Most people think a good night in your motorhome needs a proper campsite. Not true. Some of my best nights on the road have been parked up behind a lively country pub, pint in hand, rain beating down, and zero worries about making it back to a windswept “touring field.” Pub stopovers have changed the game for motorhome travel in the UK.
Let’s break down why they work, how to find them, the smartest etiquette, and where you’ll get the best welcome—whether you’re seasoned or just starting out.
What Exactly Are Pub Stopovers?
Pub stopovers are simple: you park overnight in a pub car park, usually as long as you buy dinner or at least a drink. These aren’t campsites with rules, fences or bored wardens; they’re informal, friendly, and often far more interesting.
Forget the duff wild camping myths—parking up on the verge isn’t always legal or safe in the UK. Pub stopovers offer a real solution. You’re getting a safe spot, good food, social buzz, and (usually) a welcome from a landlord who wants your business. Think of them as the British answer to the French “Aires”—but with better beer.
Most spots are for one night. You can’t set up awnings, barbecues, or a full circus. You’re not camping—you’re stopping over. That’s the key difference.
Why Pub Stopovers Are a Winner for Motorhome Travellers?
Let’s not kid ourselves—camping in the UK is getting pricey. Pitches can cost a small fortune in summer, and you’re bound by rules, busy reception desks, and the eternal “no arrivals after 8pm.” Pub stopovers cut through the nonsense.
- They’re cheap or free (if you eat/drink at the pub, which is only fair).
- No booking apps or paperwork needed. Nine times out of ten, a phone call or polite ask is enough.
- You support proper local pubs. Many UK pubs are struggling. Your custom makes a genuine difference.
- There’s always hot food, cold beer, and company. Miles better than eating dried pasta in a rainy layby.
- You get an actual story to tell. I’ve met old RAF pilots, sheepdogs, even a horse in a bar. None of that happens on a corporate caravan park.
Best of all, it keeps micro adventures affordable and spontaneous. Sometimes you don’t want your trip planned to the minute. With pub stopovers, you can turn the wheel and see where you end up—something you just can’t do if you’re bound to a campsite booking.
Pub Stopover vs Campsite: The Nuts and Bolts
Campsites offer showers, hook-ups, and (if you’re lucky) halfway decent toilets. That’s fine if you need them. But you pay for it—sometimes through the nose. Wild camping? Riskier in England and Wales, never as “off grid” as people imagine.
Pub stopovers fall right in between: you get proper hospitality and a safe spot. You probably won’t get hook-ups, chemical waste points, or a launderette. But honestly, do you need that for a quick overnighter? If you’re self-contained, it’s perfect.
One cold November, I lost all power on the North York Moors. Stuck in the rain, I limped to the Black Bull in Pickering, plugged my flask, and feasted on steak pie—best decision of the trip. That’s what pub stopovers offer: a lifeline when you really need one.
Top UK Pub Stopovers To Try
Let’s get practical. Here are some of the UK’s best pub stopovers, where you’ll get more than just a tarmac car park.
Black Bull Caravan Park, Pickering, North Yorkshire
Rated 4.8/5, this spot is family and dog-friendly with a cracking play park and a traditional pub next door. I’ve sheltered from a day of wind and midges here—can recommend both the beer and the wi-fi.
Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland, Somerset
This is proper Somerset cider country. Pitch up beside a truly old-school pub—sometimes with live music. Busy on weekends but totally worth it after a sodden day on the Mendips.
Three Horseshoes, Goulceby, Lincs
Nestled in the Lincolnshire Wolds. You can camp, glamp, or just park up and enjoy a fire pit or real ale. Quieter spot, but that’s its charm.
Red Lion, East Kirkby, Lincs
Bare bones but honest—back-to-basics camping behind a country inn. Great after a muddy Lincolnshire walk or a day at the nearby airfield.
Plough and Harrow, Tilmanstone, Kent
Touring pitches and decent grub, fifteen minutes from the Channel. Handy if you’re heading for a ferry or want a last pint before France.
How To Find The Best Pub Stopovers?
