Quirky Routes – Family Friendly Road-Trips 

Taking children on a road-trip can be a daunting prospect. This guide is here to help you find the best activities, safest beaches, most fun campsites and of course the perfect campervan to help you create your perfect family holiday. With a trip in a campervan your family will be creating memories that will last a lifetime. Campervans offer the unique experience of non-stop adventure and a brand new place to stay every night without ever having to unpack. You can take everything you need with you from your kids favourite toys to your noise cancelling headphones, whatever you need to make this trip the best road-trip ever for your family. 

UK Family Road Trip Tips

• Be Prepared

Travelling with kids can be a great experience or a disaster – avoid the latter as by planning ahead – know where you’re going and have back ups prepared in case of weather changes or other surprise circumstances!

• Hire a Campervan

When hiring a campervan a lot of the initial organisation is done for you. You’ll pick the van up with a full tank, and all the gear in the van you need to hop in and go. No worries about checking the oil, topping up the tyres or anything else – just load up and you’re on your way.

• Have Travel Insurance

While you might not think it’s needed on a trip in the UK – we always recommend purchasing travel insurance just in case – better safe and covered. 

• Take an Emergency Kit 

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. A little emergency kit with first aid supplies, snacks, water, games and anything else your family might need or want in case anything goes wrong can be a lifesaver. 

• Take A Paper Map 

Most of us use phones or sat navs for directions but it’s always good to have a paper map to hand in case you find yourself stranded with no signal – failing that you can download areas on Google maps ahead of time so you always have access to your map even without signal.

• Plan for extra stops and extra time! 

From snack stops to toilet breaks there’s no end to the possibilities. Always give yourself plenty of extra time in your itinerary and be flexible with times. It will give you a lot less stress if you don’t always have to be rushing from A to B. 

Planning a Road-Trip with Kids 

• Choosing the right campervan 

We recommend browsing our selection of Family Friendly Campervans to give you an idea of what’s on offer. Bigger campervans offer more space for games and activities. Some vans have toilets and showers which can be great for emergencies. You can filter campervans by berths (beds), belted seats and even those with Isofix for car seats. 

• Choosing the right itinerary 

This is where we come in! Having a good itinerary planned is key, you don’t have to worry about where to next? You’ll have everything in place already. We have a list of the best road-trip itineraries prepared, researched by our Quirky Team, backed by our ten years of campervan hire experience! We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.

• Packing 

One of the many benefits of taking a campervan is that you can pack all the essentials and then some. Including games, outdoor equipment, wetsuit, walking boots, travel cots, high chairs and anything you might need to make your experience as smooth and easy as possible. 

Road Trip One – The Wonders of Wales Road-Trip for Families 

Brecon Beacons – Anglesey and Conwy  

Wales is a lush green, verdant country filled with deep valleys and rolling hills, long sandy beaches, a spectacular coastline, crumbling castles, epic mountains and so much more. It’s a playground for kids of all ages if you know where to go. Spend from five days to a week exploring all the wonders Wales has to offer. 

Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

The closest National Park to the border with England – the Brecon Beacons are famous for their beauty and the huge number of paths and trails for walkers, runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders and wildlife-watchers. There’s so many ways for a family to experience all the area has to offer, take a guided horse riding excursion, Walk up Pen Y Fan – the highest of the Brecon Beacons, or discover the hidden world beneath the beacons in the Dan Yr Ogof caves. 

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro) 

Take a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, this scenic hike takes in the best views of the Pembrokeshire Coastline. The whole thing is 186 miles long – but we recommend only taking in a few of the shorter sections for smaller legs! The section between Abereiddi and Porthgain is particularly beautiful.

Pembrokeshire is also the birthplace of wild Coasteering – experience this thrilling activity for yourself at one of the many centres in Pembrokeshire, tours run from Ceibwr, Tenby, Cardigan Bay and HaverfordWest. Coasteering is a great family activity – you’ll be taken by a guide around the rocky Pembrokeshire coast, climbing over rocks, jumping into the sea and getting amazing up close views of the wildlife and stunning scenery. It’s great fun and a real bonding experience!

Cardigan Bay (Ceredigion)

Cardigan is a beautiful coastal town on the Northern section of the Pembrokeshire coast. It is famous in particular for the amazing dolphin watching tours that run from the harbour. Hop aboard one of the many boat tours that leave from the town for a wildlife experience like no other. You may be lucky enough to see phenomenal views of the dolphin pods frolicking in the bay. Perfect for animal crazy kids! 

