Campervan roadtrip June/July 2022
Part 1 - Lincolnshire
We set off on Thursday 23 June from Essex with our first campsite for the night in Brant Broughton in Lincolnshire. We had a few quick stops to stretch our legs including services, visit to Brewster’s Brewery to collect supplies and a quick #weestop in Newark. Then we headed to small campsite in walking distance to a pub and not too far off the motorway as our first stopover. Nice campsite and lovely pub with amazing food. Found a mobile butcher in Brant Broughton so couldn’t resist some Lincolnshire bangers for breakie.
Part 2 – Yorkshire Dales
Then off we set for our 2nd campsite in Pateley Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales. A quick stop to stretch our legs in Wetherby then on to our Riverside campsite for 2 nights. As we drove in we spotted that the Yorkshire Festival was setting up in the field opposite with local stall including a brewery and distillery. Interesting! We went for a walk around the town then headed back to our campervan before the heavens opened which tested our pop top patch up repairs … some leaks but better than expected. On our first night we popped to the local curry house. We managed to #weestop at both pubs in the town, visit both butchers and also the fish mongers. We had a walk to Glasshouses (which does not have any glass houses, they lied!) and then we had to visit the Yorkshire Festival to sample the local beer and gin. Not too bad! On our 2nd night we attempted to ‘outdoor casserole’ (the alternative name for BBQ to not tempt fate). We did manage but it was a bit drizzly.
Part 3 – Cumbria, The Lake District
And off we set for our 3rd and furthest campsite via the Yorkshire dales and Lake District. Who would have thought it would be hilly? Poor Kermie coped so well and even had to climb some very steep and seemingly endless hills (felt more like mountains) in first gear. It included a hill start with traffic lights due to half the road falling away in a landslip. Stumbled across a lovely town called Kirby Longsdale which was just perfect timing to stretch our legs and a #weestop. Ooooooo and completely by chance there was a brewery! We did also see the sites of Kirby Longsdale with a visit to Devil’s Bridge and to climb the radical steps. So off we continued to Lake Windermere and our campsite for the next 2 nights Park Cliffe. Bit of a wet arrival so popped to the pub on the campsite to form our plan and have a #weestop. Order a taxi and headed to Bowness and Windermere for a bit of a mooch and to #weestop when needed to shelter from the rain. Found a crafty bar aptly named Crafty Baa! Then had a delicious Thai meal before another taxi back to our campsite. Next day the weather improved so decided to tackle the climb to Gummer How. Fantastic views of the lakes and all the way to Morecombe. To reward ourselves we descended to a rural pub for lunch with amazing views at the Mason Arms and of course #weestop. Then we had the climb back up to our campsite. Dinner cooked in the van and resting our sore feet.
Part 4 – Lancashire
We had leftover frittata for breakfast then off we set back in the direction of home. We headed to Bury in Lancashire to visit family friends with a stop at the newest RHS garden Bridgewater and walk along the canal. Then to Bury to catch up with friends including an honorary #weestop at the local Bay Horse pub followed by fish and chips. In the morning we had bacon butties then had a guided tour of Bury including the market for crumbly Lancashire cheese, pies and black pudding. Also to see the home of Bury Athletic who are sadly currently ‘out of action’. Then farewells and off on our travels again.
Part 5 – Derbyshire, The Peak District
Next stop was a bit of a treat to stay in a gastro pub in Derbyshire in the Peak District with a dinner, bed and breakfast offer. Stopped on the way at Buxton, obviously not for the water but a #weestop! Then on to the Devonshire Arms in Beeley on the Chatsworth Estate. Not too shabby! Lovely room including our own front door to a huge and beautiful suite with a separate lounge. Popped to the pub for #weestop then a wander around the village before scrubbing up for a romantic dinner. Lovely food and amazing company! In the morning a full English breakfast served in the Bistro overlooking the stream. Yum!
Part 6 – Cambridgeshire
And onward for the final part our a roadtrip to Cambridgeshire. Popped to the Chatsworth farm shop and butchers for some supper supplies then on to Ferry Meadows near Peterborough. Lovely campsite where we were allowed to pick our pitch. Short walk to Nene Valley Railway and Nene park. Lovely lakes and walks and you can feed the very friendly ducks. First evening we outdoor casseroled our supplies of chicken thighs and pork ribs. It was a lot more successful than our last time as the weather was kinder. Next day we set off in search of a pub on a long walk along the railway and river. And a successful #weestop with beers from the local brewery. Back to the van to scrub up to go out for dinner at Windmill in Orton Waterville. Yummy last night of the roadtrip talking about the fantastic time we’d had over the last 10 days and the fact we actually made it to the Lake District and back without the AA’s assistance … well we probably should have made a visit to the other AA!
Fabulous trip and totally recommend holidaying in the UK so many beautiful places to visit on our doorstep and so easy!
