Parked up and Brewed

Honest campsite reviews, trusted overnight stops & practical touring advice for UK motorhome owners.

About the Community

Parked Up & Brewed was created from real motorhome experiences — the learning curves, the first-trip chaos, the small wins, and the peaceful park-ups that make it all worth it.We share honest reviews, practical advice and proper UK touring recommendations — without pitch snobbery.

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Here are some essential items motorhome owners constantly need


Levelling Ramps
Essential for keeping your motorhome level when parked on uneven pitches.


Hook-Up Cable (25m)
Needed for connecting to campsite electric hook-ups.


Toilet Chemicals
A must-have for keeping the cassette toilet fresh and functional.


Camping Chairs & Table
Because motorhome life always ends with sitting outside with a brew ☕


Power & Off-Grid Essentials



🚐 Campsite Review – Billing Aquadrome, NorthamptonLast year we stopped at Billing Aquadrome in Northampton as a pit stop on our way back from the Netherlands. The plan was simple… stay one night to rest before heading home.Well… that one night quickly turned into a full week.The site itself is huge and well set up for motorhomes, with good facilities and plenty of space. There’s a lot going on around the park including places to eat, entertainment, and nice areas to walk around.Some of the entertainment was great fun for everyone, especially the foam parties and slip-and-slide activities, which added to the lively atmosphere around the site.One thing that really stood out was how dog friendly the site is. They actually have a dedicated dog exercise area that’s fenced and gated, so dogs can run around safely. There are even doggy shower facilities, which is a great touch after a muddy walk!Location wise it’s also very convenient, especially if you’re travelling through the area or returning from Europe like we were.⭐ Would we stay again? Absolutely.Just be warned… if you plan on staying one night, you might end up staying a week like we did! 😆


🚐 Campsite Review – Bruce’s Cave, Kirkpatrick Fleming (Scotland)Stayed: February 2026Price: £25 per nightPitch Type: Hardstanding (gravel)Electric Hook-Up: YesShowers: YesToilets: YesBins: YesDog friendly: YesWould we return? AbsolutelyFirst ImpressionsLovely rural setting with proper Scottish countryside views.It’s only a short drive from the main road as you cross into Scotland, so it’s an ideal first-night stop after the border — easy to reach but still feels peaceful once you’re parked up.No stressful reversing drama on arrival, and our hardstanding gravel pitch was solid and level enough without turning levelling into a full engineering project.FacilitiesClean toilets.Hot showers.Bins available.For £25 per night with electric hook-up included, it feels very fair.Nothing flashy — but everything worked exactly as it should.The LocationShort walk up to Bruce’s Cave itself — linked to Robert the Bruce and the famous spider story.It’s also just a short drive to Gretna Green, which makes it a great base if you fancy a visit to the famous wedding village or just want a wander around the shops and cafés.Quiet countryside setting, but still convenient.The Honest BitIf you’re looking for pools, entertainment blocks and evening discos — this isn’t your place.If you want scenic, practical, good value with electric and proper facilities — it’s a strong stop.Final Verdict£25 per night.Hardstanding pitch.Electric hook-up.Good facilities.Great location just over the Scottish border.⭐ 4.5/5 — we’d happily stay again.


Shell Island – North Wales📍 Location: Shell Island, Gwynedd
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re after proper motorhome freedom, this place is hard to beat.Massive open space, beach access, and you can pretty much park where you like. No rigid pitches — just pick your spot and enjoy the views.👍 What We Loved:
• Direct access to the beach
• Huge open space (no feeling cramped)
• Amazing sunsets
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Facilities are basic
• Can get windy
🚐 Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely — perfect for a relaxed, off-grid feel.


Chester Fairoaks Caravan Club Site📍 Location: Chester
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A great, clean, and well-maintained site just outside Chester. Ideal if you want a mix of peaceful camping and easy access to a city.👍 What We Loved:
• Spotless facilities
• Easy access to Chester city centre
• Quiet and well organised
⚠️ Things To Know:
• More structured than relaxed sites
• Slightly pricier than smaller sites
🚐 Would We Stay Again?
Yes — perfect for a comfortable, easy stay.


Black Rock Sands Touring Park – Porthmadog📍 Location: North Wales
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the best parts about this place? You can actually drive onto the beach with your motorhome.That alone makes it worth the trip.👍 What We Loved:
• Beach access with the van
• Great views
• Good facilities
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Can get busy in peak season
• Check tide times
🚐 Would We Stay Again?
100% — a unique experience.


Clumber Park Caravan Club Site📍 Location: Nottinghamshire
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A brilliant site if you like nature, cycling, and long walks.Set within a huge park, it’s peaceful and perfect for relaxing.👍 What We Loved:
• Beautiful surroundings
• Great cycling routes
• Clean facilities
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Can be busy during holidays
• More of a quiet site (not lively)
🚐 Would We Stay Again?
Definitely — ideal for a chilled getaway.


