Travelling to the United Kingdom - Travel hub
Welcome to our Essential UK Travel Hub, the ultimate resource for motorhome and campervan enthusiasts eager to explore the United Kingdom’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As your comprehensive travel hub, we offer a wealth of articles tailored specifically to the needs of the motorhome community, guiding you through the best routes, campsites, and hidden gems across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Our guide is packed with practical tips on travelling to the UK in your motorhome or campervan, from navigating the roads to finding the best-equipped sites for an overnight stay. Whether you’re looking for serene beauty, urban excitement, or historical exploration, our Essential UK Travel Hub is your companion in planning the ultimate road trip adventure, ensuring you capture the essence of each country within the UK from the comfort and convenience of your home on wheels.
United Kingdom Travel Hub - Jump To
Key Fast Facts for Travelling to the United Kingdom
Language
English is the common language. You may hear Welsh, Irish and Scots spoken as a 2nd language
Currency
Sterling is the currency used, referred to as GBP - Great British Pound.
Schengen
Not part of the Schengen - so can be used in the Schengen Shuffle for UK citizens
Time Zone
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and BST (British Summer Time). Also UTC and UTC+1
ATM & Credit Cards
ATMs are everywhere with card accepted at nearly all outlets
Plugs and Voltage
Plug type G (3 rectangular pins in a T-shape). 230 standard voltage and 50 Hz.
Sim Cards
EE is the recognised largest and best provider in the UK with the most coverage.
Visa
EU, EEA and Swiss can travel visa free. Turkey may need a visa. All others, check on the .gov.uk website
Female Travel
Safe for female travellers. Take the usual precautions at evenings and night-time
Health
UK travellers covered on NHS. EU citizens need an EHIC from their own country to access basic NHS care
Motorhome Parking
Officially wild camping is not allowed, unless you have permission from the land owner.
UK Roads
The roads are as you may find on the mainland. Country roads can be very narrow. People get stuck in Cornwall!
Best Travel Months
May to September catches the best weather. July & August are peak season. Christmas has lots of Christmas Markets!
LPG Available
Is available but not always readily. Keep an eye on your gas as LPG is gradually being phased out.
Airports
Many! Heathrow & Gatwick serve the South, Stansted for the East, Manchester for the North, Edinburgh - Scotland, Belfast for Ireland, Cardiff - Wales.
Motorohome/ Car Insurance
Unlikely to be covered as standard if from mainland Europe. Check with your insurer.
Tipping
Check first for service charges otherwise 10% is appreciated, but not essential.
Emergency Numbers
Dialing Code - +44
Emergency - 999 or 112.
Medical Query - 111
Pets
Must be microchipped. Must have Rabies injection & Animal Health Certificate. Consult your vet if outside the EU.
Traditional Foods
Fish and Chips, Sunday Roast, Haggis, Bara Brith, Irish Stew, Soda Bread,
Why Visit the UK?
Discover the freedom of holidaying in England with your motorhome, where historic cities and scenic countryside await. Venture north to experience Scotland’s majestic Highlands and serene lochs, perfect for adventurous spirits seeking breath-taking vistas accessible from the comfort of their campervan. In Wales, navigate through valleys and past towering castles, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and Celtic culture that define this rugged land. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline and rich historical landscapes provide a captivating backdrop for any motorhome journey.
A foodie holidaying in England and visiting the UK is in for a treat, embarking on a road trip to taste the country’s diverse culinary offerings. England’s food scene is a mix of traditional dishes like fish and chips, hearty pies, and scones with cream and jam, alongside innovative, modern cuisine.Â
Travellers can explore local farmers’ markets, historic pubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The UK is also making a name for itself in wine and cider production, with vineyards and cider houses offering tours and tastings. This journey offers a unique way to experience the rich culture and landscapes of the UK, through its delicious food, wine, and cider.
Download our Handy Road Trip Planner
Use our handy ready made PDF planner to help you plan your trip. We created a 9 day planner to use to plan a 1 week trip. Simply print out more copies for each week of your travels. Capture everything you need from your start and end points to where you will stay. There is space to write all the things you want to see and more. Plenty of room for jotting down notes as you plan too.Â
*Road Trip Planner
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When to Visit for your HOLIDAY IN THE UK
The best time for motorhoming or campervanning in the UK is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to September. During this period, the weather is generally milder and more predictable, with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the countryside and enjoying outdoor activities.
