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A Guide to Finding Free Overnight Parking for Your Motorhome

Travelling can be costly, especially when embarking on a long road trip.

When it comes to motorhomes, the challenge of finding free and safe overnight parking can put a damper on your journey.

However, there are plenty of spaces in the UK where you can park overnight for free, some of which you may already know. Today, Melling Motorhomes will share some tips and tricks to help you keep your trip as affordable as possible with free overnight parking.

Is Overnight Parking Legal?

Free overnight parking is a lifesaver when travelling across the country. However, laws surrounding free parking or ‘wild camping’ differ between parts of the UK.

England and Wales

In England and Wales, wild camping with a motorhome is only permissible if you are granted the landowner’s permission. This is to protect private property and wildlife. However, certain regions offer more lenience:

  • Lay-bys and public car parks: Overnight parking at lay-bys or public car parks is generally accepted as long as you stay discreet, adhere to the “leave no trace” rule, and don’t create any obstructions or disruptions. However, this isn’t officially sanctioned.
  • Dartmoor National Park: Provided campers follow the local guidelines, Dartmoor permits wild camping for up to two nights in specific areas of the park.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland also has regulations that prevent wild campers from parking on private territory without the landowner’s permission. However, if you seek permission, there are some options available.

  • Private land: You can park overnight on private land in Northern Ireland if you ask and receive permission from the landowner.

Scotland

In Scotland, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is more friendly and laid-back about wild camping. This code allows campers to camp on most unenclosed land, perfect for motorhome travellers.

  • General right to camp: Wild camping is allowed by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code on unenclosed territory as long as participants respect the surrounding area and the ecosystem.
  • Restrictions: To reduce their negative environmental effects, some places, such as certain parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, have extra regulations and require permits during peak seasons.

Top Resources for Free Overnight Parking

To make your search that much easier, we’ve compiled a list of handy resources, including websites, apps, and membership schemes, to help you find free overnight parking on your journey:

  1. Brit stops: This membership scheme offers free night parking at pubs, farms, and vineyards across the UK. It offers access to over 1,100 host sites with no booking required.
  2. Park4Night: This widely used app helps people find free or low-cost parking across the UK and Europe. You can filter your search based on amenities, user ratings, and distance, and it offers locations like lay-bys, supermarket parking lots, and pubs.
  3. Search for sites: This online database provides information about each location, amenities, and reviews for parking spots across the UK and Europe.
  4. Campercontact: This app has over 35,000 listed locations for motorhome parking spots and offers offline use for remote areas.
  5. Motorhome forums: Public forums like Motorhomefun or Out and About Live allow motorhome travellers to share tips, advice, and experiences for all things travel. This often includes recommendations for free parking.

Free Parking Spots in the UK

Narrowing down your search is key to locating free or low-cost and safe motorhome parking spots in the UK. Stick to these areas for a better chance of success:

Urban

  • Store parking lots
  • City centres
  • Car parks
  • Side streets
  • Budget hotel parking lots

Rural

  • Forest commission areas
  • National parks
  • Public estates
  • Rural pubs or cafes
  • Farms
  • Parking lay-bys

Coastal

  • Car parks in small towns
  • Seaside parking
  • Near rivers and canals
  • Community camping areas
  • Train stations

Here are some specific notable locations where you can park your motorhome overnight for free or at a minimal cost in the UK:

  1. Dover Road Park & Ride, Canterbury (small fee)
  2. King Arthur’s Car Park, Tintagel (£3.50 per night)
  3. Rising Sun Lacock, Wiltshire (free with purchase from the pub)
  4. Torridge District Council Car Parks, Devon (£5 per night)
  5. Melte and Llech Llia, Brecon Beacons (free)
  6. Snowdonia National Park, Wales (free)

8 Tips for Safe and Responsible Parking

1. Keep all doors and windows locked

Whether you’re on the road or parked up for the night, always make sure all windows, doors, and access points are locked to prevent intruders.

2. Choose well-lit areas

Choose areas with street lights to prevent potential break-ins or thefts. Always ensure that your motorhome is visible to people passing by.

3. Ask for permission

Before you park on private land, always ask permission to prevent fines or police intervention.

4. Stay close to populated areas

Remote locations can be appealing to stay at. However, it’s safer to stay around other people, so there’s always someone around in case of an emergency or threat.

5. Be discreet

If you’re parking in an unofficial spot, remain a low profile and avoid causing any disruptions, such as noise or excessive lighting.

6. Respect other campers

Respect your fellow campers by keeping noise to a minimum, parking with consideration, and not trespassing on anyone else’s property.

7. Adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle

After you have stayed somewhere overnight, ensure that no litter or belongings are left behind. This will protect the environment and help you avoid complaints.

8. Use security measures

Invest in high-quality alarms and anti-theft systems to ensure you remain safe and vigilant on the road.