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Top 5 UK country escapes
With the announcement all motorhome and caravan sites in England and Wales are permitted to open from May 17th 2021, now’s the perfect time to plan your escape to the country for rest and relaxation or go full steam ahead with activities on holiday.
Words by: Fianna Hornby
Published on 18 May 2021 | 0 min read
Research by Auto Trader UK has shown that 62% of people are planning on going on UK in the next 12 months. Country escapes are currently looking at the most popular holiday type, with 42% of people stating they would prefer to go on a UK country escape this year, rather than a city break, or an active holiday.
What are the rules at the moment for UK holidays?
- All other types of holiday accommodation in England, including motorhome and caravan parks with shared facilities, are able to open from 17 May 2021 at the earliest. After this date, no more than six people or two households will be able to stay together.
- Numbers are set to be reviewed to be lifted ahead of the 21 June 2021
- In Northern Ireland, the current guidance is still ‘you should not travel unless it is essential. If you do have a permitted reason to travel, you will have to self-isolate for a period of 10 days on your return home.’
Here is the current government guidance for England, Wales,Scotland and Northern Ireland. As the rules are very different per area, it is always best to check the advice on the area you live in.
Where should I go in the UK?
Get your camera ready and retreat to the countryside for these motorhome country escapes all over the UK. Whether you're looking for adventure and encounters or total calm, there's plenty to plan in for any holiday on-site.
Top 5 UK country escapes - 1. Stratford-upon-Avon
There are few places better suited to quintessential countryside motorhome escapism than Warwickshire. Binton village is home to glorious gardens surrounded by greenery as far as the eye can see. About a mile north of the river Avon, you'll find plenty of spots to relax and wander along the waterside, watching narrowboats chug along under postcard-worthy scenery.
If you want to embrace the perfect way to ruin a good walk, you'll also find Welford-on-Avon Golf Course just a few miles over the other side of the river. Then, of course, it'd be rude not to visit the aptly-named and pet-friendly Shakespeare Inn for the 19th hole.
If you want to embrace the perfect way to ruin a good walk, you'll also find Welford-on-Avon Golf Course just a few miles over the other side of the river. Then, of course, it'd be rude not to visit the aptly-named and pet-friendly Shakespeare Inn for the 19th hole.
Where can I stay in my motorhome in Stratford-upon-Avon?
The Binton Social Club is a small motorhomes and caravans site in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is suitable for families and allows dogs. You can book this site from as little as £14 per night.
Address: Binton Social Club Caravan & Motorhome site, 3 Binton Hill, Binton, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TT. Book here.
Address: Binton Social Club Caravan & Motorhome site, 3 Binton Hill, Binton, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TT. Book here.
Where should I visit in Stratford-upon-Avon?
- 1. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace
- 2. Watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- 3. Go to the MAD Museum
Where should I eat in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Honey blue cafe https://www.instagram.com/p/CNmi5fOHGIv/
Loxleys Restaurant & Wine Bar https://www.instagram.com/p/CNxh9ntMWeR/ Veeno Stratford Upon Avon https://www.instagram.com/p/CMu_DqIH5ir/
Loxleys Restaurant & Wine Bar https://www.instagram.com/p/CNxh9ntMWeR/ Veeno Stratford Upon Avon https://www.instagram.com/p/CMu_DqIH5ir/
- 1. Honey blue cafe
- 2. Loxleys Restaurant & Wine Bar
Top 5 UK country escapes - 2. Peak District
Stanage Edge in the Peak District is a massive draw for walkers, runners and climbers, so there's always something going on. What's more, it was deemed impressive enough for Keira Knightley overlooking Hope Valley in Pride & Prejudice, and you can take a guided walk to see the filming location for yourself, as well as other treats for literary lovers such as the setting of Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.
To the north west is Ladybower Reservoir, where woodland and water meet in a partnership for cycling heaven. There are some lovely walks around the area if you're looking for some peace and quiet, with a visitor's centre at the top of the reservoir and a cafe to the south. Tea and cake? Yes please!
To the north west is Ladybower Reservoir, where woodland and water meet in a partnership for cycling heaven. There are some lovely walks around the area if you're looking for some peace and quiet, with a visitor's centre at the top of the reservoir and a cafe to the south. Tea and cake? Yes please!
Where can I stay in my motorhome in the Peak District?
Hayfield campsite sits at the foot of the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park. It has a children’s play area, so is great for families and they allow dogs. Prices start at £6.65.
Address: Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Kinder Rd, Hayfield, High Peak SK22 2LE. Book here.
Address: Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Kinder Rd, Hayfield, High Peak SK22 2LE. Book here.
Where should I visit in the Peak District?
- 1. Climb Kinder Scout
- 2. Visit Chatsworth House
- 3. Walk around Derwent Dam
Where should I eat in the Peak District?
