Camping’s best kept secret – where you can park your motorhome for FREE in UK

WHILE a holiday abroad may on the cards for some Brits, many will be opting for another UK staycation this summer.

And savvy travellers will be opting for a campervan holiday – and thankfully there are a number of places you could park for free without realising.

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One of these is pub car parks – many of them allow campervan drivers to park for free as long as they buy a meal there.

Some, according to the Telegraph, even offer electric charging ports or access to the bathroom.

Ellen Manning, who often travels around the UK in her campervan with her husband, said she had managed to find amazing free – or at least cheap – campsites this way.

She said: “After a frozen day up in the Cairngorms I found refuge at The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore, delighted to discover that I could stay over in the car park.

“Another favourite was the Royal Oak at Hurdlow in the Peak District, where their offering is a pub stop-campsite hybrid.”

Another camper Jo Hodson said: “I tend to opt for pubs when I need simple stopovers for one night at a time in different places.” 

There is even a whole Facebook page dedicated to it, called UK pub stopovers for motorhomes and campervans.

Or, some websites have user-created maps showing the pubs that allow campervans so you can plan your staycation route.

However, some travellers have warned Brits to not expect it to be similar to a campsite, saying “so many people moan about their lack of facilities”.

And some expert travellers say to always ring before arriving rather than assume, as not all pubs are up for it.

There are lots of rules for campervans across the UK, with fines up to £2,500 for anyone caught breaking them.

For example, in England and Wales, campers need the permission of the land owner to light a fire, especially if camping at National Parks.

And wild ampers must get permission from the landowner to camp, which includes tents and motorhomes, or risk being charged with trespassing with fines up to £2,500.

Other restrictions include foraging and having pets, all of which depend on the area.

Here’s what to expect on a campervan holiday around the Cotswolds.

And one woman has revealed how she converted an old van to travel across Europe in – all while on a tight budget.

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