You really can't do a road trip through Scotland without driving through Glen Coe. If you're driving North on the east side, drive back on the West side... it gives me chills no matter how many times I go there. Loch Morlich, near Aviemore, is also an amazing place, with plenty of outdoor & water sports around. It will be on your route up.
If you're looking for beautiful highland scenery- I would highly recommend driving to Glen Coe which is the most beautiful place in the highlands in my opinion. The view is stunning as you drive through and there are some lovely walks around there. The Lost Valley hike is a personal favourite of mine and isn't too difficult. Also Eilean Donan castle is a must see and it is so close to the Isle of Skye- you might as well go there too! Also if you're going to Edinburgh- remember the Fringe festival is on during August! It is a lot of fun to get stuck in and see some great shows but it also means the centre is chaos! Looking forward to following the journey - have fun :)
If you're heading towards Bristol, I would really recommend a visit to the Cotswolds - it's about an hour away and the towns are so quaint and magical. I've only visited in the winter time but I can imagine it's stunning during summer. I hope you both have the most amazing trip!
I am so glad I found your channel. Myself and my husband have just bought our first ever van and are heading off in a couple of weeks. We are both nurses and will be doing agency nursing work around thr UK, rent our house out and enjoy small living and adventures with our two sausage dogs. Will definitely be watching more of you guys, so a great couple and share so many values with us too. Good luck with your road trip, we will be looking for ideas off you 😀
Isle of Skye in Scotland is a must! The Old Man of Storr Walk is a great hike there. You start off by walking through a forest that's straight out of a fairytale, then you cross rolling hills that are sometimes filled with free-roaming sheep, and finally you end at this stunning, rocky mountainside with an incredible view. I visited over a decade ago and it's still seared into my memory. Just magical!
A couple of recommendations for Wales (I could honestly list many many more).... Don't miss the Gower, the beaches there are next to none. The 'HILLS Brecon' does amazing, like no other vegan burgers with a stunning view of Pen Y Fan (the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons) - just be sure to book if its the weekend. And if you want an absolutely breathtaking and free park up for the night. 'Lake Clywedog Viewpoint' near the town of LLanidloes, then in the morning if the weather is on your side, take the mountain pass passed Dylife to Machynlleth.
When traveling from Wales towards Manchester you should definitely visit Shrewsbury (close to the welsh border) which is a medieval town with a large amount of history and a host of vegan restaurants. Also a short journey away (20 minutes) is Ironbridge which is an area in Telford that is home to the first bridge constructed of iron, and is a beautiful location along the river Severn!
Leaving Bristol heading into Wales, there is a small town called Cwmbran with a pub called the queen inn. It’s all vegan. Really great menu and delicious food with good portion sizes. Big recommend. Also in Bristol, oowee, seitans corner, purezza, future doughnuts are all vegan and taste of Napoli has good vegan options.
There is a good van life community my partner and I stay in when we are in Bristol, Clifton Downs, on parry’s lane there are a ton of us there and it is very van life friendly.
I love that you are dedicating time to explore your own backyard. I also lived in the UK for two years, and I loved planing weekend trips to spots across the country. If I had to recommend one stop - I noticed you have no plans to visit the east cost. The North York Moors National Park is beautiful. On a foggy day, it’s giving gothic spooky cozy vibes, and the town of Whitby is the quaintest little spot. I ventured there for a wedding once and had to take the railway through the park, and it was so magical like something out of a movie. Highly highly recommend! Can’t wait to watch your summer road-trip! Onwards and upwards! X
The moment when I saw Raya carrying a Kaufland bag with Asda shopping made me smile. Reminded me how I carry my Asda bags in Kaufland 😄 as I used to live in Scotland. Sending you lots of love ❤️
Even though you started out by saying that your entire trip was "planned", it's great that you can still enjoy some moments of spontaneity, i.e. tea by the beach or late night bowling. (Who doesn't love bowling?) I hope the two of you never lose the ability to live in the moment and enjoy life's serendipity.
Omg, I swear I was sitting and scrolling through UA-cam and thought to myself "I wish Raya and Louis posted something" and now a few seconds later I saw this! 🤩🤩
Highly recommend Hebden Bridge - an old mill town on the canal that has become an amazing little village with vegan cafes, music and arty pursuits not to mention the most beautiful hikes. Close to the Bronte's town of Haworth and the small hamlet of Heptonstall where Sylvia Plath is buried. We discovered this Yorkshire area in 2019 when we were looking to spend a month finishing a doctoral thesis - literally blindfolded and pointed to this on the map (we live in New Zealand so it was quite a distance). It was a very lucky choice.
We just loved the Isle of Skye. Our highlights were the Mealt Falls, the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and the Eilean Donan Castle. The road to the Isle of Skye is just amazing. Beautiful landscape all around you.
Hey, I went to the same school as Louis, and his Dad was an electronics teacher there. I’m gonna guess that his Dad taught him alot, and Louis probably soaked up the knowledge. Louis mentions his Dad in his videos too, and I think he still helps him with his projects👌🏻🥳
For the NC500 I would recommend at least a week as there are so many incredible places to stop and it would be worth taking your time on the route! For vegan places to eat in Edinburgh I would highly recommend Nova Pizza, Black Rabbit, Naked cafe and Hula Juice Bar! I can’t wait to see your vlogs in Scotland, even though it’s my home it is THE best country for road trips 🤍
Woohoo! So excited to see what you guys get up to in the UK, perfect weather right now! I’ve also just got back to the UK for 2 weeks before heading back to Sri Lanka - hope you enjoy your trip! ❤️
Thank you for sharing! I want to take a road trip with a rented camper van. It is so fun to see how you organize, how you prepare, and what options are out there! Safe travels!
You must do the East Neuk in Fife. Just such a hidden gem IN Scotland . Beautiful walks, beaches and as a family of vegetarian /vegans both are catered for in most towns and villages.... Honestly it is so beautiful here. Pitebween, St Monans and Cellardyke all have tidal pools. There's the est neuk outdoor centre too to hire paddle boards etc. All 1 hr over the firth of fourth from Edinburgh! ❤️❤️
The Highlands have definitely not had that same beautiful summer 😔 be cautious where you park up in the Highlands as most places are no overnight parking and locals do not appreciate people parking up anywhere especially when everywhere as been so busy. You definitely need at least a week to explore the Highlands north of Inverness - Golspie, Dunrobin Castle, Dunnet Head (most northerly mainland point), golden eagle zip line (zip line across a beach), assynt area is perfection, torridon mountains... The list is endless and obviously the 'outlander' spots around Inverness and beyond.
