Best Motorhome Routes in Dorset and the New Forest This Summer

If you’re searching for the best motorhome routes in Dorset, you’re already looking in one of the UK’s most rewarding touring regions. Dorset and the neighbouring New Forest offer an ideal combination of coastal scenery, historic towns, open countryside and motorhome-friendly campsites, making them perfect destinations for both short breaks and longer summer adventures.

One of the advantages of touring this part of the South Coast is the sheer variety available within a relatively compact area. In a single trip, you can explore dramatic Jurassic Coast landscapes, wander through ancient forests, visit traditional seaside towns and even take your motorhome across to the Isle of Wight.

At Solent Motorhomes, many of our customers spend their first summer exploring destinations much closer to home than they initially expected. Dorset and the New Forest often provide everything needed for a memorable motorhome adventure without requiring a lengthy journey.

Why Dorset Is Perfect for Motorhome Touring

Dorset’s appeal lies in its diversity.

The county combines world-famous coastline with peaceful countryside, historic market towns and charming villages. Better still, many of the region’s most popular attractions are comfortably connected by scenic routes that are well suited to motorhome travel.

Rather than rushing from one destination to another, Dorset rewards slower touring. The roads themselves often become part of the experience, with countless viewpoints, walking routes and hidden gems waiting to be discovered along the way.

For owners of Adria motorhomes, Roller Team motorhomes and other touring vehicles, it’s easy to understand why this area remains a favourite year after year.

Route One: Poole to the Jurassic Coast

A classic starting point for Dorset touring is Poole.

Leaving Poole Harbour behind, follow the coastline west towards Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck. This route combines some of the most recognisable scenery on the South Coast with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

Highlights include:

• Studland Bay
• Old Harry Rocks
• Swanage
• Corfe Castle
• Kimmeridge Bay

Corfe Castle is particularly popular among motorhome owners. The village itself offers stunning views and serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Purbeck area.

As you continue west, the Jurassic Coast begins to reveal some of its most spectacular landscapes.

Route Two: The Jurassic Coast Explorer

No guide to motorhome routes in Dorset would be complete without focusing on the Jurassic Coast.

Stretching for 95 miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in England.

Popular stops include:

• Lulworth Cove
• Durdle Door
• Weymouth
• West Bay
• Lyme Regis

Rather than attempting to visit everything in a single day, many experienced motorhome travellers prefer to split the route across several days and use campsites as comfortable bases for exploration.

Several nearby sites provide excellent access to coastal walking routes while allowing you to avoid some of the busier summer traffic.

Caravan & Motorhome Club Sites Worth Considering

Many visitors specifically search for Caravan & Motorhome Club sites when planning Dorset tours, and with good reason.

The region benefits from several well-positioned sites that provide excellent access to major attractions while offering the facilities and standards many touring enthusiasts appreciate.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Hunter’s Moon near Wareham remains particularly popular for exploring Purbeck and the eastern Jurassic Coast.

Further west, the club’s Bridport area options provide convenient access to West Bay, Lyme Regis and the western section of the coastline.

Booking early is often advisable during peak summer periods, particularly if travelling during school holidays.

Route Three: Dorset to the New Forest

For travellers seeking a mixture of coast and countryside, combining Dorset with the New Forest creates one of the most enjoyable touring routes in southern England.

From Poole, head east through Bournemouth and Christchurch before entering the New Forest National Park.

The pace immediately changes.

Open heathland, ancient woodland and free-roaming ponies create a very different atmosphere from the busy coastline.

Popular stopping points include:

• Lyndhurst
• Brockenhurst
• Beaulieu
• Burley
• Lymington

This route is particularly appealing during summer months when longer daylight hours allow plenty of time for walking, cycling and exploring.

New Forest Campsites for Motorhome Travellers

The New Forest offers a variety of well-established campsites suited to motorhome touring.

Many visitors favour locations close to Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, allowing easy access to walking trails, local villages and cycling routes.

Several Caravan & Motorhome Club and affiliated sites operate within or near the National Park, making them popular choices for both short breaks and extended stays.

One of the advantages of the New Forest is that once you’re parked, many attractions can be explored without needing to move the motorhome again.

Route Four: Adding the Isle of Wight

For travellers looking to extend their trip, the Isle of Wight provides an excellent addition to a Dorset and New Forest itinerary.

From Lymington, motorhome-friendly ferry crossings provide straightforward access to the island.

Once there, visitors can enjoy:

• The Needles
• Freshwater Bay
• Ventnor
• Shanklin
• Yarmouth
• Bembridge

The island’s relatively compact size makes it ideal for motorhome touring, allowing visitors to explore a variety of coastal and countryside locations within a few days.

Many travellers combine several days in Dorset, a stop in the New Forest and a short Isle of Wight tour into one memorable summer adventure.

Practical Tips for Summer Touring

Summer remains the most popular period for motorhome travel, so a little planning can make a significant difference.

Consider:

• Booking campsites early
• Arriving at attractions early in the day
• Allowing extra time for coastal routes
• Checking local parking restrictions
• Using campsites as touring bases rather than moving daily

This approach often results in a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, particularly during peak holiday periods.

Why Dorset and the New Forest Remain Summer Favourites

The best motorhome routes in Dorset combine everything that makes touring special: spectacular scenery, varied landscapes, welcoming campsites and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Whether you’re discovering the Jurassic Coast for the first time, returning to favourite New Forest villages or adding an Isle of Wight adventure to your itinerary, this corner of southern England offers enough variety to fill multiple holidays.

For those considering their first motorhome adventure or looking to upgrade before summer, the team at Solent Motorhomes can help you find a vehicle suited to your touring plans. You can also explore our range of motorhomes for sale or contact our team for advice on getting the most from your South Coast adventures.