10 Unforgettable Motorhome Trips to Take During the School Summer Holidays

The school summer holidays have a funny way of disappearing faster than expected. One minute you’re planning a family escape, and the next you’re wondering where six weeks went. That’s why more families across the UK are swapping fixed hotel stays for the freedom of a motorhome holiday.

Instead of unpacking once and staying put, every day brings a new view. Breakfast beside a peaceful lake. Lunch in a bustling market town. An evening watching the sunset by the coast. You choose the route, the pace and the memories.

If you’ve been asking, Where can I go with kids during the school summer holidays?, you’re certainly not alone. The answer depends on the type of adventure your family enjoys, but the UK is packed with scenic routes, family attractions and welcoming campsites that make travelling by motorhome both simple and exciting. If you’re exploring Motorhomes for Hire, now is the perfect time to start planning before peak holiday dates fill up.

Here are ten unforgettable road trips that make every mile worthwhile.

Why a Motorhome Holiday Makes Sense During School Summer Holidays

Travelling during the school summer holidays often means crowded airports, expensive hotels and strict schedules. A motorhome changes that completely.

You can stop whenever something catches your eye, whether it’s an ice cream shop, a hidden beach or a woodland trail that wasn’t even on the map. Children enjoy the adventure of sleeping somewhere different, while parents appreciate having familiar comforts close by.

It also makes budgeting easier. Accommodation, transport and dining are combined into one trip, helping many families enjoy a longer holiday without stretching their budget.

1. The Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District remains one of Britain’s favourite family destinations, and it’s easy to understand why.

Spend the morning cruising across Windermere before heading to the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness. Older children can enjoy gentle hikes around Tarn Hows, while younger explorers will love spotting ducks, sheep and traditional stone villages along the route.

There are excellent family-friendly campsites throughout the national park, making it an ideal first stop for anyone trying a motorhome holiday for the first time.

Don’t miss:

• Lake Windermere boat cruises
• Beatrix Potter attractions
• Grizedale Forest trails
• Keswick Market
• Family cycling routes

2. Yorkshire Dales

Rolling hills, waterfalls and charming villages create the perfect backdrop for a slower pace of travel.

Families can spend hours exploring Malham Cove, discovering hidden caves or enjoying picnics beside Aysgarth Falls. Steam railways add a little extra excitement, especially for younger children.

If someone in the family enjoys photography, don’t be surprised if your camera fills up before lunchtime.

Highlights include:

• Malham Cove
• Bolton Abbey
• Aysgarth Falls
• Wensleydale Creamery
• Embsay Steam Railway

3. Cornwall’s Coastal Adventure

Few places capture the feeling of summer quite like Cornwall.

Golden beaches, surfing lessons, harbour towns and fresh seafood create days that rarely feel rushed. One morning you could be building sandcastles at Perranporth. The next, you’re wandering the narrow streets of St Ives with an ice cream that melts faster than you can eat it.

The Eden Project offers an excellent rainy-day option, while countless beaches provide endless entertainment when the sun shines.

Families looking for one of the most luxurious motorhome experiences often choose Cornwall thanks to its high-quality holiday parks, premium campsites and spectacular coastal locations.

Top attractions include:

• The Eden Project
• St Ives
• Perranporth Beach
• Tintagel Castle
• Land’s End

Each destination offers something different, yet they all have one thing in common. They encourage families to slow down, spend time together and enjoy experiences that don’t fit neatly into a timetable. Sometimes the unexpected stop at a village bakery becomes the highlight of the entire journey.

4. Snowdonia (Eryri), North Wales

If your family enjoys a little adventure, Snowdonia deserves a place on your itinerary.

The scenery changes quickly. One moment you’re driving past peaceful lakes, and the next you’re surrounded by towering mountains. You don’t need to climb every peak to enjoy the area either. The Snowdon Mountain Railway gives families an easier way to experience the landscape, while Zip World offers thrilling activities for older children and teenagers.

Smaller villages such as Betws-y-Coed provide lovely cafés, riverside walks and independent shops that are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Family favourites:

• Snowdon Mountain Railway
• Zip World
• Swallow Falls
• Betws-y-Coed
• Llyn Padarn

5. Northumberland

Looking for somewhere that feels less crowded during the school summer holidays? Northumberland is a fantastic choice.

Its long sandy beaches leave plenty of room for children to run, play football or hunt for shells. Bamburgh Castle towers above the coastline, while nearby Holy Island adds a sense of adventure, provided you check the tide times before crossing.

After sunset, the skies become another attraction. Northumberland is home to one of Europe’s largest Dark Sky Parks, making it an unforgettable place for stargazing.

Don’t miss:

• Bamburgh Castle
• Holy Island
• Alnwick Castle
• Northumberland National Park
• Seahouses boat trips

6. Peak District

The Peak District is ideal for families who want a mixture of countryside, history and outdoor fun without travelling huge distances.

Gentle walking trails suit younger children, while cycling routes and caves keep older explorers entertained. Chatsworth House is always a hit, thanks to its gardens, adventure playground and seasonal family events.

