Unforgettable Campervan Road Trip Guide to Bath, Somerset
Read Time: About 15 minutes
Bath, Matthew Gilder
Planning a road trip to Bath? You’re in for a treat! Use our comprehensive guide to craft the perfect campervan itinerary to make the most of your trip. The historic spa town and UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its stunning Georgian architecture and Roman remains, and we’ll explore the best of Bath in all its glory. Discover a magical city, made all the more enchanting with the freedom of travelling with a campervan. We’ll include the best campsites in Bath and campervan hire options so you can kick-start your Somerset road trip in comfort. Driving around Somerset is a wonderful experience, and we’ll take you to the best attractions, with plenty of fun things to do along the way. Hire a campervan in Bath, pack your bags, and let the adventures begin!
The historic city of Bath enjoys a picturesque location tucked in a valley surrounded by rolling lush hills and enjoys a central location approximately 97 miles west of London, making it a wonderful destination for our readers in need of a quick break from London.
- Is Bath Worth a Day Trip?
- Bath Road Trip Itinerary
- Is Bath Easy to Drive Around?
- Scenic Drive London to Bath
- Camping in and around Bath
- Best Bath Campsites
- Campervan Hire in Somerset
- Bye For Now, Bath
Is Bath Worth a Day Trip?
Yes, Bath can be explored over a weekend, bank holiday or day trip. Experience the city’s long and interesting history, admire stunning architecture, and embrace its relaxing atmosphere. If you want to stay longer and experience more, pair your road trip to bath with our guides to beautiful locations like the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
Tent and Campervan from £10
Outdoorsy types of all ages and persuasions will find plenty to see and do around Ebborways Farm, a back to basics campsite nuzzle within the heart of Somerset's leafy greenery.
Bath Road Trip Itinerary
Depending on the length of your Bath road trip, you may want to spend the first day settling into one of our recommended campsites below. If you're visiting for a day or a weekend, time is of the essence, so it's best to start exploring as soon as possible. Your first stop will be in the heart of the city in the Roman Baths, an iconic and one of the most well-preserved historical attractions in the UK. Built in 70 AD, the baths are complex and centred around natural hot springs. The Romans considered the springs sacred, dedicating them to the goddess Sulis Minerva. Admire intricate Roman mosaics and ancient statues, and enjoy interactive experiences courtesy of audio guides and costumed interpreters. A museum housing an extensive collection of Roman artefacts is also worth a visit. It usually takes around 1.5-2 hours to explore the attraction fully, and we recommend booking tickets early to avoid queues, especially during the peak seasons.
Lansdown. Michael Day
Continue your culture journey by stopping at the Jane Austen Centre, a delightful tribute to a globally loved author famed for witty novels like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Enjoy a guided tour experience that introduces you to her life, her family, and her time spent in Bath between 1801 and 1806, a period that influenced her novels like Persuasion. Staff attired in regency clothing enhances the atmosphere, and visitors can explore exhibits showcasing writing implements and personal details about Jane Austen's life. Try Regency-era costumes, including bonnets and gloves, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Regency Tea Room.
Explore Bath Abbey, a historic church and former Benedictine abbey dating back to the 7th century. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture, courtesy of Gothic Revival architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, and be awed by the fan-vaulted ceiling as you walk inside.
For more beautiful architecture, visit Pulteney Bridge and Weir, a historic bridge dating back to 1769. Admire classical Georgian architecture on one of only four bridges in the world that has shops on both sides. Take boat trips to admire Bath from a different angle or enjoy a picnic in a quiet corner overlooking the water.
For a respite from the bustle and buzz, visit Bath Botanical Gardens within the Royal Victoria Park. These gardens are free to enter and ideal for a break from sightseeing. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy a variety of blooms with edible pants and even a charming bathtub scene. For a blend of scenery and quiet, head to Alexandra Park and enjoy some of the city's best views. The steep climb is well worth it for breathtaking views of Bath and the surrounding countryside.
Tent and Campervan from £9
Enjoy a blend of eco camping, cooking over a crackling open fire, and pristine natural beauty at Abbey Home Farm, a family-run site set on an extensive 1600 acre mixed organic farm, with award-winning conveniences.
Set aside an hour or more to stroll the streets of Bath, which is an incredibly walkable city. It is a great way to sightsee and truly experience the city's atmosphere. Listen to different genres of music courtesy of the buskers who play around Bath Abbey, enjoy elegant afternoon teas at the Bath Pump Room, and stop for a meal at one of several excellent eateries, like The Scallop Shell, famed as one of the best places to get fish and chips in the city.
