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Britain
Britain consists of three countries: England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is also part of the UK. The Republic of Ireland is a separate country and has its own section. The Isle of Man is also not part of Britain.
Free camping in Britain
Free camping in Britain is a mixed bag.
- England & Wales - Because of problems with 'new age travellers' during the 1980's England & Wales have laws preventing one from just pulling over and stopping for the night. However, it is still possible to free camp, if you choose your location well. But you should always be prepared for a knock on the door from the police who might ask you to move along.
- Scotland - Whilst Scottish law allows people the right to roam and camp, the right to roam act specifically excludes all forms of motorised camping (including caravans). So free camping is not legal, but generally accepted if people are respectful. Read more about the act.
Tips for Free camping in England & Wales
To efficiently wild camp in Britain you need to blend in, and not draw attention to yourself.
- If you are spending lots of time wild camping in Britain get a National Trust membership. This membership will allow you to park your vehicle at almost all of the NT sites for free, and allows one adult to enter the attractions also. They have thousands of great locations to visit. In many coastal areas, such as Cornwall, the NT membership also allows you to park at the beach for free. However, you cannot camp overnight at a NT site.
- If you find secluded beach car parks, and hill areas you can probably stay for one night without a problem. Be prepared to be moved on if the police or an official come along.
- You can camp in residential areas using the simple plan: During the day park at safe areas like supermarket car parks, beaches, etc. Do all of your chores, including eating your evening meal at these car parks. Then, once everything is done for the day, drive to a residential area when there are lots of cars or preferably vans. Park considerately on the road. Choose a quiet road. As soon as you arrive turn off the engine and all of the lights. Go straight to bed. No one will know you are in the vehicle. In the morning, when you wake, immediately drive to a car park, such as a supermarket, then have your breakfast. Using this technique you can camp almost anywhere. When combined with National Trust membership you can visit nice places all day, and park in quiet places at night, visiting supermarkets to stock up on supplies and eat. The secret is to not park at the same places regularly. Alternate your spots so people don't recognise you.
- In popular holiday areas, there may be restrictions on overnight parking in car parks or a road laybys. In quieter areas however, it may be acceptable to find some quiet area to park.
- Upon entering a town look for the sign directing you to the “Long Stay Car Park”, where you might be allowed to stay the night. Check the signs carefully. It’s always surprising where you’ll end up, sometimes an ugly industrial area, sometimes a truly wonderful parking spot in the centre of town.
- It’s often possible to stay the odd night in the car park of a rural pub. If you ask the owner/manager, many are welcome to aloow you to overnight in the car park. Always pick a place in the car park away from the main traffic in and out so as not to cause any inconvenience to the visitors. There are many rural pubs with fantastic locations. It would be polite to have a meal or drinks in the pub for the pleasure of staying in the car park.
Tesco supermarkets
The general ruling for Tesco is that they have no problem with motor homes "parked up" for the night IF the following is observed:
- Park in a discreet corner of the car park - i.e., not right outside the front door, blocking others.
- Do not set up BBQ and picnic tables! This also applies to chairs etc.
- If there is more than 2 at any one time they start to worry.
- Never leave anything behind; including water on the tarmac because non-campers think it is from the loo.
- Only stay one night.
If you follow the above rules you should be ok at most branches of Tesco. If you do some shopping before you leave, it would be a nice gesture to mention to the manager, who you are, and thank him for the use of the car park. Although he may not be aware that you were even there. If he sees you are a customer in his store it could encourage him to keep letting people stay overnight.
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is now used with regard to wild camping. It was introduced on the back of raves and N.A.T.s and all the hassle that went on at Stonehenge a few years ago. Have a look at the government’s own website containing the act.
Scroll down to the sections on trespass and especially the section headed "Powers to remove unauthorised campers"(77). Hope that gives a clearer definition of what’s legal and what’s not....
Basically there's no "right" to stay anywhere, other than on someone’s land with their permission. Thanks to all those 'new age travellers' in the 1980's you can be asked to move on at any time and failure to comply can land you in a whole heap of trouble.
If you stay in a layby or any part of a Highway, like a grass verge, then the local authority can ask you to move on. They first have to know you're there of course, but once you've been spotted and they ask you to move, then you have to move.
