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Nyree Hampshire
Published: . Updated: in Blog.

England’s 3 Most Scenic Caravan Routes to Explore

Going on a caravan holiday gives you a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes, historic towns and many sites of interest in England. Whatever type of traveller you are – someone who enjoys gazing over stunning scenery or the kind who likes to explore ancient buildings or get plugged in to a bit of local culture – our country has it all. A caravan holiday is the perfect way to experience it, your very own home from home allowing you to get up close and personal to wherever you want to go.

We can provide you with the right caravan – whether it’s a brand new model or one of the used ones we have in stock at the time you’re ready to buy. We can also supply you with some ideas to get you started! Here are three of the best scenic caravan routes in England, each of which offers a wealth of sights and experiences.

1. The Lake District

The Lake District is really well known for its breathtaking mountains, charming villages and (as you’d anticipate from the Cumbrian region’s name) its stunning lakes. There are also plenty of important literary connections in the area which can be explored. The Lake District Loop is a caravan route starting in the town of Kendal and travelling around the most iconic parts of the Lake District.

  • Kendal: Sites of interest in this historic market town include the ruins of Kendal Castle, a 13th-century estate. The best-known historical association for this castle was the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, Catherine Parr, who is thought by some to have been born here. The Quaker Tapestry Museum is also worth a visit in Kendal, featuring over 70 tapestries telling the story of the life and people of the town.
  • Windermere: Next on the Lake District Loop is a drive north from Kendal to Windermere to experience the largest natural lake in England. The bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere is a good stop, and from there you can take a boat trip on the lake itself or explore the World of Beatrix Potter. This charming family attraction features the author’s most famous characters from her children’s books, including Peter Rabbit.
  • Ambleside: Head further north to the small town of Ambleside, nestled at the head of Lake Windermere. Nature lovers can experience it in all its glory at Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular multi-tiered 70-foot waterfall just a short walk from the centre of town. The unusual Bridge House is a 17th-century curio, well worth a visit – it was built over Stock Beck to escape land tax.
  • Grasmere: Travel next to the charming village of Grasmere – most famous for its association with the romantic poet William Wordsworth. The one who famously ‘wandered lonely as a cloud’. Visit his home, Dove Cottage, and the Wordsworth Museum. While you’re in Grasmere you may as well sample the famous (and very tasty) Grasmere Gingerbread. It would be rude not to!
  • Keswick: Complete the Lake District Loop by heading to Keswick, a vibrant market town on the shores of Derwentwater. If you like arcane curiosities, then the Derwent Pencil Museum will fascinate you. There is wonderful scenery when you take a leisurely walk around the lake, or a spectacular panoramic view after a hike up one of the most popular fells in the area, Catbells, a short and sharp climb of around 1,500 feet.

Lake District Loop scenery:

The route you’ll take on the Lake District Loop is framed by majestic mountains (look out for Scafell Pike and Helvellyn), serene lakes (including Windermere, Derwentwater and Grasmere), and lush green valleys. The fluctuating colours the landscape offers through the seasons make this a particularly enchanting caravan route.

2. The Cotswold Circuit

The Cotswolds is officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), well known for rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages and historic market towns. This circuit through central southern South-West England takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of the region, and some of the loveliest views the country has to offer.

  • Chipping Campden: This almost ridiculously beautiful small market town is the perfect starting point for the Cotswolds Circuit, with its elegant terraced High Street a real highlight of the entire trip.
  • Broadway: Drive south from Chipping Campden to Broadway, sometimes referred to as the Jewel of the Cotswolds. The stunning Broadway Tower, designed by the legendary Capability Brown, offers architectural excellence and sweeping views of the countryside.
  • Bourton-on-the-Water: Continue on from Broadway to Bourton-on-the-Water, a small village sometimes referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds due to its wonderful low bridges and tranquil river. The quirky Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection is well worth a visit, showcasing rare vehicles and classic memorabilia.
  • Stow-on-the-Wold: This ancient market town perched on a hilltop is your next stop on the Cotswolds Circuit. The historic market square is charming and St Edward’s Church, with its highly distinctive tree-framed doorway, is well worth a look if you like religious architecture or unusual features.
  • Bibury: The end of your Cotswolds Circuit arrives at Bibury, famously described by textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist William Morris as the most beautiful village in England. The picturesque cottages along Arlington Row were created from a 14th-century monastic wool store and have real charm, and the nearby River Coln offers some genuine English picture book scenery.

Scenery on the Cotswolds Circuit:

The Cotswolds Circuit showcases gently rolling hills, scenic meadows and charming stone-built villages which never fail to impress. Journeying through the lush English countryside offered by this lovely route will satisfy all travellers.

3. The Jurassic Coast Drive

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from East Devon to Dorset, famous in global geological and circles for its prehistoric significance, and amongst scenery lovers for its stunning coastal views. The Jurassic Coast Drive, from Lyme Regis to Studland Bay, provides caravan holidaymakers with a fantastic journey through time, with chances to explore ancient fossils, dramatic cliffs and picturesque seaside towns.

  • Lyme Regis: Beginning in Lyme Regis, famous for its fossils, and the historic Cobb harbour, a breakwater built to protect the town from crashing ships. The RNLI lifeboat station, established in 1826, is close by and worth a visit. The Lyme Regis Museum and fossil hunting tour along the shore offer a captivating way to research the Jurassic Coast’s geological significance.
  • West Bay: Drive east from Lyme Regis to West Bay and its dramatic golden cliffs. TV viewers will recognise them immediately from their significant role in the crime drama series Broadchurch, which starred David Tennant. Explore the harbour at West Bay, take a walk along the South West Coast Path, and enjoy fresh seafood at the charming eateries.
  • Weymouth: Continue from West Bay to Weymouth, a traditional seaside town with a sandy beach and historic harbour. Visit the Nothe Fort, built as military protection in the 1860s, and now the area’s top museum and visitor attraction.
  • Durdle Door: Head from Weymouth to the iconic natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. This immediately recognisable spot is a geological and visual marvel – easily one of England’s most fantastic Instagram spots! The sheltered cove of Lulworth, just a mile away, is an easy hike along coastal paths which will provide you with some of the most breathtaking views available in England.
  • Studland Bay: Your tour of the Jurassic Coast concludes at beautiful Studland Bay, with its mix of sandy beaches and heathland. Visit the National Trust’s Studland Beach and Nature Reserve and enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.

Jurassic Coast Drive Scenery:

The Jurassic Coast Drive features some spectacular places along a wonderful route, with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and fossil-rich beaches in abundance. With plenty of geological history in sight most of the time, this stunning route provides a unique and captivating chance to get away from it all in your caravan.

These three caravan routes offer some of the best scenic trips you can take in England, enjoying your caravan time through a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm and cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning lakes and mountains of the Lake District, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds or the prehistoric geological wonders along the Jurassic Coast, the routes we’ve detailed here provide the perfect way to explore England’s rich landscapes. And all from the comfort of a caravan you’ve bought from Lowdhams!

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By Nyree Hampshire

Meet Nyree, the My Lowdhams Club Manager at Lowdhams Leisureworld.