Stay local and seize the moment this summer with doorstep adventure itineraries from Quirky Campers.

Welcome to Part Two of the Quirky Camper’s Doorstep Adventure Series! This summer we’re encouraging you to chase the sunshine and make the most of last minute summer getaways by hiring a campervan from Quirky Campers for a short break in the UK. There’s plenty of adventures on offer right on your doorstep, no need to travel far to experience new places and discover a whole new world in your backyard.

Avoid the crowds by choosing one of these recommended lesser known local spots, plan for a last minute long weekend or a midweek escape for a quiet break from everyday chaos. The Quirky Camper’s Doorstep Adventure Series are perfect for a few well deserved days off. All the suggestions included in this blog are at most a few hours drive from the city centre and campervan pick up locations, and have been vetted and are recommended by Quirky Campers’ expert local staff. 

Expect local café recommendations, scenic walks, great campsites, and of course, the best campervans for hire. We’ve done all the admin and planning for you – all you have to do is simply pick up your unique, hand-crafted campervan and set off into the sunset. 

If you’ve not yet discovered Part One of our Doorstep Adventure Series, take a look at the Bristol Doorstep Adventures here.

Blog Contents

Benefits of Local Travel

Who are the itineraries for?

Doorstep Adventure Series Part 2 – Leeds to Whitby

Step One – Hire a Leeds based Quirky Campervan

Step Two – Choose Your Activity

Step Three – Choose Your Campervan Camping Spot

Eat and Drink 

Campervans Available to Hire Yorkshire

Benefits of Local Travel  

Save Yourself Money! 

Travelling locally means you’ll spend less on fuel, one of the most expensive aspects of road-tripping. Campervans are also more economical at slower speeds, so by driving shorter distances at 60 mph, you can save the pennies and push that back into your local economy by supporting local, independent shops and cafes.

Avoid Stress 

Travelling long distance inevitably mean delays from long traffic jams on motorways. Avoid this needless stress, and having to navigate unknown roads and areas by staying local. This also offers you the flexibility to adapt and change your plans if the weather changes or if you simply change your mind.

Eco-Friendly Travel

Go green with your travel by lowering your carbon emissions. Travelling slower and shorter distances will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and help prevent overcrowding at popular tourist spots. Embrace the path less travelled and discover the hidden gems in your own backyard.

Beat the Crowds

Expand your horizons and explore beyond the norm away from the usual tourist destinations. Discover lesser-known treasures closer to home so you and your family can reconnect in peace and quiet, unwinding and embracing the opportunity for quality time together.

Who are the itineraries for? 

Everyone! Hiring a campervan can be made accessible to all, from families to couples, to solo travellers and groups of friends, all you need is the right campervan. Our varied selection of campervans for hire include campervans with isofix, with 6ft+ beds, with heaters, even some with WIFI – so no matter what your needs are there’s a Quirky Campervan to suit you.

Check out our guide on hiring a campervan for more info on how the process works. 

• Easy Family Weekend Away 

Yorkshire is an ideal getaway for family holidays, and with a campervan to hand you don’t have to worry about storage space or what to take with you. You can have everything to hand at a moments notice. If the beach day turns rainy – hide in the campervan with board games and have a cosy afternoon in. If you’re travelling on a budget pull-up at a forest with enchanting views and whip up a family feasts in the evening. Staying local with your campervan also minimises the stress and bother of long journeys—no more bored kids kicking the backseat, just fun, adventure, and epic memories.

• Romantic Getaway 

Choose from one of our perfect for two campervans and rekindle the spontaneity of your honeymoon period with a last-minute campervan trip. Yorkshire is filled with perfect romantic picnic spots, secluded beaches and idyllic locations to watch the sunset. The freedom a campervan offers means you can chase the sunshine, the sunsets and never miss a moment. At night, Yorkshire has some of the clearest night skies in the UK – you too could discover the wonders of stargazing from the comfort of your home on wheels.

• Solo Adventure 

If you’re looking for a solitary escape to reconnect with nature and yourself, Yorkshire’s welcoming vibes are the perfect location. Dip your toes into solo travel with a short weekend or weekday break in a campervan. You’ll be safe and secure inside a locked van while benefitting from the freedom of solo travel. Short trips are great for rejuvenating the soul, escaping from work and stress and embracing the open road.

• Friends Adventure 

Gather all your favourite people and hire a campervan to escape the city. It’s amazing how much longer a weekend feels when you’re discovering new places and exploring local sights with your BFFs. Bring everyone closer together again with stories and drinks around a campfire as the sun sets, enjoying good drinks, good food, and the best company.

Doorstep Adventure Series Part 2 – Leeds to Whitby  

Leeds is a city with wilderness on its doorstep. The city itself is a hub of excitement and fun but just a short drive away you’ll be in the heart of the UK’s countryside. Right on the cusp of the Peak District, the Yorkshire Moors and Dales and some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. There’s unlimited areas to explore. Quirky have narrowed it down for you, to a short 2 day road-trip from Leeds via York to Whitby and the North York Moors. 