The Police have powers to move you from landowners land if there are two people camping and (a) you've damaged property or land or (b) you've been abusive to the landowner when asked to leave. In this instance, damage to the land could include ruts formed in the field by the tyres, so they can force you to leave under most circumstances. This also includes common land if asked to leave by a commoner. Of course, once asked, most people will comply and move on, so no problem, but it's as well to be aware that you've really no rights. Service stations started putting up the time limits for parking at the same time this legislation went through
Other websites
- www.wildcamping.co.uk - Great website with information and discussions about wild camping locations in the UK and abroad.
- www.nomadgb.co.uk/map.html - Great map resource with useful places to stop in the UK for wild campers.
Thanks for the interesting and sometimes entertaining info. Getting my VWT5 converted right now so hopefully will be camping very soon.
i have a motorhome have never had a problem wild camping in england or scotland.i think wales is a more difficult area to wild camp,well the areas i have been to were.i work on a lot of retail parks, business parks, and industrial parks.these are perfect stopovers for us campers while travelling,general rule is where truck drivers park you will have no probs.just make sure you don,t wander into a clamping zone in some companies marked parking spaces, always look out for signs before you stop.and don,t forget to take your rubbish with you.i hope some newer vanners will find this helpful
hi all ive been using vans in winter for any years. i had a bongo for 5 years and surf all winter in the uk. it can get prity cold without heating so either get a 4 season sleeping bag or some sort of heater. ive since converted a long wheelbase movano and put a webasto night heater in to it (toastie) the best investment i made, no more waking up to ice on the inside of the vans. -10 no problem hope this helps anyone whos vans all year around.
Great to hear about your heater Jason. I fitted a Propex into my van, and it's fantastic. Blown heating is hard to beat :)
Where abouts do you surf?
Just a heads up after reading the above. Technically if you have the keys on you, even on private land, and you're over the limit, you could get prosecuted for being drunk in charge. Lay-bys are obvious contenders for getting a tug, but even your own drive - unless you have gates that you close for 2 x 24 hour periods per year - is fair game. I've heard some camp sites will look after the ignition key for you while you keep the back door key. Hence not able to drive ... Not sure what to do in a wild camping situation though!
Crazy I know but there it is. Only glimmer of hope is that it's not an automatic ban, a mere 10 points + fine minimum.
Hi all,
Im living down in england at the mo in my wee 4 birth caravan (with my cat). I have found an amazing site which doesnt mind the odd vanner whos looking for more a long term place to stay. In the next 2 weeks I will have lived in my van for the whole 4 seasons and absolutely love it,,,cant imagine living in a house anymore. I am planning on moving back up to scotland after xmas as my daughter has recently moved back to dumbartonshire. I will be moving in my van,,,
what im asking is....... does anyone know of any touring sites around the dunbartonshire/loch lomond/campsie hills area which may provide a plot for more long term folk like myself. At the mo i do use hookup but im in the throws of doing my homework to make my van more electrically self sufficient,,,so I wont necessarly need hook-up.
Someone has givenme a phone number for a farm in Milgarvie but it would be ace to have a few options..
SO if someone could give me a wee few pointers i would certainly be a very happy bunny :)
HAPPY CAMPING FOLKS :)
This statement from your home page is wrong and misleading..
Scotland - Scottish law allows people the right to roam and camp. Free camping is tolerated if done responsible.
The right to roam act specifically excludes all forms of motorised camping (including caravans)
The laws In England regarding parking and over night stopping with a camper van apply equally in Scotland. Please amend accordingly
You can read the full code here http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/outdoors-responsibly/access-code-a...
Thanks for the information. I have updated the page.
Hi,
Anyone know of any additional places to below where you can camp for free in Scotland pls? I would also be interested in Wales too? Any info would be most appreciated.
Kind regards
L
Hi,
Anyone know of any additional places to below where you can camp for free in Scotland pls? I would also be interested in Wales too? Any info would be most appreciated.
Kind regards
L
I am sad to see that this page is turning into a meeting ground for racism. I am english and england is great, i live in Scotland and the scottish people are lovely. I would like to remind people we are discussing camping and we live in the 21st century, keep your racism to yourself and not on this page. We are not interested in such comments and are here to learn about free locations for camping and to embrace other cultures. All cultures can learn something from each other and no culture is superior over another, we are all equals.
Have been reading through all the great comments on this site, I am 47 year old female in UK, am selling up and going to live in a camper van alone, except for my bull mastiff..who will be coming along for the ride...don't know anything about this new way of life I am planning :) I have traveled about a fair bit, but never in a camper van, does anyone out there have a dog on board? do you take them into Europe? Is that allowed?