Spring in the United Kingdom
Spring sees the UK beginning to warm up, with longer days and nature coming to life. This season is ideal for witnessing the blooming of flowers and gardens across the country, such as the daffodils and cherry blossoms. It’s a great time for outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer in the United Kingdom
Summer is the peak travel season, offering the warmest weather and the most daylight hours, perfect for exploring both cities and the countryside. It’s the best time for outdoor festivals, beach holidays, and enjoying the UK’s natural beauty. However, popular destinations can be crowded, and prices may be higher.
In July and August, there is the Sarajevo film festival which has taken place for over 25 years. The UNESCO City of Film, Sarajevo, attracts local and international stars for this event!
Autumn in the United Kingdom
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, particularly in rural and wooded areas. It’s a fantastic time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors in a more tranquil setting. Tourist crowds thin out, making it easier to explore popular sites more comfortably.
Winter in the United Kingdom
Winter in the UK is cold, with shorter days and potential for snow, especially in northern and mountainous regions. It’s a magical time for visiting Christmas markets, enjoying cozy pub fires, and experiencing the festive atmosphere in cities. Some rural attractions may be less accessible, but cities offer plenty of cultural events and indoor attractions.
Each season has its unique appeal, with varying weather conditions and activities. Your choice depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip—whether it’s outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, or quiet exploration of the countryside.
United Kingdom Itineraries and Information
We love going on train rides even when travelling in our motorhome. We didn’t realise that there are so many heritage steam trains in Wales until we visited. So we have all the information in one post to help you choose which ones you want to do when you are road tripping in Wales.
The North Wales Way is one of the three road trips in Wales that makes up The Wales Way. We provide you with the itinerary of where to go, which order to go in and what to see when you get there. We include some great hike details and festival information too. So what are you waiting for? Lets read on.
This segment of The Wales Way’ called the Cambrian Way, takes you through the dramatic and jaw dropping scenery of Snowdon National Park and the Brecon Beacons for sweeping views of lakesides and panoramic views from mountains. Did we mention the amazing hikes too?
This segment of The Wales Way, touches the west coast of Wales in a magnificent and wild motorhome road trip following the craggy and dramatic Welsh coastline.
We give you 3 great road trips in Wales that you can take; The Coastal Route, The North Wales Way and the Cambrian Way. Wales has so much to offer, from mountains and valleys to beaches and castles – there really must be one that you want to explore!
A road trip to the Isle of Wight has much more to offer than you might first think. It is easy to get to, it has some beautiful walks and hikes to do, some wonderfully quaint villages and some fabulous beaches.
Traditional Foods in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom boasts a rich culinary heritage, with each of its countries offering unique dishes that reflect their history, culture, and local produce. Here’s a look at some of the local foods from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
English traditional Foods
Fish and Chips: A classic British dish, featuring battered and fried fish served with thick-cut fries.
Full English Breakfast: A hearty meal including eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.
Sunday Roast: A traditional meal served on Sundays, consisting of roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.
Scotland traditional Foods
Haggis: Scotland’s national dish, made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, encased in the animal’s stomach.
Scottish Porridge: A staple breakfast made from oats, water or milk, and traditionally served with a sprinkle of salt.
Cullen Skink: A thick soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, originating from the town of Cullen.
Wales traditional Foods
Welsh Rarebit: A savory dish made from melted cheese poured over slices of toasted bread, often enhanced with ale, mustard, and spices.
Cawl: A traditional Welsh soup or stew made with lamb and leeks, along with a variety of other vegetables.
Bara Brith: A fruit loaf made with tea, dried fruits, and spices, often served sliced and buttered.
Ireland traditional Foods
Ulster Fry: Similar to the full English breakfast, with the addition of soda bread and potato bread.
Irish Stew: Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley. While common across Ireland, variations of this stew are beloved in Northern Ireland.
Soda Bread: A quick bread made using baking soda as a leavening agent, often served as part of an Ulster Fry.
These dishes only scratch the surface of the UK’s diverse culinary offerings, which range from simple comfort foods to sophisticated, modern cuisine, reflecting the UK’s multicultural population and its rich agricultural and maritime heritage
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