Many visitors asking, “What are the best family road trips in the UK?” often discover the Peak District near the top of the list because it offers something for every age group.

Top experiences include:

• Chatsworth House
• Heights of Abraham
• Monsal Trail
• Castleton caves
• Mam Tor viewpoints

7. The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast turns every family walk into a treasure hunt.

Stretching across Dorset and East Devon, this UNESCO World Heritage coastline is famous for its fossils, dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches. Children love searching for ancient fossils along Lyme Regis, while parents appreciate the spectacular coastal scenery.

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove remain two of southern England’s most photographed landmarks, yet there are countless quieter beaches nearby if you prefer a peaceful afternoon.

If you’re wondering which UK attractions are worth visiting during school summer holidays, this coastline easily earns its place thanks to its mix of education, adventure and natural beauty.

How Long Should a School Summer Holiday Road Trip Be?

One of the biggest questions families ask is, “How long should a school summer holiday road trip be?”

There isn’t a single right answer, but most families find that 7 to 10 days offers the perfect balance. It gives you enough time to explore several destinations without spending every day behind the wheel.

If you have two weeks available, even better. You can enjoy slower mornings, spontaneous detours and extra nights in places you fall in love with instead of rushing to the next stop.

A simple rule works well: drive for no more than three hours before taking a proper break. Happy children usually mean happier parents.

Keeping Your Holiday Affordable

Many people assume travelling during the school summer holidays is always expensive. It doesn’t have to be.

A motorhome holiday can reduce costs by combining transport and accommodation, while giving you the flexibility to prepare your own meals whenever you choose.

To save even more:

• Book campsites several months in advance.
• Travel slightly inland instead of staying directly beside popular beaches.
• Visit free attractions such as national parks, forests and local nature reserves.
• Shop at farm shops and local markets for fresh produce.
• Mix paid attractions with beach days, scenic walks and picnic stops.

Families comparing different options often find that a motorhome offers one of the cheapest family holidays during school summer holidays, especially when travelling together and sharing costs.

8. The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands offer the kind of scenery that makes everyone glance out of the window instead of looking at a screen.

One day you could be cruising across Loch Ness, the next exploring Glen Coe or spotting red deer along a quiet country road. The driving routes themselves are part of the adventure, with winding roads revealing lochs, mountains and forests around almost every corner.

Families who enjoy wildlife will find plenty to keep them busy, from birdwatching to boat trips where seals and dolphins sometimes make an appearance.

Top experiences:

• Loch Ness
• Glen Coe
• Cairngorms National Park
• Fort William
• Highland Wildlife Park

9. Norfolk Coast

If your ideal holiday includes wide sandy beaches, charming seaside villages and peaceful nature reserves, the Norfolk Coast won’t disappoint.

Children can spend hours crabbing on the quays, spotting seals on boat tours or building sandcastles at Holkham Beach. Parents often appreciate the slower pace, scenic walking trails and welcoming cafés dotted along the coastline.

It is also one of the easier destinations to explore in a motorhome, thanks to well-equipped campsites and relatively gentle driving routes.

Family favourites:

• Holkham Beach
• Blakeney Point
• Cromer Pier
• Wells-next-the-Sea
• Norfolk Broads

10. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Pembrokeshire is proof that you don’t need to travel abroad for crystal-clear water and spectacular coastal views.

Its national park is packed with family-friendly beaches, colourful harbour towns and boat trips where you might spot puffins, seals or even dolphins during the summer months.

Tenby is a favourite stop for families thanks to its safe beaches, independent shops and relaxed atmosphere, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers shorter walking routes suitable for children.

It’s a wonderful destination to finish a road trip because every day feels different without needing to drive long distances.

Don’t miss:

• Tenby
• Barafundle Bay
• St Davids
• Skomer Island boat trips
• Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Planning Tips for a Smooth Family Motorhome Holiday

A little preparation goes a long way, especially during the busy school summer holidays.

Here are a few simple tips that can make your journey more enjoyable:

• Reserve campsites as early as possible.
• Keep daily driving distances realistic.
• Pack waterproof clothing, even if sunshine is forecast.
• Download offline maps before setting off.
• Carry board games, books and outdoor toys for quieter evenings.
• Leave space in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries.

Sometimes the best memories come from places you never planned to visit.

Final Thoughts

The school summer holidays are about far more than ticking destinations off a list. They’re a chance to spend uninterrupted time together, discover new places and enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace.

Whether your family dreams of Cornwall’s beaches, the mountains of Snowdonia or the peaceful coastline of Northumberland, travelling by motorhome gives you the flexibility to create a holiday that suits everyone.

If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, exploring Motorhomes Hire options can help you find the perfect vehicle for your journey. For travellers who occasionally prefer a fixed base before or after a road trip, Luxury holiday homes UK also offer another fantastic way to experience Britain’s beautiful countryside.

However you choose to travel, one thing is certain. The best family holidays are rarely measured by the miles you drive. They’re remembered through shared laughter, unexpected stops and the stories everyone is still telling long after the journey ends.

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