If you’re looking for some relaxing time, around Cardigan Bay there are plentiful golden sandy beaches to spend some down time. Visit Mwnt Beach, Poppit Sands Beach or Tresaith Beach for sparkling water, soft sand and sandcastles a plenty, you might even be able to spot dolphins from the beach! 

Snowdonia National Park (Eryri)

Wales’ largest National Park is home to 9 mountain ranges, 11,000 hectares of native woodland ready to explore and 1497 miles of walking trails just waiting to be discovered. You and your family will be getting up close and personal with nature in this playground of natural wonders. You can explore the rivers and waterways by paddleboard, boat or kayak or if you’re feeling brave – take a dip for a wild swimming experience! 

Get stuck into the local myths and legends with a trip to King Arthur’s Labyrinth or have an underground trampoline experience with a difference at Bounce Below – a trampoline park hidden in the caverns. If hiking and walking is your family’s style – Snowdon is the most famous and tallest mountain in Snowdonia – there’s plenty of trails for differing abilities, or if the legs get a little tired make use of the Snowdon Mountain Railway that runs to the cafe at the summit for coffee and cake before returning down again. 

The Isle of Anglesey and Conwy 

North of Wales lies the Isle of Anglesey – easy to reach via two bridges from the mainland this island offers the perfect mini day road-trip. Start in Beaumaris to visit the Beaumaris Castle, then follow the coast around to see the Trwyn Du Lighthouse. Stop for lunch at Traeth Bychan or Traeth Lligwy beaches for spectacular views of the ocean before visiting the Mynydd Parys Mountain Copper Mine. Finish off your day with icecreams and an amazing view down to the South Stack Lighthouse of Holy Island. 

Back to the mainland it’s time to step back in history and visit some of Wales’ many historic castles. Castell Conwy is a stunning fortress that’s in amazing condition and has plenty of family activities and events in the summer. For a more ruined and rugged experience check out Gwrych Castle – the fascinating castle ruins are mediaeval playground to explore and also the filming location for two seasons of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. 

Road Trip Two – South East England Family Road-Trip 

Edenbridge – Hailsham

Kent is known as the garden of England and it well deserves this crown. Filled with beautiful countryside, the rolling hills of the Kent Downs, beaches and quaint seaside towns and villages. East Sussex is home to the South Downs National park, amazing forests and beautiful English villages. There’s castles and kids playgrounds, plus walks and wildlife parks all over the South East. An absolute honey pot of wonders for a family road-trip. 

Hever Castle and Chiddingstone Castle 

The lanes around Hever and Chiddinghurst are lined with stunning florals, trees and gorgeous stately homes. None more impressive than Hever Castle and Chiddingstone Castle. With just a short drive between the two you can take your time exploring the historic grandeur of this area. You can hire boats to row on the lake, enjoy the cafes or visit local pubs for delicious food. Both castles have events for families across the summer including fairs and even jousting knights – why not try your hand at becoming a mediaeval knight with fancy dress and archery? 

Ashdown Forest 

Ashdown Forest is more famously known as the Hundred Acre Woods, home to Winnie the Pooh and his forest friends. Take a walk through these wild woodlands and keep your eyes peeled for Owl’s House, Piglets Cottage and the homes of your favourite AA Milne characters. There’s walks, hikes and bike paths stretching for miles across the woodlands for all abilities. Stop off at The Pooh Corner Cafe for coffees, cakes and hot chocolates.  

Herstmonceux Castle 

Explore over 300 hundred acres of woodlands and gorgeous managed estates alongside Elizabethan gardens, a moat and extraordinary castle overlooking it all. Walk among the forests, step back in time with the castle’s summer events or just relax and take in the splendour of the grounds. 

Road Trip Three – Cotswolds Family Road-Trip 

Cirencester – Snowshill

The Cotswolds are the epitome of the quintessential British countryside. But, they’re also a haven for families and there’s plenty of kid friendly activities to keep everyone occupied from toddlers to teens. Explore the delights of chocolate box cottages, lush scenery, idyllic walks, cute cafes, wildlife parks, museums and steam railways. 

Cotswold Country Park and Beach and Cotswold Sculpture Park 

The Cotswold Country Park and Beach offers a fun, active day out for the whole family. Set on the edge of a beautiful lagoon this is the largest inland beach in the Cotswolds. Take a picnic and your swimmers and set up shop on the shores – enjoy all the watersports on offer plus the enormous inflatable water course. There’s mini-golf and other land based activities on offer as well plus BBQ pits for a family cook-up once the sun starts to set. 

