Plan a relaxed motorhome tour of North Cornwall along the A39 Atlantic Highway, with suggested stops and practical tips.
The A39, known as the Atlantic Highway, runs down the spine of North Cornwall, linking Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge before heading on towards the west of the county. It is the natural route for a motorhome or campervan tour of the north coast. This guide suggests a relaxed route with stops and practical tips. Lower Pennycrocker Farm, near Boscastle, sits just off the A39 and makes an ideal base in the middle of the route.
Why tour North Cornwall by motorhome?
- Spectacular coastline with cliffs, coves and surf beaches.
- Historic villages and harbours.
- A good mix of short drives and long walks.
- Quiet campsites away from the busiest resorts.
The main challenge is size. Many coastal villages are reached by narrow, steep lanes and have limited parking. Our approach is simple: drive the main roads, base yourself on a campsite, and explore the villages on foot, by bus or in a smaller vehicle where possible.
Suggested route: Bude to Padstow
Stage 1: Bude
Coming from Devon on the A39, Bude is the first big town in North Cornwall. It has wide beaches, a sea pool and a canal walk. See our Bude day trip page. Check car park signs for motorhome spaces and limits.
Stage 2: Widemouth Bay and Crackington Haven
South of Bude, the coast road passes Widemouth Bay, with roadside views of the sea. See our Widemouth Bay guide. Crackington Haven is reached down steep, narrow lanes; it is lovely but not ideal for big vans.
Stage 3: Boscastle base
Base yourself near Boscastle for a few nights. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm you can walk the coast path, drive to the village in a car, or explore Tintagel and the moor. Many guests leave the motorhome on the pitch for several days. Our touring caravans and motorhomes page explains pitches and hook-up.
Stage 4: Tintagel and Port Isaac
Tintagel has larger car parks than many villages, but Port Isaac's streets are very narrow. Use the car parks at the top of the village. See our Port Isaac day trip.
Stage 5: Wadebridge and Padstow
Wadebridge has supermarkets and is a good place to restock. Padstow is busy in summer, with parking above the town. See our Padstow day trip and our Camel Trail guide for cycling options.
Timings
| Days | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| 3 nights | Base near Boscastle; day trips to Tintagel and Bude |
| 5 nights | Add Port Isaac, Padstow and the Camel Trail |
| 7 nights | Add Bodmin Moor and a south coast day |
Driving tips
- Stick to A and B roads where you can, and be wary of sat nav shortcuts down single-track lanes.
- Use passing places and be ready to reverse.
- Drive in daylight for unfamiliar lanes.
- Arrive at campsites within reception hours. Ours is open 9am–7pm.
Our guide to driving Cornish lanes has much more on this.
Overnight stays
Rules on sleeping in motorhomes in car parks and lay-bys vary, and many Cornish car parks don't allow overnight stays. Campsites are the reliable, legal option and give you toilets, showers and hook-up. See our post on wild camping in Cornwall for more on the rules.
Supplies
- Fuel: fill up in towns along the A39.
- Food: larger supermarkets are found in towns such as Bude, Wadebridge and Launceston.
- Gas: check where to buy refills before you travel.
- Water and waste: ask your campsite about fresh water and waste disposal when you book.
Things to see from the road
Even on driving days, the Atlantic Highway has plenty to enjoy. There are views out to sea near Widemouth, glimpses of Bodmin Moor to the east around Camelford, and the wide Camel estuary at Wadebridge. If you can, avoid long drives in the middle of summer Saturdays, when changeover traffic is heaviest. Short hops of an hour or so between bases make for a much more relaxed trip.
Rainy days on the route
If the weather turns, there is plenty to do under cover. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, castles and historic houses, and cafés in the market towns all make good wet-weather stops. See our rainy day ideas for more.
Staying at Lower Pennycrocker Farm
We welcome motorhomes and campervans on grass pitches, with electric hook-up at £7 a night. Bring levelling ramps or blocks, a long hook-up cable and something to put under jacks if the ground is soft. Two adults with electric pay £27 a night in 2026. Groups are limited to eight people.
The Atlantic Highway stop by stop
For a stop-by-stop guide to the A39 from Clovelly to Wadebridge, see our Atlantic Highway road trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Atlantic Highway?
It is the name given to the A39 through North Devon and North Cornwall.
Can I drive a large motorhome to Boscastle?
The roads into the village are steep and parking is limited. Many guests leave the motorhome on site and visit by car, on foot or by bus.
Do you take motorhomes at Lower Pennycrocker Farm?
Yes, on grass pitches. Bring levelling ramps or blocks.
Where can I empty my motorhome toilet?
Ask us when you book about waste disposal on site.
Breaking a journey on the Atlantic Highway? See our motorhome stopover off the A39 near Boscastle.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