So good to see you two! The Northumberland coastline is amazing coming back down from Scotland, there Dunstunburough castle, Holy Island, Amble, Craster all awesome check them out guys! If nit this year maybe next. Happy travelling, love your vlogs 💖
Yes - totally agree with the backyard comment. I have lived in London/Kent for my whole life - and I have never been to Scotland!!! terrible and must tackle this soon.
If you want proper wild Lake Distruct away from the main crowds, try Ennerdale. They're rewilding it. Great for kayaking, hike around (10km) or getting up fells with nice views into the Lakes and out across the Irish Sea. Enjoy!
We would recommend Fell Foot National trust place in ulverston Lake District - try the watersports kayaking or paddle boarding . Across from here you can take a steam train and boat ride on lake Windermere. Views from Wray castle Ambleside are worth a visit along with Joeys cafe that is at the castle - fabulous plant based bakery , coffee house very eco focused! If you make it to Scotland I would definitely recommend loch morlich beach and visit to the cairngorms funicular mountain railway ! Amazing views !
You should visit Isle of Arran in Scotland. It’s like the miniature Scotland with gorgeous beaches, mountains and all the camping facilities you could need with amazing independent coffee makers and their own whisky too! You can head there from the Lake District, up through Galloway forest, one of the most stunning drives and perfect for star gazing, and get the ferry across from Ayrshire. Also the sunsets will just get better the further north you get 😊 I would save NC500 as a dedicated trip to really take it all in.
Hi. I love watching your videos and enjoy the beautiful vibes you put into the world. If you're in Somerset I suggest visiting Glastonbury. It has cute vegan cafes and is a very spiritual relaxed vibe of a town. The Tor and Abbey are good places to explore there too, as the town is quite small, but I tend to get lost in the crystal shops a bit. Enjoy your trip around the UK, hope you have the best time. 🙂
I did a roadtrip with a van in Scotlan just last month and it was amazing. If you go to Scotland, I highly recommend making a stop in the Cairngorms National Park (there is a campground right at the beach of Loch Morlor, really nice for a night) as well as the road from Fort William to Mallaig (if you cannot do the route 500). Moreover, if going to Inverness, the campgrounds in Fortrose/Rosemarkie are really convenient and you might be able to see Dolphins there as well. Inverness has also a great organic store, the restaurant 'Mustard Seed' adapts to vegan choices really nicely, and in Artesier there is an organitc farm with a little farm shop. Also, in Scotland you are able to do 'wild' camping, meaning you can techanilly sleep everywhere with your car. However, close to tourist attractions (all along Loch Ness for example) its forbidden in most parking spots, but then again most tourist areas are quite busy, so it makes sense. I hope this helps and I wish you an amazing trip. :)
I live in Glasgow and there are Sooo many Vegan options to eat all over the city and the west end. When you come to Scotland i would definitely recommend visiting Loch Lomond and especially Balloch, its perfect for swimming in the water, paddle boarding or kayaking. And there is a little hidden beach just 15min walk from Balloch that it just so perfect!
Hey Guys, great video, id suggest the north east if you get the opportunity, Newcastle is fabulous, so is the northumberland coast, all barren and empty, seahouses, amble, Berwick, and also further down the coast seaham, Hartlepool and Whitby.. great video love the sunset! Enjoy the road trip!
I highly recommend Paesano pizza in Great Western Road,Glasgow West End! And i LOVE north Uist, in the hebrides, and can HIGHLY recommend Traigh Lar beach and machair! Its a lovely swimming bay in north uist, but probably bring a wetsuit 🥶!! They are some of the best beaches in the whole of Europe!!
SO excited for this! I have been to so many places you guys are planning on visiting, and this vid made me appreciate them all the more! Bristol: so so much amazing vegan food around, you have to see the Clifton Suspension bridge, the most beautiful bridge in the UK! The best viewpoints imo are in Leigh woods but the observatory has amazing views too. The area around Clifton (very posh), Brandon hill and park street is really fun to explore generally Near where you're going in Wales: the Gower peninsula/AONB near Swansea has lovely beaches, would really really recommend hiking to 3 cliffs bay, incredibly beautiful spot. Rhosilli and port eynon are also lovely The Lake District: you need to hire a kayak for a day on one of the lakes with islands all in it - such a cool experience, Grasmere is lovely, as is Ambleside. Really random one but for a rainy day I would recommend the optical illusions museum in Keswick would also add, we are having a gorgeous summer this year but unfortunately its due to it being unnaturally dry, lots of wildlife is suffering in the drought conditions :(
The whole southern coast of South Wales (Swansea to St Davids) is all stunning. Lots of really nice beaches and harbours. Standouts for me were Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay Beach, Rhossili, Stackpole, Solva (great vegan cafe) and St Davids. Have a great trip.
Galloway Forrest park in Scotland is brill. For wild camping or just to see the lochs, loch brandan is one I explore a lot. The merrick is a great hike in Scotland also, park in loch trool car park. Check out Culzean castle! Park at maidens beach, walk across the beach, you’ll reach some steps. Up them then through some woodland and onto castle grounds. I stay in maybole quite often. Have a good trip guys!!! 😁
i would 100% visit malvern hills and that general area of herefordshire/ worcestershire. such beautiful views in the middle of the countryside, definitely seems like your vibe :)
For the New Forest I would recommend staying in Bashley Park or Sandy Balls - both really great caravan/ RV parks. I would also recommend visiting the village of Burley for great pubs and forest walks. For something more coastal Avon Beach at Mudeford is beautiful. Can't wait to see what you guys get up to!
They are a little off your route but York and Lincoln are well worth visiting. Sooo much history. Especially Lincoln cathedral which is one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country and is free to visit. Holidaying in the UK is so underrated. So many people in the UK are desperate to holiday in Spain or other places in Europe but there is an insane amount of things to see and do in the UK. I hope you both have a great trip 😁
I've only been to Scotland once, but I loved it. My grandson got a scholarship to a. collage in Illinois for playing the bagpipes, and he is very good, have a. wonderful time.
