Our 3-Night Campervan Adventure from Blackburn Through the Trough of Bowland to the Cumbrian Coast
Think a rainy weekend ruins a road trip?
Think again. From ancient ruins to coastal views and full-bodied reds, here’s how we turned a wet and windy weekend into a romantic escape, armed only with a campervan and a stubborn sense of adventure.
When life gets hectic, sometimes the best remedy is packing up the campervan, pointing it toward the horizon, and seeing where the road, and the rain, takes you. That’s exactly what my wife and I did this past weekend, setting off from Blackburn on a three-night campervan tour through the Trough of Bowland and along the wild, rugged coastlines of North Lancashire and Cumbria.
It may have been wet, cold, and a bit gusty at times, but nothing could dampen our spirits, or our heater. Here’s how our weekend unfolded, where we stayed, what we saw, and why you should absolutely consider hiring a campervan to explore this underrated slice of Northern England.
We left Blackburn on a moody Friday afternoon, the kind of grey sky that says, “bring the waterproofs.” The Trough of Bowland didn’t disappoint, it never does. Mist curled around the hills like an old storybook, the sheep looked confused by our optimism, and the single-track lanes delivered just the right amount of “will we make it?” tension.
We parked up for the night near Dunsop Bridge, at a peaceful little site with basic amenities but a view worth every drop of drizzle. Dinner was simple: fresh bread, local cheese, smoked meats, olives and dips, and a bottle of Amarone opened under the sound of rain tapping the van roof. Cosy, dry, and warm, we toasted to freedom on four wheels.
Day 2: Lancaster and Morecambe – Coastal Towns with Stories to Tell
Saturday’s rain arrived sideways, but we didn’t mind. Lancaster was first on the list, a city packed with history. Lancaster Castle, grim and fascinating, gave us shelter and a sense of place. We wandered the cobbled streets, ducked into cafés, and admired Georgian architecture before heading west.
Morecambe was next. Say what you like, but there’s something endearing about its salty charm. We strolled along the seafront in our waterproofs, snapped a photo with Eric Morecambe’s statue (smiling through the rain), and hunted down a seafood lunch. The wind might’ve whipped the chips from our plates, but the view over the bay was worth it.
That night we stayed at a small coastal camper stop near Silverdale, remote, rustic, and close enough to the sea that we could hear the waves crash beneath the howl of the wind. We cooked in the van and cracked open another bottle of wine, watching the storm roll in. Honestly? Pure magic.
Day 3: Arnside to Ulverston – Sea, Steam and Something Sweet
Sunday brought us north to Arnside, a coastal gem where the sky met the estuary in a blur of blue-grey. Despite the damp, the air felt fresh, briny, alive. We hiked briefly (very briefly, thanks, drizzle) then drove up to Ulverston, birthplace of Arthur Stanley Jefferson – Stan Laurel of Laurel & Hardy, and an underrated food scene.
Lunch was a warm pub with a fireplace roaring and a reight good pint that actually made us forget our socks were damp. A small art gallery, a steam train museum, and some boutique shops made Ulverston feel like a secret worth keeping.
We spent our final night at a peaceful camper park just outside town, set in woodland with all the mod cons. Rain tapped its familiar rhythm on the roof as we curled up under a blanket and reflected on how little the weather matters when you’re in the right place, with the right person.
Why Hire a Campervan for a Northern England Coastal Tour?
Hiring a campervan from Blackburn and exploring the Trough of Bowland through to the Cumbrian coastline offers the perfect UK weekend break, even in bad weather. With stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, delicious food, and total freedom, a campervan road trip is a warm, dry ticket to adventure, romance, and slow travel.
Pro tip: Don’t wait for sunshine. Rain brings its own kind of beauty, especially when viewed from a comfy camper with a hot brew and someone you love.
Wet Weather, Warm Hearts
Three nights. Dozens of windswept memories. Zero regrets.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. Would we check the forecast? Probably not.
The North West isn’t just a place, it’s a mood. And with a campervan, you don’t just visit it. You live in it, roll with it, and toast to it through every squall.
Ready to hit the road? Whether you’re local to Blackburn or visiting the North West, hiring a campervan is your ticket to an unforgettable (and perfectly unpredictable) UK coastal adventure.
Book your campervan and make your own adventure.
For more information on our range of campers and motorhomes get in touch with our local Blackburn Branch.
Phone us on 01254 495999
Email us: bookings@easicampers.com
Visit our site https://easicampervanhire.com/campervan-hire-blackburn/
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