European Motorhoming for Retirees: Where to Go from the UK

Retirement is the perfect time to explore Europe at your own pace in a motorhome. No fixed schedules, no flight connections and no hotel check-in times. In this guide we look at some of the best European destinations for retired motorhomers travelling from the UK, along with a few practical tips before you set off.

The Channel

The easiest route from the UK is via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais or one of several ferry crossings such as Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, Portsmouth to Cherbourg or Caen or Poole to Saint-Malo. If you're heading to Spain or Portugal an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao gets you straight to the continent with less driving.

Once across the sea Europe's motorhome infrastructure is excellent. Aires in France, stellplätze in Germany and similar motorhome stopover areas in the continent make overnight stays easy and affordable.

France – The Perfect First Stop

France is the most popular destination for British motorhomers and it's easy to see why. The country's aire network is amazing, with thousands of official stopovers, many of which are free or very low cost and the variety is brilliant. Plus it's one of the easiest European destinations to get to.

Highlights worth considering include:

The Loire Valley for châteaux, cycling & riverside roads
Provence for lavender fields, markets & sunshine
The Atlantic coast (Bordeaux to Biarritz) for beaches & seafood
Dordogne & the Lot Valley for medieval villages

Spain – Warm Weather, Culture & Long Stays

Spain is a firm favourite for retirees who want winter sun. The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol attract many long term motorhomers between October and March when temperatures reach the mid teens and above. Andalucía is another top spot to explore with villages, architecture and quieter roads that suit a relaxed pace.

There are many motorhome campsites and dedicated areas plus a two or three month stay is a fraction of the cost of a similarly warm holiday.

Portugal – The Undiscovered Gem

Portugal is increasingly popular and often preferable to Spain for quieter roads and a warm welcome. The Algarve is the obvious draw in winter but the Alentejo region with rolling plains, cork forests and medieval towns is stunning and quieter.

Wild camping laws are more relaxed in rural Portugal than much of Europe, which suits motorhome travel with complete flexibility.

Germany & The Alpine Route

For those who prefer cooler climates and dramatic scenery a summer tour through southern Germany and into Austria is unbeatable. The Romantic Road connects numerous beautiful medieval towns, plus Bavaria's lakes and Alpine foothills have some of the most incredible scenery. Germany's stellplätze network is well maintained and widely available.

A Few Top Tips Before You Go

Check your motorhome insurance covers European travel & the trip duration
Carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC
Familiarise yourself with each country's driving rules
A sat nav with European maps is a must have

Whether you're planning a two week route through Normandy or a six month winter escape to the Algarve the right motorhome makes a big difference. Take a look at our current motorhomes for sale or have a chat with one of our team. We can help you find the motorhome that fits the journeys you have in mind and in your set budget. If you already have a motorhome, we also offer servicing, repairs and habitation checks which are essential to have regularly, especially for longer trips.