Edinburgh Fringe is Aug 5-29 this year. Great experience, but massively crowded. Lots of other festivals in Edinburgh as well. But again, massively crowded. May be best to find parking or campground outside the city.
I would recommend going to York on the way up to Scotland and visiting Yorkminister! It has so much history and is a very beautiful lil city to check out! I went there recently when I visited UK for the first time ever and was pleasantly surprised by it!!
Machynlleth has a market every Wednesday, Aberystwyth is a nice day out plenty to see and do as it’s a uni town, and in corris there’s the centre for alternative technology may help with practical ideas for the tree house in terms of power, plumbing and the restaurant there is lovely
Driving through South Wales you will find some of the most beautiful hidden gems of the country, from beaches that look like they're in Portugal to woodlands that feel like fairytales. You should definitely make some time for the Pembrokeshire area (Tenby, Pembroke). Around cardiff Fforest fawr is a beautiful hike; pen-y-fan as well, the big pit is a cool thing to visit too. Great vegan food around Cardiff and Swansea as well!
BUTTERMERE LAKE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We wild camped there earlier this summer. There’s some natural infinity pools along some of the mountain rivers. It’s truly spectacular!!
Hope you have an amazing trip! If you're up in Scotland at the end of August we may have a driveway you can use on Loch Tay - amazing for watersports and wild swimming in central Scotland with great views of Ben Lawers. 20 minutes from Craigh na Dun, 1 hour from Castle Leoch (Doune Castle - also good if you're a Monty Python fan, rabbit cave nearby too!) Easy access from the A9 to head onwards to the Highlands. Lots of great foodie cafes nearby too!
Hope I'm not too late for your Bristol stop! Clifton suspension bridge is lushus as is Cargo/Arnolfini on the waterfront. There is Gloucester Road which is a really, really long high street and is full of charity shops, coffee shops and a good vegan place called Koocha. I'm proud to be a Bristolian and hope you enjoy x
New forest have a pop up campsite at the moment called harrys meadow its so nice and only open during august. The river for swimming is right next door and it is so nice.
Oooomg!!! I’m back from a social media cleanse (best thing I ever done btw!) and I see you started another van life just in time, which is my FAVE series of yours of all time!! Last EU van life trip gave me such good vibes, they’re my comfort videos! May this UK one will become a long series! So exciting!! Congratulations on your nuptials! 💗💕💗💕
When you’re over Swansea way you should definitely visit Rhossili beach. It’s so beautiful and is just so unique beautiful view and clear water! Also zip world in North Wales is awesome if you want to do the fastest zip line in the world and load of other cave activities. I live in a beautiful little valley in South Wales called Cwmtillery. I’ve just had a baby but would love to show you some of the lovely places here in South Wales and brecons if it fits into your trip? :)
Would Recommend Old Harry’s Rocks - It’s around the poole / bournemouth area. Beautiful jurassic coastal views. National trust owned and there’s a pub near by where you can over look the coast. Can be a bit of a windy walk though !
Guys you MUST go to Glastonbury. Its the spiritual town of the UK. Plenty of Vegan food (try raindbow cafe on the high street) and there is a temple called the White Springs that is free to go into and you can bathe in the natural waters that have healing properties (it blew my heart chakra right open) as well as the chalice well gardens round the corner which are simply beautiful. You must visit you wont regret it ❤️❤️❤️
If you go anywhere near Aberdeen definitely go to either Craigievar Castle (big beautiful pink castle) or Dunnottar Castle (large castle ruin with a lovely coastal walk if you park in the nearby town of Stonehaven),Lots of love, Liz from Birmingham (studying in Aberdeen)
For when you go to Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo and also the Highland Wildlife Park are really cool destinations. If you go to the centre of Edinburgh, the Fringe Festival is currently on.
Lake District: visit Grasmere and get the gingerbread! We got a big pack and it saw us the whole way through NC500. Also if you do go up there it’s worth doing the walk to Sandwood Bay on the north west tip of the road trip. Remote beach with pink sand that you can only reach by foot, 4 miles walk each way. Was our favourite day of NC500!
You have to visit the Ribble Valley in Lancashire on your way to the Lakes. The hike up Pendle Hill is absolutely stunning (and Pendle is significant for the Pendle Witch Trials). And Clitheroe is a beautiful old market town and there’s some beautiful villages around and about, it’s quintessentially northern. In Edinburgh you MUST eat at Hendersons. It’s fully vegetarian but obviously very vegan friendly. The food is MAGNIFICENT and they have the best vegan haggis too so perfect to do while in Scotland. Have a great trip!!
If you end up driving through central Scotland on the M9, check out the Kelpies (huge spiritual horse sculptures) and the Falkirk wheel - the world’s only rotating boat lift. There is also RV parking at the wheel (not sure how you book though). Make sure you drink some Irn Bru and try the vegan versions of square sausage and black pudding which you can find in big Scottish supermarkets - with brown sauce, a proper Scottish morning roll and potato scones!
Hi there, on the way to Bristol you could maybe get a chance to see the breathtakingly beautiful Windrush Valley (west of Oxford and in the Cotswolds as hollfire below mentions) - Burford Charlbury Leafield and on up to Broadway Stow-On-The-Wold..... you wouldn't regret it! Whilst in New Forest I expect you'll visit Salisbury and Stonehenge💜
Love the route planned, I am from Bristol so many great things to do. Not sure when you are in my area but the balloon fiesta is amazing. Whapping Wharf is a great place for many indie shops and places to eat, the harbour side in the city center you can check out the S S Great Britain ship, The Mathew, Clifton Suspension bridge, and at the top is cabot tower where you climb up and down for amazing views, there is a cute roof top for eats and drinks. Bristol museum & art gallery at the top of Park St Clifton all of the above are within walking distance of each other. We have an exibition on again not sure when you are here but it's called Wake The Tiger. Can't wait to follow along, and see what you think of Bristol xx
Beautiful coastal towns in Scotland include North Berwick in East Lothian, then you have the whole east neuk of fife which has Crail, St Monan’s, Elie, Pittenweem, Anstruther and the up to St Andrews 😊 it’s only around an hour from Edinburgh! And you have the fife coastal path for great walks 💕
10-12 hours back to London from Scotland ?>! Maybe from the central belt but definitely not from anyway further north / coastal. Even the shortest distance can take hours when you have to navigate around massive lochs, mountainous terrain and share single tracks with sheep ! Raya is right leave the Nc500 for another time and cherry pick a few places to try them out to see where you wanna go back and explore more. Definitely spend a night in the trossachs on they way to some of the more remote places. Try silversands near Arisaig - crystal clear water and white white beaches. Stay away from the large campsites and go for some of the tiny ones with sea views x
I'm not sure if you'll want to travel this far but if you want to have the best slice of Wales, go to the Gower Peninsula. Walking- Worms Head, (there's not much around Pen-Y-Fan so I wouldn't recommend as a road trip stop.) Restaurant- Boos Kitchen in Mumbles. "Rhossili beach in Gower has been named one of the top 10 beaches in the world and the best beach in the UK."
