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Discover the UK & Ireland

From misty mountains and castle ruins to winding coastal roads and cosy village pubs, the UK and Ireland are full of charm, history, and surprises around every bend. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer road trip in your motorhome, this corner of the world is packed with places to explore — and it’s all a bit more magical when you’re doing it on your own four wheels.

Whitby Abby
Whitby Abby
Bosheston Lilly Ponds
Bosheston Lilly Pond

Language

You might think you’re on easy street when it comes to language in the UK and Ireland — after all, English is the main language in both. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing a moment to translate the accent, never mind the words! From Scottish slang to Irish sayings and good old Yorkshire banter, the dialects are full of character.
In some parts of Wales, you’ll also see signs in Welsh, and in areas of Ireland, Irish Gaelic is still spoken and respected — especially in rural regions.
Phrase – “Pop the kettle on”
Meaning – Make a cup of tea
Phrase – “Chuffed to bits”
Meaning – Really pleased
Phrase – “What’s the craic?”
Meaning – What’s happening? (Irish)
Phrase – “I’m knackered”
Meaning -I’m exhausted
Phrase – “Cheers!”
Meaning – Thanks! (or for raising a drink)

Locals are friendly (especially once you’ve had a pint with them), and even if the accent throws you a bit, most people are more than happy to repeat themselves or help you out.

Currency

When travelling the UK and Ireland, it’s good to know that you’ll be dealing with two different currencies, depending on where you are:
In England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the currency is the British Pound Sterling (£).
In the Republic of Ireland, they use the Euro (€).
Yep — it can be a bit of a head-scratcher if you’re crossing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, especially if you’re wild camping or stopping in smaller towns where card payments might not always be accepted.
A few helpful tips:
Keep a bit of both currencies handy if you’re hopping between north and south in Ireland.
Card payments are widely accepted in both the UK and Ireland, even in many rural spots.
ATMs are easy to find, but always check for fees — especially with overseas cards.
Don’t forget, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own versions of pound notes — they look different but are still legal tender across the UK (though some shops in England might raise an eyebrow!).
We usually carry a small mix of cash and rely on card, using apps like Monzo to avoid rubbish exchange rates.

Weather

Ah, the British and Irish weather — famously unpredictable and always a talking point! You can quite literally get all four seasons in a single day, so the best advice? Pack layers… and then pack a few more.
Generally speaking:
Spring (March–May) brings milder days, blooming countryside, and the odd surprise downpour.
Summer (June–August) can be beautiful, especially in the south — but heatwaves are rare and rain is never far off.
Autumn (September–November) is full of colour, but things start cooling down quickly.
Winter (December–February) can be damp and chilly with shorter days — though still great for cosy countryside stops and pub fires!
The west coasts of both countries (like Cornwall, Wales, and western Ireland) tend to get more rain, while the southeast of England is usually the driest and warmest.
We’ve learned to embrace the grey skies, find joy in the unexpected sunshine, and always, always have a decent waterproof coat to hand. Because once you stop letting the weather dictate the mood — the adventure just keeps rolling, rain or shine.

Warwickshire Castle
At a glance

My experience in The UK & Ireland

There’s just something comforting — and a bit nostalgic — about exploring your own backyard, isn’t there? The UK and Ireland might not always promise the best weather (more on that below!), but they more than make up for it with wild coastlines, rolling countryside, friendly pubs, and a proper brew wherever you stop.

We’ve done our fair share of roaming these roads — from the rugged Highlands of Scotland and the peaceful lakes of Ireland, to Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs and the green, gentle hills of Wales. And whether you’re brand new to motorhoming in the UK and Ireland, or you’re a seasoned vanlifer tackling new routes, this corner of the world has a rhythm all its own.

Now, let’s talk about that famously unpredictable weather. You’ll want to pack for all seasons — no matter the time of year. One minute it’s glorious sunshine, the next it’s horizontal rain. Spring brings fresh blooms and breezy days, summer can be lush (but rarely scorching), and autumn paints the landscape in golds and reds. Winter is chilly and damp, sure — but it’s also the perfect time for finding quiet corners and cosying up near a log fire.

We’ve learned not to let the forecast stop us — just bring a decent waterproof, a sense of humour, and keep chasing your beat, rain or shine.

This page is where you’ll find all our favourite stopovers, travel tips, scenic drives, campsite recommendations and honest experiences from the road. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for new spots to explore, we’re here to help you enjoy the journey and find your rhythm out there.

👉 Best UK Motorhome Campsites
👉 Touring Ireland in a Motorhome: What You Need to Know

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