When first thinking about a trip, a lot of people will automatically look to destinations abroad to satisfy their travel bug. Packing suitcases, going to the airport, and jetting off to another country are all part of the holiday experience, and it can be hard to give up on dreams of going somewhere warm and sunny. The countries which make up the UK have plenty to offer tourists as well, though. Exploring an area like this can take decades with the wrong approach, so this post will give giving you the right one, enabling you to see far more of this ancient country.

What You’ll Need

There are thousands of campsites dotted around the UK, with some located very close to areas of natural beauty. During the Spring, Summer, and Autumn months, camping isn’t unpleasant throughout most of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, as long as you plan around the weather. Using a caravan or tent has the benefit of being far cheaper than staying in hotels, while also giving you the flexibility to move around as much as you like. If you’d prefer not to camp, you can still follow the route in this post, using hostels or B&Bs as your accommodation.

For those happy to camp, the first choice you’ll have to make will surround the type of camping you do. Tents are good for anyone who doesn’t mind roughing it, but can be uncomfortable when the weather is bad or if you’re planning to stay for a long time. Caravans are much more like hotels than tents, though they are quite a lot more expensive than their fabric alternatives. You can find loads of caravans for sale in Wales, and this is where this journey will be starting, so it makes sense to look here first.

Of course, simply sorting out a place to sleep each night isn’t the only planning which has to go into a vacation. You’re going to need transport, and most people will choose to drive. If you have a bike and you fancy a challenge, taking a tent along with you can make for a great adventure, though you will have to plan your cycle routes carefully. Along with transport, you will also need to figure out where exactly you’ll be staying. Most campsites are affordable, but you’ll have to find them before you set off, as it can be a challenge to scope something like this out after a long day of travelling.

The route you choose when making your way around the UK can be very flexible. To give you some inspiration, you can find examples of most stunning areas found through the countries which make this union below.

Wales

Wales is well-known for its medieval history, with the small country being littered with castles, monuments, and areas with legends surrounding dragons. Thanks to the national pride observed in the residents of Wales, a lot of the oldest structures have survived remarkably well considering their age, and this makes the whole country an explorer’s paradise. Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle, and Cardiff Castle are some of the most popular castles to visit, though it’s worth checking out as many as you can.

The area isn’t just known for castles, though. Along with these ancient buildings, you’ll also find some of the UK’s best beaches in Wales. Pembrokeshire is a great example of this, with gorgeous sandy shores, towering cliffs, and loads of wildlife for you to enjoy. Touring around the coast of Wales doesn’t take too long, and it will bring you right into the next area in this post; South West England.

South West England

The South West is largely rural compared to the rest of the UK, with high concentrations of cosy villages, traditional farms, and ancient culture. Stonehenge is found in this part of England, along with more of the UK’s favourite beaches, making it a great spot for holiday makers. Throughout the camping season, there are loads of festivals in the South West, and they often let you camp. This can give you a great way to do something a little different for your holiday, rather than simply sitting in the sun.

England’s Southern Coastline

England’s Southern coast has long been one of the most important shipping areas for the UK. With cities like Portsmouth being named after this sort of trade, you can easily see how much this industry has shaped the area. If you travel out to see from this city, you can make your way to the Isle of Wight. This island is home to a small population, and is mostly dedicated to those on holiday, making it a great place to take your family camping. As you get towards the South East, you will find Dover, and the white cliffs which have made it famous.

The East Coast

As you head up the East Coast of the UK, you will quickly find yourself in London. Of course, though, a city like this isn’t great for camping, making it well worth avoiding when you set off on a journey like this. Suffolk and Norfolk are both known for their natural beauty, with a range of different National Trust sites dedicated to preserving the area’s history. The Midlands also offer a lot of stunning sights, and can provide you with loads of places to camp along the way, making it easy to enjoy a trip to this region.

The North

The North of England is often seen as a dull place, with a lot of big cities and dreary towns. In reality, though, cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are rich in medieval history, capturing the imaginations of explorers for generations. Some of the UK’s most treasured areas of natural beauty are also found in the North, with the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District proudly calling it home. Like the rest of the UK, this makes the North great for campers, as long as you don’t go when the weather it cold.

Scotland

Scotland, like much of the UK, is a very old country, with cities and towns which date back thousands of years. Today, many of the biggest cities in Scotland meld the modern with the old, but these areas are so great for camping, though this is where this country really shines. The Scottish Highlands are widely regarded as the UK’s most stunning spot. With the Northern Lights often being visible from this part of the World, along with the mountains, valleys, and forests filling it up, it makes sense that so many people work hard to get to this area.

This country is also home to a wealth of coastal towns. Surfing and fishing play a significant role in the culture found here, and this means that the locals are often eager to help tourists to get involved. Imagine camping on a cliff overlooking the ocean; not many people get to have an experience like that. There are loads of campsites in Scotland, and the internet is the best place to look when you’re trying to find one.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to start travelling around the UK. Doing this in hotels would be extremely expensive, with stays in places like this being far more pricey than a tent and a campsite. Of course, though, you will have to be prepared to miss your home comforts for a couple of days, as you won’t have access to anything like this where you’re going.

disclosure: this is a collaborative post