- 1. Gallery Cafe
- 2. Village Green Cafe
- 3. Curry Cottage at Lovers Leap
Top 5 UK country escapes - 3. Yorkshire
South of the North Yorkshire Moors and north of the Humber, you'll find the winding Yorkshire Wolds Way. It's 79 miles long, officially from Hessle to Filey, with chalk topography folding in on itself followed by chequerboard fields and greenery to the horizon.
The Humber Bridge and the views over the village of Millington offer the most perfect photography opportunities in good weather, but there are endless visual treats from nature around every turn.
The Humber Bridge and the views over the village of Millington offer the most perfect photography opportunities in good weather, but there are endless visual treats from nature around every turn.
Where can I stay in my motorhome in Yorkshire?
Moss Hagg Farm Campsite is in Selby, just 20 miles from the centre of York. This site allows for campfires, which is quite rare. Prices start from £16.00 per night.
Address: Moss Hagg Farm Campsite, Selby Common, Selby YO8 3RE. Book here.
Address: Moss Hagg Farm Campsite, Selby Common, Selby YO8 3RE. Book here.
Where should I visit in Yorkshire?
- 1. Skylark Centre and Nature Reserve, Drax Power Station
- 2. Mollie Sharp's Cheese & Deli
- 3. Selby Abbey
Where should I eat in Yorkshire?
- 1. Olive Branch Selby
- 2. Abbey Fisheries
- 3. Capri Italian Restaurant
Top 5 UK country escapes - 4. Norfolk
With 18,730 hectares of pines, heathland and broadleaves, Thetford is home to the UK’s largest man made lowland forest. As well as exploring the woodland walks and picnic spots here, you can try your hand at archery, or even climb high into the trees on a Go Ape course.
Whether you're looking for peaceful holiday options or heart-pumping activities for your body and mind, Thetford Forest has enough going on all year to keep you out and about before settling down with a glass of wine in the evening.
Whether you're looking for peaceful holiday options or heart-pumping activities for your body and mind, Thetford Forest has enough going on all year to keep you out and about before settling down with a glass of wine in the evening.
Where can I stay in my motorhome in Norfolk?
Thetford Forest Caravan Club Site is a new 70 pitch, all year round site. Set in luscious Forestry Commission woodland, the site has lots of great dog walks. You can book this site from £7 per night.
Address: Thetford Forest Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, High Ash, Hilborough, Thetford IP26 5BZ. Book here.
Address: Thetford Forest Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, High Ash, Hilborough, Thetford IP26 5BZ. Book here.
Where should I visit in Norfolk?
- 1. Go Ape Thretford
- 2. The Broads National Park
- 3. Norwich Cathedral
Where should I eat in Norfolk?
- 1. The old bank
- 2. Socius
- 3. Liquor and loaded
Top 5 UK country escapes - 5. New Forest
Just over a mile from Woolsbridge Manor Farm Caravan Park on the edge of the New Forest, Moors Valley makes for a great Dorset destination as another motorhome country escape. If you're looking for the quiet life, there are Roach, Rudd, Tench, Perch and Dace fishing opportunities between 16 June and 14 March from 8.30am (day tickets are needed and can be purchased from the visitor centre beforehand). Golfing and lessons are available on site, or you can ride the steam train along the banks of the Moors Lake.
Need something a little more fast-paced? The singletrack cycle routes are some of the most accessible and confidence-inspiring that I've ridden. After your day, head a little further east and you'll be met with sunset scenery over fields of the New Forest ponies to admire. It's an excellent end to an exciting day.
Need something a little more fast-paced? The singletrack cycle routes are some of the most accessible and confidence-inspiring that I've ridden. After your day, head a little further east and you'll be met with sunset scenery over fields of the New Forest ponies to admire. It's an excellent end to an exciting day.
Where can I stay in my motorhome in the New Forest?
Woolsbridge Manor Farm Caravan Park is a great base for exploring the New Forest and Dorset. The site is part of a 130-acre, family run, working farm. Dogs are permitted on site, if they are on a lead. You can book this site from £17.50 per night.
Address: Woolsbridge Manor Farm Caravan Park, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne BH21 6RA. Book here.
Address: Woolsbridge Manor Farm Caravan Park, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne BH21 6RA. Book here.
Where should I visit in the New Forest?
- 1. Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
- 2. The Sett
- 3. OFFBEAT
What are the best motorhomes for going on a country escape in?
Different motorhomes suit different lifestyles where ever you want to go.
2-berth motorhomes are perfect for 2 people, find a 2-berth motorhome here. 4-berth motorhomes are perfect for 4 people, find a 4-berth motorhome here. 6-berth motorhomes are perfect for 6 people, find a 6-berth motorhome here. Campervans are perfect for those with a sense of adventure, find campervan here.
2-berth motorhomes are perfect for 2 people, find a 2-berth motorhome here. 4-berth motorhomes are perfect for 4 people, find a 4-berth motorhome here. 6-berth motorhomes are perfect for 6 people, find a 6-berth motorhome here. Campervans are perfect for those with a sense of adventure, find campervan here.