VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
Cornwall by campervan from Bristol: the itinerary
A campervan road trip in Cornwall from Bristol: St Ives, Land’s End, the Lizard peninsula, famously narrow lanes and a budget of £75–130 per day.
Turquoise beaches, fishing villages, granite cliffs: Cornwall is England's Brittany, in a gentler climate. From Bristol, allow 2.5–3 hours down the M5 and A30 to reach the county line — and a week to tour it without rushing.
The right vehicle: small, genuinely
Beyond the A30, Cornish roads become corridors between two hedges, and the villages (St Ives, Boscastle, Mousehole) were simply not drawn for large vehicles. A van under 6 m is the sensible maximum; a mini-camper is a genuine joy here. In Bristol, expect £75–130 per day for a campervan in season. You drive on the left, wheel on the right — and on single-track lanes, whoever is nearest a pull-in reverses.
The 6–7 day itinerary
- Day 1 — the north coast: Tintagel and its castle, then Padstow for the first fish & chips.
- Days 2–3 — St Ives and Penwith: painters' light, Porthcurno beach, the Minack Theatre and Land's End.
- Days 4–5 — the Lizard peninsula: England's southernmost point and the coves of Kynance.
- Days 6–7 — Falmouth and the south coast: an easy return via Fowey and the Eden Project.
Nights and season: plan for summer crowds
Wild overnight parking is frowned upon and frequently banned; the campsites, numerous and well placed (£20–45 a night), book out early for July–August — the county is one of England's favourite holiday spots. May, June and September change everything: flowing roads, quiet beaches, prices down 20–30%. Our stopovers guide gives the method for organising your nights.
Full budget
For two people over 7 days: £550–900 for the van, £150–250 for campsites, about £120 of fuel from Bristol (700–800 km in total). Add a one-way twist if you like: some pro fleets allow drop-off in Exeter or Plymouth for a fee. Compare available vans in Bristol on Van-Comparator: one search, every platform, the real total price.