When the UK Turns It On: Our Coastal Caravan Adventure

You know those rare British summer weeks when the sun decides to show up and everything feels right with the world? We just had one. And honestly, if we get weather like that, why would you go anywhere else?

This August, we packed up the caravan and set off on an eight-night coastal adventure — first stop Lynmouth in North Devon, then down to Cornwall for a stay at the brilliant Macdonald’s Farm near Padstow. Two bases, two completely different vibes, both stunning when the skies are blue.

Lynmouth: Little Switzerland by the Sea

Perched where the East Lyn River meets the Bristol Channel, Lynmouth is one of those places that feels untouched. The kind of spot that makes you slow down and breathe in.

We stayed at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, which was a gem in itself. Think big skies, rolling hills, and a pitch with views that make you want to put your phone down and just look. The campsite was immaculate, the staff couldn’t do enough for us, and the vibe was all peace and fresh air.

One thing we did tick off the list in Lynmouth was the Cliff Railway — and trust me, this isn’t just any old railway. It’s the UK’s only fully water-powered funicular and still runs today exactly as it did when it was built back in 1888. No engines, no electricity — just fresh Exmoor river water and gravity doing the hard work. How’s that for sustainable travel?

It’s actually the world’s highest and steepest fully water-powered railway and one of only three left in existence. With 862 feet of steep track and a climb of 500 feet, it connects Lynmouth down by the harbour with Lynton perched above — and the views along the way? Unreal.

We didn’t cram our days with plans — that’s the beauty of it. A lazy Sunday on the village green, kids running barefoot, the sound of the river bubbling away… sometimes that’s all you need. We wandered down to the shore, hunting for crabs in the rockpools and skipping stones as the tide crept in. It was one of those days where time disappears.

There’s plenty we didn’t get to — Watersmeet Gorge, the Valley of Rocks — which is just another reason to go back. 

Cornwall: Golden Beaches & Sunsets for Days

After a few days of Devon calm, we hit the road south for Cornwall — and it did not disappoint. Our home for the next five nights was Macdonald’s Farm, a family-friendly site with a chilled vibe, friendly animals, and a bar that does cracking wood-fired pizzas. The kids loved it, we loved it — everyone wins.

The weather? Absolute perfection. Blue skies, warm air, that salty sea breeze… when Cornwall shines, it really shines.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to do a lot when the beaches look like this. Porthcothan Bay gave us that big, open space to breathe until the tide rolled in — golden sand stretching out, dramatic cliffs framing the view. We wandered down to Mawgan Porth, where the waves rolled in and the surfers dotted the horizon.

But the standout moment? Treyarnon Bay. That tidal pool carved into the rocks — nature’s own infinity pool — is something else. The kids splashed, we floated, the sun beat down, and for a moment, we could’ve been in the Med. Later, we headed to the YHA perched on the headland for pizza and a sunset that didn’t need a filter. It was the perfect full stop on a perfect day.

And of course, a day at Fistral to catch up with friends — because no Cornwall trip is complete without soaking up the surf vibes.

When the Sun Shines, There’s Nowhere Better

Here’s the truth: the UK isn’t always easy to love when it’s grey and wet. But when the sun shows up? Nowhere else comes close.
No airports, no stress, no “did we remember the passports?” panic — just pure freedom, fresh sea air, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever set foot on.

If this trip reminded us of anything, it’s that sometimes the best holidays are right on our doorstep. All you need is a bit of luck with the weather, a caravan, and a sense of adventure.

Until next time, Lynmouth. Until next time, Cornwall.