Step One – Hire a Leeds based Quirky Campervan 

There are a wide variety of Quirky Campervans available to hire from Leeds and the surrounding area. They come in every style and size so there’s a perfect campervan for you no matter what adventure you’re choosing. Just choose your dates, pick a campervan and get driving! 

You can see our full campervan listings here or check out some of our best Yorkshire based campervans at the end of this blog.

Step Two – Choose Your Activity   

Activity – Wander the Walled City of York 

Driving North East from Leeds you’ll pass by the quaint walled city of York, a haven for culture and history lovers. Stroll the narrow cobbled lanes and explore the many local independent shops and cafes. There are guided history walks for all kinds of travellers, whether you’d like a ghost tour, a whisky tour or a family friendly tour of the city. Visit 22 Yards Wine Bar & Merchants for a chic wine bar, Hairy Fig for locally sourced food and produce, and Rise for fresh coffee and the best brunch in town. Stop here for the day or spend the night to experience an evening in this bustling metropolis. 

Experience – North York Moors National Park 

En-route to Whitby you will drive through the North York Moors National Park. Stunning scenery awaits you in this beautiful landscape. Experience the tranquillity of this unique location filled with walks for all abilities. 

North York Moors National Park Hikes 

Newtondale Hiking Trail  

An easy scenic round trip along a moderate trail that takes in a gentle valley and magical woodlands. 

Time – 2.5 Hours

Distance – 6.1 Miles 

Levisham Moor and Hole of Horcum

A classic North York Moors scenic walk – this 5 miles track crosses the Levisham Moor, a rocky ravine and the locally famous Hole of Horcum. 

Time – 2.20 Hours

Distance – 5.3 Miles

Discover – Whitby 

The final stop of your mini road-trip from Leeds, stop over in the coastal seaside town of Whitby. A coastal gem and the location of Dracula’s famous landing in Bram Stoker’s novel. Visit the Whitby Abbey ruins, or wander the historic port in the town centre. 

Step Three – Choose Your Campervan Camping Spot

Campsite: Bayness Farm Campsite 

A lush green campsite settled in the beautiful Robin Hood Bay. Stop over at this scenic campsite with plentiful facilities. A short drive from Whitby and on the cusp of the moors there’s plenty of nearby walks to explore the local area.  

Facilities – Electric Hook-Ups | Toilets | Showers 

Address – Bayness Farm Campsite, Bayness, Robin Hoods Bay, YO22 4PJ

Looking for a different place to park overnight…? Check out our guide on the 5 easiest ways to find overnight campervan camping spots or our campsite directory for more options.

Eat and Drink 

Quirky Campers’ recommendations for local eateries and excellent coffee stops along the way. Nothing like a steaming hot, fresh coffee and cake just baked that morning to fuel your adventures!

Courtyard Cafe at Dalby Forest 

Address – The Courtyard, Dalby Forest Dr, Pickering YO18 7LT

This cafe is the perfect place to refuel and recharge whether you’re pre or post hike or are just passing through. Enjoy forest views while you taste fresh coffee, baked cakes and a range of sandwiches. There’s even bike hire next door so you can fuel up for a forest bike ride. 

Lockton Tearooms and Gallery

Address: Hudgin Ln, Lockton, Pickering YO18 7QA

This Lockton local secret offers a range of tempting hot breakfasts, fresh-made sandwiches and freshly baked cakes, artisan coffee and afternoon teas. One of the top rated cafes in the area it’s definitely worth the detour to check out this cafe come gallery field with delicious eats, and a selection of artwork by local artists. 

Campervans Available to Hire Yorkshire

Check out Quirky Camper’s selection of campervans available to hire from Leeds and the nearby area. These campervans are all unique conversions that have been hand-curated with travelling and adventures in mind. They all come with insurance and breakdown cover included in the bookings – so you have peace of mind while you travel. 

Mango – Hire from Dewsbury 

Hire Mango for your last minute adventure. This bright and airy campervan has a double bed, two belted seats, a fully equipped kitchen, inside shower and a toilet. Perfect for adventures for two or solo travellers this colourful campervan companion will make the perfect last minute escape. 

Wout – Hire from Burley in Wharfdale 

Hire Wout for your next campervan adventure, take this easy going blue camper on your mini-break and you’ll be taking your home with you. Wout has 3 belted seats and a double bed for up to 2 adults, is spacious and has a fully equipped kitchen. You’ll have no trouble travelling to the coast with Wout as your companion. 

Django – Hire from Desbury 

Hire Django for a luxury campervan experience. With a bathroom onboard including a shower and toilet, plus a fully equipped kitchen and comfy double bed Django has all the amenities of a 5 star hotel room with all the freedom of a campervan! 

Are you ready for your doorstep adventure? Hire a campervan today and get to know your local landscape!

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.