After a full day of outdoor fun, for a second, more laid back experience the nearby Cotswold Sculpture Park boasts the perfect combination of culture, art, jaw-dropping sculptures plus plenty of space to run around in the sunshine. 

Woodchester Park and Westonbirt Arboretum

Woodchester Park the secluded woodland valley park is a National Trust sanctuary, take a day away from the crowds and immerse yourself in nature. In the midst of this lost landscape you’ll find park mill pond, a heronry, five lakes, an old boathouse and a disused quarry. Wander the trails of this beautiful tranquil landscape and don’t forget to stop at the National Trust second-hand bookshop for some great reads, and have a play on the Kid’s Natural Play Trail. After all that exploring you’ll need a pitstop for hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches, you can choose from the Woodchester Mansion café Tea Room – or if you’re looking for something more substantial try out the Tinkley Gate café for pizzas, focaccia and ice cream! 

Close by and staying with the nature theme, you’ll find the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum. A sanctuary for trees – the beautifully landscaped grounds are home to over 15,000 trees of 2,500 species. Relax and wander the rows of ancient trees, or take a walk on the wild side with the Gruffalo Party Trail, the Summer Family Trail or if you’re starting to feel a little tired – try the Wellbeing Trail for a dose of natural peace. 

The Cotswold Villages 

After the fun and games and forests of the south Cotswolds, it’s time to head North and explore some of the beautiful villages that the Cotswolds are famous for. Start off in Asthall, known for its unspoilt beauty, picture perfect cottages and rich history, stepping into this village is like stepping back into history. Take a walk along the River Windrush, enjoy the numerous cafes, and be sure to stop at one of the local pubs for a Sunday roast if you can! 

Bourton on the Water and Lower Slaughter are close together and easily explored in a day. Dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton on the Water sits atop many waterways, this honey coloured village has plenty to see and do – if the kids are getting a little bored of pretty scenes why not take them to The Model Village where they can tower over a miniaturised version of the local area. The village is also home to the Cotswold Motor and Toy Museum and the Greystone Nature Reserve for running off some steam! 

Upper and Lower Slaughter are both worth a visit if you have time, they’re easily walkable from Bourton on the Water along the river to make a whole day of it – stop off at the Lower Slaughter Mill & café for food and drinks with a historical twist! 

Road Trip Four – Suffolk Coast Family Road-Trip 

Orford Ness – Southwold

The Suffolk Coast is connected by the Suffolk coast path the whole way along – while we don’t recommend walking the whole thing in one go, it’s a stunning coastline with a varied and beautiful landscape, from vast wetlands, long stretches of golden beaches, traditional British Beach Huts and historic architecture. There’s plenty to see and do along this stretch of coastline, from sandcastle building, to exploring museums, walks, bike rides and so much more. 

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Start your Suffolk coastal journey at the Orford Ness National Trust Nature Reserve. This coastal nature reserve is accessible by a short boat trip – experience the spectacular shingle beaches, explore the ruins of a military testing site, and maybe even catch a sight of the local grey seal population. There’s plenty of walking trails to help you get around and even family events running across the year. 

Snape Maltings 

Take a stop at Snape Maltings, a tourist centre of outstanding beauty, drawing together music, art, culture and local foods and drinks to create a centre of culture, art and history. There’s cafes and restaurants, shops to explore, a music venue and plenty of events on. Walk along the river, watch a family friendly music show or explore the offerings from local artists all set against a quaint backdrop of repurposed barns and classic architecture. 

Aldeburgh 

Aldeburgh is a quaint British Coastal town with a long stretch of beach and rows of beautiful Tudor houses. Wander the shops and cafes, explore the rows of colourful houses and historic architecture, pick your way along the seafront enjoying the bright, cheerful beach huts, this town is famous for its fish and chips, and artistic background. There’s art galleries dotted across this small town plus public art displays that shouldn’t be missed, including the giant Scallop Sculpture right on the beach. 

Southwold 

Beautiful Southwold is the quintessential seaside town. The long sandy beach, the beach huts, even the traditional pier. There’s lots to explore here, colourful houses, plenty of shops, cafes, bookstores, restaurants and of course traditional British pubs. Take a tour of the Southwold Lighthouse for some history, have a go on the model boat pond, try your hand at mini-golf by the beach or simply grab a fish and chips, bring your bucket and spade and enjoy a British Beach Day!