If you're heading to Wales I really recommend Cardiff ☺️. The best places to visit are the famous Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Castle and the beautiful Bute Park! Have an amazing trip both! It's only about an hour drive from Bristol perhaps less.☺️
When you are in the new forest divert to a place near Stonehenge called cholderton and check out cholderton farm. There you can do wine tasting with the fresh wine from their vineyard and check out the animals on the farm! The food is pretty good too ;) If you do let me know…my family own it! They also have a youth hostel you can stay in or you can stay in your van from the car park! X
Heyyy love your videos! So excited ur coming to Scotland 🙌🏻 when ur in Edinburgh definitely go up Arthur’s seat it’s a big hill which has an amazing view of Edinburgh. Carlton hill too is smaller but nice too. U also neeeed to go to deans village it’s v close to the centre and a beautiful walk 😍 can’t wait to see the vlogs!
Worth getting the canoe on Rydal Water for a paddle. There is a lovely walk around the Rydal caves too, a great place to spend a day. It’s just north of Ambleside.
For the Lake District I'd recommend: -Rydal water outside of Ambleside -Bassenwaite -Ullswater And a lovely drive through Kirkstone pass Hope you enjoy 🥰
If you fancy a quick stop on the way to the Lake District, it’s worth popping off the M6 and visiting crook o lune for a picnic. It’s a beautiful river stop, especially on a hot day.
Hi guys, it’s beautiful in Scotland. We drove from Wiltshire to Plockton in 12 hours. However three quarters of the journey to the border, easy. Then you think your there right! Um no it took just as long to do that last quarter of the journey as the first three 🤪. Just be aware that driving in Scotland takes a lot longer due to the mountains, small roads , cattle 😂 views. Stunning. Hope it helps. Have an amazing time 🤗✌️💕
I live in the Lake District, I recommend Honister pass, and maybe a little walk around Buttermere. Slates cafe in Elterwater is vegan. Chesters by the river cafe is good too! Enjoy your time in the UK 🇬🇧
The south West Wales beaches are amazing but if you are heading north from there I would head through Snowdonia, such great scenery and be sure to check out the epic zipline in zipwirld amongst the other cool things they have there now
Aw you cant miss st davids out in wales! Its beautiful - st justisans beach and theres some lovely cove beaches to explore too. Enjoy the road trip youre living the dream 🥰
Whilst in the Lake District 2 walks would be Catbells and Buttermere. Also check out camp sites on OS maps often there are small site that might be advertised on the internet.
Definitely go to Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield. The museum in Inverness is cool too. In Edinburgh go to Dean Village and all the Harry Potter places like The Boy Wizard and the Elephant House!
It's so great to see you do a UK tour , I feel there is souch of the UK that gets overlooked , I know your not near this time ,but maybe next time you could do Glastonbury and Stonehenge,also maybe Jamaica inn and Brontë country too , so many interesting places here .
If you make it right up to the north coast of Scotland there is a place called Durness with amazing views of the coast and one of the best beaches ever! In the Highlands there is a cute village called Braemar which is worth a stop over to see the red squirrels and maybe a dear.
If your going to Gloucester way it’s much more beautiful in The Wye Valley - specifically Ross on Wye/Symonds Yat/Goodrich. There’s a castle to explore, the views from the top of Symonds Yat. It’s so so beautiful.
As your heading to wales one of my best childhood holidays was the the Gower Peninsula it’s stunning animals wonder free and it’s has some of the best beach’s I have ever seen
When Louis said so excited he wanted to make tea to take to the beach. i was like AHHH my heart melted. Totally setting goals for the rest :)
You really can't do a road trip through Scotland without driving through Glen Coe. If you're driving North on the east side, drive back on the West side... it gives me chills no matter how many times I go there.
Loch Morlich, near Aviemore, is also an amazing place, with plenty of outdoor & water sports around. It will be on your route up.
If you're looking for beautiful highland scenery- I would highly recommend driving to Glen Coe which is the most beautiful place in the highlands in my opinion. The view is stunning as you drive through and there are some lovely walks around there. The Lost Valley hike is a personal favourite of mine and isn't too difficult. Also Eilean Donan castle is a must see and it is so close to the Isle of Skye- you might as well go there too!
Also if you're going to Edinburgh- remember the Fringe festival is on during August! It is a lot of fun to get stuck in and see some great shows but it also means the centre is chaos! Looking forward to following the journey - have fun :)
If you're heading towards Bristol, I would really recommend a visit to the Cotswolds - it's about an hour away and the towns are so quaint and magical. I've only visited in the winter time but I can imagine it's stunning during summer. I hope you both have the most amazing trip!
A bit further up York, there is an amazing live museum, Bemish Village. You have to visit it! Sooo much history and an unforgettable experience!
Beamish museum is amazing. Step back in time to a Victorian village in a live open air museum. 👍 Closer to Newcastle than York. 👍
The UK just hits different man, it’s got a vibe. Great idea guys to do a UK road trip. Looking forward to the content! Loved this one
I am so glad I found your channel. Myself and my husband have just bought our first ever van and are heading off in a couple of weeks. We are both nurses and will be doing agency nursing work around thr UK, rent our house out and enjoy small living and adventures with our two sausage dogs. Will definitely be watching more of you guys, so a great couple and share so many values with us too. Good luck with your road trip, we will be looking for ideas off you 😀
So great Louis can do all the repairs for the van! You both look so happy! Hope you get to see Alfie and Zoe in Brighton! Safe Travels!