If you're visiting for a few days, head out in your campervan to explore Bath's surroundings, like the quintessential English villages of Castle Combe or Lacock, famed for their unspoiled charm and architecture. There is free parking in Castle Combe: however, it is located up a long hill. The perks of travelling in a camper also include the freedom to head out on optional excursions, and there are plenty of locations to explore, all under an hour from Bath. Enjoy a road trip to the world-famous Stonehenge and Salisbury, an hour away, or take a shorter 30-45 minute drive to the Cotswolds and Cheddar Gorge. Book your tickets in advance for popular attractions, and explore some of the best country pubs in England, such as Bath and the surrounding villages.
Is Bath Easy to Drive Around?
Lansdown. Michael Day
Driving in Bath can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with its layout. While the city is accessible by camper, its historic charm and design mean narrower streets, limited parking, and pedestrian-friendly zones can make driving around inconvenient, especially if driving a larger motorhome model or taking your caravan on your road trip. Bath is also a popular tourist destination with plenty of traffic and a Clean Air Zone, which may incur charges on higher-emission vehicles. Be sure to check your rental eligibility before driving up to the city. You can speak directly to our campervan owners, who are happy to answer all your questions about emissions, insurance, and more.
For alternatives to driving in Bath, use the excellent Park-and-Ride services. There are three locations - Lansdown, Odd Down, and Newbridge - where you can park your campervan or motorhome outside the city and take a bus to the centre, avoiding traffic and parking hassles. The city’s compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make it a great place to explore on foot or bike. If you enjoy setting the pace for your holiday, brush off your walking boots, rent a campervan in Bath with a bike rack, and pedal or stroll around its many beautiful attractions.
Scenic Drive London to Bath
If you are driving from the cosmopolitan capital, London, to Bath, why take the straightforward route when you can begin your campervan road trip in true romantic fashion? Head out on the A4 and leave the suburban settings behind for open countryside. Stop to admire the grandeur of Windsor Castle, stroll along the Thames, and explore the town of Windsor, steeped in royal history. Head towards the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, following the A404 and A413, passing green hills and lovely villages like Marlow and Henley-on-Thames. Stop to explore the historic market town of Marlborough, with its charming high streets and effortless access to the Savernake Forest. Once you’ve enjoyed the best of Marlborough, take a short detour to Avebury to marvel at the prehistoric stone circle, one of the greatest mysteries of prehistoric Britain. It is a quieter alternative to Stonehenge and an excellent historical stop that pairs beautifully with our road trip to Bath. Hop back on the A4 and cross the verdant landscape of the Wiltshire Downs before you drive into Bath with its honey-coloured Georgian buildings.
Camping in and around Bath
Camping in Bath is a wonderful way to truly savour the historic charm and natural beauty of Bath and the surrounding area. Stay at a campsite in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’re in the beautiful city famed for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture and renowned landmarks. Most campsites in Bath rest in the tranquil Somerset countryside, and often boast stunning views of rolling hills and enchanting greenery, ideal for a relaxing escape. There are plenty of open-air attractions like hiking, cycling, and walking. Bath’s famous spa culture, which has natural thermal waters, makes it an excellent place for relaxation and wellness. We recommend searching for Norton Saint Philip, Radstock, and Buckland Dinham campsites. Let’s explore why these areas are ideal for camping on a road trip to Bath.
Tent, Campervan and Motorhome from £29
Haywood Farm Caravan and Camping Park is the ideal scenic setting for campers young and old to sit back and enjoy a countryside escape. Camp out on the fringes of woodland, in a small open meadow sectioned off by hedges and trees.
When you stay at a campsite in Somerset, you’re in the midst of picture-postcard English countryside, where rolling hills and timeless villages stretch out under vast, starry skies. Wake up to birdsong and explore hidden woodland trails, sipping cider at the end of your day at a cosy local pub. Wander from the cliffs of Cheddar Gorge to the mystical allure of Glastonbury Tor, finding adventure at every turn. Cosy up by the fire, breathe in crisp countryside air, and enjoy a slower pace of life as you reconnect with nature and savour serene moments. While Bath offers its own camping delights, combining your trip with a visit to the well-regarded campsites in Bristol gives you the best of both worlds in this beautiful region.
