A Guide to Layby Parking for Campervans in the UK

Exploring the UK in a campervan offers a great sense of freedom, but finding suitable parking, especially for overnight stays, can sometimes be tricky. While laybys are a convenient option, there are rules and guidelines you need to be aware of. In this quick guide, we’ll cover where you can legally park your campervan overnight, tips for using laybys, and the best apps and resources to make your travels easier.

Can You Park Your Campervan in a Layby Overnight?

Yes, you can park your campervan in a layby overnight in the UK, but it comes with certain limitations and legal considerations. While laybys provide a convenient stop during long road trips, they aren’t officially designated as overnight camping spots. However, many motorists do use them for short stays, especially in rural areas.

Key Considerations:

• Legality: Overnight parking in laybys is generally tolerated as long as you don’t obstruct traffic or violate local restrictions. Always check for any signs indicating that overnight parking is prohibited.
• No Trace Rule: Always adhere to the “leave no trace” principle, meaning you should not leave any waste or damage the environment.
• Safety: Laybys near busy roads may not be the safest or most peaceful option for overnight stays. Opt for well-lit laybys in less trafficked areas.

Top Apps for Finding Layby Parking

Several apps can help you find safe and legal places to park your campervan, including laybys, campsites, and other options across the UK. These apps are especially useful for locating overnight spots, filtering by amenities, and even finding reviews from fellow campers.

1. Park4Night

One of the most popular apps for motorhome and campervan parking, Park4Night allows you to search for laybys, car parks, and wild camping spots across the UK. You can filter results by location, cost, and amenities like water access or waste disposal.

2. Brit Stops

This membership-based scheme offers free parking at over 1,100 pubs, farms, and vineyards across the UK. Brit Stops is a great alternative to laybys for overnight stays without additional costs.

3. Campercontact

With over 35,000 listed locations, Campercontact is a great tool for finding parking across Europe. It allows for offline use, making it ideal when travelling through remote areas.

4. Campy

This free app provides an easy-to-use interface and includes laybys, public car parks, and campsites. Campy is a newcomer but rapidly growing in popularity.

5. StayFree – The Van Life App

Designed specifically for van lifers, StayFree is a community-driven app where users share hidden gems for parking, including laybys. It’s particularly great for wild camping enthusiasts looking for remote spots.

Where to Park Your Campervan in the UK

Parking your campervan safely and legally is essential for an enjoyable journey. Below are some options for parking, including laybys, campsites, and other designated areas.

Urban Areas

Parking a campervan in urban areas can be tricky due to local regulations. Most public car parks in cities restrict overnight parking, and many enforce height barriers that prevent larger vehicles from entering. However, some supermarket car parks allow overnight stays if permission is granted.

Rural Areas

Rural areas often provide better options for campervan parking. Laybys, small village car parks, and pub car parks are popular choices. National parks, such as Snowdonia or Dartmoor, often have specific zones where campervans are permitted to park overnight.

Coastal Areas

Seaside towns and coastal roads offer many laybys with stunning views, but parking rules vary by region. Always check local council websites or apps like Park4Night before settling in for the night.

Tips for Using Laybys and Overnight Parking

• Check Local Regulations: Always check local signage or use apps to verify if overnight parking is allowed in a specific layby.
• Arrive Late, Leave Early: To avoid drawing attention, try to arrive at your layby later in the evening and leave early in the morning.
• Stay Discreet: If using a layby for overnight parking, avoid creating noise, using bright lights, or setting up chairs or awnings.
• Safety First: Choose well-lit laybys in quiet areas, and always lock your doors and windows. Consider using additional security measures like steering wheel locks or alarms.
• Be Prepared: Laybys often lack facilities, so make sure your campervan is self-sufficient with enough water, food, and waste disposal options.

Popular Layby and Overnight Parking Locations in the UK

• Tintagel, Cornwall: King Arthur’s Car Park offers layby parking for £3.50 per night, with beautiful nearby landscapes and attractions.
• Bideford, Devon: Torridge District Council allows overnight parking for £5 per night. It’s ideal for exploring the Tarka Trail.
• Brecon Beacons, Wales: The Melte and Llech Llia parking areas in the Brecon Beacons are popular free options for overnight stays.
• Dover Road Park & Ride, Canterbury: For just £3 per night, this car park offers convenient access to Canterbury city centre.

What Are the Alternatives to Laybys?

If parking in a layby isn’t appealing, there are several alternatives to consider:

• Campsites: UK campsites offer essential services like water and electricity. Sites like Pitchup can help you find good options.
• Motorway Services: Many motorway services offer short-term parking for campervans, though overnight stays are generally not allowed.
• Private Land: Consider asking local landowners for permission to park on their property. Many farms and pubs are happy to accommodate campervans.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect layby or free overnight parking spot for your campervan in the UK requires some planning and consideration of local regulations. While laybys provide a convenient and often free option, always be mindful of local restrictions and respect the environment by adhering to the “leave no trace” principle. With apps like Park4Night and Brit Stops, you can easily find the best parking spots to make your campervan adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

If you need more tips and advice on campervanning in the UK, have a look at our Blog. For information on building your campervan, have a look at How To Guides.