owe them a massive thank you for inspiring us and making our lives brighter, better, and more colorful.
So whether you're planning your own adventure or simply dreaming of the open road, we hope our travel stories inspire you to discover the beauty of the United Kingdom for yourself. Here's a rundown of our itinerary, favorite stops and best camping spots, and a complete budget breakdown to help you make the most of your UK road trip.
road trip itinerary:
from Austria to the UK
Day 1: Colmar, France & Dinant, Belgium
Day 2: Eurotunnel France - UK & Cambridge
Day 3: York & Scarborough
Day 4: Altwick
Day 5: Ediburgh
Day 6: Loch Ness
Day 7: Glenfinnan Viaduct & Loch Lomond
Day 8: Lake District National Park & Keswick
Day 9-10: Liverpool
Day 11-12: Dubs at the Castle Festival, Caldicot
Day 13: Brecon Beacons National Park
Day 14: Durmitor Cliffs
Day 15: Brighton
Day 16-19: Blue Reef Festival, Kent
Day 20: Eurotunnel UK - France & Goes, Netherlands
Day 21: Ober-Hilbersheim, Germany
top places to visit in the
United Kingdom: must-see
spots & activities
Alright, let's get into the good stuff—our favorite spots from this incredible journey. Some we stumbled upon by chance, others we had bookmarked from the start, but all left a lasting impression we can't wait to share with you.
York, England
With its picturesque streets, stepping into York felt like entering a time machine. For all the Potterheads out there, this is your spot. The Shambles, with its quirky, narrow lanes, is said to have inspired Diagon Alley, and trust me, you can see why. There are shops like "The Shop That Must Not Be Named" or "The Potions Cauldron" where it feels like you're just one step away from getting your Hogwarts letter.
Edinburgh, Scotland
We spent a whole day exploring Edinburgh, and honestly? One day wasn't enough! This city is a photographer's dream - every corner is picture-perfect and full of character. Visit Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and for the best panoramic views? Hike up to Calton Hill. It's worth every step and will definitely surprise you. Oh, and fellow Potter fans, don't skip Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the gravestone of—you guessed it—Tom Riddle.
Loch Ness, Scotland
Alright, we didn't spot Nessie, but Loch Ness is still pure magic. The views alone are worth the trip. If you're feeling brave, take a dip in the icy waters. (Spoiler: One of us actually did... and lived to tell the tale!)
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
Again, calling all my Potterheads out there—this one's for you. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the iconic "Harry Potter Bridge," and seeing the steam train roll across was an unforgettable moment. Sure, there are crowds, but when that train comes into view, you'll forget everything else. It's like being transported straight into the movies.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
No matter how much you've heard about the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, nothing quite prepares you for seeing it in person. Even as people who grew up surrounded by mountains, we were blown away by the vast, rugged landscape. One of the best parts? You can pull over anywhere for a hike - no maps, no trails - just raw, wild beauty at every turn.
Lake District National Park, England
Driving through the Lake District felt like moving through a postcard. We camped right on the shores of Lake Derwentwater, which gave us the most stunning views to wake up to. And if you're a fan of a good pub crawl, the charming little town of Keswick (just a short walk away) has you covered!
Liverpool, England
Liverpool is more than just The Beatles, but let's be real, you can't skip that history! The Beatles Story Museum was a definite highlight - it's brilliantly done, and we learned so much about this iconic band. We wandered through the historic docks, checked out the trendy Baltic Triangle, and, of course, hit up Mathew Street for some live music.
DUBS at the Castle Festival, Wales
Picture this: classic cars, live music, and a medieval castle backdrop. That's the DUBS festival at Caldicot Castle, and it's as cool as it sounds. We were there to catch our friends from the CamperVanLiveLounge, and it turned out to be one of the most unique festivals we've ever attended.
Dunraven Bay, Wales
Dunraven Bay is one of those spots that takes your breath away. The dramatic cliffs, the amazingly well-kept ruins of Dunraven Castle, and the sweeping coastline make it an unforgettable stop. Whether you're exploring or just lounging on the beach, Dunraven Bay delivers.