Bath. Nasreen Nasir
Located an easy 20-minute drive from Bath, Norton Saint Philip is a quiet little village near Bath that is perfect for enjoying the buzz and bustle of the city and its enclosing attractions without being in the midst of it all. Hire a campervan in Norton Saint Philip and take it for a spin around the village, exploring beautiful old buildings and limestone cottages. Stop at St Philip & St James Church to admire beautiful architecture, and head out on serene countryside walks through rolling fields, woodland trails and charming rural paths. Norton St Philip is only a short drive from Bath and close to attractions like Farleigh Hungerford Castle, which offers a fascinating insight into medieval life. Stop to refuel at The George Inn, one of England’s oldest pubs dating back to the 14th century, and use your campsite in Norton Saint Philip as a base for escaping the crowds. We list 286 campsites within 30 miles of Norton Saint Philip and have more campsites in Westbury and campsites in Melksham.
The friendly town of Radstock, an easy 20-minute drive from Bath, is a fantastic base for a camping escape, and you can blend history, nature and community experiences in one go. Dive into the town’s rich industrial heritage with a visit to Radstock Museum, and explore the settlement’s coal mining history, Vitcoiran life and geology. Bring your bikes to pedal along scenic routes like the Colliers Way, a picturesque walking and cycling path following former railway lines. There are plenty of beautiful open green spaces like Writhlington Nature Reserve and the nearby Mendip Hills, which are ideal for birdwatching, nature walks and picnics. You can also use your campsite in Radstock as a base for exploring places like Bath, Cheddar Gorge, and Wells. Take a look through 154 campsites within 40 miles of Radstock, or browse more campsites in Clutton, campsites in Ashwick, campsites in Shepton Mallet, campsites in Bitton and campsites in Batcombe.
Buckland Dinham is a sleepy village in Somerset, around a half-hour drive from Bath. When you stay at a campsite in Buckland Dinham, you’re in a tranquil area ideal for resting and enjoying nature, yet rest close to locations like Bath and Frome, making it easy to get around and explore a wealth of attractions in Somerset. Start by visiting the Grade I listed Church of St. Michael and All Angels, which boasts stunning architecture and a relaxing atmosphere. Potter around artisan stores, cafes and galleries on the charming street of Catherine Hill, or take your pick of gardens, like Kilver Court, for quiet strolls and picnics. Families will enjoy Longleat Safari Park while the foodies sample traditional ales at spots like the George Inn, a short drive away. You can also use your Buckland Dinham campsite to access attractions like Nunney Castle and Stourhead. If you would like to check out more camping locations, check out our campsites in Frome, campsites in Bradford On Avon, campsites in Trowbridge, and campsites in Warminster.
Best Bath Campsites
If you’re new to camping in Somerset or short on time, we’ve picked three beautiful campsites in Bath that are perfect for relaxed camping. We’ve picked Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, Bath Marina and Caravan Park, and Bury View Farm Caravan and Campsite - three fab locations to pitch a tent or park your touring vehicle and enjoy a reprieve from the congestion of the tourist hotspots. We’ll highlight amenities, pitch options, and proximity to local attractions at each of our recommended campsites. Planning a road trip to Bath is as easy as pie with our handy guide.
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park in Bath
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, Bath
Keen on a serene camping escape to Bath? Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park has you covered with a strict adults-only policy, ensuring all campers enjoy a laidback, quiet environment perfect for resetting and forgetting about the modern world. The award-winning site rests in Bishop Sutton near Bath and is ideal for easily exploring Somerset. Campers can enjoy a distinctive garden feel with the owners adding lawns, shrubs and flower beds around 45 hardstanding pitches. Excellent amenities include a luxury heated toilet block, a laundry room, and a lovely dog walking area in a patch of woodland. A pub and local shop is just 250 yards away, and the site is a great base for exploring the Mendip Hills, Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare.
Bath Marina And Caravan Park in Bath
Bath Marina And Caravan Park, Bath
If you imagine spending your camping holiday in Bath enveloped by landscaped lawns, grassy banks, and lush woodland that provide speckled shade, make your way to Bath Marina and Caravan Park, a splendid campsite just three miles from Bath. Despite its seemingly rural feel and location, the campsite is a great base for exploring places like Dyrham Park and Castle Combe. It enjoys access to excellent transport links - ideal for leaving your campervan or car at the campsite. If you enjoy walking or cycling, hop on the nearby towpath, enjoy a beautiful stroll along the river, and perhaps stop at a canal pub for a quick pint en route to Bath. Campers can also access the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north. The site welcomes campervans, motorhomes, and caravans on hardstanding pitches, each equipped with 16 amp electric meters, a TV connection point, and Wi-Fi access.
