Hire a VW Campervan and Discover the Best Road Trips in England

You don’t have to travel to the ends of the earth to find epic road trip adventures. England is packed with coastal roads, historic villages, wild moors, and rugged cliffs — all perfect for exploring by VW campervan.

At Play Dirty, we hire out fully equipped VW campervans built for adventure. Whether you're chasing surf in Cornwall, winding along the Jurassic Coast, or climbing peaks in the Lakes, our vans give you the freedom to explore the best road trips in England — without the faff of hotels or fixed itineraries.

Why Road Trip in England?

England is often overlooked in favour of Scotland or Wales for road trips, but it punches well above its weight:

Coastal drives with dramatic sea views
National Parks with hidden camping spots and mountain trails
Quaint villages and historic pubs
Castles, beaches, and ancient ruins at every turn

With a VW campervan from Play Dirty, you get transport, accommodation, and freedom all in one. Built with heating, kitchen units, and storage for your gear, our vans are ready for anything — from sandy coastlines to remote hilltops.

Best Road Trip Routes in England (By Campervan)

We’ve rounded up the best road trip routes across England, ideal for 3-day getaways or full 10-day campervan adventures.

1. Cornwall Coastal Circuit

Best for: Surf, seafood, wild camping
Start/End: Exeter > Newquay > St Ives > Land’s End > Falmouth > Exeter

Cornwall is the jewel of England’s southwest — all towering cliffs, quiet beaches, and waves that keep surfers coming back year-round.

Newquay: England’s surf capital, with board hire, lessons, and beach bars
St Ives: Picture-perfect harbour town with galleries and white sand
Land’s End: The most westerly point in mainland England
Porthcurno & Kynance Cove: Stunning coves with Caribbean-coloured water
Falmouth: Great seafood, live music, and ferry trips

Cornwall is campervan heaven — plenty of beachside campsites, and scenic lay-bys where you can wake up to ocean views.

2. The Jurassic Coast (Dorset to Devon)

Best for: Fossils, hikes, sea views
Start/End: Poole > Lulworth > Lyme Regis > Sidmouth > Exmouth

The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site — 95 miles of fossil-strewn coastline, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise bays.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Iconic limestone arch and cove
Charmouth & Lyme Regis: Prime fossil hunting spots
Beer: A traditional fishing village with views for days
Sidmouth & Exmouth: Great for kayaking and paddleboarding

With your campervan, you can explore cliff-top walks by day and cook up a meal by the beach at night. Expect epic sunsets and starry skies.

3. Lake District Loop

Best for: Mountains, hiking, remote wild spots
Start/End: Windermere > Keswick > Buttermere > Ullswater > Kirkstone Pass

The Lake District National Park is the ideal mix of rugged peaks and mirror-like lakes.

Wastwater: England’s deepest lake, surrounded by dramatic fells
Hardknott Pass: One of the steepest and most exciting roads in England
Keswick & Derwentwater: Base for hiking and paddleboarding
Ullswater: A quieter, stunning lake for peaceful van nights

This is wild camping territory — ideal for a Play Dirty van with off-grid power, onboard heating, and space for hiking gear.

4. Northumberland Coast

Best for: Castles, empty beaches, stargazing
Start/End: Alnwick > Bamburgh > Holy Island > Alnmouth > Durham

The North East of England is often forgotten — which is exactly why it’s brilliant. Quiet roads, wide-open skies, and miles of undeveloped coastline.

Bamburgh Castle: Arguably England’s most spectacular castle
Holy Island of Lindisfarne: A tidal island steeped in history
Alnmouth: Sandy dunes and colourful cottages
Kielder Forest: Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park for next-level stargazing

This route is perfect for solitude and serenity, with a few campfires thrown in.

5. Peak District Highlights

Best for: Weekend escapes, dramatic views, easy access
Start/End: Bakewell > Mam Tor > Snake Pass > Castleton

Just a short drive from major cities, the Peak District is perfect for a 2–3 day getaway.

Mam Tor & Winnats Pass: Epic viewpoints and walks
Bakewell: Home of the famous tart and a cracking pub scene
Castleton: Limestone caves and good campsites
Snake Pass: One of England’s most scenic roads

Campervan Tips for English Road Trips

Book campsites early during summer months — especially Cornwall
Check height restrictions on some car parks (especially in coastal towns)
Pack for all seasons – it’s England
Support local – farm shops, bakeries, pubs and cafes

Why Hire from Play Dirty?

At Play Dirty, we offer VW campervans built for proper adventure — not just car parks and campsites.

Full insulation & heating for all seasons
Built-in cooking & fridge units
Off-grid power systems available
Bike racks and roof box add-ons
Dog-friendly options

Whether you're heading to the coast with a board or up the fells with your boots, our campervans are ready for it.

Ready to Explore England?

England has everything you need for an epic campervan road trip — wild coasts, dramatic landscapes, and hidden gems you won’t find in any travel guide. All you need is a solid set of wheels and the freedom to roam.