Brighton, England
Need a break by the seaside? Brighton's your go-to. The pier here is pure nostalgia - perfect for letting your inner kid run wild. The city's got a unique vibe with its artsy pubs and quirky shops in The Lanes. It's fun, vibrant, and buzzing with creative energy, making us instantly fall in love with it.
Blue Reef Fest, England
Another gem of a festival is Blue Reef Fest, where we teamed up with the Campervan Live Lounge crew again. This family-friendly festival celebrates music, community, and good vibes. It's the kind of place where you feel instantly welcome, where the music's great, and the people are even better.
best UK campsites:
where to stay during
your road trip
Let's talk about where to park your van during your UK adventure! From scenic campsites to cozy spots with all the amenities, here are our top picks for where to stay while exploring the UK.
Mortonhall Caravan & Camping Park | Edinburgh, Scotland
If you want to soak up nature and be close to the action, this campsite is for you. You'll get stunning views, top-notch facilities, and even an onsite pub - because what's a road trip without a good pub? Plus, with lovely walking trails and a quick bus ride to the heart of Edinburgh, you get the best of both worlds: peaceful nature and buzzing city vibes.
Loch Ness Shores | Loch Ness, Scotland
Imagine waking up to the mystical shores of Loch Ness - yeah, it's as magical as it sounds. This campsite gives you private access to the loch, which means you can enjoy the epic scenery without the crowds. Whether you're on a Nessie hunt or just soaking in the Highlands' beauty, this spot is an absolute winner.
The Dixie Dean Hotel | Liverpool, England
Not every night needs to be spent under the stars - sometimes, you need a little luxury. This chic hotel in the heart of Liverpool is the perfect city break. Stylish interiors, comfy rooms, and easy access to Liverpool's top spots make it ideal for a city break.
Brecon Beacons Touring Park | Swansea, Wales
For a cozy, no-fuss camping experience, this tiny spot in Brecon Beacons is perfect. It's all about the simple things: close to the national park, a pub just a stone's throw away, and endless natural beauty at your doorstep.
Park4Night Spot | Faringdon, England
Want to truly embrace your freedom? Experience the beauty of the English countryside with this free, safe, and scenic Park4Night camping spot. Tip: Get there early, as places are limited.
budget breakdown
for 3 weeks in the
United Kingdom
As always, we tracked all our three-week UK road trip expenses to give you a realistic look at the costs. We love unique experiences over luxury, so we're always focused on finding great local spots, connecting with people, and making the most of every moment without breaking the bank. Here's how it all added up!
Transportation: EUR 1.688,-
This covered everything from our Eurotunnel roundtrip to fuel for Rusty (our trusty car) and the occasional public transport or Uber when we didn't feel like driving.
Food & Drinks: EUR 1.072,-
We're unapologetically big on food - whether it's a hearty pub meal, a refreshing pint, or something new and delicious, we don't hold back. After all, good food is part of the adventure, right?
Camping: EUR 305,-
We love mixing it up, so we split our stays between paid campsites and the occasional free camping spot. We're always hunting for those smaller, hidden campsites and spots where we could truly unwind.
Groceries: EUR 244,-
When we weren't eating out, we hit local grocery stores for fresh ingredients to cook in our little camping kitchen. Nothing beats making a meal with local ingredients while surrounded by beautiful landscapes!
Hotels: EUR 234,-
In the city, it’s often easier to book a hotel than to find a centrally located campsite, plus it provides a nice change of pace from setting up camp every night.
Activities: EUR 214,-
From music festivals to must-see attractions, we made sure our trip was packed with unforgettable experiences.
Other: EUR 32,-
This category covered all those random expenses that didn't fit elsewhere—because every adventure needs a little wiggle room!
total travel costs for a 3-week road trip in the UK:
EUR 3.320,-
As we look back on our three-week adventure across the UK, one thing's for sure—it was an experience we'll never forget. Whether it was hiking in the Highlands, exploring quirky festivals with the Campervan Live Lounge crew, or simply enjoying a pint at a cozy pub, every stop added something special to our journey.
We hope our travel tales have inspired you to hit the open road and explore the UK in your own way. So grab your things and set off on your own adventure - you never know what unforgettable memories are just around the corner.
Happy travels!
