Discovering Legal, Free, and Effortless Motorhome Overnight Parking Locations Near You
For motorhome enthusiasts exploring the UK, finding a suitable place to park for the night can be a challenge. Here's a guide to help you navigate the options available.
Brit Stops
One popular choice is Brit Stops, a network of independent venues and hosts that allow motorhomes and campervans to park overnight for free in their car parks. With access to a library of free overnight stops, Brit Stops offers a unique selection of local spots [1].
Park4night
Another valuable resource is the Park4night app and website, which provides extensive information about approved or wild motorhome parkups across Europe, including the UK. It allows you to filter and choose safe and convenient spaces to stop overnight without necessarily using busy campsites [2].
Approved Overnight Parking Spots
Specific examples of approved overnight parking include the Canterbury Motorhome Aire and Canterbury New Dover Road Park & Ride. These offer reasonably priced overnight parking (around £8), including services like fresh water, waste disposal, and access to free or low-cost bus transport into the city. The Park & Ride overflow areas are well-regarded for motorhome stops and have dedicated spaces with facilities [3][4].
Wild Parking and Camping
Wild parking or wild camping, which refers to staying overnight without the landowner's permission, is tolerated in many places provided certain rules are followed. This includes staying away from prohibited areas, private land, and buildings without permission, arriving late and leaving early, not lighting fires or BBQs, not putting out tables/ chairs/ awnings, not making loud noise/ playing loud music, clearing up all litter and waste, watching children and pets, and being sensible about safety [6].
However, it's essential to be aware of the risks and have a responsible attitude to the local environment and other users when wild parking or wild camping. In Scotland, wild camping with a motorhome is not legal, and the Scottish authorities have been promoting the use of campsites and approved places only [7].
Other Considerations
Some campsites in the UK and Europe shut during the winter or are booked up months in advance, so it may be necessary to book one. Motorhome parking apps like Park4night, Campercontact, and iOverlander are used to find free overnight motorhome and campervan parking spots [8].
Remember, most places in the UK are privately owned, and permission from the landowner is usually required to park overnight. Be mindful of local council or venue rules for any restrictions or required fees [9].
In summary, the best approach is to use resources like Brit Stops and Park4night to locate free or approved overnight spots and check local council or venue rules for any restrictions or required fees. Some motorhome areas offer a small fee but include beneficial amenities and transportation options, making them practical and approved choices.
[1] Brit Stops: https://www.britstops.com/ [2] Park4night: https://www.park4night.com/ [3] Canterbury Motorhome Aire: https://www.canterbury.co.uk/motorhome-aire/ [4] Canterbury New Dover Road Park & Ride: https://www.kent.gov.uk/parking/parking-sites/canterbury-new-dover-road-park-and-ride/ [5] BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-49738644 [6] Motorhome Habitat: https://www.motorhomehabitat.co.uk/wild-camping-rules/ [7] Visit Scotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/travel/camping-caravanning/wild-camping/ [8] Motorhome Habitat: https://www.motorhomehabitat.co.uk/motorhome-overlander-apps/ [9] Camper Contact: https://www.campercontact.com/