Isle of Skye in Scotland is a must! The Old Man of Storr Walk is a great hike there. You start off by walking through a forest that's straight out of a fairytale, then you cross rolling hills that are sometimes filled with free-roaming sheep, and finally you end at this stunning, rocky mountainside with an incredible view. I visited over a decade ago and it's still seared into my memory. Just magical!
A couple of recommendations for Wales (I could honestly list many many more).... Don't miss the Gower, the beaches there are next to none. The 'HILLS Brecon' does amazing, like no other vegan burgers with a stunning view of Pen Y Fan (the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons) - just be sure to book if its the weekend. And if you want an absolutely breathtaking and free park up for the night. 'Lake Clywedog Viewpoint' near the town of LLanidloes, then in the morning if the weather is on your side, take the mountain pass passed Dylife to Machynlleth.
When traveling from Wales towards Manchester you should definitely visit Shrewsbury (close to the welsh border) which is a medieval town with a large amount of history and a host of vegan restaurants. Also a short journey away (20 minutes) is Ironbridge which is an area in Telford that is home to the first bridge constructed of iron, and is a beautiful location along the river Severn!
Leaving Bristol heading into Wales, there is a small town called Cwmbran with a pub called the queen inn. It’s all vegan. Really great menu and delicious food with good portion sizes. Big recommend. Also in Bristol, oowee, seitans corner, purezza, future doughnuts are all vegan and taste of Napoli has good vegan options.
There is a good van life community my partner and I stay in when we are in Bristol, Clifton Downs, on parry’s lane there are a ton of us there and it is very van life friendly.
I’m near Abergavenny and not heard of this pub before so will def check it out, thanks!
@@Carlyayi it’s really good. They are on IG as well if you wanted to check the menu.
I love that you are dedicating time to explore your own backyard. I also lived in the UK for two years, and I loved planing weekend trips to spots across the country. If I had to recommend one stop - I noticed you have no plans to visit the east cost. The North York Moors National Park is beautiful. On a foggy day, it’s giving gothic spooky cozy vibes, and the town of Whitby is the quaintest little spot. I ventured there for a wedding once and had to take the railway through the park, and it was so magical like something out of a movie. Highly highly recommend! Can’t wait to watch your summer road-trip! Onwards and upwards! X
You can also canoe down the River Wye which is incredible. I think we hired a canoe at Hay On Wye. Highly recommend!
The moment when I saw Raya carrying a Kaufland bag with Asda shopping made me smile. Reminded me how I carry my Asda bags in Kaufland 😄 as I used to live in Scotland. Sending you lots of love ❤️
Even though you started out by saying that your entire trip was "planned", it's great that you can still enjoy some moments of spontaneity, i.e. tea by the beach or late night bowling. (Who doesn't love bowling?) I hope the two of you never lose the ability to live in the moment and enjoy life's serendipity.
Omg, I swear I was sitting and scrolling through UA-cam and thought to myself "I wish Raya and Louis posted something" and now a few seconds later I saw this! 🤩🤩
Haha nice manifesting! 😜
same! 😍
Highly recommend Hebden Bridge - an old mill town on the canal that has become an amazing little village with vegan cafes, music and arty pursuits not to mention the most beautiful hikes. Close to the Bronte's town of Haworth and the small hamlet of Heptonstall where Sylvia Plath is buried. We discovered this Yorkshire area in 2019 when we were looking to spend a month finishing a doctoral thesis - literally blindfolded and pointed to this on the map (we live in New Zealand so it was quite a distance). It was a very lucky choice.
We just loved the Isle of Skye. Our highlights were the Mealt Falls, the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and the Eilean Donan Castle. The road to the Isle of Skye is just amazing. Beautiful landscape all around you.
I’m always so impressed by Louie’s skills with all things electrical. Where did you learn these skills? Or was it something you learned along the way?
@+①②⑥②⑨⑤⑤⑧⑨④⓪WhatsApp Beware - this is not the channel owners
Hey, I went to the same school as Louis, and his Dad was an electronics teacher there.
I’m gonna guess that his Dad taught him alot, and Louis probably soaked up the knowledge. Louis mentions his Dad in his videos too, and I think he still helps him with his projects👌🏻🥳
@@chrisbullPiano very cool! That makes a lot of sense. Thank you!
For the NC500 I would recommend at least a week as there are so many incredible places to stop and it would be worth taking your time on the route! For vegan places to eat in Edinburgh I would highly recommend Nova Pizza, Black Rabbit, Naked cafe and Hula Juice Bar! I can’t wait to see your vlogs in Scotland, even though it’s my home it is THE best country for road trips 🤍
Woohoo! So excited to see what you guys get up to in the UK, perfect weather right now! I’ve also just got back to the UK for 2 weeks before heading back to Sri Lanka - hope you enjoy your trip! ❤️
Thank you for sharing! I want to take a road trip with a rented camper van. It is so fun to see how you organize, how you prepare, and what options are out there! Safe travels!
You must do the East Neuk in Fife. Just such a hidden gem IN Scotland . Beautiful walks, beaches and as a family of vegetarian /vegans both are catered for in most towns and villages.... Honestly it is so beautiful here. Pitebween, St Monans and Cellardyke all have tidal pools. There's the est neuk outdoor centre too to hire paddle boards etc. All 1 hr over the firth of fourth from Edinburgh! ❤️❤️
The Highlands have definitely not had that same beautiful summer 😔 be cautious where you park up in the Highlands as most places are no overnight parking and locals do not appreciate people parking up anywhere especially when everywhere as been so busy. You definitely need at least a week to explore the Highlands north of Inverness - Golspie, Dunrobin Castle, Dunnet Head (most northerly mainland point), golden eagle zip line (zip line across a beach), assynt area is perfection, torridon mountains... The list is endless and obviously the 'outlander' spots around Inverness and beyond.
