Planning an Incredible Motorhome City Break

Whether you want to uncover the rich history and culture of Edinburgh, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Cardiff, wander through the charming streets of York, or experience the buzz of London, a motorhome city break is a fantastic way to explore some of the UK’s most exciting cities. It’s also a great way to venture into Europe and explore different locations in the comfort of your own moving home.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan the ultimate motorhome city break, from choosing your destination and planning your route to staying safe on the road and making the most out of your visit.

Choosing a destination | Planning your route | What to do before you set off | How to stay safe on the road | What to expect when arriving at your destination | What to do before you leave

Choosing a destination

As with planning most trips, picking the perfect destination can be tricky. There’s a lot to consider when booking, including your budget, the travel distance, motorhome-friendly campsites and whether the city is accessible for motorhomes.

Distance, time and budget

The last thing you want is to spend your whole city break driving. When selecting a location, calculate the distance and travel time to make sure you have enough time to relax and enjoy the city. Long drives can be exhausting, and setting up your motorhome can eat into your holiday, especially if your trip is short. So, it’s worth considering time and distance.

Budget is another crucial factor. Consider the cost of the campsite, fuel, any tolls or tariffs when travelling abroad, food, attractions, souvenirs and shopping. If you plan to travel to Europe, additional fees may apply for crossing the border with your motorhome. A more budget-friendly city break option would be to camp locally.

Motorhome accessibility

Some cities have narrow roads and low bridges, which can make driving a motorhome challenging. It is worth checking whether your route and the city you want to explore are motorhome-friendly.

For city streets that are difficult to navigate, consider staying at a nearby campsite and using public transport to get around. Look for campsites with convenient access to buses, trains, or trams so you can easily explore the city.

If your motorhome can comfortably manoeuvre through the city, check for low-emission zones and whether your vehicle is exempt. Parking is another important consideration. If you do not want to use public transport, make sure there are motorhome-friendly spaces near the attractions you want to visit.

Motorhome-friendly campsites near cities

Booking a motorhome-friendly campsite in or near the city is a great way to kickstart your adventure. You can find the perfect campsite on Siteseeker by filtering through ‘Unit type’ and ‘Facility’. Remember, Members of the Club can access member-exclusive campsites. Not a member? Join today to start saving on campsites, attractions, camping equipment, and much more.

If you’re considering wild camping, please note that the rules and regulations vary depending on your location. For more information, check out our Wild Camping Guide.

Planning your route

Once you’ve booked your destination, it’s time to plan your route. A little preparation can make your journey safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Make a note of your motorhome’s dimensions and weight limits.

Check the height, length, and weight of your vehicle to avoid low bridges, narrow roads, or restricted routes. This will help you navigate roads safely.

Plan regular breaks.

On long drives, schedule stops to stretch your legs, refuel, and recharge. It’s also a good way to conduct any motorhome checks if needed.

Include scenic or cultural stopovers.

Driving along scenic routes or stopping to see landmarks and landscapes can help break up the journey and make it more enjoyable. You can also tick a few extra things off your bucket list.

Check road conditions and traffic updates.

Before setting off, check for road closures, construction, or congestion to avoid delays. If there are road closures, ensure the detour route accommodates your motorhome.

Use navigation tools suited to motorhomes.

GPS apps designed for larger vehicles can help you avoid low bridges, tight turns, and restricted zones. This will be very helpful if you have an unexpected detour.

What to do before you set off

Before you set off on your motorhome city break, make sure you take some time out to check your vehicle, pack all your essentials and understand the rules of the road, especially if you’re driving from the UK into Europe.

Make sure your motorhome is road-ready

Before you hit the road, check that your motorhome is in top condition. Inspect the tyres, brakes, lights, oil levels, and any other fluid levels, and make sure your water, waste, and gas systems are working properly. A quick pre-trip check can prevent unexpected issues and give you peace of mind while travelling. For more information, check out our expert guide for getting ready for the road.

Understand the rules of the road

Familiarise yourself with the driving laws in the areas you’ll be visiting. This includes speed limits, parking rules, low-emission zones, and any regulations specific to motorhomes. If you’re travelling abroad, check for country-specific requirements such as tolls or mandatory equipment like reflective jackets and warning triangles.

Motorhome city break checklist

Before you set off, make sure you have everything you need for your motorhome city break. Not sure what to pack? Check out our Ultimate Camping Checklist so you don't miss a thing. If you love cooking while on your holiday, here are must-bring camping food essentials and the tasty camping meals you can make with them.

Staying safe on the road

Safety should always be a top priority when travelling by motorhome. Understanding how to handle different terrains, driving in varying weather conditions, and carrying out basic maintenance will help boost your driving confidence.

Driving in different terrains

Depending on where you’re travelling to, the terrain can vary greatly. You might encounter narrow country roads, steep hills, or winding routes that require extra caution and slower speeds. Always be mindful of your motorhome’s height and weight, and adjust your driving to suit wet or icy conditions.

Maintenance on the go

If you’re planning a longer motorhome city break, it’s essential to keep your vehicle in good working order. Regularly check tyre pressure, oil, water levels, and electrical systems. Troubleshooting minor issues on the road can prevent minor problems from becoming major setbacks and help your trip run smoothly.

Arriving at your destination

A little preparation before you arrive at your campsite can make pitching up quicker, easier and stress-free.

Setting up your pitch

If you take your motorhome out frequently, pitching up can be a breeze. However, if it’s your first time, you’ll need to consider how you’ll set up, i.e. levelling your vehicle and connecting to an electric or water hook-up.

Campsite etiquette is also essential. Familiarise yourself with any communications the campsite has provided, including rules and policies on using facilities, camping with dogs, etc.

Keeping your motorhome safe and secure

You’ll want to keep your motorhome safe and secure while you're in it, as well as when you’ve locked up and headed out for the day. Look into security measures such as locking systems, alarms, or steering locks and remember to keep valuables hidden at all times. For more information, discover our Expert Guide on Keeping Your Motorhome Safe and Secure.

Getting around the city

Plan how you will travel once you arrive. If you’re driving your motorhome into the city, know where you can legally park. If you’re exploring on foot or using public transport, check the routes and schedules in advance.

Local activities and attractions

Before you hit the road, note the must-see spots and hidden gems you don’t want to miss. Some may require advance bookings, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. If you’re looking for inspiration on things to do, explore what’s on in your chosen city and let your plans take shape.

Don’t forget, Club members have access to exclusive savings on attractions across the UK. Find out more here.

Wrapping up your motorhome city break

Before leaving, take time to clean and prep your motorhome for the next adventure. Dispose of waste responsibly, keep your space tidy, and store equipment carefully. Remember the ‘leave no trace behind’ rule, so that others can enjoy the campsite too.