Van Life Essentials
Van life around The UK can be some of the most adventurous and wild places to experience Van Life. With the variety of each unique country and the diverse landscapes of the four nations. Touring The UK in a camper or motorhome is a thrilling and addictive experience. There is something about Van life and a long road trip: the sense of adventure, seeing new places, exploring off the beaten track, connecting with nature and going whatever way the wind blows really does feel like the ultimate sense of freedom. What better way to exercise that freedom than being able to wild camp from your campervan and motorhome? Unfortunately, wild camping is illegal in the UK in many places, which somewhat curtails the hi-jinks. That said, it does not mean you can’t get away with it if you are intelligent and respectful about how you do it!
It is quite a sad affair at times that van life isn’t easy in the UK, unlike certain countries in the EU, which welcome campers with open arms. In the UK, there are many rules and regulations that make it tricky to park up for the night. At times you can’t feel downright unwelcome. Even if you find a secluded spot, it can be a significant worry if you are going to get the dreaded knock on the door and asked to move on, or worse, fined. You can always stay at campsites, there are many positives and negatives: Yes, it is great to have a warm shower and services on tap, but many times pitches can be overpriced, small and with little or no services and honestly, it can get rather bland, like putting a tent up in your back garden. If you prefer to wild camp then this little guide will help you creep around the UK safely and freely.
Can you find this view at a campsite?
How about this one?
Table of Contents
What is wild camping in a campervan and motorhome?
“Wild Camping, Stealth Camping, Wild Parking, Parking up, Wild Park up, overnighting or Free Parking,” are the terms used to describe parking up for free at a site that is “wild” or not a registered campsite or motorhome and campervan designated parking spot. You can wild camp from your Recreational Vehicle (RV), Campervan, Pop- top van, Caravan, Motorhome, car, vehicle or from a tent. For the purposes of this ultimate guide, we will focus on wild camping from a campervan + Motorhome.
“It’s behind you!”
Beach park up with amazing sunset
Can you wild camp anywhere in the UK?
Technically, “No” but, there are places where wild camping is allowed. You have to be clever about how you go about it. There are many grey areas and different laws regarding wild camping with tents, campervans, motorhomes and overnight parking. Each country has their own set of rules and it’s always best to familiarise yourself with them to wild camp without any hassles and to avoid getting into trouble. In this guide, we will go through everything you need to know to wild camp safely in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Wrapped up and ready to walk
Hanging around before bed
Is wild camping from your Campervan & Motorhome legal?
It is totally legal to rest, sleep, travel and park in a vehicle in the UK. You just have to find a spot that allows it and be respectful and follow the rules of the area you are in. The motorhome industry is reportedly pulling in over 1.15 Billion a year in the UK (according to the findings of the NCC as of 2021.)
It’s safe to say many people choose this style of travel and over the years it has become very popular especially after lockdown. “Campervanning & Motorhoming” are very much alive and well. From the perspective of the tourism industry and the authorities they would prefer motorhomes and campervans to use paid campsites and paid parking facilities. There may be some laws in the Uk that make it illegal to park a motorhome/campervan on private land without getting permission from the land owner first, that also goes for government owned land too. However, if you stick to certain areas you can absolutely wild camp out your campervan and motorhome. whilst using a campsite has its positives, you don’t get the same sense of freedom as wild camping and that’s sometimes the experience you want out of vanlife!
Sunset cliff views make wild camping the best
Hanging out in Findhorn
Another epic coastal park up
Essential resources
Chilly PJ morning walks
Hiding in the bushes can sometimes be the name of the game
Types of wild camping
Urban Parking
In towns or Cities, either in the centre or residential areas, or tourist attractions. Usually only on street Parking, either paid for or free. Good for weekend breaks in the city, or days where you have to top up on services and groceries etc.
Into the Wild
Far away from civilisation, usually surrounded by nature, either at a national park of far away from towns and cities. Great for being in nature, relaxing and camping.
Rest Stop/ Layby Parking
Desperate and temporary spots to rest for the night if it’s slim pickings. Good for just resting and then moving on in the morning! Avoid Lorry Service stations and truck spots though as these have high levels of crime!
Tourist Destinations
Parking Bays dedicated to tourists for visiting sites. Good if you are sightseeing for the day. Sometimes tourist authorities have a designated spot for overnight parking, if you don’t see one ask for permission anyways!
