There’s nothing quite like exploring behind the wheel of a van. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, stargazing from your camper, or pulling up beside a peaceful lake, van life in the UK offers a freedom you won’t find in a hotel room. From remote highlands to sandy shores, here are the best UK destinations for van lifers, complete with things to do and where to park up for the night.
Northumberland, England – best for stargazing
Home to one of the largest areas of protected night sky in Europe, Northumberland is a stargazer’s dream. The best place to soak it all in is Kielder Forest and Water Park, a certified Dark Sky Park where the stars quite literally steal the show.
By day, you can hike or mountain bike through peaceful forest trails, kayak across the vast Kielder Water, or pay a visit to the fascinating Kielder Observatory. To view other walks in the area, download Alltrails to discover new routes.
For places to stay, Kielder Campsite is a popular, well-equipped option for campervans, or you can try Kielder Castle car park where overnight motorhome parking is available.
Glencoe, Scotland – best for dramatic landscapes
If you’re chasing wild beauty and epic views, Glencoe delivers at every turn. Towering mountains, deep valleys and misty lochs make this one of the most cinematic parts of Scotland. Hike the hauntingly beautiful Lost Valley, explore the peaceful trails around Glencoe Lochan, or take a cold dip in one of the area’s many wild swimming spots.
When it comes to parking, Red Squirrel Campsite is a favourite for van lifers – tucked among the trees with proper facilities – or try the Three Sisters car park for a wilder, short-stay option.
Rhossili Bay, Wales – best for coastal views
Regularly voted one of the best beaches in the UK, Rhossili Bay offers van lifers sweeping sands, dramatic cliff views and unbeatable sunsets. Walk the stunning Gower Peninsula coastal path, wander out to Worm’s Head at low tide, or spend the afternoon surfing and paddleboarding.
For overnight stays, Hillend Campsite is just a short stroll from the beach and perfect for campers. The National Trust Rhossili Bay car park is great for daytime visits, though overnight stays aren’t permitted.
The Lake District – best for waterside wandering
With serene lakes, mountain views and quaint towns around every bend, the Lake District is one of the most van life-friendly destinations in the UK. Spend your days kayaking on Windermere or Derwentwater, hiking up Catbells or Helvellyn, or just enjoying a pub lunch in Keswick or Ambleside.
Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate offers comfort and convenience for van travellers, while Blea Tarn is a peaceful, scenic spot for exploring during the day.
Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove, Dorset – best for sunsets
Nothing beats watching the sun set behind the famous limestone arch at Durdle Door. This stretch of the Jurassic Coast is perfect for coastal walks, beach days and a bit of fossil hunting. Hike the cliffs between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door or just relax with a drink as golden hour lights up the rocks.
The nearby Durdle Door Holiday Park is ideal for campervans and offers easy access to the beach. Day parking is available at the main Durdle Door car park, but overnight stays are not allowed.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales – best for adventure
If your idea of the perfect trip involves fresh air and adrenaline, head to Eryri National Park. Hike up Mount Snowdon via the scenic Pyg Track or Miners’ Track, whizz through the trees at Zip World, or paddleboard across the tranquil waters of Llyn Padarn.
For lakeside camping with real charm, Llyn Gwynant Campsite is a great option, offering fire pits and mountain views. Alternatively, Nant Peris car park provides a handy base for climbing Snowdon during the day.
The Norfolk Broads – best for peace and wildlife
For a slower pace and wide-open skies, it’s hard to beat the Norfolk Broads. This network of rivers and lakes is teeming with wildlife and perfect for van lifers looking to unwind. Rent a kayak or small boat to explore the waterways, stroll through charming villages like Wroxham or Horning, or walk the peaceful trails around How Hill.
Salhouse Broad Camping is a fantastic stop for campervans, offering easy access to the water. There’s also a car park at How Hill, though it’s best suited to daytime use.
Top van life tips for the UK
If you’re new to van life adventures, there are a few things to be aware of before you set off:
Check local rules
Not all spots allow overnight parking – use apps like Park4Night or Campercontact to see what’s available. It’s also a good idea to download What3words to make a note of parking areas for future reference.
Be respectful
Stick to marked bays, take rubbish with you, and avoid blocking access or views.
Stay charged
Stock up on essentials at Halfords – solar panels, power banks, and cool boxes make life off-grid easier.
Ready to hit the road?
Whether you’re hunting stars in Northumberland or surfing in Wales, make sure your van’s ready for the ride. From roof boxes and airbeds to awnings and tech, Halfords has everything you need for life on the move.
Shop our full range of campervan and travel essentials at halfords.com.
