Top 10 books, apps + maps to help you find adventures in the UK
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just getting started, these books, apps and maps will help you uncover hidden gems across the UK — from secret wild swim spots to quiet trails and scenic campsites.
01. Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps & App
Ordnance Survey maps are our our go-to for exploring the UK, and the OS Maps app makes planning even easier with detailed routes, offline access, and GPS tracking — ideal for areas with poor signal or if you’re less confident reading traditional maps
✨ Note: It’s worth noting, if you are going to use a map a lot or go out in bad weather, OS have ‘active maps’ which are waterproof which saves having to faff with a waterproof case. They are also great if you want to have a quick sit down and the ground is a bit damp!
Snack break on the way to wild camp in the Lake District
02. AllTrails (App + Website)
AllTrails is an easy-to-use app and website for finding walking, running, and biking routes. The free version gives you access to tons of trails with photos and reviews, while the paid plan allows offline access and advanced features like 3D route previews. It’s perfect for finding family-friendly loops, new local spots or more challenging hikes across the UK - we’ve even used it in towns and cities to find walks.
03. Wild Swimming: Hidden Beaches
This book uncovers ‘secret’ sandy spots and remote swim-friendly beaches around Britain. Each location includes access notes, tide info, and handy symbols for parking, dog access, and nearby campsites. It’s perfect for finding somewhere off the beaten path to have a coastal dip.
04. Blue Scotland
If you love Scotland and water this is a brilliant guide to finding open water adventures — including wild swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, and kayaking. This book features over 80 locations, with practical tips, safety notes, and incredible photography that’ll have you planning your next Scottish road trip.
05. Wild Guide Series (UK Editions)
From the makers of Hidden Beaches, this series is your ticket to finding wild places across different regions of the UK — the books are broken down into areas such as Scotland, the Lake District, Devon & Cornwall, South East England, and Wales. These books are great if you are wanting an all round guide with a little bit of everything in it. You’ll find waterfalls, coastal trails, swimming spots, quirky stays, local pubs and more.
✨ Note: There is some crossover between the Wild Guides and Wild Swimming books, but each adds something unique and we’d recommend them all!
06. Wild Swimming Series (UK Editions)
Another essential from Wild Things Publishing, this series focuses just on swim spots — from inland lakes and rivers to quiet coastal bays. There are various versions, each with safety notes, access info, and family-friendly options. We’ve found so many good swim spots and this book is always first to be packed for van trips!
✨ Note: If you are travelling to Europe there are guides for a few countries with great spots. We used the Wild Swimming France book and found some great spots.
07. Bikepacking: Mountain Bike Camping Adventures
Ideal if you love exploring and camping by bike, this book shares over 20 bikepacking routes across the UK — including wild camps, quiet roads, and mountain biking trails. It's got route maps, overnight spots, and top gear tips for those heading out with bikes and tents.
08. Cool Camping: Britain
This beautifully curated guide lists the best independent campsites around the UK — from wild-style pitches to quirky glamping options. It’s perfect if you’re planning a road trip or want to avoid big, crowded sites or simply want to cut down your research time in finding good sites!
09. Park4Night App
A go-to app for vanlifers, Park4Night is a crowd-sourced app that helps you discover overnight parking spots, scenic rest areas, campsites, and hidden gems all across the UK (and beyond). It includes user reviews, photos, and info on facilities, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Whether you're after a quiet forest lay-by or a beachfront spot to wake up to, Park4Night is a great tool to have on the road. There’s a free version, but the paid plan unlocks extra features like offline access — ideal for secluded locations. We’ve personally found it to be better in Europe than the UK but have still found some good spots through it.
✨ Note: If you’ve got a few friends with vans, consider creating a private Google Map to pin and share your favourite spots. It’s a great way to keep those special, local locations off the radar but still share them within your circle. We’ve built one with friends that now has over 400 pins—complete with notes on how flat and quiet the spot is, mobile signal, nearby facilities and more. It’s been a game changer for finding great places to park up on the go!
10. Outdooractive App
Outdooractive is a versatile planning tool for anyone into hiking, biking, or general outdoor exploring. It’s packed with route ideas, trail maps, elevation profiles, and navigation features — all curated by users, local experts, and tourism boards.
It’s a solid alternative or companion to AllTrails, especially if you’re after longer hikes or want to plan multi-day adventures. The free version offers a lot, but upgrading gives you access to topographic maps and offline use — handy for those no-signal areas.
Got a favourite?
Let us know what map, guide or app you love for finding UK adventures — we’re always up for trying new ones!
