Summer Road Trip Ideas for Your UK Campervan Holiday in 2026
Summer Road Trip Ideas for Your UK Campervan Holiday in 2026
Summer is here, and there is no better way to make the most of the long days and warm evenings than hitting the road in a campervan. Whether you are dreaming of coastal drives, national park escapes or family adventures across the UK, a summer road trip in a VW campervan gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want - on your terms.
At GDH Camper Van Hire, we offer luxury VW T6 campervan hire from Blackburn, putting you perfectly placed for some of the UK's most exciting summer destinations. Here is everything you need to get inspired and start planning.
Why Summer is the Best Time for a UK Campervan Road Trip
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a brilliant season for campervan travel. The days are longer, the campsites are buzzing with atmosphere, and the UK countryside is at its most colourful. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the sandy coves of Cornwall, the best destinations are best explored when the sun is shining and the roads are calling.
Travelling by campervan means you are not tied to hotel check-in times or rigid itineraries. You can follow the sunset, linger at a viewpoint, or find a new campsite on a whim. That flexibility is what makes summer campervan hire so popular - and so memorable.
Top Summer Road Trip Destinations from Blackburn
The Lake District
Just over an hour from Blackburn, the Lake District is an obvious first stop for any campervan hire in the North West. Explore Windermere, walk up to Helvellyn, or simply park up near a lakeshore and take in the scenery. Summer brings long golden evenings perfect for outdoor cooking with our optional BBQ pack.
The Yorkshire Dales
Head east for rolling moorland, limestone valleys and charming market towns. The Dales are ideal for a relaxed summer pace - walking by day, cosy campsites by night. Campervan hire in the Yorkshire Dales is a growing trend, and it is easy to see why.
Scotland and the NC500
For the ultimate summer road trip, Scotland delivers spectacular scenery at every turn. The North Coast 500 route takes you around the Highlands with mountains, lochs and coastal cliffs as your backdrop. Our vans - Bertie and Boss - are both well-equipped for longer touring, sleeping up to 4 people and running off-grid with solar panels. One customer even completed a Blackburn to London return on a single tank in Boss - Scotland is well within reach.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a summer classic. Surf beaches, seafood, coastal footpaths and dramatic clifftops make it one of the UK's most loved destinations. With a 4 berth campervan, the whole family can enjoy the journey south and set up base near some of the country's best beaches.
Wales
Closer to home, Wales offers incredible variety for a summer trip. From Snowdonia to the Pembrokeshire Coast, you can pack a huge amount into even a long weekend. Our campervan hire from Lancashire puts Wales within easy striking distance for a Friday evening departure.
Tips for Planning Your Summer Campervan Road Trip
Book Early
Summer is our busiest season, and availability for Bertie and Boss fills up quickly. To secure your preferred dates, we recommend checking availability and placing your booking as early as possible. A 50% deposit secures your reservation, with the balance due two weeks before your trip.
Plan a Loose Route - Not a Rigid Schedule
One of the greatest joys of UK campervan hire is spontaneity. Plan your general direction and a few must-see stops, but leave room to explore. You might stumble across a village market, a hidden beach, or a campsite with incredible views.
Add the Right Extras
Make the most of the summer evenings by hiring one of our optional awnings at £25 per day - perfect for sitting outside with a coffee watching the sun go down. A bike rack at £25 per day is another great addition for those who want to explore trails and country lanes without driving the van off-road.
Use Our Campsite Guides
Our website includes a dedicated campsite resource section with articles on campsites across the UK - from the Mourne Mountains to Cornwall. Use these as inspiration when mapping out your summer route and finding pet-friendly, family-friendly or off-grid stops along the way.
Pack Smart - Bedding is Included
Both Bertie and Boss come with bedding included, so you do not need to load up the van before you have even started. The vans are fitted with a kitchenette, storage drawers, a fridge, cooking hobs and everything you need for comfortable life on the road. Focus your packing on clothing, food for the first night, and any personal extras you want to bring.
Travelling with Family or Dogs This Summer
Both of our VW T6 campervans seat and sleep up to 4 people, making them ideal for family campervan holidays or trips with friends. They are also fully dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can join the adventure without any fuss.
Summer is a wonderful time to travel with children - there are festivals, outdoor events, beaches and nature reserves to keep everyone entertained. Our vans offer the space and practicality to make travelling with kids genuinely enjoyable rather than stressful.
Ready to Start Your Summer Adventure?
Whether you are planning a weekend campervan hire or a longer UK touring holiday, GDH Camper Van Hire has everything you need to get on the road this summer. Based in Blackburn, we are ideally located for customers across Lancashire and the wider North West - including Manchester, Preston, Burnley, Bolton, Blackpool and the Ribble Valley.
Check availability, choose your dates, and book online today. Your summer road trip is waiting.
Call us on 07878 964 736 or email rob@gdhcampervanconversionandrentals.co.uk to find out more.