Thanking you in advance.
That sounds amazing, good luck!
Where are you now did you get on your travels think of doing the same myself
hi how you doing in your new life ,i want to do the same as that with my dog ,i have a small caravan with a 4x4 to toe with ,if you could give me any guilds on how to get stated on the new way of life please fill free ,
We are from Holland and bring our dog when we spend our holidys in UK. I suppose the same rules will be applicable. On the website of Defra(http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/) you can find all information. Good luck with your 'new' life ;-)
We take our little dog into Europe 2 or 3 times a year no Problem. Get dog sorted and enjoy. Our dog has a GB sticker on her tail. (LOL)
We take our little dog into Europe 2 or 3 times a year no Problem. Get dog sorted and enjoy. Our dog has a GB sticker on her tail. (LOL)
I live on the Cardigan Coastline in Wales, which is a beautiful area, and am making plans to get a camper van so I can see more of it - and do more surfing :)
Have any of you had experience of camper vanning in the UK winter and what it entails. I know it gets pretty cold around here - has anyone done it before?
Hi Davo.
The first weekend i had my van insulated three of us went surfing. It was way up the east coast of Scotland, February, minus 16 degrees and there was frozen snow on the beach. My van is quite small (VW T4) so doesn't take too long to heat up if you put the cooker on although if you plan on using it a lot then i would fit a heater (such as an Eberspacher). I insulated my van with Cellotex (the same as Kingspan) and was then covered that with the silver bubble wrap insulation before the ply lining went back up. I insulated the roof with the silver bubble wrap stuff and also made window panels out of it to keep the cold out and the heat in. It helps having a winter duvet and a sleeping bag and make sure your water supply isn't going to freeze, expand and burst. Hope that helps. Brian. :)
Hi Davo
I've done a few nights here and there in the UK winter. It is cold and you'll need some sort of heating, or you'll need to be very hardy to do it night after night.
If you have a well insulated van you won't need heating on throughout the night. A simple gas heater might surfice.
If you don't have great insulation then you'll need a heater that can run through the night, such as a Propex or Eberspacher.
Unless you'll be on hookup then, you have a pick of mains heaters.
A duck down duvet is in my opinion the best, very warm.
Thanks - it's good to know. I'm keeping my options open at the moment, but it's something I really wanna do sometime very soon!
Thanks.
Hi i was on holiday in scotland for 5 weeks, in my blue Iveco campervan. I did over 2500miles going from south/south west/north /north east/and south east; i criss crossed the country and camped wild only going to camping sites for showering or to top up with water and washing my clothes, i got my food from local farms. I HAVE NEVER! seen such beautiful sights or places the people too were great, and there was still a lot more to do and see so "I'll be back again soon". I've 3000 pictures to remember my trip
It sounds like you had a fantastic time. Hopefully an inspiration to all.
my exp. is different. was staying in scottish highlands - not with motorhome - slept in my car - public car park in the middle of nowhere. farmer from nearest farm (1 mile away) called police. those fuc_king cu_nts were more than unpleasant and arrogant. checking papers, car, stupid questions, which they repeated 5-6 times, etc.
officer holding my passport (with up to date photo) in his hand made me answer 3 times what is my date of birth and where i was born. i left scotland next day.
have to say, i am not british. i am import from eastern europe, living and paying taxes in UK for 5 years. never got 1 penny benefit, even i could have.
i do appologize to all british people for breathing and wasting british air.
Sorry. I personally apologise for the behaviour of the police force of my nation. It is wholly unacceptable. Please do not let them tarnish our reputation as being a friendly nation. There are cunts in all societies. The officers in question are not typical of our race in general. I welcome visitors from ALL races/creeds/religions/gender/leanings/etc...You can camp in my front garden next time! I have not personally experienced the wrath of the Scottish police force but do not doubt it. That is why I always sleep well out of their view. This has been a bad experience for you but put it away. Come back. We have many more welcoming hosts. Look at the section on this website about Tesco.
ALLWAYS REMEMBER that most people are good.
The press tell us stories of woe, not of encouragement.
Don't let one bad experience cloud your view of a glorious vista.
We DO have free camping/access/right to roam.....
Its dawning on me what the Scots are on about, its about time we English stood up for our rights like the scots did and get right to roam in "our Own" country and stop all this British nonsense, the English (I'm english) have not yet realised that they are the last colony of the british empire, which is why the English are held in such contempt by parliament the police etc or the british state
we need more new age travellers and ravers!