So good to see you two! The Northumberland coastline is amazing coming back down from Scotland, there Dunstunburough castle, Holy Island, Amble, Craster all awesome check them out guys! If nit this year maybe next. Happy travelling, love your vlogs 💖
100% Agree definitely down the East coast & Northumberland on their way back 🏴🚐🇬🇧👍
And the ebcarrs cafe in st abbs 🤩🤩
It's crazy to see wedding rings on you guys! It makes my heart so happy that you are so happy!
Yes - totally agree with the backyard comment. I have lived in London/Kent for my whole life - and I have never been to Scotland!!! terrible and must tackle this soon.
If you want proper wild Lake Distruct away from the main crowds, try Ennerdale. They're rewilding it. Great for kayaking, hike around (10km) or getting up fells with nice views into the Lakes and out across the Irish Sea. Enjoy!
We would recommend Fell Foot National trust place in ulverston Lake District - try the watersports kayaking or paddle boarding .
Across from here you can take a steam train and boat ride on lake Windermere.
Views from Wray castle Ambleside are worth a visit along with Joeys cafe that is at the castle - fabulous plant based bakery , coffee house very eco focused!
If you make it to Scotland I would definitely recommend loch morlich beach and visit to the cairngorms funicular mountain railway ! Amazing views !
You should visit Isle of Arran in Scotland. It’s like the miniature Scotland with gorgeous beaches, mountains and all the camping facilities you could need with amazing independent coffee makers and their own whisky too!
You can head there from the Lake District, up through Galloway forest, one of the most stunning drives and perfect for star gazing, and get the ferry across from Ayrshire.
Also the sunsets will just get better the further north you get 😊
I would save NC500 as a dedicated trip to really take it all in.
If you go a slightly further & head to West Wales (Newquay) you can see dolphins! There’s a dolphin spotting trip you can go on which is incredible x
Hi. I love watching your videos and enjoy the beautiful vibes you put into the world. If you're in Somerset I suggest visiting Glastonbury. It has cute vegan cafes and is a very spiritual relaxed vibe of a town. The Tor and Abbey are good places to explore there too, as the town is quite small, but I tend to get lost in the crystal shops a bit. Enjoy your trip around the UK, hope you have the best time. 🙂
I did a roadtrip with a van in Scotlan just last month and it was amazing. If you go to Scotland, I highly recommend making a stop in the Cairngorms National Park (there is a campground right at the beach of Loch Morlor, really nice for a night) as well as the road from Fort William to Mallaig (if you cannot do the route 500). Moreover, if going to Inverness, the campgrounds in Fortrose/Rosemarkie are really convenient and you might be able to see Dolphins there as well. Inverness has also a great organic store, the restaurant 'Mustard Seed' adapts to vegan choices really nicely, and in Artesier there is an organitc farm with a little farm shop. Also, in Scotland you are able to do 'wild' camping, meaning you can techanilly sleep everywhere with your car. However, close to tourist attractions (all along Loch Ness for example) its forbidden in most parking spots, but then again most tourist areas are quite busy, so it makes sense. I hope this helps and I wish you an amazing trip. :)
In Scotland you cannot wild camp in a vehicle. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code specifically excludes motorised activity.
I live in Glasgow and there are Sooo many Vegan options to eat all over the city and the west end. When you come to Scotland i would definitely recommend visiting Loch Lomond and especially Balloch, its perfect for swimming in the water, paddle boarding or kayaking. And there is a little hidden beach just 15min walk from Balloch that it just so perfect!
Hey Guys, great video, id suggest the north east if you get the opportunity, Newcastle is fabulous, so is the northumberland coast, all barren and empty, seahouses, amble, Berwick, and also further down the coast seaham, Hartlepool and Whitby.. great video love the sunset! Enjoy the road trip!
I highly recommend Paesano pizza in Great Western Road,Glasgow West End! And i LOVE north Uist, in the hebrides, and can HIGHLY recommend Traigh Lar beach and machair! Its a lovely swimming bay in north uist, but probably bring a wetsuit 🥶!! They are some of the best beaches in the whole of Europe!!
And You can easily book a ferry from Uig, Skye to Lochmaddy, uist!!!
SO excited for this! I have been to so many places you guys are planning on visiting, and this vid made me appreciate them all the more!
Bristol: so so much amazing vegan food around, you have to see the Clifton Suspension bridge, the most beautiful bridge in the UK! The best viewpoints imo are in Leigh woods but the observatory has amazing views too. The area around Clifton (very posh), Brandon hill and park street is really fun to explore generally
Near where you're going in Wales: the Gower peninsula/AONB near Swansea has lovely beaches, would really really recommend hiking to 3 cliffs bay, incredibly beautiful spot. Rhosilli and port eynon are also lovely
The Lake District: you need to hire a kayak for a day on one of the lakes with islands all in it - such a cool experience, Grasmere is lovely, as is Ambleside. Really random one but for a rainy day I would recommend the optical illusions museum in Keswick
would also add, we are having a gorgeous summer this year but unfortunately its due to it being unnaturally dry, lots of wildlife is suffering in the drought conditions :(
Just found you through Travel Beans and am so excited to watch your travels. Will be bingeing your old videos and keeping up with your new ones.
I just love the creativity of those van builders
I studied abroad in the Lake District, UK. It’s beautiful and you need to go!! I recommend all the hiking you can do.
Ahhhhhh I'm so excited!!!! I have followed for years now but idk why I'm super excited for this trip for y'all!
The whole southern coast of South Wales (Swansea to St Davids) is all stunning. Lots of really nice beaches and harbours. Standouts for me were Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay Beach, Rhossili, Stackpole, Solva (great vegan cafe) and St Davids. Have a great trip.
Galloway Forrest park in Scotland is brill. For wild camping or just to see the lochs, loch brandan is one I explore a lot.
The merrick is a great hike in Scotland also, park in loch trool car park.
Check out Culzean castle! Park at maidens beach, walk across the beach, you’ll reach some steps. Up them then through some woodland and onto castle grounds.
I stay in maybole quite often.
Have a good trip guys!!! 😁
i would 100% visit malvern hills and that general area of herefordshire/ worcestershire. such beautiful views in the middle of the countryside, definitely seems like your vibe :)
For the New Forest I would recommend staying in Bashley Park or Sandy Balls - both really great caravan/ RV parks. I would also recommend visiting the village of Burley for great pubs and forest walks. For something more coastal Avon Beach at Mudeford is beautiful. Can't wait to see what you guys get up to!
