Discover the best park-up spots for your next UK adventure

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to park your campervan, a scenic location for a night under the stars, or a basecamp for outdoor adventures, the UK has an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

However, there are a lot of restrictions on where you can park overnight, which differ across the UK. In England, for example, parking without the land-owner’s permission might result in a fine, being clamped or even towed away! 

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best park-up spots where you can enjoy stunning landscapes, peaceful nights, and unforgettable sunrises. 

North East

📍 Kielder Water, Northumberland – £12 per night

A paradise for stargazers, Kielder Water is one of the UK’s premier dark skies areas. Managed by Forestry England and Northumbrian Water, Kielder offers several spots to settle in for the night, including Kielder Castle and Elf Kirk View Point. At £12 per night, you can enjoy a front-row seat to the wonders of the universe. During the day, explore the vast forests, tranquil waters, and miles of walking and cycling trails that make Kielder a true outdoor haven.

📍 High Force, County Durham – £12 per night

For those who crave the sound of cascading water, High Force in County Durham is the place to be. This car park offers not only easy access to one of England’s most impressive waterfalls but also breathtaking views over the North Pennines. After a peaceful night’s sleep, take a circular walk to explore the lesser-known Summerhill Force and Low Force. For £12 per night, you’ll experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with nature’s power on full display a short stroll away.

📍 Balderhead Reservoir, County Durham – £10 per night

Not far from High Force, there is overnight parking either side of the dam at Balderhead Reservoir, with views across the water and down the valley to Hury Reservoir. We’d also recommend a trip to the nearby Grassholme Reservoir, where you can also spend a night, as it is host to an observatory with several events on throughout the year. At Balderhead, you may find yourself surrounded by sheep (and lambs in the spring!) and there is a lovely circular walk up to Shacklesbrough. 

📍 Links Road Car Park, Bamburgh, Northumberland – £12 per night

Want to head to the coast? Bamburgh has been voted Best Seaside Destination for several years in a row, and once you begin to explore its sprawling sand dunes and imposing castle you will see why.  For £12 per night, Bamburgh County Council offer car parking spots for overnight stays, meaning you can sleep in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle and wake up to the soft hues of sunrise over the East coast. Check the council website to book your spot in advance.
 

📍 Tan Hill Inn, North Yorkshire – £10 per Night

Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in Britain and offers an unforgettable camping experience. For £10 per night, you can park up and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. After a day of hiking or exploring, relax with a pint in the historic pub and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire – there’s frequently live music on, too.

Rolling hills and expansive skies create a backdrop like no other. For just £7 a night, you can park in a quiet spot managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. Here, your stay contributes to the maintenance of trails and the conservation of vital habitats. The morning light over the Cheviot Hills is a sight to behold, making this a perfect spot for those who seek tranquility and natural beauty.

If you’re stopping at a park-up, remember you will need to be self-contained. When you rent one of our campervans, add a Porta Potty to your booking so you don’t get caught short in the night! 

Fires aren’t usually permitted and its best not to roll out your awning in these spots. The main rules are to be considerate of other campers and respect the land so the owners continue to allow campervans to stop the night. 

Got other park-up spots to recommend? Leave a comment below and let us know about them!