Hang on a minute the British government let all the gypos in from god knows where and f------ it up.
Aye, you go for it Anon! I was recently on a training course in Stone and went for a wee donner after dinner. I couldn't walk anywhere apart from local roads and paths where there were signposts giving me permission. There's something wrong there. I can see beautiful patches of forest and glen but I can't walk through it. Why not? Get a grip. It is yours. Not their's. Claim it back. By force if necessary.
Recently we have enjoyed some lovely overnighters in Scotland. (We have show dogs with us so prefer not to stay on busy camp-sites)
We stayed at:
Loch Garten in the Abernethy Forest - not far from Aviemore. Beautiful views, and numerous laybys and pull in places (but please take your rubbish home as there are no facilities outside local villages)
The Sma Glen - along the road from Creiff to Loch Earn there is a lovely riverside area with a number of Lay Bys - very pretty.
Loch Earn. Between St Fillans and Lochearnhead there are a number of lay bys/picnic areas along the banks of the loch - set back from the road. They get busy with campers and fishermen, but it is jolly. No facilities outside the villages apart fom ample rubbish bins, which are useful. Stunning views of the loch and mountains
Findochty on the NE Coast (Nr Buckie). There is a beautiful beach for an overnight stay. Shop and pub on the other side of the village (and an official - fee paying - campsite, again overlooking the sea. Toilets by the harbour.
If you follow the Moray Coast Trail there are a number of sea side places where a night's stopover is possible in beautiful areas, but please keep them beautiful - take your rubbish away with you!
I always wonder why we motorcaranners dont have some way of letting other know that they can park the night in our garden or driveway.
I agree - I live near sherwood forest and could get a second large van on my drive. I am often away at the weekend and would be happy to let someone use my drive - water outside toilet and for a small donation hook up tp the electric - if this applie to you drop me a line paulwibble@aol.com
You could let the chickens out in the morning an put them away at night for me - you can even have free eggs
I like the idea that when in Scotland you can go anywhere and camp out responsibly. I Particularly dislike the South East of England. Arrogant, rude and intolerant.
Devon , Cornwall, Wales, Scotland anytime !!
I avoid the South East especially anywhere near London......I really do not like those people....I would rather lick piss off nettles !!!
if you have the ignition keys on you,you are incharge of the vehicle,keep remote door lock and hide ignition key or leave behind bar. thanks all, great tips as just starting out.
Does anyone know of a website for solo campervan travellers? I am starting with U.K.Also very interested in quiet locations.
douglas allan, you seem to speak as if soctland is not british!!! typical scot, its only british when it suits you and you don't mind taking English money!!
Arthur
I think the point he is trying to make is that there is no British Law
There is:
English Law which covers England and Wales
Scots Law for Scotland
Irish Law for Ireland
in Scotland you can just about camp anywhere as long as you clear up and there is no law of Tresspass.
I wont say anything about "typical english" etc as it is just plain rude.
Good point. I have changed the wording in the article to refer to England & Wales, and Scotland separately.
Either that or the police will do you for drink driving - google it.
The unofficial advice for free camping in the UK is, always carry a couple of beers with you. As soon as you find a place to settle for the night, make sure everyone who is insured to drive your van has had a beer or too. Even if you don't drink, carry a couple of empty beer cans. If the police do try to move you on, POLITELY explain to them that you didn't realise you couldn't camp there, tell them you've had a couple of cans of beer and might be over the legal limit for driving, and tell them you'll move on first thing in the morning. So long as you remain polite and apologetic for any inconvenience, don't appear drunk and disorderly, and genuinely do move on the next morning, then the police won't waste their time hassling you. DO move on the next morning, though, because they won't be as sympatheti if they see you there the folowing night...
Great idea if you want to risk being arrested for being "drunk in charge" of a vehicle!
As we in the country of SCOTLAND have a de facto right to roam you can also camp, responsibly, where you like in any wild place.
In SCOTLAND we have our own laws, religion,culture etc so there is no such thing as british law. I have to emphisise most strongly that if you camp wild you must take great care to leave no trace of your visit.
That Hadrian guy had the best idea up there a flippin great wall. You have your culture etc time the English stopped paying for it.
English paying for our heritage you say? 2 billion from UK treasury per annum as per the barrnet formula and 17.5 billion paid in via oil and gas revenues would say otherwise..think before you type.
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