Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Road Trips in a Land Rover Defender

Deciding to take a road trip is the easy part. The hard part is deciding where to go.

One of the best things about hiring a Defender from LandyCampers is the freedom it gives you. You aren’t tied to power hook-ups or paved driveways. You have a fully equipped, off-grid basecamp that can handle a motorway cruise just as happily as a farm track.

But with so much choice—from the Scottish Highlands to the South of France—it can be hard to narrow it down.

To help you plan your perfect 2026 adventure, we’ve pulled together three of our absolute favourite tried-and-tested Land Rover Defender camping road trip itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a big European expedition, a relaxing coastal escape, or a wild weekend of hiking, we have a route for you.

1. The European Expedition: Brittany’s Wild Coast 🇫🇷

Best for: The "Big Trip," culture seekers, foodies, and surfers.

If you want to feel truly "away," there is nothing quite like taking a Landy across the Channel. While many UK hire companies restrict their vehicles to the mainland, we encourage you to go further. Our Defenders are fully insured for Europe, making them ideal for a self-drive Defender camping trip in France.

Forget the crowded resorts of the south; Brittany is rugged, wild, and feels a world apart from the rest of France. It’s a land of mystical forests, dramatic Atlantic cliffs, and ancient history.

Why take a LandyCamper? Brittany is famous for its narrow, winding coastal roads and hidden beaches that massive white motorhomes struggle to reach. In a Defender, you can tuck yourself away in smaller municipal campsites—often simple, grassy fields right on the water’s edge—perfect for off-grid 4x4 camping.

Trip Highlights:

• Carnac: Walk among thousands of ancient standing stones (Menhirs) that predate Stonehenge. It’s eerie, beautiful, and best seen at sunset.

• La Torche: A world-class surf spot with a relaxed vibe. Park up, pop the roof tent, and watch the Atlantic swell roll in.

• The Gulf of Morbihan: Known as the "little sea," this is a kayaking paradise dotted with tiny islands.

• Forest of Brocéliande: Swap the coast for the trees and explore the mythical home of Merlin and King Arthur.

  
  

👉 Read our full guide: The LandyCamper’s Guide to Brittany

2. The East Coast Unwind: Norfolk’s Big Skies 🌾

Best for: Slow travel, first-timers, and relaxation.

You don’t always need mountains for an adventure. Heading East to Norfolk is the perfect low-stress road trip—ideal if you’re picking up your Defender camper hire from our HQ and want to hit the coast without spending hours on the motorway.

Norfolk is "big sky" country. It’s flat, vast, and moves at a slower pace. It’s the place to go when you want to switch off your phone, cook breakfast with a view of the salt marshes, and spend your evenings stargazing by a fire.

Why take a LandyCamper? Norfolk has some incredible off-grid campsites that feel tailor-made for our solar-powered setups. Sites like The Norfolk Brickyard offer pitches tucked into private woodland glades where you can feel completely isolated from the real world.

Trip Highlights:

• The Salt Marshes: Camp near Stiffkey (Highsand Creek Campsite is a great spot) and wake up to the sound of birds over the marshes.

• Seal Spotting: Take a boat trip from Blakeney Point to see the seal colonies—a guaranteed hit if you’re travelling with kids.

• The Broads: Stay at Canal Camping in Dilham and launch a canoe or paddleboard straight from your pitch to explore the waterways.

• The Coast Road: A drive along the North Norfolk coast offers stunning views, quaint villages, and plenty of opportunities for a pub lunch.

  
  

👉 Read the full guide: The Best Campsites in Norfolk

3. The Wild Weekend: The Peak District ⛰️

Best for: Hikers, photographers, and sunrise chasers.

If you want a bit of adrenaline with your camping, point the compass north. The Peak District is arguably the most accessible wild landscape in the UK—and one of the best places for a short Defender camping road trip.

This is a landscape of two halves: the dark, gritty moorlands of the north and the rolling green limestone dales of the south. Driving a classic Defender here feels right—it’s the terrain it was built for.

Why take a Landy? The Peaks are hilly (obviously!), and having a vehicle that can happily chug up the steepest gradient to a campsite with a view makes all the difference. Plus, our diesel heaters mean you can camp here in spring or autumn and stay toasty warm—something that sets a Defender camper hire apart from basic van conversions.

Trip Highlights:

• Mam Tor at Sunrise: Stay at Treaks Pringle Campsite and you are perfectly placed for an early morning hike up the "Shivering Mountain." The view from the top as the sun breaks over the Edale Valley is unbeatable.

• Bakewell: You can’t go without trying a proper Bakewell Pudding (not a tart!). It’s the perfect fuel after a cycle along the Monsal Trail—an old railway line that cuts through the hills via illuminated tunnels and massive viaducts.

• Going Underground: Head deep beneath the hills at Treak Cliff Cavern to see the rare Blue John stone that is unique to this part of the world.

• The Plague Village: Visit Eyam, a village with a fascinating history of self-sacrifice during the plague. It’s a poignant stop that adds a layer of depth to the stunning scenery.

  
  

👉 Read the full guide: Hidden Gems of the Peak District

Ready to Plan Your Route?

The trips you remember aren't the weekends you spent on the sofa—they’re the ones where you got lost down a French lane, burnt your sausages on a campfire, or watched the sunset from the roof of a Land Rover.

Our 2026 calendar is open, and whether you want the wild coast of Brittany or the big skies of Norfolk, our fully equipped Land Rover Defender camper hire can help get you there.

Got a route in mind? Drop us a message. We’ve driven these roads, camped in these fields, and eaten in these pubs. We’d love to help you plan your perfect escape.

Exploring More Unique Destinations

As you consider your next adventure, let’s dive deeper into some lesser-known gems that are perfect for a road trip in a Land Rover Defender.

The Enchantment of the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Picture yourself winding through glens, with mountains towering above and lochs sparkling in the sunlight.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Isle of Skye: Famous for its rugged landscapes, fairy pools, and the Old Man of Storr.

• Glencoe: A valley steeped in history and stunning scenery, perfect for hiking and photography.

• Loch Ness: Home to the legendary monster, this loch offers beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for exploration.

  
  

The Allure of the Lake District

The Lake District is another stunning destination that beckons adventurers. With its picturesque lakes, charming villages, and rolling hills, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Windermere: The largest lake in England, ideal for boating and walking.

• Scafell Pike: The highest mountain in England, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.

• Grasmere: A quaint village known for its gingerbread and Wordsworth’s connections.

  
  

The Magic of Wales

Wales is often overlooked, but it’s a gem waiting to be discovered. From the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, there’s so much to explore.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Snowdonia National Park: Home to the highest peak in Wales, it’s a haven for hikers and climbers.

• Pembrokeshire Coast: A stunning coastal path with breathtaking views and hidden beaches.

• Brecon Beacons: Known for its rolling hills and waterfalls, it’s perfect for a peaceful getaway.

  
  

Final Thoughts

No matter where you choose to go, the journey is just as important as the destination. With a Land Rover Defender from LandyCampers, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and let’s hit the road! The world is waiting for you.