Road Trip Five – Forest of Bowland Family Road-Trip 

Beacon Fell – Pendle Hill 

The Forest of Bowland sits just North of Preston and Blackburn, and to the North is the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – this sometimes passed over forest is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Filled with stunning landscapes, scenic wilderness, deep lush valleys, hikes, trails it’s well worth stopping for a few days to explore. 

Beacon Fell Country Park 

This massive woodland country park offers miles of wooded walks, trails and once you reach the 266m Beacon Fell summit – jaw dropping scenic views across the local countryside. On clear days you can see all the way to the Isle of Man. You can take the Sculpture trail to enjoy the landscape alongside local art, there’s also plenty of wildlife in these woodlands, so keep your eyes peeled for rabbits, hares, weasels, stoats and even the elusive red deer striding through the forest paths. 

Visit the Bowland Visitor Centre café for refreshments, or tuck into a sweet treat of Ice Cream at Rosy Goat or Farm on the Fell. The Beacon Fell is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site – an area lauded for its outstanding visibility for stargazing, perfect for van lifer families to pull up, bring out the chairs and watch the stars against the backdrop of peace and nature. 

Ribble Valley and River Hodder

A remote but beautiful valley filled with pretty villages, stunning scenery and quiet countryside charm. Steeped in history the whole area feels as if it’s been untouched by time, you can explore the rich heritage, stately homes and unparalleled countryside scenery walking, biking or by campervan. The River Ribble cuts through the valley and was said to have inspired the landscapes of JRR Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. 

Visit the villages of Newton in Bowland, Bashall Eaves, Chaigley, Chipping and Sawley for a glimpse of the village life. Expect beautiful stone buildings, picturesques churches, markets and unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside. For an easy day of fun field family activities head to Bowland Wild Boar Park for getting up close and personal with local wildlife and farm life!

Pendle Hill 

Finish up your Forest of Bowland experience with a walk up Pendle Hill. Take in the views back across the Forest from the summit of the hill  – made famous by its connections to the mysterious Pendle Witches. The walk to the summit takes in scenery of the local Lancashire towns and villages, farmlands and woodlands. Why not combine your walk with some of the many countryside inns for refreshments along the way. Whether you’re planning a short stroll to the summit or taking it in as part of the longer 43 mile Pendle Way – you’ll be blown away by the outstanding beauty of this landscape. 

Family Friendly Campervans For Hire 

Now you’ve chosen your road-trip – it’s time to find your campervan companion! This is what truly makes road-trips special, choosing a campervan that suits your family is key to having a great trip. Whether you want a van with all the comforts of home, something a bit more back to basics or even a converted horse-box, Quirky Campers have a campervan to hire for you. Take the tricky out of your family holidays and go simple with a campervan holiday. 

Blackberry – Available to Hire from Burton 

Get a taste of the tutti frutti family experience in the lushest, most colourful campervan out there. She may be sleek and stealthy on the outside, but inside Blackberry oozes fun and games for all the family, her bright vibes will be keeping everyone cheerful, even on the dullest of days. A fully equipped campervan that can fit up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 teens or children, Blackberry has been built with the big adventures in mind.

Awning | Dining Table | Extra Storage | Festival Friendly | Heater | Inverter | Kitchen Sink | Levelling Jacks | Oven | Radio | Refrigerator | Solar | Stove | Toilet | 6ft+ Bed | Isofix | Woodburner | Sat Nav | Reverse Sensors | Reverse Camera

Leaf – Available to Hire From Monmouth 

Leaf is a delightful handcrafted campervan designed with family travel in mind. This spacious, light and airy campervan has a super king bed and a smaller child bed, sleeping up to two adults and two children. Both beds fold up neatly to make plenty of space in the van during the day. If the weather isn’t working in your favour there’s plenty of space at the table that converts from the bed, for dinners, games or relaxing evenings enjoying each other’s company, surrounded by nature.

Ceiling Fan | Dining Table | Festival Friendly | Heater | Kitchen Sink | Pet Friendly | Radio | Refrigerator | Solar | Stove | Tow Hitch | 6ft+ Bed | Parking Space | Reverse Sensors | Reverse Camera | EU Travel Allowed

Polar Bear – Available to Hire from Nailsworth 

Polar Bear is a wooden-clad cosy campervan, located on the cusp of the Cotswolds. It’s the perfect home-away-from-home for exploration of all the idyllic fairy tale villages and charming countryside that this area has to offer. Two full size double beds mean everyone gets to sleep in comfort, there’s a spacious kitchen area for family dinners, and a full table for sitting down to eat, or playing games at the end of a day’s adventuring.

