Christmas on wheels: Four family-friendly UK motorhome destinations  

Posted on 16 October 2025
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As Christmas approaches, the familiar whirlwind of shopping, cooking, and planning can leave families craving something simpler. You want a real break from the chaos. If you have
a motorhome or caravan waiting on the driveway, why not use the festive season as an excuse to set off on a winter adventure?

Across the UK, scenic routes, historic towns, and charming holiday markets await amidst snow-dusted scenery. Here are four family-friendly motorhome escapes that combine comfort, culture, and the adventure of the open road this holiday season.

York, North Yorkshire: Medieval magic and festive markets

With its cobbled streets and medieval skyline, walking around York makes you feel like you’re in a living Christmas card. Visit the St Nicholas Fair with its twinkling stalls and mulled wine, then walk down to the Shambles, one of the UK’s most atmospheric old streets.

Walk the city walls or escape indoors to the Jorvik Viking Centre for some hands-on history for kids and adults. If you’re staying in your motorhome, many campsites near York remain
open year-round and are close to Park & Ride routes, so you can enjoy the city without worrying about parking.

The Lake District National Park: Waterside walks and fireside feasts

If you prefer your family holiday to be about misty lakes and peaceful trails, head to the Lake District. Winter brings a quiet beauty here – you can enjoy the peace of frosted fells, still
waters, and cosy pubs with roaring fires. Enjoy low-level walks or a scenic Windermere cruise on the lake. You can also get in some shopping at the small Christmas markets in Kendal or Ambleside. You can find nearby campsites that are open year-round, making it a perfect destination if you’re seeking calm and family connection.

Bath and The Cotswolds: From Roman splendour to thatched cottages

If your family loves history and sophistication, Bath and the Cotswolds are the perfect pairing. Take a stroll together through Bath’s world-famous Christmas Market beneath
Georgian façades, then take the motorhome over to the Cotswold villages for frosted mornings and fairy-lit evenings.

You won’t be able to resist taking more than one festive family photo at Bourton-on-the-Water, with its quaint bridges and riverside views. Before setting off, ensure you have the right motorhome insurance to cover winter travel – especially important when icy roads or longer distances are involved.

Edinburgh, Scotland: From the castle to the Christmas Market

Few cities do Christmas like Edinburgh. The world-famous markets light up Princes Street Gardens, while the Street of Light near St Andrew Square creates a dazzling festive corridor.
Between family-friendly attractions like Dynamic Earth and the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, there’s something for everyone. Just make sure to book your motorhome pitch well in
advance. Most pitches are located on the outskirts of the city, but it’s advisable to use public transport to avoid parking headaches in the city centre.

Freedom, family, and festive cheer on the open road

From the medieval charm of York to the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, there’s no reason to stay on the sofa this holiday season. With just a little planning (and a well-packed
campervan), you can turn Christmas into an adventure your family will never forget.

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