They are a little off your route but York and Lincoln are well worth visiting. Sooo much history. Especially Lincoln cathedral which is one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country and is free to visit.
Holidaying in the UK is so underrated. So many people in the UK are desperate to holiday in Spain or other places in Europe but there is an insane amount of things to see and do in the UK. I hope you both have a great trip 😁
I've only been to Scotland once, but I loved it. My grandson got a scholarship to a. collage in Illinois for playing the bagpipes, and he is very good, have a. wonderful time.
Edinburgh Fringe is Aug 5-29 this year. Great experience, but massively crowded. Lots of other festivals in Edinburgh as well. But again, massively crowded. May be best to find parking or campground outside the city.
These are my dream destinations, have fun. I am from Georgia, USA and your videos are so much fun and informative.
We're excited to watch your UK adventures! We had a great time exploring the last 2 months! Especially excited to see some Scotland content!!
I would recommend going to York on the way up to Scotland and visiting Yorkminister! It has so much history and is a very beautiful lil city to check out! I went there recently when I visited UK for the first time ever and was pleasantly surprised by it!!
Machynlleth has a market every Wednesday, Aberystwyth is a nice day out plenty to see and do as it’s a uni town, and in corris there’s the centre for alternative technology may help with practical ideas for the tree house in terms of power, plumbing and the restaurant there is lovely
Driving through South Wales you will find some of the most beautiful hidden gems of the country, from beaches that look like they're in Portugal to woodlands that feel like fairytales. You should definitely make some time for the Pembrokeshire area (Tenby, Pembroke). Around cardiff Fforest fawr is a beautiful hike; pen-y-fan as well, the big pit is a cool thing to visit too. Great vegan food around Cardiff and Swansea as well!
BUTTERMERE LAKE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We wild camped there earlier this summer. There’s some natural infinity pools along some of the mountain rivers. It’s truly spectacular!!
Hope you have an amazing trip! If you're up in Scotland at the end of August we may have a driveway you can use on Loch Tay - amazing for watersports and wild swimming in central Scotland with great views of Ben Lawers. 20 minutes from Craigh na Dun, 1 hour from Castle Leoch (Doune Castle - also good if you're a Monty Python fan, rabbit cave nearby too!) Easy access from the A9 to head onwards to the Highlands. Lots of great foodie cafes nearby too!
Hope I'm not too late for your Bristol stop! Clifton suspension bridge is lushus as is Cargo/Arnolfini on the waterfront. There is Gloucester Road which is a really, really long high street and is full of charity shops, coffee shops and a good vegan place called Koocha. I'm proud to be a Bristolian and hope you enjoy x
New forest have a pop up campsite at the moment called harrys meadow its so nice and only open during august. The river for swimming is right next door and it is so nice.
Oooomg!!! I’m back from a social media cleanse (best thing I ever done btw!) and I see you started another van life just in time, which is my FAVE series of yours of all time!! Last EU van life trip gave me such good vibes, they’re my comfort videos! May this UK one will become a long series! So exciting!! Congratulations on your nuptials! 💗💕💗💕
When you’re over Swansea way you should definitely visit Rhossili beach. It’s so beautiful and is just so unique beautiful view and clear water! Also zip world in North Wales is awesome if you want to do the fastest zip line in the world and load of other cave activities.
I live in a beautiful little valley in South Wales called Cwmtillery. I’ve just had a baby but would love to show you some of the lovely places here in South Wales and brecons if it fits into your trip? :)
I love how handy Louis is! Ps I also love outlander & I also goggled the Scottish history so I’m excited for these videos!
Would Recommend Old Harry’s Rocks - It’s around the poole / bournemouth area. Beautiful jurassic coastal views. National trust owned and there’s a pub near by where you can over look the coast. Can be a bit of a windy walk though !
Guys you MUST go to Glastonbury. Its the spiritual town of the UK. Plenty of Vegan food (try raindbow cafe on the high street) and there is a temple called the White Springs that is free to go into and you can bathe in the natural waters that have healing properties (it blew my heart chakra right open) as well as the chalice well gardens round the corner which are simply beautiful. You must visit you wont regret it ❤️❤️❤️
If you go anywhere near Aberdeen definitely go to either Craigievar Castle (big beautiful pink castle) or Dunnottar Castle (large castle ruin with a lovely coastal walk if you park in the nearby town of Stonehaven),Lots of love, Liz from Birmingham (studying in Aberdeen)
For when you go to Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo and also the Highland Wildlife Park are really cool destinations. If you go to the centre of Edinburgh, the Fringe Festival is currently on.
Lake District: visit Grasmere and get the gingerbread! We got a big pack and it saw us the whole way through NC500. Also if you do go up there it’s worth doing the walk to Sandwood Bay on the north west tip of the road trip. Remote beach with pink sand that you can only reach by foot, 4 miles walk each way. Was our favourite day of NC500!
You have to visit the Ribble Valley in Lancashire on your way to the Lakes. The hike up Pendle Hill is absolutely stunning (and Pendle is significant for the Pendle Witch Trials). And Clitheroe is a beautiful old market town and there’s some beautiful villages around and about, it’s quintessentially northern. In Edinburgh you MUST eat at Hendersons. It’s fully vegetarian but obviously very vegan friendly. The food is MAGNIFICENT and they have the best vegan haggis too so perfect to do while in Scotland. Have a great trip!!
I'm excited for your UK travels, looks like you're going to travel to some beautiful and exciting places!😀Loved the sunset music vibes👍
If you’re going to Gloucester, I highly recommend Cheltenham and Bourbon on the Water as they are very close by!
If you end up driving through central Scotland on the M9, check out the Kelpies (huge spiritual horse sculptures) and the Falkirk wheel - the world’s only rotating boat lift. There is also RV parking at the wheel (not sure how you book though). Make sure you drink some Irn Bru and try the vegan versions of square sausage and black pudding which you can find in big Scottish supermarkets - with brown sauce, a proper Scottish morning roll and potato scones!
