VW Campervan Travel Tips

Here are some useful travel tips for a weekend getaway to Cornwall in a classic VW campervan:

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April–June) and early Autumn (September and early October) are ideal for fewer crowds and still pleasant weather.
  • Summer (July–August) is busier but great for beach activities & family time.

 Top Destinations

  • St. Ives: Picturesque coastal town with art galleries, beaches, and scenic views.
  • Padstow: Famous for seafood, harbour charm, and coastal walks.
  • Newquay: Surfing capital with lively nightlife and stunning beaches.
  • Falmouth: A maritime town with historic sites and excellent restaurants.
  • The Eden Project: A must-visit for nature lovers, featuring biomes and gardens.
  • Tintagel Castle: For a taste of legend and history linked to King Arthur.

Activities to Try

  • Coastal walks along the South West Coast Path for breathtaking views.
  • Surfing lessons in Newquay or Polzeath.
  • Exploring hidden coves like Kynance Cove and Porthcurno Beach.
  • Enjoying Cornish pasties and cream teas at local bakeries.
  • Visiting local breweries and cider farms.

Packing Essentials

  • Pack as light as you can  – be liberated from the mundane.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for coastal trails.
  • Download a map/walking app or bring a good paper copy.
  • Layers and waterproofs (weather can be unpredictable).
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses, even on cooler days.
  • Camera or phone for stunning landscape shots. Don’t forget the charge lead. All our vans have USB sockets and you can charge up as you go.

Local Food to Try

  • Traditional Cornish pasty.
  • Fresh seafood.
  • Cornish ice cream and fudge.
  • Cream tea.
  • Cornish Gin and Cider.

Hidden Gems

  • St. Nectan’s Glen waterfall near Tintagel. A mystical woodland with a 60-foot waterfall, said to have spiritual significance.
  • Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre with sea views.
  • Port Isaac, a charming fishing village (famous from Doc Martin TV series).
  • Pedn Vounder Beach – A breathtaking tidal beach with golden sands and turquoise waters, nestled near Porthcurno.
  • Luxulyan Valley – A lush, wooded area with remnants of Cornwall’s industrial heritage and scenic trails

Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Book popular attractions in advance, especially in peak season, to avoid disappointment. Notably Tintagel Castle.
  • Check tide times if planning to visit beaches or coastal attractions. Make the absolute most of vast expanses of beautiful sandy beaches.
  • Bring some cash as back up, as some smaller villages may not accept cards. Occasionally if WIFI signal is bad card machines are not used.
  • If you hire a Freebird Campers Classic Campervan in Devon you can leave your car with us and start your adventure having already left the busy motorways behind.

Where to Stay

  • Campsites are a‘ plenty,  a great resource for finding one is Pitchup.com 
  • Sites vary from small 5 pitch types with limited facilities available through the Caravan and Motor home club (Freebird Campers can offer free membership as part of your booking), through to much larger sites with club houses/entertainment and shops.
  • Check your location and see what’s on offer locally, if you wish to stay in one location.
  • Travelling around in a VW campervan – you may wish to book multiple sites or just the first few nights and then see where the adventure takes you. If its low season there is always availability to be found. High season we would recommend booking in advance if you have particular places you want to visit.

VW Campervan Travel Tips – Hire your classic VW Campervan from FREEBIRD CAMPERS.