Dining Table | Festival Friendly | Kitchen Sink | Pet Friendly | Radio | Refrigerator | Solar | Stove | Tv Dvd | Fixed Bed | Parking Space | Sat Nav | Reverse Sensors | CD Player

Benny – Available to Hire From Cardiff

Beautiful Benny knows exactly what it means to be a showstopper. You’ll never lose where you’re parked in this camper. Her bubbly and fun personality shines from the outside in, from her bright yellow exterior through to her block-coloured interior. Located in Cardiff, Benny is ideally situated for families looking to explore the glorious welsh coast. Her two fixed double bunk beds mean you can spend less time faffing at bedtime and more time savouring those precious moments. There’s also an extra cab bed towards the front, making her a fantastic choice for larger families.

Dining Table | Extra Storage | Festival Friendly | Heater | Kitchen Sink | Levelling Jacks | Radio | Refrigerator | Solar | Stove | Tow Hitch | Fixed Bed | Parking Space | Reverse Sensors | CD Player

Quirky Recommended Family Friendly Campsites

To finish off the full planning process check out our family friendly campsites. You can find everything you need to plan out your whole kid-friendly road-trip experience, from the campervan, to the route, to the campsite. Take the weight off your shoulders and let us do all the work for you! 

Three Cliffs Bay Campsite, Gower Peninsula – Wales 

Enjoy the luxury side of campsites at this modern campsite just a short walk from the beach off the Gower Peninsula. Dogs are also welcome and there’s plenty of amenities including toilets, showers, picnic tables and of course spectacular cliff side scenic views. 

Facilities – Shop | Toilets | Showers | Picnic Tables | Electric Hook-ups | Family Friendly

Address –  Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park, North Hills Farm, Gower, Swansea, SA3 2HB.

Wowo Campsite – East Sussex 

A relaxed, extremely family friendly campsite in the heart of Sussex, just a ten minute walk from the Bluebell Railway and close by the Ashdown Forest. This welcoming site has a range of camping areas with fire pits, and groups of families are welcome. In the summer the site even offers workshops, entertainment and food trucks plus a farm shop and wild spa all year round – so the adults can have a little luxury too!

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Shop | Fire Pits | Cafe | Wifi | Laundry | Open year Round | Kids Club | Pet Friendly 

Address – Wowo Campsite, Wapsbourne Manor Farm, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, Sussex, TN22 3QT

Elmwicke Campsite, Elmstone Hardwicke – The Cotswolds 

This family friendly sanctuary is an award-winning Campsite boasting spacious electric and non-electric pitches for campervans alongside beautiful views of the Malvern Hills. There’s plenty of facilities on offer including sunsets from the comfort of your pitch, with ample space for cars, games, and BBQs. Plus, as a working farm there’s the opportunity to say hello to the farm animals on a fun tractor tour!

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Wifi | Laundry | Cafe | Family Friendly | Electric Hook-Ups | Campfires Allowed 

Address – Elmwicke Campsite, Red House Farm, Copse Green Lane, Elmstone Hardwicke, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 9TB

Field Farm Fisheries, Beccles – Suffolk

Try a campsite with a difference at Field Farm – set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, with lots of wildlife on your doorstep. This small and family friendly site is surrounded by farmland and lovely walks, and close to the fantastic beaches at Southwold, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. There are six fishing ponds and a tackle shop on site so you can try your hand at fishing with the family! 

Facilities – Fishing | Toilets | Showers | Open Year Round | Shop | Pet Friendly | Family Friendly | Campfires Allowed | Electric Hook-Ups

Address – Field Farm Fisheries, Marsh Cottage, Guildhall Lane, Wrentham, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 7HP

Calder Farm Campsite, Ribble Valley – Forest of Bowland 

Set in the heart of the Ribble Valley, close by the natural beauty of the Forest of Bowland, Calder Farm is a small family-friendly site for campervans. With great facilities on offer and a short drive to the market towns of Clitheroe and Skipton, it’s a great location for exploring the area. 

Facilities – Electric Hook-Ups | Family Friendly | Open Year Round | Toilets | Showers | Family Friendly

Address – Calder Farm, Settle Road, Bolton-By-Bowland, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 4NT

Are you ready for your best family road trip yet? Book your campervan, your campsite and choose your route – then all that’s left to do is hit the open road and make some memories!

Author

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.