Bury View Farm Caravan And Campsite in Bath
Bury View Farm Caravan And Campsite, Bath
Bury View Farm Caravan and Campsite is a small, friendly site in Bath. The campsite rests on a large flat field amidst a working farm, and you're likely to see geese, ducks and hens while enjoying gorgeous views over the green countryside. Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and tents are catered to at this spacious site, and most plots have electric meters. There is a village shop and a lovely local pub serving home-cooked meals plus reasonably priced ales. Bury View Farm Caravan and Campsite facilities include a ladies and men's washroom and showers, fresh water taps, washing-up areas, and more. Pets are welcome to tag along, too.
Campervan Hire in Somerset
Hire a campervan in Somerset, and you'll unlock a world of adventure and beautiful English sceneries. Rumble from the hills of the Quantocks to the dramatic Exmoor coastline, admiring breathtaking scenery at every turn. Wander through historical towns like Glastonbury and Wells or savour zesty local ciders at quiet countryside pubs in rural locations. A campervan hire in Somerset is perfect for enjoying the true beauty of this stunning county and its cornucopia of attractions. Enjoy Somerset's beauty on your terms, parking by tranquil beaches or amid lush landscapes under starry skies for as little as £80 per night.
Wondering where to hire a campervan for your road trip to Bath? We’ve got a wonderful list of campervans for hire in Bath- 113 to be exact - and recommend searching for campervans in Lansdown, Bathwick and Lyncombe. These hire locations are close to Bath and are fantastic starting points for a Somerset road trip with plenty to explore in the surrounding area. We’ll highlight the best attractions around each hire location and include more campervan rental options so you, our reader, are spoilt for choice. Thanks to its central location, Bath is perfect for campervan adventures, and arranging campervan hire Bristol lets you extend your visit across the West Country.
Newbridge. Michael Day
Nestled on the fringes of Bath, Lansdown is a convenient base for a campervan road trip. Kickstart your holiday in true English fashion, rumbling through near-endless countryside, and explore many attractions at your doorstep. Our campervans in Lansdown are perfect for planning trips to the Cotswolds, Mendip Hills, and the scenic Avon Valley, so go ahead and follow your heart and create memories to last a lifetime. With proximity to the Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and charming villages in Somerset, you’re well on your way, enjoying a road trip full of discovery. With well-connected roads to Bristol, the southwest and beyond, our campervans in Lansdown are an ideal choice for exploring the area's beauty. We list 110 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Lansdown, and more campervans for hire in Bradford On Avon, campervans for hire in Radstock, campervans for hire in Clutton, and campervans for hire in Melksham.
Hire a campervan in Bathwick and gear up for adventure-rich escapes combining the charm of Bath and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Not only are you centrally located for exploring a range of English attractions, but Bathwick enjoys excellent proximity to roads like the A4 and M4, ensuring smooth connections to destinations in the South West like Stonehenge, the Jurassic Coast and even Wales. With a campervan, you combine transport and lodging into one nifty package, and you’re free to explore the area and access secluded spots easily. We list 110 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Bathwick. For more models and competitive pricing, check out our campervans for hire in Norton Saint Philip, campervans for hire in Bitton and campervans for hire in Buckland Dinham.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Automatic
Berti is a brand new May 2024 registered Elldis CV40 campervan, ideal for sleeping two people. Whilst driving, you will enjoy all the modern features of a luxury vehicle.
Located just a stone’s throw from Bath, Lyncombe is a unique base to kick off your campervan road trip. Nestled near the Mendip Hills and a short drive from varying attractions, Lyncombe is the perfect base to hire a campervan. Rumble from attractions like Cheddar Gorge to the Somerset Levels and Bristol Channel with ease, and explore at your pace, stopping at villages like Wells or Glastonbury for that mystical vibe. You can also use our campervans in Lyncombe to venture off-the-beaten path, exploring hidden gems like the Quantock Hills or Exmoor National Park for a quieter escape into nature. Browse 110 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Lyncombe. If you would like more rental options nearby, look at our campervans for hire in Trowbridge and campervans for hire in Westerleigh.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Automatic
Wake up next to sandy dunes and the gentle sound of waves in gorgeous Gertie, the VW California Ocean camper. Enjoy a BBQ breakfast and a lazy day before you head off to your next destination. Travel where your heart desires.
Bye For Now, Bath
As you can see, there is a lot to discover on a road trip to Bath, so it pays to plan and have your priorities in order. If you can travel out of season, you can enjoy less crowded roads and attractions, cheaper prices at campsites, and fewer people at popular attractions. Having said that, you can avoid the crowds in peak seasons by staying away from the popular tourist sites and camping at campsites with few amenities. Wherever you decide to go, use our Somerset Campervan Guide to explore the best in the county. Next, we head to yet another renowned location - Cheddar. Stay tuned for our next update.
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