Hi there, on the way to Bristol you could maybe get a chance to see the breathtakingly beautiful Windrush Valley (west of Oxford and in the Cotswolds as hollfire below mentions) - Burford Charlbury Leafield and on up to Broadway Stow-On-The-Wold..... you wouldn't regret it! Whilst in New Forest I expect you'll visit Salisbury and Stonehenge💜
Love the route planned, I am from Bristol so many great things to do. Not sure when you are in my area but the balloon fiesta is amazing. Whapping Wharf is a great place for many indie shops and places to eat, the harbour side in the city center you can check out the S S Great Britain ship, The Mathew, Clifton Suspension bridge, and at the top is cabot tower where you climb up and down for amazing views, there is a cute roof top for eats and drinks. Bristol museum & art gallery at the top of Park St Clifton all of the above are within walking distance of each other. We have an exibition on again not sure when you are here but it's called Wake The Tiger. Can't wait to follow along, and see what you think of Bristol xx
Beautiful coastal towns in Scotland include North Berwick in East Lothian, then you have the whole east neuk of fife which has Crail, St Monan’s, Elie, Pittenweem, Anstruther and the up to St Andrews 😊 it’s only around an hour from Edinburgh! And you have the fife coastal path for great walks 💕
10-12 hours back to London from Scotland ?>! Maybe from the central belt but definitely not from anyway further north / coastal. Even the shortest distance can take hours when you have to navigate around massive lochs, mountainous terrain and share single tracks with sheep ! Raya is right leave the Nc500 for another time and cherry pick a few places to try them out to see where you wanna go back and explore more. Definitely spend a night in the trossachs on they way to some of the more remote places. Try silversands near Arisaig - crystal clear water and white white beaches. Stay away from the large campsites and go for some of the tiny ones with sea views x
I'm not sure if you'll want to travel this far but if you want to have the best slice of Wales, go to the Gower Peninsula. Walking- Worms Head, (there's not much around Pen-Y-Fan so I wouldn't recommend as a road trip stop.) Restaurant- Boos Kitchen in Mumbles. "Rhossili beach in Gower has been named one of the top 10 beaches in the world and the best beach in the UK."
If you're heading to Wales I really recommend Cardiff ☺️. The best places to visit are the famous Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Castle and the beautiful Bute Park! Have an amazing trip both! It's only about an hour drive from Bristol perhaps less.☺️
Isle of Skye is an absolute must! It's very mystical and the energy is amazing!
When you are in the new forest divert to a place near Stonehenge called cholderton and check out cholderton farm. There you can do wine tasting with the fresh wine from their vineyard and check out the animals on the farm! The food is pretty good too ;) If you do let me know…my family own it! They also have a youth hostel you can stay in or you can stay in your van from the car park! X
Heyyy love your videos! So excited ur coming to Scotland 🙌🏻 when ur in Edinburgh definitely go up Arthur’s seat it’s a big hill which has an amazing view of Edinburgh. Carlton hill too is smaller but nice too. U also neeeed to go to deans village it’s v close to the centre and a beautiful walk 😍 can’t wait to see the vlogs!
Worth getting the canoe on Rydal Water for a paddle. There is a lovely walk around the Rydal caves too, a great place to spend a day. It’s just north of Ambleside.
In South wales- you should visit the national showcaves centre - or dan-yr-orgov caves as the locals call it! Very beautiful!
For the Lake District I'd recommend:
-Rydal water outside of Ambleside
-Bassenwaite
-Ullswater
And a lovely drive through Kirkstone pass
Hope you enjoy 🥰
If you fancy a quick stop on the way to the Lake District, it’s worth popping off the M6 and visiting crook o lune for a picnic. It’s a beautiful river stop, especially on a hot day.
Hi guys, it’s beautiful in Scotland. We drove from Wiltshire to Plockton in 12 hours. However three quarters of the journey to the border, easy. Then you think your there right! Um no it took just as long to do that last quarter of the journey as the first three 🤪. Just be aware that driving in Scotland takes a lot longer due to the mountains, small roads , cattle 😂 views. Stunning. Hope it helps. Have an amazing time 🤗✌️💕
I live in the Lake District, I recommend Honister pass, and maybe a little walk around Buttermere. Slates cafe in Elterwater is vegan. Chesters by the river cafe is good too! Enjoy your time in the UK 🇬🇧
The south West Wales beaches are amazing but if you are heading north from there I would head through Snowdonia, such great scenery and be sure to check out the epic zipline in zipwirld amongst the other cool things they have there now
You guys are the cutest! Enjoy your van life around the UK!
So cute enjoying the sunset with your husband on the beach. Amazing 😻
Catching up. You have the music playing throughout your videos. Such a vibe 😎
Aw you cant miss st davids out in wales! Its beautiful - st justisans beach and theres some lovely cove beaches to explore too. Enjoy the road trip youre living the dream 🥰
Whilst in the Lake District 2 walks would be Catbells and Buttermere. Also check out camp sites on OS maps often there are small site that might be advertised on the internet.
So nice to see you having fun together and leaving so much stress behind!
Definitely go to Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield. The museum in Inverness is cool too. In Edinburgh go to Dean Village and all the Harry Potter places like The Boy Wizard and the Elephant House!
It's so great to see you do a UK tour , I feel there is souch of the UK that gets overlooked , I know your not near this time ,but maybe next time you could do Glastonbury and Stonehenge,also maybe Jamaica inn and Brontë country too , so many interesting places here .
If you make it right up to the north coast of Scotland there is a place called Durness with amazing views of the coast and one of the best beaches ever! In the Highlands there is a cute village called Braemar which is worth a stop over to see the red squirrels and maybe a dear.
If your going to Gloucester way it’s much more beautiful in The Wye Valley - specifically Ross on Wye/Symonds Yat/Goodrich.
There’s a castle to explore, the views from the top of Symonds Yat. It’s so so beautiful.
Kinging-It went to Edinburg and went to amazing Vegan places to eat.
As your heading to wales one of my best childhood holidays was the the Gower Peninsula it’s stunning animals wonder free and it’s has some of the best beach’s I have ever seen
Watch out for the midges in Scotland at this time of the year! And absolutely do the Pass of the cattle ( Bealach n’a Bà)
In Edinburgh the Fringe Festival is on. Make sure to head to the Royal Mile to see lots of street art:)