Cae Du Campsite – Abersoch📍 Location: Abersoch, North Wales
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A smaller, more relaxed campsite with amazing sea views.Perfect if you want something less commercial and more laid back.👍 What We Loved:
• Stunning views
• Friendly atmosphere
• Great location near Abersoch
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Limited facilities
• Can be exposed to weather
🚐 Would We Stay Again?
Yes — great for a quieter stay.


Duinrell, Wassenaar (Netherlands)📍 Location: Duinrell, Wassenaar (Netherlands)
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re travelling through the Netherlands in a motorhome and want something a bit different… Duinrell is an experience, not just a campsite.It’s not your typical quiet, peaceful park-up — it’s lively, fun, and packed with things to do. Perfect if you’ve got kids… or you’re just a big kid yourself 😅🎢 What Makes It Special:Duinrell has its own theme park AND water park (Tikibad) right on site.You can literally go from sitting outside your motorhome with a brew… to being on a rollercoaster within minutes.👍 What We Loved:• On-site theme park 🎢
• Water park with loads of slides 💦
• Clean and well-organised facilities
• Plenty to keep everyone entertained
• Great stop if travelling to/from ferry routes
⚠️ Things To Know:• It’s not a quiet site — expect noise and activity
• Can get very busy, especially in peak season
• Some attractions may cost extra
• More of a family / fun vibe than a relaxing retreat
🐕 Dog Friendly:
Dogs are allowed in certain areas, but due to the nature of the park it’s not the most dog-focused site.
🌍 Location:Perfectly placed near The Hague and not far from ferry routes, making it a great stopover on European trips.⭐ Overall Experience:This is one of those places where you go for a stop… and end up making memories.It’s chaotic, busy, and full of energy — but that’s exactly what makes it great.🚐 Would We Stay Again?
Definitely — especially if travelling with family.


Looking to save money and find great places to stay overnight?Here you’ll find a growing list of free motorhome stopovers, wild camping spots, and budget-friendly overnight locations shared by real motorhome travellers.From quiet countryside park-ups to convenient overnight stops on long journeys — we’ve got you covered.


Always check local signage and regulations before staying overnight.
Respect the area, leave no trace, and be mindful of residents.


Sango Sands Car Park – Scotland📍 Location: Durness, Scotland
💰 Cost: Free
🕐 Stay Limit: Overnight
One of the most scenic stopovers in the UK. Park right by the cliffs with incredible sea views.👍 Pros:
• Stunning coastal views
• Quiet and peaceful
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Limited facilities
• Can be very windy


Kielder Forest Car Park – England📍 Location: Northumberland
💰 Cost: Free (some areas)
Perfect for nature lovers — dark skies, forests, and total peace.👍 Pros:
• Amazing for stargazing
• Quiet
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Remote
• No facilities


Port Eynon Seafront – Wales📍 Location: Gower Peninsula
💰 Cost: Free (off-peak)
Beachfront parking with beautiful views — great for a chilled overnight stay.👍 Pros:
• Right by the beach
• Great sunsets
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Restrictions in peak season
• Check signage


Glencoe Laybys – Scotland📍 Location: Glencoe
💰 Cost: Free
Park up surrounded by mountains — one of the most iconic motorhome stops.👍 Pros:
• Incredible scenery
• Plenty of laybys
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Weather can change quickly
• No facilities


Aire de Camping-Car – France (Multiple)📍 Location: Across France
💰 Cost: Often Free or €5–€10
France is one of the best countries for motorhome stopovers — dedicated areas everywhere.👍 Pros:
• Designed for motorhomes
• Often include water/waste
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Some fill up quickly
• Varies by location


Camperplaats Volendam – Netherlands📍 Location: Near Amsterdam
💰 Cost: Free / low cost
A great stop near a beautiful Dutch town.👍 Pros:
• Close to attractions
• Safe and popular
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Can get busy


Stellplatz – Germany (General)📍 Location: Nationwide
💰 Cost: Free – €10
Germany has loads of designated motorhome parking areas.👍 Pros:
• Easy to find
• Motorhome friendly
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Some require small fee


Playa de Mazarrón – Spain📍 Location: Murcia
💰 Cost: Free
Beachfront stopover — wake up to sea views.👍 Pros:
• Warm weather
• Great for long stays
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Local rules can change


Aire Rochefort – Belgium📍 Location: Rochefort
💰 Cost: Free
Quiet and well-maintained stopover in a lovely town.👍 Pros:
• Peaceful
• Good access to town
⚠️ Things To Know:
• Limited spaces