Nice parking by the picnic bench
Dramatic mountain views
Scotland
Scotland has the most relaxed rules towards “Wild Camping” in the UK. Possibly due to the culture of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. You can roam pretty freely in Scotland, and most land isn’t off-limits for hiking, walking, and camping in a tent as long as you follow the rules outlined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Public access to land is seen as a right in Scotland and, although much land is private, Scotland has a strong attitude towards the right to roam and free access. Even though Scotland is the most liberal of the UK nations, that doesn’t mean you can just park up anywhere. The rights listed in the Scottish Outdoor Acces code do not apply to vehicles either. This is the official statement issued by the outdoor access code”
“Access rights do not include motor vehicles. If public or private land owners restrict or regulate parking on their land, you must comply with this.”
Basically, just like the rest of the UK, Avoid private land, No overnight Parking signs and if anyone tells you to move on, comply! We travelled around Scotland for two months and wild parked everywhere we went. We didn’t use a Campsite once, so it is entirely possible to do.
We recommend keeping it discreet when you wild camp. If you are parking up in an urban area, a populated area, a busy area, or an area close to residents and houses, be as inconspicuous as you can be. Meaning keeping your van contained: No awnings up, no knickers out to dry on the washing line, no camping chairs, tables, and anything else that resembles “camping in the outdoors.” You may, however, find a spot that is isolated, remote, and away from civilisation and in an area that allows camping, then it’s a different story, and you are welcome to get your outdoors on and set up camp.
However, be considerate and understand where you are and what’s around you. In Scotland, “no overnight parking” signs are always visible in areas where you are not allowed to park for the night, stay clear of these and ensure you always check a place beforehand. Avoid “Private Property- farmlands, livestock areas, and residential areas where possible. If you are asked to leave, the best thing is to be polite and comply. Following these rules and you will enjoy some of Scotland’s best wild camping. Some areas in Scotland requires a camping permit before visiting like certain areas of Loch Lomond. You may also be able to find designated “Wild Camping” sites dedicated to Campervans and Motorhome, like the forestry commission sites.
Stormy parking next to Birsay
Deserted park up at Reiss Beach
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland; like Wales and England, has stricter laws on Wild camping, whether in a campervan, motorhome, or tent. This may be because most land is Private Property. Obtaining permission before wild camping on land is the best way to stay on the right side of the law. As well as this, familiarise yourself with Northern Ireland’s Countryside Code: A compilation of rules and regulations to follow while Outdoors.
Stick to parking areas and areas that allow public access. Look for a parking spot away from Private Property, residential areas, touristy or busy areas with high traffic levels, and stay away from farms, fields with crops, and livestock. Stay inconspicuous in your motorhome and Campervan if you are wild parked and try to draw attention to yourself *Read this as; No setting up shop! No awnings, chairs, and outdoor paraphernalia etc*. Stick to areas where parking is allowed and permitted. Try not to park in lay-bys or on the edge of peoples properties and definitely stay clear from passing places. If it feels like you are encroaching on someones space and property; you may need to check yourself and find somewhere else. Always be respectful and extra considerate. There are many parking areas and paid parking facilities which you are always allowed to park overnight at if they don’t have signs against it.
Although most land is private, most owners show goodwill and tolerance, and getting around and about in the outdoors isn’t much of a problem if you are respectful, courteous, and considerate. Attitudes seem to be quite relaxed towards campervans and motorhomes in Northern Ireland, and when we were there we wild camped the entire time from our converted van. We had no hassles or troubles at all.
Nothing better than waking up to sunrise
Most park up in winter provide solitude
England
England can be pretty strict, so you have to have your wits about you when you are “wild camping” in your campervan and motorhome there. Again with the right attitude and mindset you can get away with wild camping relatively easily. England has different access rules than Scotland (definitely not as chill). Familiarise yourself with the English Countryside Code here.
Much like Northern Ireland, Lands are privately owned with public access allowed. Always seek permission from land owners if you are parking up on private property or stay away from private estates and properties, farms, livestock, and farmers’ fields. Often you will be able to park at a designated parking layby or parking bay either for free or a fee. If wild parking, the best advice out there is to stick to your vehicle, avoid antisocial behaviour, and don’t bring your chairs, tables, and other camping equipment out. Be incognito and activate stealth mode!
Try to avoid busy, touristy, and congested places. You are far more likely to be told to go elsewhere if it feels like you are taking up a lot of space or the area you visit has many tourists. Some counties and areas in England are discouraging of campervans and motorhomes so try to avoid wild camping in those areas as much as possible. Do your research beforehand, have a rough idea of where you are going then research, and check out the park4night app in that area, as this has really good up-to-date information.
Maderia Dr. Brighton
Getting the supplies out
Wales
Much like the rest of the UK, there are certain restrictions to wild parking in wales but it is doable if done responsibly. Avoid any private land, which is considered Trespassing if you do not have the owner’s permission (which can see fines up to £2,500!) Always make sure you read the parking signs in the area first before parking up and all use the Golden rules of wild parking!
Forest park up
Summer wild camping at its finest
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