Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world's most scenic drives. 190 miles from Belfast to Derry along Northern Ireland's Antrim coast.
The Route
- Belfast: Start at the Titanic Quarter. Free parking at Titanic Belfast (£6/day).
- Carrickfergus: Norman castle on the waterfront. Parking at the harbour (£3).
- Glenarm: Beautiful walled garden. Small car park near the castle.
- Carnlough: Harbour village. Free parking on the harbourside.
- Cushendun: National Trust village. Free parking. Cave below the hotel.
- Ballycastle: Good for supplies. Large car park.
- Ballintoy: Harbour, rope bridge. Car park (£5).
- Giant's Causeway: World Heritage Site. Visitor centre parking (£10).
- Bushmills: Oldest whiskey distillery in the world. Tour £12.
- Portrush: Beach town. Ample parking.
- Derry (Londonderry): End. City walls tour. Free parking at the Foyle Embankment.
Time Needed: 3-5 days
Campsites
- Causeway Coast Holiday Park: Next to Giant's Causeway. £18-25/night.
- Ballyness Caravan Park: Bushmills. £16-22/night.
- Portrush Caravan Park: On the beach. £20-28/night.
Wild Camping
Wild camping is permitted in Northern Ireland with landowner permission. The coast has few legal wild camping spots — stick to campsites.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
Route Planning Tips
- Use OS Maps for detailed UK mapping
- Download offline maps before heading out
- Check road conditions and closures
- Plan fuel stops in remote areas
- Book campsites in advance during summer
- Have a backup plan for bad weather
