Nothing says summer in England quite like a road trip to Cornwall’s golden beaches and the charming countryside of the Isle of Wight. Whether it’s surfing, hiking, or exploring local villages, this itinerary has it all. So pack up the campervan, grab your sense of adventure, and let’s hit the road!
This itinerary is perfect for those looking to mix coastal charm, scenic landscapes, and a good dose of adventure. Get ready to dive into stunning beaches, historic sites, and campsites where you can park up, relax, and enjoy the views! This is the Best of South of England Itinerary!
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Day 1: Wellingborough to Cornwall (Newquay) - The start of your Best of South of England Itinerary
Start the journey at Trekker Voyages in Wellingborough, where you’ll load up your campervan and hit the road. You can leave your car with us when picking up your campervan! First stop: Cornwall! It’s about a 5-hour drive to Newquay, but with rolling countryside views and a few rest stops along the way, you’ll arrive before you know it.
Afternoon in Newquay
After setting up at the campsite, it’s time to explore Newquay, Cornwall’s surf capital. Head straight for Fistral Beach—a popular spot for surfers and sunset chasers. Even if you’re not catching waves, you can stroll along the shore or find a cosy beach café to settle into.
Campsite: The View at Watergate Bay
Stay at The View at Watergate Bay, a family-run campsite just outside Newquay. It offers plenty of space, beautiful sea views, and easy access to the beach. Ideal for relaxing after a long day’s drive!
Price: From £25 per night
Evening:
Grab dinner in Newquay at The Fish House, famous for its fresh seafood and views of Fistral Beach. Afterward, head back to your campsite at Watergate Bay for a quiet evening with the majestic views or perhaps a game of cards in the campervan.
Day 2: Newquay and Beyond
Today, explore the best of Cornwall’s north coast, from quaint villages to iconic beaches.
Morning: St Ives and Porthminster Beach
Start with a drive to St Ives, about an hour south of Newquay. Known for its art galleries, cafes, and the gorgeous Porthminster Beach, it’s perfect for a relaxed morning. Stroll through the charming streets, grab a coffee and the all famous Cornish Pasty at the St Ives Bakery (Click here for their website), and maybe even pop into the Tate St Ives if you’re feeling artsy.
Afternoon: Land’s End and the Minack Theatre
No trip to Cornwall would be complete without a stop at Land’s End—the southwestern tip of England. On the way, swing by Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs with a breathtaking ocean view. You might even catch a matinee!
Evening Back at The View at Watergate Bay
Head back to Newquay for the evening, pick up some fish and chips, and enjoy a classic Cornish dinner by the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, catch the sunset at Crantock Beach—it’s a short drive from the campsite and well worth it!
Day 3: Newquay to the Isle of Wight
After two nights in Cornwall, it’s time to head east to the Isle of Wight. Brace yourself for a bit of a drive, but with plenty of scenic pit stops, it’ll be smooth sailing.
Morning: Drive to Southampton
Depart Newquay and drive towards Southampton to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight. It’s about 4.5 hours, so plan a lunch stop enroute—perhaps in Exeter for a quick photo op and a picnic with an ancient view!
Afternoon: Ferry from Southampton to Isle of Wight
Board the ferry at Southampton for the short ride over to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. We are proud partners of the Caravan and Motorhome Club and you will receive discounted ferry crossings when you hire a vehicle through us! Book now
Once you arrive, it’s only a short drive to your campsite.
Campsite: The Orchards Holiday Park
Located on the west side of the island, The Orchards Holiday Park offers spacious pitches, excellent facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, you’re near some of the island’s best spots for sightseeing.
Price: From £35 per night
Evening:
Settle in, and maybe enjoy a peaceful walk around the grounds. Or head to a local pub, like The Spyglass Inn, for a pint of local ale and classic pub grub to cap off the day.
Day 4: Isle of Wight – Yarmouth and The Needles
Today, you’ll explore the iconic sights of the Isle of Wight, from charming seaside towns to stunning natural landscapes.
Morning: Yarmouth and Freshwater Bay
Start your day with a short drive to Yarmouth, a quaint town with cobbled streets and a beautiful pier. Grab a coffee or pick up some local treats from the Yarmouth Deli. Then, make your way to Freshwater Bay for stunning beach views and an easy coastal walk.
Afternoon: The Needles Landmark Attraction
A trip to the Isle of Wight wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Needles. Take the chairlift down to the beach, explore the colourful sand cliffs, and snap photos of the iconic chalk stacks rising from the sea. There’s even a 4D cinema and a sweet shop for some classic seaside fun.
Evening Back at The Orchards Holiday Park
After a day of exploring, return to your campsite to relax. Cook up a quick dinner in the campervan, or venture out to a nearby pub for a low-key evening.
Day 5: Isle of Wight – Ventnor and Shanklin
For your last full day, explore the charming towns of Ventnor and Shanklin along the island’s eastern coast.
Morning: Ventnor Botanic Garden
Drive to Ventnor Botanic Garden, a unique microclimate garden home to rare plants and stunning coastal views. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely morning walk among exotic plants.
Afternoon: Shanklin Old Village and Shanklin Chine
Next, head north to Shanklin Old Village, where thatched-roof cottages and quaint shops make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Then visit Shanklin Chine, a lush, gorge-like ravine with waterfalls and walking paths. If you’re a fan of WWII history, check out the Pluto Pavilion near the entrance to learn about the island’s wartime role.
Evening Farewell Dinner
Treat yourself to a final dinner at The Steamer Inn in Shanklin, overlooking the beach and serving up fresh seafood and pub classics. Toast to an amazing week on the road!
Day 6: Return to Wellingborough
All good things must come to an end! Pack up and drive to Fishbourne for the ferry back to the mainland, then make your way back to Wellingborough to complete your journey.
Morning Ferry to Portsmouth
After a relaxed breakfast, take the Fishbourne-Portsmouth ferry back to the mainland. Once on the mainland, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Wellingborough.
Reflect on Your Journey
Take the drive back to reflect on all the beaches, historic sites, and scenic views you’ve experienced over the last five days. From surfing in Newquay to exploring the Isle of Wight’s hidden gems, this trip has given you a real taste of the English coastline.
The Joy of a South of England Campervan Adventure
Exploring Cornwall and the Isle of Wight by campervan offers the perfect blend of freedom and adventure. You can experience everything from surf spots and charming villages to iconic British landmarks, all at your own pace. With stunning campsites, fresh seafood, and endless coastal views, this South of England itinerary is truly an unforgettable getaway.
So what are you waiting for? Book your campervan today and set off on a road trip to remember! 🚐🌞
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