Don’t make my rookie mistake—driving blind and hoping for the best leads to shut gates and “NO OVERNIGHT PARKING” signs. Smarter campers use these:
Brit Stops: Like a club for stopovers, with a guide of pubs, farm shops, and vineyards that welcome motorhomes.
Campercation: Community-driven maps of overnight pub parking and reviews.
Club Motorhome’s UK Pub Stopovers: Massive county-by-county listing. Basic info, but covers a lot of ground.
Campsites.co.uk Pub Stopovers: Over 45 options with instant booking.
Always call ahead, especially if you’re arriving late or the weather’s grim. Pubs are often busy—or closed early on Sundays.
Pub Stopover Etiquette: Don’t Be That Camper
This part matters. Nothing gives motorhomes a bad name faster than someone rocking up, never spending a penny, bin bag out the window, engine running all night. If you want pub stopovers to thrive, play fair.
- Buy a meal or at least a drink. If the bar’s open, support the pub. Pies taste better than regret.
- Always check in with the landlord. Even if you’ve been before.
- Park where you’re told. Don’t hog the best spaces or block entrances.
- Keep music and noise down. This isn’t Glastonbury.
- Tidy up after yourself. Leave zero rubbish.
- Arrival time matters. Don’t turn up after last orders and expect a warm welcome.
- No long stays. One night usually—pushing for more isn’t fair unless you’ve agreed in advance.
I once saw a group spill spaghetti through a car park grill and leave at sunrise—don’t be that tale landlords tell other landlords.
Facilities: What To Expect (And Why You Should Check)
Let’s be straight. Most pub stopovers won’t provide showers, hook-ups, or grey waste disposal. Toilets are usually available during pub hours, but rarely overnight unless you ask and they trust you not to trash the loos.
Some places are better than others. If you’re in a small camper without a toilet, stick to pubs that specifically offer overnight access—ask when you call. Always be prepared with your own loo, just in case. No one likes stumbling into nettles at midnight or upsetting the locals.
A quick tip: pack a thermos, a torch with fresh batteries, and never rely on pub wi-fi for weather forecasts. I learned the hard way after a cold night in Wales—bladder full and zero G reception.
The Growth of Pub Stopovers
Cost is the big driver. Campsite prices have crept up, especially on the coast and in tourist regions. At the same time, more pubs see the value in welcoming the motorhome crowd—why let your car park sit empty overnight?
During the last few years, schemes like Brit Stops have exploded. Motorhome forums are full of positive pub stopover stories. As word spreads, more landlords are getting the message—motorhomers aren’t freeloaders, and they bring year-round business.
As of now, there are at least 47 dedicated pub stopovers for motorhomes and counting. If you run a pub with space, you’d be missing a trick not to consider it.
Advice For Pub Owners: Join The Movement
Pub landlords—if you’ve got a big, flat car park and you’re tired of slow winter nights, look into joining pub stopover networks. You’ll get extra trade, loyal customers, and fresh faces year-round. Make your rules clear and make it easy—most motorhomers are respectful, and the boost to business is real.
Check out joining Brit Stops or adding yourself to Campercation’s map. Get the word out in local Facebook groups too.
Conclusion: Why Pub Stopovers Are The Traveller’s Secret Weapon
Campsites have their place, but if you want affordable, friendly, flexible travel—give pub stopovers a go. You’ll eat better, make real connections, and see the UK in a totally different way. It’s not just a bed for the night—it’s a whole evening’s experience.
If you’re just starting out, pick a spot with good reviews, call ahead, and keep your kit simple. Arrive hungry, buy the locals a pint (or yourself one), and never leave your rubbish behind. If you’re lucky, you might even get a yarn or two from behind the bar—those are the memories that stick.
For all the gear reviews, weather-proofing, and campsite pitches in the world, nothing beats a warm pub after a hard day’s drive. Trust me—I’ve slept in enough soggy laybys to know. Give pub stopovers a try. They’re one of Britain’s best camping secrets.
Safe travels—and may your next stopover be merry, dry, and delicious.
