There’s something magical about the sea meeting the road. The smell of salt on the breeze, gulls swooping overhead, and the endless ribbon of tarmac hugging the shoreline. Now, throw a motorhome into the mix, and you’ve got the recipe for one of life’s greatest adventures.
It turns the journey itself into the destination.
Unlike cars, a motorhome doesn’t just take you from A to B — it turns the journey itself into the destination. Pull over at a clifftop layby, throw the kettle on, and you’re not just passing through stunning scenery — you’re living in it.
The UK is blessed with some of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. From windswept Scottish cliffs to Cornwall’s surfer havens, there’s a coastal drive for every kind of traveller. Below, we’ll dive into the very best UK coastal routes for motorhome adventures, packed with insider tips, must-see stops, and practical advice to make the most of your trip.
The North Coast 500, Scotland
The undisputed heavyweight of UK road trips, Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is often compared to America’s Route 66 — and for good reason.
Stretching over 516 miles around the northern tip of Scotland, the route takes you through landscapes so wild and untamed you’ll wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a movie set. Think jagged cliffs, pristine beaches that look like the Caribbean (until you dip your toes in), and ancient castles perched dramatically on hilltops.
Top tip: Take your time. The NC500 is not a race. It’s easy to underestimate how slow progress can be on narrow, twisting roads — and you’ll want plenty of stops to soak in the scenery.
Motorhome highlights:
- Wild camping spots – Scotland’s laws allow for responsible overnight parking in many areas.
- Dornoch Beach – golden sands stretching for miles.
- Smoo Cave in Durness – a giant sea cave carved by nature.
- Applecross Pass – a thrilling mountain road (but not for the faint-hearted or large motorhomes).
The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
This stretch of road from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry is a feast for the eyes. It’s around 120 miles long, but every mile is packed with drama.
You’ll pass clifftop castles, windswept headlands, and of course, the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, with its eerie hexagonal stones. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise many filming locations along the way, including Ballintoy Harbour and the Dark Hedges.
Motorhome highlights:
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – a nerve-jangling crossing high above the sea.
- Mussenden Temple – a clifftop folly with jaw-dropping views.
- Bushmills Distillery – the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
Top tip: Campsites can fill up quickly in summer, so pre-book if you’re planning an overnight stop near the Giant’s Causeway.
The Jurassic Coast, Dorset & Devon
A 95-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast is a road trip through 185 million years of history.
This stretch is littered with fossils, sea stacks, and dramatic rock formations. Durdle Door, the iconic limestone arch, is a must-see. And the beauty of this route is accessibility — it’s compact, family-friendly, and ideal for shorter motorhome adventures.
Motorhome highlights:
- Lulworth Cove – perfect for fossil hunting.
- Beer Village – a quaint fishing town with great local seafood.
- Charmouth Beach – one of the best fossil-hunting spots in the UK.
Top tip: Some Jurassic Coast roads can be narrow. Plan your route carefully and avoid small village lanes where larger motorhomes may struggle.
The Gower Peninsula, Wales
Small but mighty, the Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a compact road trip, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm.
Expect sweeping bays, hidden coves, and plenty of surf-friendly beaches. It’s a great choice for a long weekend motorhome trip if you want to blend stunning scenery with a more relaxed pace.
Top tip: Gower roads can be single-track in places. If you’re in a larger motorhome, stick to main routes and use campsites as bases for exploring smaller areas.
Sweeping bays, hidden coves, and plenty of surf-friendly beaches.
Motorhome highlights:
- Oxwich Bay – great for watersports and nature watching.
- Rhossili Bay – consistently voted one of the best beaches in the UK.
- Three Cliffs Bay – an iconic view and brilliant walking country.
Northumberland Coastal Route, England
For those who like wide-open spaces and fewer crowds, Northumberland is a gem.
Stretching from Alnmouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed, this coastal drive offers vast sandy beaches, medieval castles, and peaceful countryside. It’s far less tourist-heavy than Cornwall, but just as breathtaking.
Motorhome highlights:
- Bamburgh Castle – towering over the beach, it’s one of the most photogenic castles in the country.
- Holy Island of Lindisfarne – accessible via a tidal causeway (check tide times carefully).
- Seahouses – a charming fishing village with boat trips to the Farne Islands.
Top tip: This route is perfect if you want quiet wild camping spots, but always follow local rules and avoid blocking access roads or car parks.
The Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
Wild, rugged, and utterly stunning — Pembrokeshire is a motorhome paradise.
This part of Wales is known for its clifftop hikes, wildlife, and hidden harbours. Expect seals, dolphins, and plenty of puffins if you visit in summer. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs for 186 miles, and much of the road follows its twists and turns.
Motorhome highlights:
- St Davids – Britain’s smallest city with a beautiful cathedral.
- Barafundle Bay – often named one of the best beaches in the world.
- Tenby – pastel-coloured houses and a lively harbour.
Top tip: If you’re travelling in summer, book your pitch in advance — coastal spots here are very popular.
Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway (A39)
The Atlantic Highway runs along Cornwall’s north coast and is arguably the most famous motorhome-friendly coastal route in England.
It stretches roughly 70 miles between Barnstaple in Devon and Fraddon in Cornwall, hugging some of the best surfing beaches and fishing villages in the UK.
Motorhome highlights:
- Bude – family-friendly beaches and surfing.
- Padstow – foodie heaven, thanks to Rick Stein and other top chefs.
- St Ives – artists, beaches, and crystal-clear water.
Top tip: Cornwall gets very busy in peak season. Travel in spring or autumn for quieter roads and more space to enjoy the scenery.
Tips for Driving Coastal Routes in a Motorhome
Driving a motorhome along winding coastal roads is unforgettable, but it does take some extra care.
- Plan ahead – check route restrictions and avoid roads marked unsuitable for larger vehicles.
- Book campsites early – especially in summer or bank holidays.
- Carry change – some car parks and toll roads still only take coins.
- Take it slow – the whole point is to enjoy the views, not rush through them.
- Pack for unpredictability – the weather can change in a flash on the coast.
From the windswept Highlands to Cornwall’s surfer-filled bays, the UK coastline is as diverse as it is beautiful. Each of these routes offers something different — whether it’s history, wildlife, or sheer natural wonder.
And the beauty of doing it all in a motorhome? You don’t just see the views. You get to live in them.
So whether you’re looking for an epic road trip like Scotland’s NC500 or a shorter escape like the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s coastal roads are waiting. All you need is a good map, a full tank, and the open road ahead.
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